Sleigh what? The critically acclaimed live stage show Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical is coming to the Orpheum Theatre on Thursday, December 19. The national tour featuring the “most famous reindeer of all” and his friends from the longest running and highest rated holiday television special will soar into Sioux City. Audiences are invited to help Santa save Christmas with the help of Rudolph and the holly jolly cast of characters including Hermey the Elf, Yukon Cornelius, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster and more.
Tickets starting at $25.50 go on sale Friday, July 19 at 10:00 AM and can be purchased online at orpheumlive.com or at the Primebank Box Office.
In 1964, the beloved stop-motion animated television classic, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, made its network television debut and has been delighting audiences across the country for al-most 60 years. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical is a tree-mendous way to experience this family tradition and stays true to the iconic television special,” says producing partner Jonathan Flom. The national tour is a family favorite -- “Rudolph has taken the country by snowstorm” (Hartford Courant) and “A magical time… and an utterly charming, top-notch pro-duction" (Orlando Sentinel).
Projections, costumes, and characters are faithfully brought to the stage against a backdrop of nostalgic set designs. The 12-foot-plus-tall Abominable Snow Monster is jaw-dropping. The high-energy cast brings high energy to classic songs and dialogue, while irresistible and loveable puppets highlight the charming roughness from the television show’s stop-motion effects.
Flom says, “The familiar story elements from the television special are addressed with a talented cast and puppeteers who help recreate the magic on stage.” Since the special itself is a classic musical, the stage show does not feel at all like an adaptation and audiences are surprised and de-lighted when they see performances of songs such as “Fame and Fortune” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” that are heard but not performed in the TV special.
The story tells the tale of a young Rudolph who, because of the appearance of his bright, shining nose, is excluded from the Reindeer Games. He flees Christmastown and meets up with new friends Hermey the Elf and Yukon Cornelius. After finding The Island of Misfit Toys, Rudolph journeys home, where a snowstorm of epic proportions is threatening Christmas. Can Rudolph rescue his family and friends and help Santa save the holiday?
Rudolph’s partnership with PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center continues this year. The show offers a free toolkit to educators that leverages the powerful messages from the Rudolph story to help us all celebrate our differences (www.pacer.org/teamrudolph).
For additional information, visit www.rudolphthemusical.com and follow the latest updates on Facebook and Instagram (#RudolphtheMusical).