Anthony Williams’ Urban Nutcracker

Now in its 13^th season, Anthony Williams’ Urban Nutcracker returns to the John Hancock Hall stage full of excitement and Boston-centric detail.

It’s more than a ballet of the classic holiday fairy tale. Sure, it’s Tchaikovsky’s score, but a smooth, swanky, jazz interpretation by Duke Ellington. The urbanized “Hubcracker” version reflects Boston’s multicultural vibe, embracing all forms of dance and diversity including tap, hip-hop, swing, flamenco, step, jazz and 75 local children.

The Prologue is always entertaining, and this year’s street battle is no exception. It’s tap versus hip-hop krump and it’s fantastic. Urban tapper Khalid Hill battles local krumper Russell Ferguson (Season 6 winner of “So You Think You Can Dance”). Whether it’s free-styled or completely choreographed you could watch these two go at it all night — true talents of their crafts. You’ll get to witness more of Ferguson onstage as Soldier Doll and Russian Caviar Caper.

Young dancer Alexa Wang (Clarice) is truly a joy to see perform. She has the biggest smile on her face — enjoying her moment onstage. Other lovable characters include the return of Tony Award winner Yo-el Cassell as the quirky Minimeyer, Soldier Doll, Six Roff Riff’s blue bopping dancers and the Sugar Plum Fairy (Kseniya Melyukhina).

New changes feature a Snow Scene in Boston’s Public Garden — Clarice (Alexa Wang) and the Nutcracker Prince are led by a sleigh of ducklings, inspired by author Robert McClockey’s “Make Way for Ducklings.” The Grand Pas de Duex is a Grand Pas de Quatre — the Sugar Plum Fairy (Melyukhina) is accompanied by 3 males from the divertissments (Russian Caviar Caper Ferguson, Desert Chiffon Marquise Hitchcock-Jones and Branch Rick Vigo) along with Drosselmeyer (Gianni Di Marco) who plays a major role throughout the show, replacing an absent Nutcracker Prince in the second act.

Anthony Williams’ Urban Nutcracker

Through December 22

John Hancock Hall

180 Berkeley Street, Boston

$25-$85, (888) 596-1027

www.urbannutcracker.com

Tony Williams’ Urban Nutcracker

The Snow scene in Tony Willams’ Urban Nutcracker

Urban Nutcracker is the Boston Nutcracker. Tony Williams’ interpretation of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s Christmas story embraces the city’s modern, diversity with sets featuring the Public Garden, a strong performance-art community, multi-racial and military families and a gay-friendly environment. The artistic director also melds the classic score of Tchaikovsky with the jazzy soundtrack of Duke Ellington.

The Epilogue captures the spirit of the season — Spanish style. It’s a street party featuring the tap, hip-hop, flamenco dancers from the Flamenco Dance Project and soul singing by the G-Clefs.

New costumes freshen up Act II as well as new props for the tap dancers. An additional Chinese Dai dance that precedes the traditional Chinese music is interesting, but seems out of place. The omission of the original Russian dance music is a disappointment.

Standout performances include Boston Tap Company founder Sean Fielder, Minimeyer (Yo-el Cassell), jazzy Sugar Plum Fairy (Elizabeth Mochizuki) and Ice Cream Cart leads Jonathan Vandurburgh and Lindsey McGovern. Matt Anctil and Todd Lattimore from Broadway’s “La Cage aux Folles” made comedic guest appearances in Sunday’s Urban Nutcracker comes out” LGBT celebration.

Who should see it?

A good show to bring kids to — as it incorporates more than just ballet and will keep their attention.

Tony Williams’ Urban Nutcracker

Through December 23

John Hancock Hall

180 Berkeley Street, Boston

MBTA: Green Line to Arlington

$20-$125, (888) 596-1027

www.urbannutcracker.com