RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL to Soar Back to Stages Theatre Company

The "most famous reindeer of all" from the longest running and highest rated holiday television special will be live on stage with the critically acclaimed Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical (www.rudolphthemusical.com) at Stages Theatre Company from Friday, November 18 through Wednesday, December 28, 2016 for 48 performances.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical is Stages Theatre Company's highest-grossing production of all times; and the world's most famous reindeer and a holly jolly cast of iconic characters including Hermey the Elf, Yukon Cornelius and the Abominable Snow Monster are back to help Santa save Christmas in this return engagement.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.stagestheatre.org for performance dates and times, or by calling the Box Office at (952) 979-1111, option 4, Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults; $21 for seniors, ages 60+; $18 for children, ages 5 to 17.

The company of local talent includes: Kallie Jo Ascheman, Todd Bruse, Arie Cohen, Logan Daum, Natalie Dekker, Nicholas Dekker, Erika Dierke, Gretchen Emo, David Gamache, Clare Judge, Chase Kozak, Joshua Larson, Jackson Lyon, Sara Magnuson, Parker Miller, Matt Ouren, Kyla Ashlee Plair, Bruce Rowan, Zoe Sax, Hannah Seeman, Nathan Eliot Rowan and Ethan Schaner.

In 1964, the beloved stop-motion animated television classic, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, made its network television debut delighting audiences across the country. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical is rapidly becoming a tradition for generations of children and adults and we are so excited to bring the show to fans at Stages Theatre Company again," says producing partner Jonathan Flom.

"We address all of the familiar story elements from the television special with a talented cast and puppeteers who help recreate the magic on stage. Since the special itself is a classic musical, the stage show does not feel at all like an adaptation and audiences are surprised and delighted when they hear full performances of additional iconic songs associated with the TV special, such as "Fame and Fortune" and "Silver and Gold," just to name a few." Flom says.

Rudolph's partnership with PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center continues this year. A new illustrated storybook, T.E.A.M. Rudolph and the Reindeer Games, will be available this year only at the stage show performances and other locations where Rudolph is appearing, such as at theme parks, zoos, aquariums and science centers. A portion of the proceeds from all sales of the books will be donated to PACER.

For more information, visit www.stagetheatre.org.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical is based on the animated television special "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and the stage production directed and conceived by Jeff Frank and First Stage. Script adaptation by Robert Penola. Arrangements and orchestrations by Timothy Splain. Scenic and puppet design by Brandon Kirkham. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" animated television special adapted from a story by Robert L. May and songs by Johnny Marks, music and lyrics by Johnny Marks.

Stages Theatre Company was founded in 1984 and since then has grown to become one of the largest professional theatres for young audiences in the country. We engage young artists with themes relevant to their lives and involve them in creating magical works featuring young people in meaningful roles. Through theatrical productions, workshops, conservatory classes and other outreach programs, Stages Theatre Company annually serves more than 130,000 young people and their families.

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