'Rudolph' dances in for three weekend shows

Rudolph is coming back to Libertyville.

Following the success of its premier production last year, Dance Academy of Libertyville will again present "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer" at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, and 1 and 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at Libertyville High School auditorium, 708 W. Park Ave.

The Terpsichore Dance Co., a performing group trained and housed at Dance Academy of Libertyville, will perform the holiday classic.

Featuring choreography by Isabele Melo Elefson, "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer" is based on the well-known holiday song. Shelley Grunert of Libertyville returns as the star reindeer, who at first lonely becomes loved and famous after guiding Santa through the fog while delivering gifts to children.

Grunert said it's great to play such a well-known holiday character because everyone knows the song and will understand the show even though not a word is spoken. The story features Santa, played by John Daley of Gurnee, as well as reindeer, elves and even toys and a mystical fog - all who dance.

"It's easy to pick up the story. You can tell through the dancing and the facial expressions what's going on," Grunert said.

The ballet also features additional holiday scenes choreographed by Elefson at a Christmas party and Santa's workshop to enhance the performance.

Kaitlyn Thoen of Round Lake personally enjoys taking part in her first Rudolph show as one of the reindeer. She adds all eight reindeer are not given the familiar names in the song. Joining her as reindeer are Laura Biernacki of Vernon Hills, Brenna Bradley of Libertyville, Amy Fitzsimmons of Vernon Hills, Audrey Johnson of Libertyville, Rose Meenaghan of Deerfield, Hannah Tippett of Round Lake and Sarah Wilson of Hawthorn Woods.

"You get to interact with the other reindeer," she said. "It is purely about having fun."

At the end of the show, the audience can meet the characters, get their autographs and take pictures with Santa. The public can bring cameras and take photos with Santa at no additional charge.

"That was my most fond memory was meeting the children and asking them what they liked about the show," Grunert said. "You could see they really enjoyed it."

The ballet also will feature professional guest artists Holly Pace, Heather Sherman, Tracy Thom and Erin Fitzpatrick, who are Dance Academy of Libertyville's faculty members.

Tickets cost $17. For information, call (847) 247-1327.