Carry on your family tradition with ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ live onstage

In the land before DVRs, gathering around the television to watch classic specials like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Frosty the Snowman” and “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” was a family tradition.  Young and old would stop what they were doing to catch these “state-of-the-art” animated stories that taught lessons of friendship, hope and holiday cheer.

Nowadays, kids use video games, high-def TVs and virtual reality headsets to experience graphics like we never imagined. So how does a parent help their children experience the same joy of the season that they felt when they were young?  Mix something old with something new.

The beloved TV classic “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season. You can see all of your favorite characters from the special including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life in “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” It’s an adventure that teaches your child that what makes you different can be what makes you special. This wonderful holiday tradition will speak to the misfit in all of us.

Projections, costumes and characters are faithfully brought to the stage against a backdrop of nostalgic set designs. The 12-foot-plus-tall Abominable Snow Monster is jaw-dropping. The cast brings high energy to classic songs and dialogue, while irresistible and lovable puppets highlight the charming “roughness” from the television show’s stop-motion effects.

The story tells the tale of a young Rudolph who, because of the appearance of his bright, shining nose, is excluded from the Reindeer Games. He flees Christmastown and meets up with new friends Hermey the Elf and Yukon Cornelius. After finding The Island of Misfit Toys, Rudolph journeys home, where a snowstorm of epic proportions is threatening Christmas. Can Rudolph rescue his family and friends and help Santa save the holiday?

The “most famous reindeer of all” from the longest running and highest rated holiday television special will take the stage at The Palace Theatre in Greensburg at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 28. Tickets are $20, $27, $35 and $42 by contacting The Palace Theatre Box Office at 724-836-8000 or visiting www.thepalacetheatre.org. The Palace Theatre is located at 21 W. Otterman Street, Greensburg, PA.