YOUNG HARTLAND RESIDENTS APPEAR IN FIRST STAGE’S RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL

Alyssa Proell, Malia Westlake and Lily MacLean will perform in First
Stage's holiday production of RUDOLPH.

Three seventh grade students from Swallow School in Heartland – Alyssa Proell, Malia Westlake and Lily MacLean will perform in First Stage’s holiday show RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL playing at the Marcus Center’s Todd Wehr Theater November 28 – December 28, 2014. 

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL tells the tale of a young Rudolph who, because of the appearance of his bright, shining nose, is ousted from the reindeer games in Christmas-town. He flees town, meets up with new friends Hermey and Yukon, and a series of funny and endearing adventures ensue including a visit to The Island of Misfit Toys. Rudolph journeys home, where a snowstorm of epic proportions is threatening Christmas. Can Rudolph save his family and friends and help Santa save the holiday?

The story is so faithful to the original, that it practically transports audience members into the television special. The songs drive the plot while familiar and nostalgic set designs, costumes and characters are brought to stage. The cast brings new energy to the classic songs and dialogue, while puppets help showcase the charming “roughness” from the television show’s stop-motion effects.

Alyssa, Malia and Lily are will portray elves together in the play’s Jolly Cast. Young performer roles at First Stage are double cast, so check which cast is scheduled before you go!

RUDOLPH marks Alyssa Proell’s First Stage debut, but she’s no stranger to the stage. Alyssa has been performing since she was 5 years old and has many shows under her belt including Annie, Willy Wonka, Oklahoma, a Christmas Carol, The Little Mermaid Jr., The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and many more!  In addition to acting she enjoys singing, playing piano and ukulele, volleyball, skiing and robotics.

Malia Westlake enjoy’s the themes of individuality in the play. “Everyone is unique in their own ways, and I think this production really shows that.  It's ok to be different because differences are what makes us who we are.  This story is very touching, and reminds me that I shouldn't change who I am for others.  I should please myself and do what I was made to do!" Malia is excited to return to First Stage for this role. Her previous First Stage credits include SHREK THE MUSICAL; BIG, THE MUSICAL and CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. Malia has also performed in several community productions, recently took part in two independent films, plays piano and dances competitively.

Lily MacLean is thrilled to be part of one of her favorite Christmas stories, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™: the Musical this holiday season. "I love being part of a story I have known since I was a little girl. It feels wonderful to bring it to life in such an incredible way. Rudolph reminds us the things that make us different can be the same things that make us special." Lily made her First Stage debut as a kitten last season in Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat.

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL runs from November 28 – December 28, 2014.