The longest-running and highest-rated television special is coming to the stage today.
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. this evening at the IU Auditorium.
First aired in 1964, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” has been playing on television for 50 years.
The stage production, conceived and directed by Jeff Frank and First Stage, stays true to the original plot of the television special, according to a press release from IU Auditorium.
After Rudolph is teased for his appearance and bright, shiny nose, he leaves the North Pole with his friends and goes on many adventures, such as visiting the Island of Misfit Toys and the Abominable Snowman.
Rudolph is eventually asked to lead Santa’s reindeer on a foggy Christmas night and saves the day.
The cast of the show recreates the television special with nostalgic costumes, set designs and characters.
The production will also use puppets to evoke the stop-motion effects of the original television special.
“The story of ‘Rudolph’ is timeless, and the television special is truly a hallmark of the holiday season,” IU Auditorium Director Doug Booher said in a press release. “This charming and heartfelt live production takes the ‘Rudolph’ ?experience to a whole new level. Plus, the message of love and acceptance, regardless of our differences, is something that resonates in all of us. What a wonderful way to share the message with your family and friends — just in time for the ?holidays.”
Starting one hour before show time, IU Auditorium will set up an array of family-friendly games and activities in the auditorium lobby.
Some of the games include Create-Your-Own Misfit Toys, What Makes You Unique Snowflakes, The Abominable Snow Monster’s snowball toss and ?others.
Children are encouraged to dress as their favorite character or come to the auditorium in their pajamas, according to the ?Auditorium.
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical” is also collaborating with the #ShineBright social media campaign, which is meant to encourage uniqueness along with Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights’ National Bullying Prevention Center.
IU Auditorium will also be acting as a Toys for Tots donation location and people attending the performance are encouraged to bring new or gently-used toys to donate to the ?campaign.
Tickets for the performance are available at IUauditorium.com or in-person at the IU Auditorium box office.
Tickets are $24-$44 for general admission and $16-$36 for children and IU students with a valid ID.
Alison Graham
