RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER Plays the Coterie Theatre, Now thru Jan 4

In 1964, the beloved stop-motion animated television classic, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, made its network television debut delighting audiences across the country. Fifty years later, the longest running and highest rated television special comes to life, live on stage with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical (www.rudolphthemusical.com), featuring the world's most famous reindeer and a holly jolly cast of iconic characters. Rudolph and friends, including Hermey the Elf, Yukon Cornelius and the Abominable Snow Monster, help Santa save Christmas this holiday season.

Rudolph and friends will visit Kansas City's Coterie Theatre tonight, November 4, 2014 - January 4, 2015. Tickets are on sale now and are available at 816.474.6552 or www.thecoterie.org.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical celebrates Rudolph's 50 years on television. "This is a lively, colorful journey and new tradition for families and theatregoers of all ages," says Producing Partner Jonathan Flom. "This production touches on all of the familiar story elements from the television special, with talented cast and puppeteers creating the magic on stage."

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical is so faithful to the original show that it practically transports audience members into the television special. The songs drive the plot while familiar and nostalgic set designs, costumes and characters are brought to stage. The cast brings new energy to the classic songs and dialogue, while puppets help showcase the charming "roughness" from the television show's stop-motion effects.

The story tells the tale of a young Rudolph who, because of the appearance of his bright, shining nose, is ousted from the reindeer games in Christmas-town. He flees town, meets up with new friends Hermey and Yukon, and a series of funny and endearing adventures ensue including a visit to The Island of Misfit Toys. Rudolph journeys home, where a snowstorm of epic proportions is threatening Christmas. Can Rudolph save his family and friends and help Santa save the holiday?

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical also ties in with the #ShineBright social media campaign which is a celebration of uniqueness that will be championed by PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center. Workshops, lesson plans and special performances will use the story as a platform for teaching important lessons about diversity and tolerance.

For more information, visit www.rudolphthemusical.com.

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