The Most Famous Reindeer of All Returns to First Stage in its 2024-25 Season

MILWAUKEE —First Stage — one of the nation’s leading theaters for young people and families — invites you home for the holidays with its production of RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER™: THE MUSICAL. Join Rudolph and friends as they come to life in an adventure that reminds us what makes you different can be what makes you special!

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER™: THE MUSICAL runs Nov. 29 through Dec. 29, 2024, at the Marcus Performing Arts Center’s Todd Wehr Theater. Tickets are available now on FirstStage.org.

“Sixty years ago, Rudolph flew onto TV screens across the nation and into our hearts forever,” said Jeff Frank, Artistic Director at First Stage. “We are honored to bring Rudolph and friends back to our stage this holiday season as they remind the world that no one should have to worry about covering up who they are to seek acceptance.”

In regards to First Stage, Frank shared the organization is “proud to be part of Rudolph’s legacy, having brought this holiday classic to life with our world premiere production in 2012. Since then, our show has inspired productions nationwide — but it all began right here in Milwaukee, where the magic first took the stage. Welcome home, Rudolph, Hermey, and the rest of the gang!”

From the unforgettable music of Johnny Marks to thrilling encounters with the Bumble, from the lovable Island of Misfit Toys to the laughter sparked by Yukon Cornelius — this heartwarming production brings everyone’s favorite holiday characters to life. Gather your loved ones and make this season unforgettable by coming home for the holidays with First Stage!

Acclaimed as “…packed full of holiday magic and family fun” by the Shepherd Express, this wonderful holiday tradition speaks to the misfit in all of us!

The show runs approximately 75 minutes, including a brief intermission. Recommended for families with young people ages 3-12 and theater lovers of all ages. The Pay What You Choose Performance is Friday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m., and the Sign Language Interpreted Performance is Sunday, Dec. 22, at 3:30 p.m.

Creative Team

Director … Jeff Frank

Music Director … Tim Rebers

Choreographer … Ami Majeskie

Scenic / Costume / Puppet Designer … Brandon Kirkham

Lighting Designer … Jason Fassl, USA

Assistant Lighting Designer … Jessica Baker

Sound Designer … Matt Whitmore

Production Stage Manager … Kelly L. Schwartz*

Assistant Stage Manager … Aminah Rockett

Second Assistant Stage Manager … Vivian Madson

Adult Performers

Coach Comet/Yukon … Zach Woods*

Boss Elf / Charlie in the Box / Snoken … J.T. Backes*

Sam the Snowman … James Carrington*

Santa Claus / Ensemble … David Flores

Mrs. Claus / Snoken … Karen Estrada*

Mrs. Donner / Snoken … Jamie Mercado

Donner / Snoken … Tim Rebers

Lead Snoken / Bumble / Moonracer … Tim Linn

Understudy: Coach Comet / Yukon … Logan Milway

Understudy: Boss Elf Track … Morgan Gates

Understudy: Santa/Donner Track … Aidan Black

Understudy: Mrs. Donner / Mrs. Claus Track … Caitlyn Nettesheim

Understudy: Lead Snoken / Bumble / Moonracer … Roc Bauman

Understudy: Sam the Snowman … Chris Orth

Young Performers

Silver Cast

Rudolph … Gwen Madson, Milwaukee

Hermey … Penny Whitmore, Milwaukee

Clarice … Kara DeGroot, Menomonee Falls

Fireball / Snoken 7 … Blue Madson, Milwaukee

Elf 1 … Arkadius Yanovskiy, Milwaukee

Elf 2 / Aviator Elf … Alice Nguyen, Milwaukee

Elf 3 … Will Perkins, Shorewood

Elf 4 … Harlowe Cook, Waukesha

Elf 5 … Charlotte Townsend, Mequon

Elf 6 … Violet Marty, Jefferson

Elf 7 … Dayeliz Richarson, Milwaukee

Tall Elf / Ostrich Cowboy / Snoken … Kian Sheldon, Muskego

Dolly / Snoken 1 … Evie Maassen, Elm Grove

Spotted Elephant / Snoken 3 … Izzabella Yanovskiy, Milwaukee

Birdfish / Snoken 4 … Robin Nordstrom, Menomonee Falls

Train / Snoken 5 … Marlow Kuhnen-Grooms, Shorewood

Plane / Snoken 2 … Sofia Kubacki, Milwaukee

Young Doe / Snoken 6 … Estelle Brown, Wauwatosa

Young Buck 1 / Snoken 7 … Jetziel Soler, Milwaukee

Young Buck 2 / Snoken 8 … Cece Golbuff, Whitefish Bay

Young Performers

Gold Cast

Rudolph … Silvia Stoeger, Milwaukee

Hermey … Maryn Davis, New Berlin

Clarice … Amelia Sajdak, Wauwatosa

Fireball / Snoken 7 … Collin Wiese, Wauwatosa

Elf 1 … Liam Owens Meyer, Wauwatosa

Elf 2 / Aviator Elf … Valentina Vega, Milwaukee

Elf 3 … Bennett Schoonover, Muskego

Elf 4 … Elise Fischer, Whitefish Bay

Elf 5 … Viviana Vega, Milwaukee

Elf 6 … Quinn Gersch, Whitefish Bay

Elf 7 … Brianna Donahue, Whitefish Bay

Tall Elf / Ostrich Cowboy / Snoken … Grant Schoonover, Muskego

Dolly / Snoken 1 … Abbie Cashman, Shorewood

Spotted Elephant / Snoken 3 … Mia Raines, Whitefish Bay

Birdfish / Snoken 4 … Harper Smith, Muskego

Train / Snoken 5 … Indy Elliott, Franklin

Plane / Snoken 2 … Elena Rana, Grafton

Young Doe / Snoken 6 … Cecily Tobiczyk, Fox Point

Young Buck 1 / Snoken 7 … Mason Litzsey, Milwaukee

Young Buck 2 / Snoken 8 … Harlow Tobiczy, Fox Point

*Appearing through an Agreement between First Stage and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States

Don’t miss out on the rest of the season productions coming soon! Find tickets and additional information at www.firststage.org/2024-2025-Season.

• Dec. 6 – 25 THE TEMPEST

• Jan. 18 – Feb. 16 THE DINOSAUR PLAY

• Jan. 31 – Feb. 16 EMILY SONG AND THE QUEEN OF THE NIGHT

• March 8 – April 6 DISNEY & PIXAR’S FINDING NEMO

• March 28 – April 13 RIDE THE CYCLONE: HIGH SCHOOL EDITION

• May 2 – 18 ESPERANZA RISING

For additional information about the 2024-2025 season and to order tickets, please go to firststage.org or call (414) 267-2961.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.