Santa, his reindeer and elves are on their way to the Roxy Theatre the next two weekends to see if someone can save Christmas from extremely foggy weather conditions.
This is the first time the Newton Theatre Company is putting on a production of “Rudolph The Red -Nosed Reindeer,” based on the animated television special and the stage production directed and conceived by Jeff Frank and First Stage with scenic/puppet by Brandon Kirkham.
“This is basically the same as the TV special we all grew up watching and loving,” said director Julie Rowzee. “It has the same songs that you’ve remembered on the TV special. This is based on that and the play that was developed from the road show. This is the first time that they’ve released that for high schools and community theater groups to perform.”
The play features the same characters you remember from the special. It is narrated by Sam the snowman played by Aaron Vega. You also have Santa and Mrs. Claus, who are played by Jim Savell and Jennifer Savell.
You also, of course, have the reindeer of the hour, Rudolph, played by Justus Vega who plays the older Rudolph (and part-time elf) and Treyton Harris who plays Baby Rudolph (and part-time elf, sled dog and a squirrel). Then you have Donner and Coach Comet being played by Lane Fulton. Heidi Armstrong plays the main role of Mrs. Donner along with an elf. Clarice is also played by Rachel Brand, who also plays an elf.
You have Hermey played by Jonathan Thorne. And Amanda Blackburn portrays Yukon Cornelius. And Bumble, a.k.a. the abominable snow monster, is played by the 6-foot-8 Marshall van Zijll in one of his roles.
Pierce Allen Gilber also plays the Charlie-in-the-Box from the island of misfit toys, an elf and Clarice’s Father.
Other cast members include Mandy Quinn (doll/elf/reindeer), Chaney Carlucci (spotted elephant/elf/reindeer), Macy James (Bird/Elf/Reindeer), Maddy Shinn (Cowboy/Elf/Reindeer), Emory James (Plane/Elf/Reindeer), Brynlee James (Train/Elf/Squirrel) and Mark Savell (Fireball/Elf).
Rowzee said many of the 20 cast members play multiple roles in the production, which creates a lot of costume changes.
“Many of these changes are quick for the cast,” Rowzee said. “They may play one role in one scene and a completely different role in the next. It makes it pretty active backstage.”
Also, the production crew has been busy having to create costumes for characters, especially the costume staff of Lynn Wagner, Rowzee and Blackburn.
“We’ve had to get creative with the costumes,” Rowzee said. “Many times, we would be able to rent costumes, but because this production is so new as it was only released a short time ago, there aren’t any costumes we can rent. So, we are doing to the best we can to create costumes for everyone.”
Grace Norman is the music director while Josh Mitchell is a musician. Greg Boggan is the stage manager. Audrey Pugh is a lighting technician. Colt Cleveland is the sound technician. Blackbur also is in charge of makeup.
Rowzee and Lucas Orndorff are on choreography. Hannah Dailey is running the spotlight. Props and set design was done by Thorne, Rowzee, Donna Hemphill, DeAnne Harris, Blackburn and James Boykin.
The showtimes will be at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturdays, Nov. 13 and 20, and at 2 p.m. on Sundays, Nov. 14 and 21.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children age 12 and under and may be purchased at both BankFirst and Dezignz by Nikki in Newton or reserved by calling 601-621-0033.
