“Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” has been part of Natalie Holt MacDonald’s holidays for many years.
“It is an annual tradition for me. It’s so adorable. I love watching it every year, and I love being part of it onstage too,” said MacDonald, who has performed the role of Rudolph for five years.
The stage version, based on the 1964 claymation television show, comes to the Bell Auditorium at 2 p.m. Dec. 11.
MacDonald said the stage show features all of the characters people know and love from that show – the Bumble, Hermey the elf who wants to be a dentist, the misfit toys, Clarice, all the reindeer and of course, Santa Claus.
In her five years as Rudolph, MacDonald has performed the role in 45 different states.
“Being able to bring the Christmas spirit to people across the country, it’s incredible,” she said.
While children love the show, the young-at-heart also love it. Many of those who attend grew up watching it on television and want to share those simple holiday joys with their children and even grandchildren.
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“It’s for people of all ages,” said MacDonald. “I think one of the misconceptions is that it’s only a children’s show; however, because it’s been on for so many decades, grandparents and parents have a special place in their heart for Rudolph as well.”
Not only is the show magical for those in the audiences, but there’s a certain element of magic to her as a performer.
“A lot of times, the kids will bring their own flashing Rudolph noses, so I can see a sea of Rudolph noses in the audience, and they’re all oohing and ah-ing,” she said. “There’s always this low level of chatter that’s happening during the show.”
The show contains all the songs in the original television special, but there’s bonus material as well to make the performance a memorable one for audiences.
Tickets to “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” are $43-$59.50 for adults; $25 children’s tickets are available as well. For tickets visit aectix.com.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com
Enter to win tickets to see the show.
Calling all Rudolph The Red-Nose Reindeer lovers.
Show us your best Rudolph for a chance to win four tickets to see the Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer Musical at the Bell Auditorium Dec. 11.
Children 12 and younger are invited to draw, paint, use clay or any medium they can think of to create a Rudolph. Snap a photo along with the child’s name, city and age and email it (please make sure it’s jpeg and not a live photo from iphone) to charmain@theaugustapress.com. No purchase is necessary. The drawing will be random from all the entries received.
The deadline for receipt of pictures is Dec. 7 at 5 p.m. The four-pack is courtesy of The Augusta Press and the Augusta Entertainment Complex.
Photos of the submitted entries will be published on Dec. 11.
