Coterie Theatre to Present RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER

The "most famous reindeer of all" from the longest-running and highest-rated holiday television special will be live on stage in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical at The Coterie Theatre in Crown Center. Directed by Jeff Church, The Coterie's critically-acclaimed production features Rudolph and the entire holly jolly cast of iconic characters, including Sam the Snowman, Hermey the Elf, Yukon Cornelius, and the Abominable Snow Monster, helping Santa save Christmas this holiday season, November 8 - December 31, 2016.

In 1964, the beloved stop-motion animated television classic, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, made its network television debut delighting audiences across the country. Today, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical is rapidly becoming a tradition for generations of children and adults and The Coterie once again brings the show to life on stage for fans in Kansas City. As one reviewer put it, "If adorable is at the top of your Christmas list, save an afternoon or evening forRudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical... As rich as eggnog!"

Projections, costumes and characters will be faithfully brought to the stage against a backdrop of nostalgic set designs. All of the familiar story elements from the television special are brought to life with a talented cast and puppeteers who help recreate the magic on stage. The 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. Since the special itself is a classic musical, the stage show does not feel at all like an adaptation and audiences are surprised and delighted when they hear full performances of the iconic songs associated with the TV special, including "Holly Jolly Christmas," "Fame and Fortune," "There's Always Tomorrow," "Silver and Gold," and of course, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."

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. When Rudolph rescues his family and friends and helps Santa save the holiday, it's a colorful musical adventure that teaches us what makes you different can also be what makes you special.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical will run approximately 60 minutes with no intermission and can be enjoyed by families with all ages. The Coterie is funded in part by the Missouri Arts Council, ArtsKC Fund, Theater League, and the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund. The production is sponsored by Learning Quest 529 Education Savings Program, American Century Investments, Inc. Distributor. 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, MO, 64111.

The Coterie's production of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musicalfeatures an impressive array of local talent including Tony Pulford (as Rudolph), Ron Lackey (as Sam the Snowman), Jake Walker (as Coach Comet/Yukon Cornelius), David LeVota (as Hermey the Elf), Elise Campagna (as Clarice), Zachrey York (as Santa), Emily Nan Phillips (as Mrs. Donner/Mrs. Claus), and Jake Golliher (as Donner/Snoken puppeteer). Additionally, the cast also consists of a team of young professional actors including Evan C. Phillips (as Boss Elf/Snoken puppeteer), Jake Bartley (as Fireball/Snoken puppeteer), and Fisher Stewart (as Fireball/Snoken puppeteer), as well as Allison Banks, Cam Burns, Marek Burns, Philip Hanson, Darcie A. Hingula, Zoe London, D'Andre McKenzie, Drake Taylor, Hannah Thompson, and Jacob Valle (as Elves/Snoken puppeteers).

The artistic and Production Company includes Jeff Church (director), Anthony T. Edwards (music director), Marc Wayne (choreographer), Scott Hobart (set designer & technical director), Jarrett Bertoncin (lighting designer), Georgianna Londré Buchanan (costume designer), David Kiehl (Sound Designer), Caitlin Brisendinec (properties & puppets refurbishment), Kansas City Costume Co. (reindeer fabricators), William J. Christie (production stage manager), and Chloé N. Robbins-Anderson (production assistant & deck manager).

The Coterie, now in its 38th Season and named "One of the Five Best Theaters for Young Audiences in the U.S." by TIME magazine, will perform Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical November 8 - December 31, 2016, in The Coterie Theatre, located on level one of Crown Center Shops in Kansas City, MO. Press Night will be held on Friday, November 11, 2016, at 7:00 p.m.

Individual Tickets: Tickets are $12.00 for youth under 18, students, and seniors age 60 and older; and $17.00 for adults.

Subscriptions: In lieu of season subscriptions, The Coterie offers the Spotlight Club Pass, which works like a season ticket without committing to a set schedule. Spotlight Club members pay $100.00 for a flexible pass that includes 10 tickets - a savings of 40% off individual ticket prices - that can be used for any show or combination of shows in the 2016/2017 Season.

All tickets and Spotlight Club Passes are on sale now and may be purchased by calling The Coterie's box office at (816) 474-6552, dropping by the box office on level one of the Crown Center Shops, or by visiting www.thecoterie.org.

During the run of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical, The Coterie invites audiences to take advantage of these special, free performance extras (with paid admission):

Tuesday, November 7 - Friday, December 16: Toys for Tots Donation Center.The Coterie will serve as Toys for Tots Crown Center collection location. Donations of unopened toys may be dropped off in The Coterie lobby to help make it a joyful holiday season for children all over Kansas City.

Friday, November 11, 7:00 p.m.: Opening Night Celebration. A free post-performance reception with the director, company, staff, and board of directors.

Saturday, November 12, and Sunday, November 13, 2:00 p.m.: Question & Answer session. A free Q&A with members of The Coterie's staff and artistic company will immediately follow the performance.

Fridays, November 18, 25, and December 2, 9, 16, and 23, 7:00 p.m.: FridayFamily Fun Night. Post-performance autograph session and photo op with cast members.

Saturday, November 19, 2:00 p.m.: Interpreted performance in American Sign Language.

Following Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical, The Coterie's 2016/2017 Season continues with a true holocaust mystery based on the popular book and documentary, Hana's Suitcase, January 24 - February 12, 2017; the world premiere of Andrew Clements' No Talking, February 21 - March 19, 2017; Mo Willem's own adaptation of his beloved Elephant and Piggie's "We are in a Play!", April 4 - May 21, 2017; and the summer musical for all ages, Garfield: The Musical with Cattitude, June 13 - August 6, 2017.

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