Production of 'Rudolph' to brighten up opera house stage

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Let the reindeer games begin with “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” this holiday season. Join Rudolph and his reindeer friends, along with Santa and Mrs. Claus for a live stage performance at the Lancaster Opera House.

The play is written by Kevin Oakes, produced by the Lancaster Opera House, and directed by Lancaster Opera House’s Technical Director Kirkland Gilmer. This timeless tale only comes to the opera house once a year and is a wonderful way to get into the spirit of Christmas with your family.

The performance dates for “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” are: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16; 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 17 and 18; 7 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Dec. 19, 20, and 21.

“It is the perfect Christmas show for the young at heart. I just love this show. It captures the whole spirit of Christmas and it is the time of the year that people are looking for family things to do. This is the pure, fun side of Christmas,” remarked Gilmer, who has directed the show for about the last seven years.

David Bondrow, the Lancaster Opera House artistic director, said Rudolph has become a holiday tradition for many families. It is also a very interactive show where children get to learn the “Reindeer Stomp,” help the elves with the presents, as well as sing and dance throughout the show.

“There are new generations of children and past generations that continue to want to see it. It is a great introduction to theater for kids,” remarked Lancaster Opera House Executive Director David Fillenwarth.

This year’s cast includes: Dan Barone, Mary Barrett, Alec Blunt, Maria Droz, Krissy Golab, Zach Haumiester, Elaine Heckler, Courtney Hoerner, Jim Kaney, Melissa Kate, Sean Murphy, Jamie Nablo, Bill Steffan, Don Suarez, Katie Vantressca, and Darren Wojicki.

Heckler, who is also the costume designer for Rudolph and the front of the house manager for the opera house, is playing Mrs. Claus for the fourth time in a row. In her second year, she had brought a new flair to the production as she personalized the reindeer’s costumes, such as forming Cupid’s antlers into a heart.

“The first time we did Rudolph we just had plain, brown reindeer costumes. These reindeers have personalities, I thought,” remarked Heckler.

Last year, she changed all the elves costumes and this year the reindeer costumes will be refreshed, said Bondrow.

“The show is the best ever. I love the interaction with the children. It is surprising how many of them want to talk to Mrs. Claus and not Santa. I am shocked,” commented Heckler. “There is nothing more magical than seeing a little kid look up at you like your Mrs. Claus.”

Heckler said they have a recurring cast and they are all excited once again to perform the show. Also, some of the cast members, who have moved away, come home just to do this show.

“The cast has become almost like a little family. The cast loves doing it and there is actually a waiting list to perform in this show. People see how much fun it is and they want to be involved,” said Heckler.

Holiday cut out cookies from Chrusciki Bakery will be sold during the performance and at the end of the show, the cast will meet and greet with children, but due to Santa’s extremely busy schedule this time of year he will have to leave after the show.

“This show is for anyone who believes in the spirit of Christmas,” commented Gilmer.

Tickets are $16 for adults and seniors and $13 for children 12 and under. The Lancaster Opera House Box Office is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and one hour before curtain on show nights. The Lancaster Opera House is located on the second floor of the Lancaster Town Hall, 21 Central Ave., Lancaster. Tickets can also be purchased by calling 683-1776 or on the Web at www.LancOpera.org.