Interview: Melissa Glasgow Spreads Holiday Cheer in RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL

We all know Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixen--but they hardly compare to their red-nosed counterpart. The 'most famous reindeer of all' flies through Chicago this winter, and along with him comes a dose of incomparable holiday magic. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical brings this classic tale to life at the Chicago Theatre. Actress Melissa Glasgow gives Broadway World the inside scoop on translating this beloved story to the stage.

You're no stranger to Chicagoland! As a Naperville native, what has your journey been like? When did you start performing?
My hometown is incredibly family-oriented and I was lucky to be able to immerse myself in performing arts activities. I had that cliché start to theater: as a kid, I practically begged my mom to put me in dance classes and acting classes. I fell in love. I went to college, started studying it and went from there.

As for my journey with Rudolph, I was part of the first tour, so it's been quite the ride. Like so many people, my family and I watched the classic 1964 TV special every Christmas. Now, I'm part of that. Wow.

It's such a beloved story. What makes you most excited about bringing it to life?
Listening to kids' reactions to the show. Many of the smaller ones haven't seen the movie, so they're seeing this story in a completely new light. For others (adults included!), it's part of a long-time tradition or the beginning of a new one. That's very special.

What makes me most excited is that we're finding new ways to translate this classic tale to the stage. As a live production, it's interpreted differently than what the audience is used to...but it's still that nostalgic thing you know and love.

What is it like playing iconic characters?
I play both Mrs. Donner and Dolly. It's amazing on one level because I'm bringing the magic of Rudolph & co. to life, but it's also a great responsibility to take on these characters that people have grown up with for years and years. At the start, we had a voice coach brought in to help us find the balance between bringing our own authentic voice to these roles and keeping faithful to the original. I love playing two totally different characters every night. It brings out two versions of myself.

There are many similarities between this show and the TV special. What are some differences?
Firstly, there are more songs! We have the luxury of having more time, so there's more detail, more story and more songs (as well as old favorites). There's a full 'Rockin Around the Christmas Tree' performance that's so much fun. Secondly, there are a number of theatrical effects. We all know the claymation movie, but the stage show includes flying through the theater. There's also some really cool puppetry. One of my favorite scenes features the most adorable baby Rudolph puppet you've ever seen!

Do you have a dream role you hope to play in your lifetime?
Any character who is part of a story that will affect people and make them "feel".

Since this is an iconic Christmas tale, do you have a favorite holiday tradition?
My family and I watch "The Santa Clause" movies every year. And "Rudolph", of course! Also, my sister and I always used to wait at the top of the stairs on Christmas morning before opening presents. We're both in our twenties now but we still do that. It's tradition!

Is there something in particular you love about Chicago during the holidays?
No matter the season, I love the city's art scene. During our time in Chicago on the tour, I hope to see lots of improv shows. That's always a blast. If it's not a conflict with our show, it would also be exciting to see a holiday spectacular like "The Nutcracker". Chicago does this wonderful thing of blending their unique arts culture with the holidays. That, and visiting friends and family in my hometown, will make this stop one of the best on the tour.

Last but not least, any projects on the horizon?
I recently moved to New York City from Los Angeles. I love LA, but there's a whole new world of opportunity in NYC. After the tour, I'm excited to get settled in my new place! Settling, diving into auditions and exploring the city. There's my next project.

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The acclaimed Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical plays the Chicago Theatre for a limited time on November 17-20. Visit www.thechicagotheatre.com for more information.

Photo Credit: Character Arts and Melissa Glasgow