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‘Rudolph’ gets a shiny stage makeover

By Diana Lasko dlasko@heraldstandard.Com 4 min read
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Santa, Mrs. and all the characters of the claymation holiday special 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer the Musical' comes to life on stage 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. shows Dec. 22-27 (except Dec. 25) at Heinz Hall, Pittsburgh. Admission: $26-$62. Tickets: 412-492-4900 or trustarts.org.

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Wesley Edwards

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Hermey, Boss Elf and all the characters of the claymation holiday special 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer the Musical' comes to life on stage 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. shows Dec. 22-27 (except Dec. 25) at Heinz Hall, Pittsburgh. Admission: $26-$62. Tickets: 412-492-4900 or trustarts.org

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Hermey the Elf, Yukon Cornelius and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer in the stage musical at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh.

The claymation holiday classic tale of an outcast reindeer, his misfit friends and Santa’s Christmas journey, comes to life on stage in “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: the Musical.”

Wesley Edwards plays Hermey, the Elf who really wants to be a dentist. “This role has been so much fun. Really a dream come true. The parts are so iconic. You get to bring these two-dimensional animated characters to life. It’s a new experience for me, just building on the iconic Hermey that everyone knows and putting him on the stage,” said Edwards.

The story 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, Yukon Cornelius and the Abominable Snow Monster, along with 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?

‘Rudolph the Musical’ is faithful to the original show and is intended to transport the audience into the 1964 claymation holiday classic. 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.

“It’s so fun seeing all the costumes, and the wigs, and the big puppets. When you’re on stage in that world, you feel like you’re in the TV special,” Edwards said. “The show is meant for kids. It’s meant for adults. It’s meant for all generations. Reindeers flying over the audience, snowmen and elves on stage. Every generation will love ‘Rudolph.’ It really bridges generation gaps.”

The 2009 Point Park University graduate is no stranger to the Pittsburgh stage having performed with the CLO, North Shore Music Theater, Mountain Playhouse, Pittsburgh Opera, Derby Dinner Playhouse and many more. Favorite roles include Britt Craig in “Parade,” Dick Wilkins in “A Christmas Carol,” Mistoffelees in “Cats” and Chachi Arcola in “Happy Days.”

“When I saw Pittsburgh was on the list of places we were going I was so excited. I love Pittsburgh so much I lived there for a year after I graduated to work in theater. It’s a great theater town,” said Edwards.

The ‘Burgh is also very similar to his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.

“Both Pittsburgh and Louisville are cool hip towns with strong arts communities and great theater districts,” he said.

PNC Broadway In Pittsburgh series and the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust will present ‘Rudolph’ on the Heinz Hall stage Dec. 22-27.

“I’m so happy to be performing there. It will be my first time on that legendary stage,” Edwards said.

‘Rudolph the Musical,’ now in its second year as a national holiday tour, has been well received by audiences. The message of ‘Rudolph’ has always been acceptance and the musical productions are tying in with the #ShineBright social media campaign, which is a celebration of uniqueness that will be championed by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center. Workshops, lesson plans and special performances will use the story as a platform for teaching important lessons about diversity and tolerance.

“It’s a great campaign and the message is to be yourself,” said Edwards. “Hermey always wanted to be a dentist rather than make toys and he was bullied for it. ‘Rudolph’ helps us understand we need to embrace our differences. Our differences make us great.”

Edwards embraces the opportunity to perform for young people.

“I love children’s theater the most. When you look out there and see their faces, it reminds me of when I fell in love with the theater.”

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