Northern Michigan University Theatre and Dance will present a family-friendly, “amped-up spectacle” of the holiday classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Dec. 4-6 and 11-13. On a related note, Theatre and Dance will bring back its “Letters to Santa” campaign in collaboration with Honor Credit Union. Children who participate will receive a buy one-get one ticket offer for this or a future NMU production.
Thirty-three cast members will bring to life the full ensemble of characters from the original Rudolph televised special. Many are interpreted with more animated and whimsical qualities suited for young audiences, allowing NMU students to explore performance styles that differ from the more realistic or mature roles often portrayed.
Audiences can indulge in iconic songs from the original TV special, along with additional numbers such as “Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree” and “When Santa Claus Gets Your Letter.” These added songs are woven naturally into the script to enhance the world of Christmas Town and expand moments that were only hinted at in the televised version.
While the story remains familiar, the stage production offers an entirely new level of creativity. The show's choreography was created by artist Aaron Houston, who recently moved to the Upper Peninsula. Houston's involvement for over 20 years in theatrical productions, from Cirque du Soleil to the Billboard Music Awards, helped him incorporate acrobatics, lifts, flips and high-energy movement in this production.
“This show also allowed us to challenge our students technically by adding new elements such as performance flight and a range of puppetry as a nod to the stop-motion style of the original film,” said director Jalina McClain. “The Misfit Toys appear through custom-built puppets created by NMU's puppet team, and the Bumble is brought to life as a large-scale puppet operated by three performers. We wanted a show that would allow students to work with different materials and grow in their artistry.”
Visually, the show blends character-driven costume design with a cohesive winter aesthetic. The reindeer are portrayed as humanized characters whose costumes include tailored vests, antler head pieces and several individual motifs that reflect their unique personalities. All costumes for the production were designed by NMU student Elise Wilcox.
The staging relies on quick transitions supported by lighting and multipurpose scenic elements. The show's narrator, Sam the Snowman, is actively integrated into the story.
“It's been fun to play with the narrator in ways that allow him to take charge of the world and move things around a bit. He often connects with the audience, bringing them on a journey through the story of Rudolph,” McClain added. “The music direction is led by NMU alumnus Dawson Del Preto, whose family's longstanding appreciation for the original Rudolph special informed some of the musical choices for the production. His familiarity with the film's melodies, lines and character voices has guided the cast in maintaining the charm of the original while adapting it to a live theatrical setting.”
Showtimes are 7:30 p.m., with a Theatre for All sensory-friendly 1 p.m. matinee on Dec. 6 and an additional 1 p.m. regular matinee on Dec 13. Ticket prices are: $25 for the general public; $22 for NMU employees, seniors, and military; $15 for youth; and $5 for NMU students. They are available at nmu.universitytickets.com.
Mailboxes where kids can deposit their letters to Santa are set up in the Forest Roberts Theatre lobby and at all of the Honor Credit Union branches in Marquette, Negaunee and Gwinn, said Bill Digneit, NMU Theatre & Dance producer and department head.
“There are tables set up with a letter kids can fill out and put in the mailbox,” he added. “They will actually get a postcard response mailed back to them that their letter is on its way to the North Pole. They will also get a discount buy one-get one ticket for a future performance in the season, whether it's this show or another. Money's tight right now for many, so this is a way to help people see some art and share the spirit of the season.”
Find more information on the Rudolph production, cast and crew here.
