Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
Closed 2h 0m
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
78

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

78%
(24 Ratings)
Positive
83%
Mixed
13%
Negative
4%
Members say
Delightful, Entertaining, Enchanting, Fluffy, Clever

About the Show

The Rankin/Bass TV classic soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season at the Theater at Madison Square Garden. A festive musical for all ages.

Read more Show less

Show-Score Member Reviews (24)

Sort by:
  • Default
  • Standing in our community
  • Highest first
  • Lowest first
  • Newest first
  • Oldest first
  • Only positive
  • Only negative
  • Only mixed
401 Reviews | 65 Followers
87
Delightful, Enchanting, Entertaining, Dated, Fluffy

See it if you are in a Christmas mood and want to see a different family show that you already know you will love if you've seen the TV version.

Don't see it if you hate Christmas. Or want to see HAMILTON. Read more

189 Reviews | 235 Followers
80
Entertaining, Family friendly

See it if You want to take young children to a show; the kids really enjoyed the show

Don't see it if You don't have kids who you want to take to a show

158 Reviews | 201 Followers
80
Parallels the plot and score of the beloved stop-animation holiday special of the same title

See it if I still look very much forward to the stop-animation Christmas specials every year so I am totally biased, but if you are a fan--you will ❤️

Don't see it if If you are expecting production value anywhere close to that of Radio City (also owned by MSG)-- you will be disappointed. Read more

216 Reviews | 223 Followers
80
Delightful, Enchanting, Entertaining, Refreshing, Great family entertainment; good for kids 2 and up

See it if you want wholesome family entertainment, are a kid at heart, love the magic of the holiday season, love the underdog saving the day.

Don't see it if you need a production that has more "meat," you do not like family-oriented or holiday-themed shows.

86 Reviews | 16 Followers
78
Classic, Cliched, Pleasant, Okay, Great acting

See it if you want to start your Holiday season. It's a good start.

Don't see it if you expect something new.

318 Reviews | 61 Followers
78
Dated, Great staging, Fluffy

See it if You love good ol' family entertainment, with no hidden subtext... Visuals are nice... I was happy to take my special needs brother along....

Don't see it if You hate children theatre (it's really for only the really young or really old) and hate musicals...

224 Reviews | 42 Followers
77
Entertaining

See it if Your a child at heart and get a decent discount. Good family 90 minute cute show.

Don't see it if Not for average theatregoer. Family show for children 3 and up. A simple tale that isn't as slick as Radio City by any means.

283 Reviews | 77 Followers
75
Enchanting, Great staging, Fluffy, Ambitious, Entertaining

See it if you are fan of the cartoon as a kid or you are kid..

Don't see it if you didn't like the cartoon, and you are Scrooge.

Critic Reviews (7)

The New York Times
December 8th, 2016

"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."
Read more

Theatermania
December 2nd, 2016

"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."
Read more

BroadwayWorld
December 3rd, 2016

"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."
Read more

M
December 9th, 2016

"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."
Read more

Time Out Chicago
November 24th, 2013
For a previous production

"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."
Read more

NY Theatre Guide
November 30th, 2015
For a previous production

"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."
Read more

Mom Does Reviews
November 30th, 2016
For a previous production

"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."
Read more