Today we bring the beloved holiday TV special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to life. I always found Rudolph to be the most magical of all the Christmas TV specials and I’m excited to now share that magic with you.
The story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer began in 1939 when the department store Montgomery Ward tasked copywriter Robert May with creating a Christmas story for a coloring book. The book was an instant success, with over 2.4 million copies distributed that first Christmas, and in 1949 it was adapted into a song by May’s brother-in-law Johnny Marks. The song, which also was an instant success, inspired the stop-motion TV special produced by Rankin/Bass. The TV special first aired on December 6, 1964 and has been broadcast every year since that date, making it the longest-running Christmas TV special in history.
May wanted Rudolph’s blinking red nose to be a beacon of hope and scattered several life lessons into his Christmas tale. The most obvious of the lessons is to not judge others based on their differences. Embrace diversity because no one should ever feel left out or treated poorly simply for being a little different and in the end, what makes Rudolph different is what helps him save Christmas. Other lessons to watch for amidst our singing and dancing are; follow your dreams (like Hermey and Yukon), you can’t run away from your problems, don’t underestimate the underdog (or reindeer), it feels good to help others, and parents are only human (they make mistakes too). These life lessons may be even more valid today than they were in 1939.
As you leave the theater I hope you share the magic of Christmas-town and the positive messages of Rudolph with everyone you meet and keep that magic alive all year long.
Thank you for supporting live community theater and have a ‘Holly Jolly’ holiday season.
Joe Guttadauro, Director
Based on the animated television special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” adapted from the story by Robert L. May and the song by Johnny Marks
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Music and Lyrics by |
Script Adaptation by |
Developed by Character Arts Creations, LLC
Originally produced, directed and conceived by Jeff Frank and First Stage with scenic and puppet designs by Brandon Kirkham*
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Arrangements by |
Orchestrations by |
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
This sensory friendly performance
was produced by
Gary Kingsbury, Board Chair, Landmark Community Theatre
Under the advisement of
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Diana Yeisley |
Laura Lawson Tucker |
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Town of Simsbury Aging and Disability Commission, Chair |
Theatre Adventure |
Rudolph
Dylan Ryan
Hermey
Louis Dimodugno
Sam
Rick Fountain
Yukon Cornelius
Frank Beaudry
Clarice
Kennedy Morris
Santa
Steve Sorriero
Mrs. Claus
Donnalynn Selavka
Donner
Scott Iwanicki
Mrs. Donner
Kerri Morris
Baby Rudolph
Sayler Beaudry
Boss Elf
Susie Hackel
Coach Comet/King Moonracer
Allen Marko
Ensemble
Julie Baerny, Aric Calabrese,
Addison Guarino, Bill Knight,
Cassandra McKenna,Gus McLeran,
Emily Minor, Kerri Morris,
Ella Sieller & Tyler Veronesi
Producer
Jeffrey Dunn
Production Manager
Andrea Bingham
Director/Choreographer
Joe Guttadauro
Music Director
Dan Ringuette
Costume Designer
Christine Holmes
Stage Manager
Aaron Westcott
Assistant Stage Managers
Azayda Lynt
Lighting Design
Chris O’Neil
Set Design
David Verdosci
Technical Director
Ian Jones
Props Master
Courtney Deraleau
Sound Design & Video Content
Michael ‘Gonzo’ Gonsalves
Dance Captain
Rick Fountain
Video Wall Operator
George LaChance
Light Board Operator
Lucas Peck
Costume Assistants
Carol Chesto, Shirley Gugliotti,
Mary Kamens,Franziska Manuel,
Mary-Lou Picco, Barbara Piscopo,
Hilda Wehrle, & Kim Westcott
Production Crew
Trecia Austin, Anthony Gallagher,
Azayda Lynt, Aubrae O’Porto,
Lou O’Porto, & Aaron Westcott
Set Builders
Bob Brophy, Michael Gonsalves,
Chris Guertin, Ian Jones, Phil Kendall,
George LaChance,Chris Ryan,
Steve Sorriero, & David Verdosci
Set Painters
Bob Brophy, Pat Piscopo,
& David Verdosci
Bumble (Design & Construction)
Chris Ryan
Photographer
Aaron Westcott
Opera House Organis
Juan Cardona, Jr.
Special Thanks
Kim Westcott
Alex Dunn
Ash Royer
Jan D’Ambrosi
David Nichols
Goshen Players
Special acknowledgment to the cast, crew, & volunteers for donating their time towards all aspects of this theatrical production and anyone who jumped on board after this playbill went to print.
