Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer:The Musical  is premiering on the Merriam stage Dec 17-20 as part of Broadway Philadelphia.  Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer became a classic after it appeared for the first time on television in 1964.  Bob Penola, producing partner, wrote the adaptation of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer:The Musical and has kept it true to the original animated film.  A parallel story is told of Hermey the elf (Wesley Edwards) who is different from all the others because he wants to be a dentist instead of making toys and Rudolph (Lexy Baeza) who is different from the other reindeer because of his red nose.  Hermey and Rudolph  meet after they both run away from home and instantly form a friendship. Puppeteers appear throughout the performance working animals, the Abominable Snow Monster, and misfit toys. The children seem mesmerized, but when a huge mechanical dog appears pulling the sleigh carrying Yukon Cornelius (Ben Burch), giggles are heard throughout the entire theater from the younger members of the audience. The special effects on a projection curtain are excellent. My young granddaughter’s favorite part of the show was Rudolph's flying through the air, but the beautiful snow storm projections are hard to beat. The grand finale has the entire audience participating and leaving the theater with smiles from ear to ear. Tickets can be purchased for the eight remaining performances by calling 215-731-3333, visiting online at kimmelcenter.org/broadway, at the Kimmel Center box office, Broad & Spruce Sts.(open daily 10 am to 6 pm) or at the Merriam Theater box office 250 S. Broad St. (open during performances only).