'Rudolph' musical ready to re-create animated show's 'magic' in Chicago
Naperville native Melissa Glasgow prepped for her latest theater tour by watching the animated “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” - “and it makes me nostalgic in the best way,” she says.
That's one of the gifts of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical,” a stage adaptation of the 1964 CBS Christmas special. The live show kicks off the holiday season with nine performances at the Chicago Theatre Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 17-20.
Projections, costumes and characters will be seen onstage against a backdrop of nostalgic set designs and classic songs. Puppets highlight the show's stop-motion effects.
“People of all ages come to rehearsal and have a personal, unique relationship with the show,” Glasgow says. “I've seen the actors, the producers' grandchildren and the crew members get giddy when they see the puppets and sets for the first time,” she says. “It's seriously like stepping into the Claymation movie.”
The production has become a cherished tradition for families, says producing partner Jonathan Flom.
“We address all of the familiar story elements from the television special, with a talented cast and puppeteers who help re-create the magic on stage,” he says.
The musical - featuring iconic characters such as Hermey the Elf, Yukon Cornelius and the Abominable Snow Monster, in addition to Rudolph - has been touring the continent for two years.
Glasgow plays Rudolph's mother, as well as Dolly. She was part of the first national tour of “Rudolph” in 2014 and is thrilled to return.
Working with the show's puppets presented a unique challenge, she says.
“They are beautiful and so important to telling this story, but each puppet functions in a different way, and it takes some practice to make the movements onstage graceful,” she says. “There are a few puppets, such as Bumble (the snow monster), that take up to three people to maneuver, so it takes a lot of communication between the actors to bring these characters to life.”
Despite the challenges, her involvement with the show has been rewarding, she says. The best part is watching the kids' reactions after performances.
“The musical has an important message about embracing what makes you unique, and it feels really special to be able to pass that on to a younger generation,” Glasgow says.
Doug LoPachin, originally from Waukegan, stars in the show as Santa.
While the show is in Chicago, Glasgow can't wait to return to Naperville to visit with family and neighbors.
“They are all so excited that 'Rudolph' will be back in Chicago,” she says. “It's a wonderful way to reunite with loved ones at such a magical time of the year.”
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical”
Where: The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago, (312) 462-6300 or
Showtimes: 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17; 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18; 10:30 a.m. and 1:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19; and 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20
Tickets: $35-$125