Review: RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER, THE MUSICAL at MSG Shines Bright for Theatergoers

It's holiday magic for all. Now through December 18th, The Theatre at Madison Square Garden is presenting a delightful production that is guaranteed to please children and adults alike, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, The Musical. Gather your group and put the show on your to-do list. Directed and choreographed by Dana Solimando, this timeless treasure features a talented cast, fantastic staging, creative puppetry, elaborate costuming and dazzling special effects.

The musical stage show is true to the beloved animated television classic that debuted in 1964. "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" is the longest running, highest rated Christmas TV special to date. In the tale, Rudolph is excluded from the Reindeer Games and experiences a sense of rejection because of his shiny red nose. He runs away from home and finds himself on a perilous journey threatened by the snow monster, Bumble. In his travels, he makes some new friends like Hermey, the elf who wants to be a dentist, the prospector Yukon Cornelius, and the unusual playthings on the Island of Misfit Toys. Rudolph knows in his heart that he must return to his home in Christmas Town. But a massive snowstorm blanketing the land threatens to cancel Christmas. Rudolph's special "nose so bright" is just what Santa Claus needs to guide his sleigh through the storm. This story celebrates values that we must embrace, the beauty of diversity, the importance of acceptance, and realizing the gifts that others have to give.

Hurray for the marvelous cast that bring all your favorite characters from the North Pole to life. They include Steve Watkins as Sam the Snowman; Aviva Pressman as Mrs. Claus; Doug LoPachin as Santa Claus; Jon M. Wailin as Donner/King Moonracer; Melissa Glasgow as Mrs. Donner; Sarah Errington as Rudolph; Andrew Kruep as Boss Elf; Wesley Edwards as Hermey; Matt Kriger as Fireball; Fred Inkley as Coach Comet/Yukon Cornelius; Becca Andrews as Clarice and Daniel Moser as Bumble. The Puppeteers also play the Elves and Yearlings. They include Aubrey Elson, Nick Gardner, Melissa Glasgow, Natalie Iscovich, Matt Kriger, Andrew Kruep, Anthony Marone, Daniel Moser, Nancy Lam, Steven Rada, and Matthew Thurmond. The Swings are Hannah Jean Simmons and Jesse Markowitz.

Exciting Musical numbers abound such as "A Holly Jolly Christmas" by Sam and the Chorus; "There's Always Tomorrow" by Clarice and the Chorus; "We Are Santa's Elves" by Santa's Elves; "We're a Couple of Misfits" by Rudolph and Hermey; "Silver and Gold" by Sam; "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" by Santa's Elves; "A Merry, Merry Christmas" by Rudolph and Misfits and of course, "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" by All. And there are even a few well-placed, festive sing-alongs for the audience to enjoy.

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, The Musical at MSG shines bright for theatergoers this holiday season. It's a real treat for you, your family, and friends. Doors open one hour before every performance for some fun, interactive play experiences for audience members.

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, The Musical is produced by Iconic Entertainment Studios & Right Angle Entertainment Premiere Producers LLC. The stage adaptation is by Robert Penola; arrangements by Timothy Splain; orchestrations by William C. White with music and lyrics by Johnny Marks.

For more information visit: www.rudolphthemusical.com.

Photos: Courtesy of MSG Entertainment.

Writer's Note: I saw the show with my husband and two adult children. And we enjoyed it as much as the youngsters in the audience.

You can also read Bob Rizzo's interview with the show's Director/Choreographer Dana Solimando on BWW: /off-broadway/article/BWW-Interview-DirectorChoreographer-Dana-Solimando-on-RUDOLPH-THE-RED-NOSED-REINDEER-THE-MUSICAL-20161129.

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