Sleigh what? The critically acclaimed live stage show, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical, returns this fall for its tenth year on the road entertaining families across North America. The national tour, featuring the “most famous reindeer of all” and his friends from the longest running and highest rated holiday television special, will soar into Bellingham, Washington at Mount Baker Theatre on December 7 with two showtimes at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Audiences are invited to help Santa save Christmas with the help of Rudolph and the holly jolly cast of characters including Hermey the Elf, Yukon Cornelius, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, and more.
In 1964, the beloved stop-motion animated television classic, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, made its network television debut and has been delighting audiences across the country for 60 years. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical is a tree-mendous way to experience this family tradition and stays true to the iconic television special,” says producing partner Jonathan Flom.
The story tells the tale of a young Rudolph who, because of the appearance of his bright, shining nose, is excluded from the Reindeer Games. He flees Christmastown and meets up with new friends Hermey the Elf and Yukon Cornelius. After finding The Island of Misfit Toys, Rudolph journeys home, where a snowstorm of epic proportions is threatening Christmas. Can Rudolph rescue his family and friends and help Santa save the holiday?
Projections, costumes, and characters are faithfully brought to the stage against a backdrop of nostalgic set designs. The 12-foot-plus-tall Abominable Snow Monster is jaw-dropping. The high-energy cast brings the classic songs and dialogue to life, while irresistible and loveable puppets highlight the charming roughness from the television show’s stop-motion effects.
Flom says, “The familiar story elements from the television special are addressed 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 see performances of songs such as “Fame and Fortune” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” that are heard but not performed in the TV special.
The tour’s partnership with PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center continues this year. The show offers a free toolkit to educators that leverages the powerful messages from the Rudolph story to help us all celebrate our differences. The touring production of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical is produced by Right Angle Entertainment.
Location: Mount Baker Theatre Main Stage
Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Price: Tickets start at $34.75*
Tickets available at: https://www.mountbakertheatre.com/events-tickets/rudolph-the-musical/ (Tickets are only available at mountbakertheatre.com. Beware third-party ticket resellers and other websites that may advertise MBT performances.)
About Mount Baker Theatre
Mount Baker Theatre is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization dedicated to enriching the region’s culture through dynamic performances, arts education, inspiring engagement in the community and stewardship of a national historic treasure. Located in the heart of downtown Bellingham’s Art District, MBT is the largest theatrical venue north of Seattle in Washington State. Built in 1927, MBT is the only survivor of the five original movie palaces built in Whatcom County between 1914 and 1930. The building itself is a beautifully restored architectural treasure, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Since opening day, MBT has been dedicated to showcasing top touring performing arts events, as well as presenting community-driven events and performances, to audiences in the North Puget Sound and the Lower Mainland of British Columbia.
