Best of the Week: 'Hip Hop Nutcracker,' Liam Gallagher, Noname, 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas'

"The Hip Hop Nutcracker" was such a hit at the Ordway the past two years that it has graduated to a bigger space, the State Theatre. The touring show serves up a compelling mash-up of rap, classical, ballet and break dancing along with the classic E.T.A. Hoffmann story. Set in 1980s Brooklyn, the show is emceed by Kurtis Blow, the pioneering rapper who scored with "Christmas Rappin' " in 1979 and followed the next year with the first gold rap record, "The Breaks."

SHEILA REGAN

7:30 p.m. Tue.-Wed. State Theatre, Mpls., $28.50-$68.50, hennepintheatretrust.org.

Eight years after Oasis imploded and three years after Beady Eyes broke up, Liam Gallagher has finally launched his proper solo career. The prickly British singer released "As You Were" this fall, an encouraging effort that's less retro-sounding, perhaps thanks to producer Greg Kurstin (Adele, Foo Fighters, Ellie Goulding). His live performances have been described as more emotional than those with Oasis, though it's been the songs of his old band, written by his big bro Noel, that stand out in concert.

JON BREAM

8 p.m. Mon. First Avenue, Mpls., sold out.

Director Peter Brosius gets "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas" exactly, who-liciously right. Credit Reed Sigmund, who gives the Grinch the aspect of a faded Shakespearean tragedian — more insane than mean. And Mabel Weismann is an absolutely worthy foe as the winsome Cindy-Lou. The choreography is jaunty, the effects dazzling and the costumes perfect. And there are some new songs.

Tue.-Sun. Ends Jan. 7, Children's Theatre, Mpls., $15-$90, childrenstheatre.org.

Just five months after Maynard James Keenan played in St. Paul with his better-known prog-metal band Tool, he is headed here again with the slightly more accessible but still artfully powerful group, A Perfect Circle. The band doesn't have a new album but is playing new songs. Ex-Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha is still on board while bassist Paz Lenchantin (now with the Pixies) has been replaced by Eagles of Death Metal's Matt McJunkins.

CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER

8 p.m. Sat., Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, $52-$72, Ticketmaster.com.

After dynamic local appearances at the Soundset festival and opening for Lauryn Hill, Chicago hip-hop star Noname makes her well-deserved debut as a headliner. Like her pal Chance the Rapper, the real-life Fatimah Warner has a charmingly cool-headed, off-the-cuff but deep-thinking lyrical style that touches on the hard times around her hometown. She also has a terrific, jazzy live band behind her.

8 p.m. Sun., First Avenue, Mpls., $20, eTix.com.

The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra's programming seems incapable of dullness and predictability these days. They hit the sweet spot yet again with this fascinatingly eclectic Thanksgiving concert spotlighting American composers. Aaron Copland's "Appalachian Spring" provides the feel-good factor, but its familiarity is leavened with pieces by William Bolcom, Kevin Puts and John Corigliano.

tERRY BLAIN

8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Ordway, St. Paul, $12-$50, thespco.org.

Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt is an open-air German market that embraces the holiday season with activities for the whole family. Shop for traditional and unique gifts. Board the North Pole trolley for a ride. KinderWorld for the kiddos features a Sugar Plum Fairy-themed center with storytelling and activities while "Frozen" sisters Anna and Elsa meet with guests. German cuisine and a biergarten are also available.

10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. next Sun. Excelsior Brewing Co., Excelsior, free, excelsiorchristkindlsmarkt.com.

The Rose Ensemble explores the fascinating interface between Western classical and Arab music of the Middle Ages. The St. Paul-based vocal group will perform songs, chants and dances representing Judaic, Christian and Islamic traditions.

TERRY BLAIN

6:30 p.m. Sun., Landmark Center, St. Paul, free, roseensemble.org.

"Roller Derby Queen" is a tale of family dysfunction about a batty, bitter mother (the brash and lively Nancy Marvy) and her two daughters. The lifetime of hurts and secrets indicates that these issues are serious but new playwright Michele Lepsche infuses her work with laughter, too. Overall, she reflects the darkness and light of familial relationships.

Wed.-Sun., Ends Nov. 26, Gremlin Theatre, St. Paul, $12-$25, sostheater.com.