A Review
For the first time in the Playhouse’s 60-year history, an entire show run was completely sold out before it even opened.
In fact, it sold out weeks before opening.
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical” opened at Cumberland County Playhouse’s Adventure Theater on Nov. 21, to a full Christmastown house, ready for the magic of the season to begin.
Many are familiar with the classic animated TV special that began airing in 1964. The story is based on the 1949 song “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” that Johnny Marks wrote based on the poem of the same name written in 1939 by Robert L. May, Marks’ brother in law.
The musical follows the story of Rudolph, the Donners’ son born with a unique nose in a place where different was not celebrated. He and the other fawns in Christmastown were expected to learn to fly as their parents did and compete in the reindeer games for a chance to join the Santa’s team of reindeer and pull the sleigh.
At the same time, Hermey the elf was also born different from all the other elves and wanted to do more with his life than make toys. Instead, he wanted to be a dentist.
As they were treated, so they became. The misfits, Rudolph and Hermey, team up and go on an adventure of independence and meet some new friends, like Yukon Cornelius and everyone on the Island of Misfit Toys. Back in Christmastown, Santa is concerned and the Donners and Clarice set out to find Rudolph, but are met with a formidable foe, an abominable snow monster known as the Bumble. With the help of Rudolph, Hermey and Yukon Cornelius, the Bumble is wrangled, amends are made, differences are appreciated, and Christmas is saved.
Though, unlike the TV special, Harli Cooper Graham has managed to syphon out the slow storytelling of the TV special in her directing debut. Instead, the Playhouse’s musical production of “Rudolph” moves at a terrific pace, with music, song and dance, and is able to keep even the youngest of audience members engaged.
The large cast of 45 members are divided into a double cast, silver cast and gold cast. For the purpose of this review, the silver cast performed. But, with substitutions made members of both strong casts, ticketholders will likely get to see several faces from each cast in any given show, both equitable in their talent, performance and stage presence.
Truly, it doesn’t matter how old or young you are, this show is entertaining, humorous, and incredibly well done. Simply put, it is a good, easy watch. The entire cast and crew deserve recognition for this incredibly fun production. But in the interest of brevity, this review will mention just a precious few that were seen and notable.
Sam the snowman and narrator of the story was performed by Sarah Kate Norris (gold cast, Anthony Noga). The costume was absolutely unmistakable for the part (snaps for the costume shop) and added so much to the snow — I mean, show.
Her voice rang out like the chiming of the Christmas bells as she guided storyline and especially when she sang “Holly Jolly Christmas” and “Silver and Gold.” It just wouldn’t be Christmas without them.
Speaking of “Silver and Gold,” the dancers for this song were breathtakingly beautiful as they implemented the choreography by Caitlin Schaub. They may not have had vocal lines, but they spoke volumes with their dancing.
Sometimes big performances come in small packages and Harper Hadden (gold cast, Brielle Hall) as Boss Elf is one of them. She took on the mantle of leadership and brought the supporting role to memorable heights as the manager of Santa’s workshop.
Breanna Sias took the audience’s heart when she performed so beautifully as Rudolph’s love interest, Clarice (gold cast, Ollie Fugere). When Sias sang “There’s Always Tomorrow,” it was so tender and genuine, the house was hushed to drink in her every note.
Hermey, played by Zoey Detwiler (gold cast, Vesper McNellis), was spot on with her voice imitation and execution, paying homage to the elf on the original TV special.
And, finally, Yukon Cornelius is performed by Carson Brown throughout the entire run and is definitely a crowd favorite. From his character to his costume, Brown is unforgettable in his delivery.
Though the show is sold out, as Clarice sings, “There’s always tomorrow for dreams to come true.” And if your wish is to see “Rudolph,” you may very well be able to make that dream come true by calling the box office at 931-484-5000, and adding your name to the wait list should tickets come available.
As well, the Playhouse is considering adding two shows, one for each cast, potentially the Tuesday and Wednesday nights of the last week of the run.
If that wish comes true, having your name on the wait list will be even more prudent.
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” runs through Dec. 21. Call the box office at 931-484-5000 or visit ccplayhouse.com for more show information and the upcoming 2026 season.