By Tonya Benner Christensen
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical at the Tuacahn Center for the Arts, Hafen indoor stage, in Ivins, UT (just out of St. George) is a frosty blast from the past in modern-day Christmas season. Music and lyrics by Johnny Marks, script adaptation by Robert Penola, and directed and choreographed by Alan Coats, you and your family are in for some amazing fun that will make you sigh at the nostalgia and laugh with delight at this holiday show.
I’m sure you’ve all heard the phrase “know your audience” and regarding Tuacahn’s Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical onstage, I wondered which of the audience members would most enjoy this show. There was a large variety of ages on Monday night and, you know, Rudolph is for kids, right? It wasn’t long before the answer to my question was clear—Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical is geared to please all ages. The retirees sitting in front of us responded audibly to the pure nostalgia as well as the new jokes, the 20- somethings nearby seemed in awe of the costumes and puppetry (Hardrive Productions), and that little girl to our right was clearly a big Rudolph fan who loved every toe tapping, joyful clapping, seat dancing minute. Me? I agree with all of them. The iconic Christmas special comes to life on the indoor Hafen stage in a way that restores the magic of childhood while creating fun new memories.
If you grew up on this story and know all of Hermey’s lines by heart, you will love Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, The Musical. If you have somehow never seen the original, you will still love this show. Take a child if you can – the children’s obvious enjoyment of the show makes it even better. Notable elements that deserve a shout out: Hardrive Productions’ puppetry perfection – it cannot be said enough, both the construction of the puppets and the actors bringing them to life deserve high praise. Tear your eyes away from the adorable birds, seals, and bunnies for a second and see each expressive, energetic actor – often down on their knees giving so much personality to these characters. The St Bernard even got his own round of applause and that Misfit Dolly is about the sweetest thing ever. Costumes are immediately recognizable as a real life reproduction of the original television show–from Clarice’s polka dot bow to Yukon Cornelius’ bent moustache. Hardrive Productions crew don’t miss a single beloved detail.
For practical purposes, Thomas Mauney‘s set design does not reproduce every detail – but instead has created a versatile and highly usable set that moves the story along seamlessly as we move from Santa’s workshop, across the ocean, into a cave and back to the workshop, all while giving us enough touches of the original that it all felt comfortably familiar. My favorite moments: (without spoiler warnings because this story has been broadcast into our homes since 1964) Clarice (Ellie Smith) singing, her vocal clarity is stunning. Rudolph (Alex Hunt) and his excitement over being called “cute”–his swoons are charming. Hermey (played by understudy Sean Jaenicke) and his clear distaste for all elf tasks, especially his reaction to (and ineptitude at) loading the sleigh are–understandable? (Isn’t he a teenager?) Absolutely endearing Bumble (Hayden Taylor) and additional puppeteers, lighting (Lighting Design by Rob Siler), sound (Sound Design by Eric Alexander Collins) help make that adorable Bumble look scary, (but not too scary for kids.) Donner’s pride in his son after his being so dismissive (and we all hurt for Rudolph, don’t we?) implements Neil Starkenberg’s voice and mannerisms we love and bring back all of the childhood feels with this one.
We hear “We are Santa’s Elves” and all the musical numbers with sweet remembrance and present delight, thanks to Music Director Michael Santangelo. All the players sing with Christmas magic–we see our past and our present (and it is a gift) onstage all at once. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical is a production fit for the stage and Santangelo warms us like a mug of hot cocoa.
Christmas is a magical time, a time to reflect on the blessings we have. I remember the yearly showing of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer before VCRs were around and this production at the Tuacahn, right in front of our eyes, is a spectacle to behold and a memory to cherish. Watch Santa’s elves, their joyful costumes, adorable choreography, and lovely voices combine to give us a perfect example of happy little workshop workers. All in all, a super enjoyable way to spend an evening. Find the time to add this one into your Holiday celebrations.
Tuacahn Center for the Arts presents Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, music and lyrics by Johnny Marks, script adaptation by Robert Penola.
Tuacahn Center for the Arts Amphitheatre, Hafen Theatre 1100 Tuacahn Drive, Ivins, Utah 84738
December 14-21, 2022, Showtimes vary
Tickets: $24.00-$60.00
Tuacahn Center for the Arts Facebook Page
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical Website
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical Facebook Page
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical coloring page
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