Last night I my tween cousin and I attended opening night of the live stage play of the 1964, the stop-motion animated television classic, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. I would be fibbing if I didn’t share that I had some misgivings about seeing the play. Nowadays, it seems as if everything has been adapted for the stage and not everything should. However, the live version we saw last night was fun and full of energy and a sweet way to get into the Christmas spirit.
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.
Live action and puppetry brought the show to life. The performances were energetic, fun and made this grump smile and laugh. All of the familiar characters are included, Santa and Mrs. Claus, Sam the Snowman, the elves and Abominable the Snowman and prospector, Yukon Cornelius.
My cousin enjoyed the show, sharing that she liked seeing the puppets and really enjoyed the performance of Yukon, played by Ben Burch. Yukon did steal the show whenever he appeared. We both loved watching Rudolph take flight and singing along to familiar Christmas tunes.
The show runs about 95 minutes, which felt a little long at times, especially during the second act. The second act dragged a bit and then came to a rush as issues were quickly solved. The singing and audience participation was fun so I will make allowances for the rushed ending.
If you go:
The show runs now through December 20. Dates and times are listed below.
December 18, 2015, 7:00 pm: Use code “Hermey” to save 35% off your ticket!
December 19, 2015, 11:00 am
December 19, 2015, 2:00 pm
December 19, 2015, 5:30 pm : Use code “Hermey” to save 35% off your ticket!
December 20, 2015, 11:00 am
December 20, 2015, 2:00 pm
December 20, 2015, 5:30 pm: Use code “Hermey” to save 35% off your ticket!
Tickets
Tickets are on sale now to the public and start at $35. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-731-3333, online at kimmelcenter.org/broadway, at the Kimmel Center box office, Broad & Spruce Sts. (open daily 10 am to 6 pm) or at the Merriam Theater box office 250 S. Broad St, (open during performances only). Orders for groups of 10 or more may be placed by calling 215-790-5883 or 866-276-2947.
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
Located in the heart of Center City, Philadelphia, The Kimmel Center’s mission is to operate a world-class performing arts center that engages and serves a broad audience through diverse programming, arts education, and community outreach. The Kimmel Center campus is comprised of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts (Verizon Hall, Perelman Theater, SEI Innovation Studio, and the Merck Arts Education Center), the Academy of Music (owned by the Philadelphia Orchestra Association), and the University of the Arts Merriam Theater. TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is the season sponsor of The Kimmel Center’s 2014-2015 Season. American Airlines is the official airline of Broadway Philadelphia. For additional information, visit kimmelcenter.org
THE SHUBERT ORGANIZATION has been in the forefront of the American theatre since the start of the 20th century. The company has produced and co-produced hundreds of Broadway plays and musicals. Under the leadership of Philip J. Smith, Chairman, and Robert E. Wankel, President, the Shubert Organization owns and operates 17 historic Broadway theatres, six off-Broadway venues, and the Forrest Theatre in Philadelphia. Notable Shubert productions and co-productions include Cats, Sunday in the Park with George, The Heidi Chronicles, Jerome Robbins’ Broadway, Amadeus, Children of a Lesser God, The Grapes of Wrath, Ain’t Misbehavin’, and Spamalot. In recent seasons, Shubert co-producing credits have included God of Carnage, Lucky Guy, Once, Hugh Jackman Back on Broadway, The Cripple of Inishmaan, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, This Is Our Youth, A Delicate Balance, The Elephant Man, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, The Audience, Skylight and Wolf Hall. Since 1983, Shubert Ticketing and Telecharge have provided superior ticketing and marketing services to the entertainment industry.
Broadway Philadelphia is presented collaboratively by the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the Shubert Organization
I attended opening night of Rudolph as press in exchange for an honest review.
Too bad it’s only playing for two days!