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 in Rudder Auditorium at Texas A&M University on Sunday, Nov. 20, at 1pm and 4pm. Following two successful years of touring North America, 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 will help Santa save Christmas. Tickets are $30 and $45 and are on sale now at the MSC Box Office (979) 845-1234 and online at www.MSCOPAS.org. OPAS Family Fun programs are sponsored by Shenandoah Veterinary Clinic, Shannon Morton Newborn Portraiture & OPAS Encore.
OPAS Executive Director Anne Black states, “People are stopping me in the grocery store to ask me if this is the same story of the annual holiday TV show that they watch with their families each December. And I’m happy to say ‘Indeed it is!’ But more than that, it’s a big musical that would only fit in Rudder Auditorium. We have great seats available to both performances. So, grab your children, grandchildren and join us on November 20!”
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 in College Station,” says producing partner Jonathan Flom.
Projections, costumes, and characters will be faithfully brought to the stage against a backdrop of nostalgic set designs. The cast brings high energy to classic songs and dialogue, while irresistible and loveable puppets highlight the charming “roughness” from the television show’s stop-motion effects. Flom says, “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 “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”
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?
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.MSCOPAS.org or www.rudolphthemusical.com.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical is produced by Right Angle Entertainment, Iconic Entertainment Studios and Premiere Producers LLC.