Cast & Creatives

(Special Guest MC) is one of Hip-Hop’s founding architects and its first superstar. A recording artist, songwriter, producer, DJ, dancer, actor, minister, and advocate, he helped carry Hip-Hop from New York City to the world.

In 1979, he became the first rapper signed to a major record label, joining Mercury Records. His debut, “Christmas Rappin’,” sold more than 480,000 copies, and his landmark 1980 single, “The Breaks,” became the first rap recording certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America.

His catalog includes “Basketball,” “If I Ruled the World,” “AJ Scratch,” “Hard Times,” and “King Holiday.” He has released more than ten albums and contributed to the production of more than 200 recordings. His influence extends to Wyclef Jean, The Fat Boys, and Run-DMC. Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons began as his DJ, “The Son of Kurtis Blow.” His starring role in “Krush Groove” helped bring Hip-Hop to the big screen, and he became its first national commercial spokesman through Sprite.

For more than a decade, Kurtis has been MC and special guest performer for The Hip Hop Nutcracker. In 2019, the production featuring Kurtis earned a New York Emmy Award, recognizing his role as host. Connecting Tchaikovsky’s score and contemporary Hip Hop dance with the culture’s history and authenticity, Kurtis brings “Christmas Rappin’” to a new generation.

An ordained minister, he led the Hip Hop Church movement for nearly two decades. He is founder and Executive Director of the Hip Hop Alliance and helped establish The Hip Hop Museum, where he serves as Chairman Emeritus.

He received the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024 and was named a Hip Hop Grandmaster Honoree by the Paid In Full Foundation in 2026. His work reflects a lifelong commitment to creativity, service, and Hip-Hop’s future. @kurtisblow

(Special Guest MC) | Washington DC & Chicago

Shawntae Harris, born in Chicago, Illinois better known by her stage name “Da Brat,” is an American rap artist, profound writer, television and radio personality, actress, executive music and television producer. Harris’ stage name was inspired because she was an only child and often referred to as a “brat.” Her debut album Funkdafied was released in 1994 and entered the rap albums chart at #1. The album went platinum, making her the “first” female solo rapper to sell one million units. Her notable credits include Jermaine Dupri, Kris Kross, Mariah Carey, Missy Elliott, Jay Z, Aaliyah and the Notorious BIG. She has performed and written with many artists including Tyrese, Xscape, Usher, Jagged Edge, Dru Hill, Destiny’s Child, Kelly Price, Brandy, Bow Wow, Snoop Dogg and the list goes on. The Grammy nominated smash hit "Not Tonight" released in 1997 with Lil’Kim, Left Eye, Missy Elliott and Angie Martinez was an instant urban and pop radio chart topper.

In 2015, she made her radio debut and joined the nationally syndicated Rickey Smiley Morning Show, as the new co-host. In 2018, Da Brat made a successful theatre debut live on stage as “Cleo” from the hit 1996 movie Set It Off.

In 2021, she made television history with her partner Jesseca Dupart as an executive producer and cast member on WeTV’s “Brat Loves Judy” along with “Brat Loves Judy: The Baby Special”, also broadcast on the network—making them the first LGBTQ+ female power couple featured on reality television. Da Brat expanded her television presence with appearances on Showtime’s The Chi (Seasons 3 and 5) as Porsha, ABC’s Queens, and as the narrator of BET’s American Gangster: Trap Queens.

Da Brat also lends her time to charitable organizations such as Kaleidoscope Kares, Celebs Give back, Hosea Feed The Hungry and Saving Our Daughters. @sosobrat

(Mouse Queen) is a 3rd generation Chinese-American artist based in Los Angeles who combines their skills as a choreographer, performer, and activist. Originally from Clarksville, Maryland, their dance journey began in their living room, expressing themselves through movement from a young age. With a BFA in Dance from USC Kaufman, they aspire to utilize their versatile training to create work that evokes critical thought in audiences. @jaebo2004

(Dad) is a Brooklyn native and professional dancer with more than a decade of experience in hip hop, krump, and popping. His performance credits include Cabaret on Broadway and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with Bobby Brown and New Edition, along with music videos for Omarion, Luz and the Yakuza, and the Nicotine Dolls. He is a core member of Team iLuminate from America’s Got Talent. @iamironbryan

(Tea, Ensemble) was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, her passion for dance began with Ground Zero, one of Las Vegas’s first junior competitive hip-hop dance crews. She went on to turn her passion into a career, performing in Las Vegas residencies including MJ Live and iLuminate. After captivating audiences in Vegas and throughout the US, she is thrilled to be part of this production and share her love of dance with audiences across the country. @imaaanic

(Drosselmeyer) is a New Orleans born, Houston raised dancer with a diverse training background. Specializing in hiphop choreography and freestyle, she blends the various stylistic elements of her training to curate her individuality within the art form. @de7eah

(Swing) is a New Zealand native that has performed alongside artists such as Jolin Tsai, Danny Ocean, and Guaynaa. He toured with Magic Mike Live before joining Cirque du Soleil’s The Beatles LOVE in Las Vegas. More recently, he held a starring role as Han Solo in The Empire Strips Back and featured in the Netflix film Best Of The Best. Nathan is thrilled to join the 2026 Hip Hop Nutcracker cast. @nathankara

(Candy, Ensemble) originally from DR Congo, Baptista is thrilled to join his third tour with HHN. Credits include: 50 Cent, LL Cool J, The Lion King at Hollywood Bowl, NBC’s The Voice, FIFA World Cup Reveal, Netflix's Bad Thoughts S2, Kampnagel Germany, Vogue Lil Nas X, and music videos for Sia, A$AP Rocky, Damiano David and more Commercials: Purple mattress, Samsung, Goodr, X-Finity, Rhinoshield. He is a Jacob Jonas The Company member. @baptistakawa

(Toy, Ensemble)  Hi! My name is Bebo (nickname) real name is Jean Carlos Lloret. Born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. A Taino with Salsa in My Blood. Raised in the “City of Champions“ Boogie Down Brockton! A small guy with a Big Soul. I do what I Love to put a Smile on people’s faces :) Dancing is My Passion, but Entertaining is My Life! @bboybebo

“ImAgInE IT”

(Toy, Ensemble) is a Canadian born artist living in Los Angeles. She has travelled internationally, dancing flamenco in the caves of Granada, Spain, Fosse jazz in NYC, and training with the creators of various street styles as well as competing in Latin ballroom.  Lily has appeared in Disney, Netflix, and Lifetime films and music videos for artists such as Tank, Justin Bieber and more. Lily is also a filmmaker bringing dance to the forefront of that genre and continues to dance, act and train every single day. @tigerlily_grrr

(Mom) is a dancer from Osaka, Japan. She started street dance at age five, later exploring ballet, singing, and acting. After moving to the US in 2022, she continued competing in dance battles internationally. Her achievements include battle wins in Japan, 1st place at Ladies First and Groove on the Move, and Top 4 finishes in both the Locking and Waacking divisions at Freestyle Session. @akari0826.dnc

(Flute, Ensemble) is a professional hiphop and street dancer born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Since the age of 10 he has been dancing as a career training at home and at studios all over LA and has built a worldwide fan base from his freestyle battles. He has competed and won at numerous events and competitions like Red bull dance your style, ICEEBUS China, LLC Belgium, World of Dance LA, and many more! @capjjay

(The Nutcracker) is a professional b-boy from Miami, Florida, who began breaking at age 10. Known for his explosive power moves, athleticism, and dynamic stage presence, he has performed internationally and appeared on Rauw Alejandro’s Saturno Tour in 2023. A former Monster Energy-sponsored athlete, is also a cast member of the Jabbawockeez FREQNCY residency in Las Vegas, continuing to showcase his artistry and passion for hip-hop culture on stage. @trunkzmia

(Chocolate, Ensemble) is a street dance practitioner and teaching artist from Los Angeles. His work is rooted in Hip Hop culture as a tool for self-expression, confidence, and community building. Through both teaching and performance, he aims to create spaces where individuals can develop their voice and connect through movement. @taktic__

(Maria-Clara) is a Portland native. Jazmyn is an instructor, creative director, and choreographer with a BFA in Dance from AMDA. With over six years of experience, she has worked across stage, film, and commercial productions for brands including Jordan, Adidas, and REI. Her credits include touring nationally with The Hip Hop Nutcracker, working with Janelle Monáe, and dancing on All American. Now based in Los Angeles, Jazmyn brings creativity, precision, and passion to every project. @jazmyn_thomas

(Swing, Dance Captain) was Born and Raised in Philadelphia PA. She is a professional dancer with 9 years of dance experience and has performed with major artists and award shows. Specializing in Hip Hop and Krump, her dance style focuses more on storytelling and high energy. Janaè has received rigorous training from American Dramatic Academy of LA learning from major choreographers. Janaè is forever inspired by her peers and loves to educate and give back to the dance community. @thereal_jvalentine

(Performance DJ) the NY based Filipino-American DJ behind Hip Hop Nutcracker’s remixes of Tchaikovsky, has shared the stage with Ghostface Killah, Kool Herc, KRS-1, and Snoop Dogg. As a U.S. cultural ambassador he traveled to Nepal, Mozambique, and Eswatini for 2014’s American Music Abroad Tour. He was the DJ for One MIC, The Kennedy Center’s first Hip Hop festival. He’s also traveled to Russia for Da Exit, a cultural exchange program addressing the global impact of Hip Hop. @boo_the_dj_takes_pix

(Violinist) is a New York-based, Honduran American violinist with bachelor’s and master’s degrees from New England Conservatory. She has performed with H.E.R., Alicia Keys, Jethro Tull, and Ringo Starr. Her theatrical credits include Jagged Little Pill, 1776, Gatsby, and Radio City’s Christmas Spectacular. In 2025, she served as musical director and concertmistress for Evil Dead In Concert’s national tour. She is thrilled to return to The Hip Hop Nutcracker for its 2026 holiday season. @marissalicata

(Director and Choreographer) Broadway/West End: & Juliet (Olivier & Tony Nominations); KPOP (Tony Nomination), Regional/International: 13 Going on 30 The Musical(Manchester & Toronto) Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical (Secret Cinema, London), RENT (Bucks County Playhouse), Take the Lead (Paper Mill), Bring It On! (The MUNY), American Idiot (CTG/Deaf West), Kane & Abel (Theater Orb, Tokyo).  Film: Disney Zombies 2, While You Were Gone (Emmy Win). Weber is the co-creator, director, and choreographer of The Hip Hop Nutcracker, touring annually across the US and recorded for an Emmy winning PBS special. @jenniferwebernyc

(Writer/Co-Creator) is the CEO of the United Palace in Washington Heights, Manhattan’s 4th largest theatre which turns 100 in 2030. In co-creating The Hip Hop Nutcracker, he adapted the story, supplied the images for the digital scenery, and produced its premiere. Fitelson has worked to build the Northern Manhattan arts community for 24 years. He co-founded the annual Uptown Arts Stroll festival and helped found the Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance.

(Associate Director and Choreographer) Randi “Rascal” Freitas is a Los Angeles-based dancer, choreographer and educator whose credits include Justin Timberlake, SZA, Travis Scott, Karol G. and the Grammys. She served as Movement Director for Young Miko’s 2025 Gap campaign and Creative Director of Passing The Crown, which premiered at Lincoln Center. She has choreographed for Ladies of Hip Hop and Paradox-Sal, consulted for Nike, and founded Omega Flow Floorwork and Dancers’ U.

(Lighting Designer) is a Tony-Nominated lighting designer working internationally. His work can be seen on Broadway and in the repertories of New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Paris Opera Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and Hong Kong Ballet, among others. Baker’s work includes extensive collaborations with choreographers Justin Peck, William Forsythe and Jamar Roberts. Baker is the lighting director of Boston Ballet and recipient of the Knight of Illumination Award. www.stirlingbaker.com

(Video Designer) Broadway: The Outsiders, Redwood, Real Women Have Curves, Billy Crystal 860, The Old Man And The Pool, Summer 1976. Off-Broadway/New York: Sumo, Eve's Song (The Public Theater), Chinese Republicans (Roundabout), A Knock On The Roof (NYTW), Everything Rises (BAM), Magdalene (Prototype Festival) New music/opera: Lincoln In The Bardo (MET), Monkey King (San Francisco Opera), L’Orfeo (Santa Fe Opera), Nuit Sans Aube (Opera Comique) Awards: Tony Awards, Princess Grace Award, Sherwood Award from CTG, Helen Hayes Award, LA Drama Critics Circle Distinguished Achievement Award among others. www.hananow.com

(Production Stage Manager) is a New York based stage manager and supporter of all forms of artistic expression. Selected previous credits: Cirque Dreams Holidaze (PSM, Cirque du Soleil/VSTAR), Cagney (PSM, Bay Street Theater), Sound Bites 13 (PSM, Theatre Now New York), Heist, True West (PSM, Arizona Theater), Come From Away, Cats, Peter and the Starcatcher (PSM, Paramount Theater), Frozen, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (ASM, Paramount Theater). Amber holds an MFA in Stage Management from UC San Diego.

(Company Manager) Thank you all for supporting the arts!  We create a brighter future together!!  Prior credits: The Wiz (1st National), Riverdance, Jersey Boys (Vegas), 1776, Come From Away (Associate), My Fair Lady (1st National), A Bronx Tale (1st National), Sound of Music, Once, Million Dollar Quartet, Dora the Explorer, and Sesame Street Live among others.  Happy holidays!

(Assistant Company Manager) Thrilled to be on tour with The Hip Hop Nutcracker! Prior credits: New York City Dance Alliance (Assistant Company Manager), Complexions Contemporary Ballet (Company Manager), Amas Musical Theatre (Administrative Associate). Happy Holidays to all!

(Executive Producer) is an NYCLU/ACLU honoree and Tony and Olivier Award-winning producer. Select Broadway: & Juliet, Liberation, Redwood, Jagged Little Pill, Oklahoma!, What the Constitution Means to Me, Dear Evan Hansen, Peter & The Starcatcher. Off-Broadway / Tour / International: Titaníque (NYC, London, Canada, Australia, Paris), The Hip Hop Nutcracker (also TV special/Disney+), Shit. Meet. Fan, Mindplay, Cruel Intentions The 90’s Musical. She has also produced solo shows/concerts with The Temptations & The Four Tops, Kathy Griffin, Lewis Black, Colin Quinn, Hershey Felder, Carrie Fisher and more. Upcoming: Liberation (West End) and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Live on Stage! (National Tour).

(General Manager) is a producing and management company founded by Avram Freedberg, Mary Beth Dale, Eva Price, and joined by COO Michael Page in 2026. Select general management credits include Titaníque, Small Mouth Sounds, Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical, The Lion, The Hip Hop Nutcracker, and Colin Quinn: Long Story Short.  For more, please visit: maximumcompany.com