Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer® and misfits land in Chicago!

First Stage announces an exciting partnership with Emerald CityTheatre and Broadway In Chicago to bring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer® to Chicago this holiday season.  Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer®, adapted from the Animated Television Special by Bob Penola with Orchestrations and Arrangements by Timothy Splain, plays from November 14 – December 29, 2013 at the Broadway Playhouse.

After unprecedented success and record-breaking ticket sales during First Stage’s 2012 holiday season, First Stage recognized the potential to bring the production to a larger market.  Emerald City Theatre’s relationship with Broadway In Chicago, one of the leading theatrical presenters in the nation, as well as their working history with First Stage, made the partnership a natural fit.

This ground-breaking collaboration marks the first time that First Stage will bring a full-scale production to a larger market.  “This is a great opportunity to introduce First Stage’s age-appropriate casting and professional-level theater to an entirely new audience,” said First Stage Managing Director Betsy Corry.  “First Stage artists will be involved in every step of the process, from casting to directing.  We want to ensure that the magic of First Stage’s production is successfully re-envisioned this year in collaboration with Emerald City,” continued Corry.

Young Performers Thomas Mazza and Darius Gaskin in Rudolph the
Red-Nosed Reindeer, 2012. Photo by Mark Frohna

First Stage Artistic Director Jeff Frank directs the holiday classic bringing First Stage’s unique brand of theater for young audiences to Chicago area families.  “We are thrilled to collaborate with First Stage Artistic Director Jeff Frank and his artists from First Stage,” said Emerald City Producing Artistic Director Ernie Nolan. “Jeff Frank’s enchanting, original adaptation is a feast for the eyes with heartwarming holiday cheer. I can't wait to add a little Emerald City magic to the recipe.  Together we promise Chicago audiences a great BIG toe-tapping musical that the whole family can savor.”


Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer® creative team includes: First Stage Artistic Director Jeff Frank (Director), Emerald City Producing Artistic Director Ernie Nolan (Choreographer and Associate Director); Timothy Splain (Music Director); First Stage artists Brandon Kirkham (Production Designer); Jason Fassl (Lighting Designer); and Matt Whitmore (Sound Designer) will comprise the rest of the creative team, each having worked on the First Stage’s production of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer®  last season.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer® is part of the Broadway In Chicago 2013 off season specials.  Group tickets for 10 or more are now on sale by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710.  Individual tickets for Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer® will go on sale at a later date.