Review: RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER THE MUSICAL - A Holly Jolly Time

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER THE MUSICAL is based on the Rankin/Bass animated television special. The stage production directed and conceived by Jeff Frank, script adaptation by Robert Penola, arrangements and orchestrations by Timothy Splain, made a stop at The Long Center. There can be no more delightful way to celebrate the Christmas season with the whole family.
Starting life as a children's book written by Robert L. May, RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER was first published in 1939. The holiday story was adopted by retailer Montgomery Ward as a Christmas marketing tool. Later RUDOLPH became more widely popular through the song by Johnny Marks, sung by Gene Autry in 1949. There are even a few us us around who remember watching a one of a kind adaption in 1964 when the Bass/Rankin stop-motion television special premiered. It's this classic that RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER THE MUSICAL reproduces to perfection. Long before other animated holiday shows, RUDOLPH was absolute magic for children and today, it's a heartwarming reminder of a simpler time. It's a story that has been a mainstay in the modern holiday tradition, one that we pass down to our children and grandchildren. It is wonderful to see the joy on every little face in the audience and hear the squeals of delight when RUDOLPH flies.
The entire production is beautiful and charming, using puppets to recreate the unique artistry of the stop-motion special. Every song is faithfully presented and precisely performed. The only song added to the production is ROCKIN' AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE also written by Johnny Marks. It's a lovely addition to the spectacle that is RUDOLPH. The story speaks to the misfit in us all. Present and lovingly recreated are the favorite characters of Yukon Cornelius, Clarice, Hermie, the Donners, Santa and of course, the Abominable Snowman.
I recommend RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER THE MUSICAL become an annual family tradition.

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER THE MUSICAL
The Long Center, Riverside Drive, Austin
RUNNING TIME: 92 minutes with one intermission.
TICKETS: $24