Review: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical

The Holiday season is always a magical time in Kansas City. This year, families can make the season extra special by going to see Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer live on stage at The Coterie Theater at Crown Center. Audiences of all ages will be captivated by its timeless message of friendship, courage, and kindness towards others.  

Journey through the North Pole with the talented cast as they bring to life Santa, his elves and, of course, everyone’s favorite red-nosed reindeer, Rudolph! Along the way, the audience will meet other well-known characters that will help shape Rudolph as he comes of age by the end of the story. As usual, The Coterie does an outstanding job with their set and production. Guests will be impressed at the creativity and ingenuity of the cast and crew in producing a show that stays true to the original, while successfully adapting it for a smaller stage.  

The cast is headed by the returning Lucas Lowry as the most famous reindeer of all—Rudolph! He captures the innocence, curiosity, and strength of the young buck as he grows in maturity and strength throughout the show—while charmingly delivering Rudolph’s endearing enthusiasm and humor. As in the original, Sam the Snowman narrates the story, and in this production is most excellently portrayed by Robert Vardiman. Hermey the Elf (who wants to be a dentist), is played by Jay Allen, in a delightful performance that was one of the highlights of Rudolph, The Musical. The children in the audience of course loved Santa and Mrs. Clause, as well as the redoubtable Yukon Cornelius. Played by Bob Linebarger (who doubled as Coach Comet), his character had the kids (and adults) laughing with his antics and his perpetual search for gold. My personal favorite performance was given by Delilah Rose Pellow in the role of Clarice, the fawn. Although her role was shorter, her singing voice for the song “There’s Always Tomorrow” was just so lovely. And of course, we can’t forget the characters brought to life by puppeteers, who often doubled-up for other parts. The actress Vivi Kapple who puppeteered Charlie-in-the-Box especially stood out with her very believable performance on the Island of Misfit Toys. Perhaps the most anticipated moment for the audience was when the Abominable Snowman made his big, suspenseful entrance onto the scene. The largest puppet on set—the cast and crew did a great job bringing the soon-to-be humbled Bumble to life.  

By the conclusion of this fun and creative musical, Rudolph and the other characters learn a lesson in acceptance and kindness, as well as teamwork and unity. Rudolph was ridiculed for his bright, shiny nose by the citizens of the North Pole at first, but through his example of courage and friendship, even Santa Claus realized that, sometimes, differences can be a great blessing! Without Rudolph’s Red Nose, Christmas would have been canceled, as the song makes famous. And, of course, this story teaches us all a lesson in grace and understanding. Parents will love the nostalgia of this classic tale, while children will delight in seeing a now-classic holiday movie up close and live!  

When arriving at The Coterie Theatre, it is best to get there early. The theatre is open-seating and is always sold-out. The doors open for seating about a half-hour before the show begins. Children are encouraged to sit on the floor in front of the stage for every show—they love having a front row seat to all the action! It is one of the many reasons my kids look forward to a production at The Coterie.  

And don’t forget—while at Crown Center, be sure to take a picture of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree on Crown Center Square and play on the life-size toys underneath. Another favorite tradition at Crown Center is visiting Santa in the Gingerbread Village—be sure to have your Christmas list ready! There are boutique shops and restaurants to sample, as well as LegoLand and SeaLife--and even an ice-skating rink to enjoy. Make a weekend of it and stay at one of the Crown Center hotels, then use the covered walkways to head over to Union Station, where the holidays come alive with more themed attractions and events. Christmas in Kansas City is truly magical!  

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (showing thru Dec. 31) sells out quickly so buy your tickets today!