RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER Plays TPAC, Now thru 12/21

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 at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center's James Polk Theater for a limited, one-week engagement, tonight, December 16-21.

Tickets for this family-friendly holiday tale go on sale at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 17, at TPAC.org, by phone at (615) 782-4040, and at the TPAC Box Office, 505 Deaderick Street, in downtown Nashville. For group tickets, call (615) 782-4060.

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 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," said Producing Partner Jonathan Flom. "These productions touch on all of the familiar story elements from the television special, with talented casts and puppeteers creating the magic on stage."

"Children and adults alike love Rudolph. So many people grew up knowing the story and its significant message," said Kathleen O'Brien, TPAC president and chief executive officer. "Rudolph and his friends teach audiences that what makes you different is also what can make you special. This production is a wonderful treat for the entire family and we're so happy to bring it to Nashville this holiday season."

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, and a series of funny as well as 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?

The production also will tie 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 http://www.rudolphthemusical.com

It is the 50th anniversary of the first broadcast of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," the longest-running and highest-rated holiday special of all time. The anniversary celebration also includes a major tie-in with the U.S. Postal Service, tribute promos from CBS, new products and programs across all retail channels, a collector's edition DVD, and Blu-ray with new bonus material, new theme park and in-mall attractions, a Carnegie Hall concert tribute and a social media campaign - #ShineBright - that celebrates uniqueness in association with PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center.

Delta Dental is the official local sponsor of RUDOLPH the RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL. Performance schedule, prices, and cast are subject to change without notice. TPAC is funded in part by support from the Tennessee Arts Commission and the Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission. TPAC reminds ticket buyers that the only official place to buy tickets online is TPAC.org.

TPAC is an accessible facility that provides a variety of services, including wheelchair accommodations, accessible parking, and assistive listening devices. Open captioning, American Sign Language, audio description, and large print and Braille programs are offered at the Sunday matinee performance of each Broadway Series and Broadway Special show. For more information about accessible services, contact Lori Ward at (615) 782-4077.

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