Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
By Robert Penola
Music and Lyrics by Johnny Marks
Adaptations by Timothy Splain
Orchestrations by William C. White
Produced by Upright Theatre Co.
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Reviewed by
Natalie Shaw
There are
more memories surrounding Christmas that I can count with this adorable story playing
on the television. As a young preschooler, I remember wanting to snuggle baby
Rudolph in all his cuteness. As an elementary student, I remember wanting to protect
the young Rudolph from the other bully reindeers as they made fun of his darling
little nose. In my older years, I’ve simply grown to love and appreciate the nostalgia
of this story and the festivity associated with it. What a treasure it was to
bring my own sweet son with me to this incredible live-action play and share
some of these memories with him!
At first
glance, we might be under the impression that, although this story is a
classic, perhaps it’s outdated without any relevance to today, but we would be
very wrong! What’s so intriguing to me, as a parent, especially, is the band of
misfits in this play! Once Rudolph, played by Jack Horton is
made known that his red-nose is unconventional and, therefore, unacceptable, he
becomes so ashamed by his appearance, he chooses to leave the North Pole, along
with the offbeat elf, Hermey, played by Lily Alley, who desires
to be a dentist, rather than make toys all day. Together, the two venture out
and meet the prospective peppermint miner, Yukon Cornelius, played by Tony
Mendoza, an Abominable Snowman/Bumble, played by Lillia Mack and
a band of misfit toys, who are also on a quest to prove their worth in the
community, despite being given the chance. Finding yourself standing outside
the group, because you are, in some way different than the those around you, is
an age-old story, but one that resonates with every child and with every
generation. We long for acceptance, friendship and most of all, love. When Rudolph
begins to recognize that he is different, and that’s okay, our hero is inspired
by the misfit toys and promises to find a way for Santa to help each one of
them be adopted by children for Christmas. Will he make good on his promise, or
has he promised something far beyond his means? He must find out!
Horton is absolutely loveable in this role,
allowing his Rudolph to experience the ups and downs of childhood; highlighting
the difficulties of being different and still finding your purpose, because we
all have a purpose! My 7 year-old son and co-reviewer felt a great sense of
motivation and positivity in Horton’s performance of Rudolph, saying
that he “really liked Rudolph and the misfit toys most of all,” because they
weren’t misfit at all, but regular creatures who just wanted to be loved.
Since it’s
opening, Upright Theatre Co. has brought us some of the most fun-filled, family-friendly
theatre in the DFW area, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr. is a terrific
selection to close out their 2022 Season! This animated musical, performed by
kids and for kids is an encouragement for all youngsters to explore the merriment
of their imaginations and the magic of the Christmas season. For ticket
information, visit uprighttheatre.org and don’t miss your chance to see this adorable
classic with your little ones!
Audience
Rating: G, for all
ages
Accessible
Seating: Available
Hearing
Devices: Not Available
Sensory
Friendly Showing: Not
Available
Production
Sound Level: Comfortable,
low at times
Noises
and Visuals to Know About: Some strobe lights and use of a fog machine
Y’all Enjoy!
Natalie Shaw
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