Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical NYC Reviews and Tickets

"Frozen in time...The production, directed and choreographed by Dana Solimando, has a game cast...Hardrive Productions has created marvelous reindeer costumes and an adorable puppet menagerie...The story’s themes—that bullying is cruel, and that those who are born different can make vital contributions—certainly remain timeless lessons for children. But you can’t help being disappointed that this show championing equality still denies it to half the population."
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"All of the songs from the TV special are here, smartly arranged...Director-choreographer Solimando gives the elves jerky jitterbug choreography that somewhat simulates the effect of stop-motion animation and the talented ensemble proves more than up to the task of performing it...Solimando delivers a fine imitation of the film, but she doesn't add much to make this event specifically theatrical. Her by-the-book staging gets the job done, but only that."
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"A delightful production that is guaranteed to please children and adults alike…This timeless treasure features a talented cast, fantastic staging, creative puppetry, elaborate costuming and dazzling special effects…This story celebrates values that we must embrace, the beauty of diversity and the importance of acceptance…Hurray for the marvelous cast that bring all your favorite characters from the North Pole to life…It's a real treat for you, your family, and friends."
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"From a design standpoint, the show is impressive. It's amazing to see how the behind-the-scenes artists successfully transform actors into animated characters...The performers are, overall, strong singers and dancers...Unfortunately, the accompaniment is prerecorded and even the exuberant cast isn't able to completely fill the cavernous space...While it's not a Broadway production, 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' is an enjoyable and decidedly less expensive seasonal outing for families."
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"An almost too faithful recreation of the stop-motion original. There's charm to spare, sure, in the mix of adult and young actors, and production designer Brandon Kirkham's replication of the TV special's well-known aesthetic is often quite clever. Yet while the actors sing live, the apparently canned music can make the show's pacing feel a bit artificial...This 'Rudolph' is undoubtedly a slick production...But adults may wish for some further variance from the annual free broadcast."
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"The all-around performance was very fun. The use of video and light projection allowed for snowy time-lapse effects that seamed scenes together very well...Some scenes may have benefited from more structured staging and choreography...'Rudolph' was a great way to kick off the holiday season with my family and I was pleased to see how the rest of the crowd – young and old – left smiling with us."
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"Every time I looked at my kids, they were smiling really big! It was so much fun to be able to bring my kids to see this musical in person. The cast did an awesome job with the props and engaging the audience. I would for sure bring my whole family back to see 'Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer'...One and a half hours was perfect for keeping my kids entertained...If you want to create a Christmas memory with your children, you need to check out this musical."
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