'RUDOLPH' Begins Tonight at Center for Puppetry Arts

Embrace your inner misfit and join the most famous reindeer of all in joyful merriment at Center for Puppetry Arts! Lighting up Atlanta for its sixth consecutive year, Rudolph the Red-Nosed ReindeerTM plays tonight, November 12-December 27. Adapted by Jon Ludwig, directed by Tim Sweeney, and based on the timeless 1964 stop-motion animated television special, this can't-miss family favorite is filled with holly-jolly adventure and excitement bound to brighten the Christmas season!

Audiences are invited to watch as Sam the Snowman narrates the beloved tale of unlikely friendship formed among Rudolph, Hermey the Elf, Yukon Cornelius and all the magical misfit toys. While narrowly escaping the grips of the Abominable Snow Monster of the North and braving perilous blizzards, their journey is sure to warm hearts as the friends learn the importance of being true to one's self and accepting others along the way.

"Every person, no matter the age, can relate to this story; its comforting and unchanging message celebrates the misfit in all of us," said director Jon Ludwig. "Since I was a young boy, I've always looked forward to watching the TV special each Christmas. For me, and a lot of other people, the holiday season doesn't feel complete without it; it's one of the reasons we bring it back to the Center each year."

A celebration of individuality and acceptance, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer has become an Atlanta holiday tradition for all ages to enjoy! Through the use of rod and body puppets meticulously created by the Center's head puppet builder Jason Hines, puppeteers Dolph Amick, Nikolas Carleo, Luis R. Hernandez, Jake Krakovsky, Celia Quillian, and Amy Sweeney bring the North Pole to life!

Patrons will be in for a special treat as the Center's new Worlds of Puppetry Museum opens the first weekend of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Starting November 14, patrons can purchase All-Inclusive tickets to the performance that include timed-entry tickets to the new museum, which showcases a Global Collection of puppets from around the world as well as the world's most comprehensive collection of Jim Henson's puppets and artifacts, including many pieces from Sesame Street, the Muppets, and more.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is recommended for ages 4 and up and will be performed in the Mainstage Theater, November 12- December 27. Discounted previews will be offered November 10-11 at 10 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.