RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER Opens at Center for Puppetry Arts Today

You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen, but do you recall - the most famous reindeer of all? Celebrate the season with the return of a holiday tradition, Rudolph the Red-Nosed ReindeerTM at Center for Puppetry Arts, November 13-December 28. Directed by Jon Ludwig and based on the beloved 1964 stop-motion animated special, the festive family classic rings in the most wonderful time of the year with an unforgettable holiday adventure!

Hermey the Elf, Yukon Cornelius, the Abominable Snow Monster and all the other merry misfits join Rudolph and Santa for a seasonal spectacular that can't be missed. Through the use of rod and body puppets, skilled puppeteers present the timeless tale of acceptance that has inspired audiences and become an Atlanta tradition.

This year marks the 5th anniversary of the Center's production of the favorite holiday adventure, as well as the 50th anniversary of the classic TV special. "I saw the first TV broadcast in 1964 and thought they had created it just for me. Here they were showing a couple of misfits making it through the world. I felt, 'There are other misfits like me. I'm not alone!'" reflected Jon Ludwig. He continued, "I have always loved this story. Apparently, there are a lot of others who love it too, but that makes sense as the story is about Rudolph and Hermey finding their place in the world, and realizing that everyone has a purpose. That's what the holidays are about: family and community."

New this year, the production will tie in with the national #ShineBright social media campaign, which is a celebration of uniqueness. Led by PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center, the campaign unites the Center for Puppetry Arts with other nationwide partners, who are using the Rudolph story as a platform for teaching important lessons about diversity and tolerance.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is recommended for ages four and up and will be performed in the Mainstage Theater, November 13- December 28. Half-price previews will be offered November 11-12, 10 a.m. & 11:30 a.m..

TICKETS ARE $9.25-$13.25 (MEMBERS) / $16.50-$20.50 (NONMEMBERS) AND CAN BE PURCHASED ONLINE AT WWW.PUPPET.ORG OR BY CALLING THE TICKET SALES OFFICE AT 404-873-3391.

Photo by Clay Walker