Review: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer the Musical at The Coterie 2016

This marks the 50^th Anniversary of the beloved holiday television classic, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer , and The Coterie brings all our favorite characters to stage in Kansas City for a must-see holiday treat showing through Jan. 4, 2015. 

Rudolph is a holiday tradition for generations of families. The wonderful tale of friendship among unlikely misfits and their adventures are perennial favorites. When Rudolph finds himself the center of attention and mockery, and a family disappointment, he runs away. On his journey, he runs into misfit elf Hermey who dreams not of making toys, but of a career in dentistry, and Yukon Cornelius an aspiring gold and silver prospector. The friends learn to find value in their uniqueness and individuality, they learn true loyalty and adventure, and they show courage in the face of danger as they meet the Abominable Snowman. I love the message at the heart of the film: sometimes we perceive a difference as something negative, we should not mock or overlook others for their differences, and we should celebrate our unique strengths and talents for the good of others. 

Coterie's production showcases all the favorite songs from the original musical and follows the story closely. As a fan of the television classic, I wondered how it would hold up on stage... I was delighted to discover that our family enjoyed the stage show even more than the program we've come to love on television. What I loved most is that The Coterie did not try to "fix" or "change" a classic, but rather they took the elements we love and they made it their own with a professional touch that simply added charm to the original.

The costumes all played homage to the stop-motion animated characters in the show, the sets were colorful beautiful tributes to the tv backdrops, and even many of the character voices were markedly similar to the original cast. I especially enjoyed the charming use of puppetry for the misfit toys and forest characters in the scenes - each puppet beautifully made to look as good, if not better, than the tv originals.

When I attend a show at The Coterie I expect a top-notch, over-the-top, creative, interactive, professional, theatrical production - in the case of Rudolph, we were not disappointed! This may have been our favorite show yet at The Coterie, and the competition is stiff! Rudolph is a definite holiday must-see for Kansas City families. 

The cast in the show was truly outstanding. Ron Lackey portrayed the narrating Snowman and did a wonderful job in his rendition of Silver and Gold. Tony Pulford was a charming and youthful Rudolph, Christopher Carlson brought many laughs as Hermey, and the supporting actors (Lexi Morris as Clarice, Zachrey York & Emily Nan Phillips as the Clauses, and the elves and reindeer) were all terrific in their roles showing lively, entertaining, and authentic renditions.

What Parents Want to Know:

• The Scary Scenes: The Abominable Snowman is part of the show, just as his is on TV. The use of a very large puppet (larger than people) portrays this character. Some children in the audience were frightened by this character and climbed in laps for comfort.
• Seating: If you've never been to The Coterie it is good to know that seating is available for kids on the floor, with stadium seating for parents. The theater is small and intimate and this gives the best experience for the entire audience.
• Kids' Verdict: I took four children to the show (ages 3, 5, 7, and 9) and all four LOVED it. They were singing the songs and acting out scenes on the way home and at the dinner table that night. This show sparked the imagination and showed yet another fresh and inviting new world on The Coterie stage. Two thumbs heartily up from four enthusiasict kids and one happy mom!

SHOW DATES, TIMES & TICKETS

The Coterie, now in its 35th Season and named “One of the Five Best Theaters for Young Audiences in the U.S.” by Time magazine, will perform Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer  Nov. 4 - Jan 4, in The Coterie Theatre located on level one of Crown Center Shops in Kansas City, MO.

• Individual Tickets: Tickets are $12.00 for youth under 18, students, and seniors age 60 and older; and $17.00 for adults.
• Group Pricing: The Coterie offers groups of 20 or more a special rate. Contact 816.474.6552 for information.
• Subscriptions: New this season, The Coterie introduces the Spotlight Club Pass, which works like season tickets without committing to a set schedule. Spotlight Club members pay $90.00 for a flexible pass that includes 10 tickets - a savings of 40% off individual ticket prices - that can be used for any show or combination of shows in the 2013/2014 Season.
• All tickets and the new Spotlight Club Passes are on sale now and may be purchased by calling The Coterie’s box office at (816) 474-6552, dropping by the box office on level one of the Crown Center Shops, or by visiting www.thecoterie.org.