RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL to Return to First Stage

The "most famous reindeer of all" from the longest running and highest rated holiday television special returns to First Stage with the critically acclaimed Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical at the Marcus Center's Todd Wehr Theater from November 25 - December 31, 2016. Rudolph is suggested for families with young people ages 4 - 14 and up.

Tickets are available at the Marcus Center box office at 929 N. Water Street, by phone at (414) 273-7206 or online at www.FirstStage.org/Rudolph.

In 1964, the beloved stop-motion animated television classic, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, made its network television debut delighting audiences across the country. Our version of Rudolph, conceived at First Stage and designed by Brandon Kirkham, has since spawned numerous regional productions and multiple national tours. "It's something we're incredibly proud of," said First Stage Artistic Director Jeff Frank. "This season's production will combine all we've learned from our past productions and what has happened all around the country. It promises to be the best Rudolph ever!"

From the larger-than-life Abominable Snow Monster to the misfit toys, the loveable puppets designed by Brandon Kirkham capture the charming "roughness" from the television show's stop-motion effects. The set and costumes, also designed by Kirkham immediately give way to a sense of wonder and nostalgia for audiences of all ages. In addition to heart-warming favorites "Holly Jolly Christmas" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" this year's production will include two new songs, "When Santa Claus Gets Your Letter" and "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree."

First Stage's production of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical is sponsored by Associated Bank and Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren.

Jeff Frank (Director) has been First Stage's artistic director since February 2003. Previously he had served as education director/associate artistic director beginning in 1996. Jeff is a native Wisconsinite who earned a B.F.A. in Theater from UW-Whitewater and went on to the University of Utah, earning an M.F.A. in Child Drama. This fall Jeff was welcomed back to the University of Utah where he was recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus in the theatre department. Over the past 20 seasons Jeff has directed over 50 First Stage productions. Among his favorites are: THE SNOW, LUCHADORA!, PETER PAN AND WENDY, U: BUG: ME, THE NEVERENDING STORY, A MIDNIGHT CRY, PERSEUS BAYOU, Tom Sawyer and NANCY DREW AND HER BIGGEST CASE EVER.

The adult actor cast of RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL includes Drew Brhel* as Coach Comet/Yukon/Ensemble; Matt Daniels* as Boss Elf/Ensemble; Robert Spencer* as Sam the Snowman; Todd Denning* as Santa Claus/Ensemble; Allie Babich as Mrs. Donner/Ensemble; Karen Estrada as Mrs. Claus/Ensemble; LaDareon Copeland as Donner/Ensemble and Tim Linn as Bumble/Ensemble. Understudies include Jeff Frank as Boss Elf Understudy; Zack Simonini as Coach Comet/Yukon Understudy; Andrew Stachurski as Santa/Donner Understudy and Hannah Shepherd as Mrs. Donner/Mrs. Claus Understudy. *Member of Actor's Equity Association.

Young performer roles are double cast. Young performers in the SILVER CAST are Jack Trettin (Rudolph); Zach Duckler (Hermey); Terynn Erby-Walker (Clarice); Anthony Bagely (Fireball); Sawyer Esten (Elf/Young Buck/Ensemble); Aidan Bagley (Elf/Ensemble); Elliott Lehman (Elf/Ensemble); Julia Cyganiak (Elf/Ensemble); Mia Hartounian (Elf/Ensemble); Asha Metcalfe (Elf/Ensemble); Avana Kelly (Elf/Ensemble); Jacob Badovski (Ostrich Cowboy/Ensemble); Reese Parish (Dolly/Ensemble); Selena Esten (Spotted Elephant/Ensemble); Megan Grizzle (Birdfish/Ensemble); Holden Glass (Train/Ensemble); Greta Dane (Plane/Ensemble) and Adelaide Schaetzke (Young Doe/Ensemble).

Young performers in the GOLD CAST are Andrew Kindler (Rudolph); Nolan Van Haren (Hermey); Paige Landrum (Clarice); Costello Mylott (Fireball); Austin Bock (Elf/Ensemble); Thatcher Jacobs (Elf/Ensemble); Nathan Desing (Elf/Ensemble); Hannah Lipscomb (Elf/Ensemble); Maya Oday-Biddle (Elf/Ensemble); Ryann Schulz (Elf/Ensemble); Olivia Hennes (Elf/Ensemble); Tikvah Schlissel (Ostrich Cowboy/Ensemble); Marika Marklin (Dolly/Ensemble); Summer Kleppek (Spotted Elephant/Ensemble); Avery Holmes (Birdfish/Ensemble); Lawrence Hapeman (Train/Ensemble); Carmela Suozzi (Plane/Ensemble) and Lilly Frank (Young Doe/Ensemble).

The Artistic Staff for RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL includes: Jeff Schaetzke (Music Director); Chris Feiereisen (Choreographer); Brandon Kirkham (Scenic/ Costume/Puppet Designer); Jason Fassl, USAA (Lighting Designer); Aaron Siegmann (Assistant Lighting Designer); Matt Whitmore (Sound Designer); Melissa L. Wanke Member of Actor's Equity Association (Stage Manager) and Marissa Raby (Assistant Stage Manager).

Tickets start at $15 and are available at www.FirstStage.org/Rudolph or through the Marcus Center box office at 929 N. Water Street, or by phone (414) 273-7206 or toll free at (888) 612-3500. The TDD number (for deaf and hard of hearing patrons) is (414) 273-3080.

Group Sales - Groups of 10 or more receive 15% off main floor, regular single ticket prices on most First Stage performances at the Marcus Center's Todd Wehr Theater. Call (414) 267-2964 or email groups@firststage.org for information, or reserve online at www.firststage.org/groups.

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