Classic, historic, and Charlie Brown for the holidays
12/6/2023
Hermey, Yukon and Rudolph in “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” appearing at Des Moines Performing Arts Dec. 21 for two shows. Photo credit: “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” production company
Like a present-laden tree during the holidays, this December is filled with a bounty of performance arts gifts. When we all likely need an escape from the hustle and bustle of our lives, central Iowa’s entertainment producers deliver escapes to delight, engage and thoroughly enjoy. Take advantage of the wealth of talent performing this season, as these are family-friendly and memory-making delights.
One of the iconic figures of the season is the ruby-nosed reindeer, Rudolph. The 1964 stop-motion TV special is a generational holiday anchor. This story with its radiant-schnozzed hero was created by Robert L. May in 1939 in a promotional booklet for Montgomery Ward department store. May’s brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, wrote the song in 1949, which Gene Autry recorded. That tune became the No. 2 best-selling chart topper, recorded by a range of artists, including Bing Crosby, Spike Jones and his City Slickers, The Cadillacs, Dean Martin, David Seville and the Chipmunks, Burl Ives, and the Temptations.
This famous story will appear through Des Moines Performing Arts. Producing Partner Bob Penola, who also adapted the script, recently shared some insights.
“The stage musical is based on the television special ‘Rudolph,’ and the song by Johnny Marks. Other Johnny Marks holiday songs are included in the musical. It is a live stage version of the classic special that has been beloved for nearly 60 years.
“We’ve lengthened the television special with some additional musical numbers, songs which appeared only as transitional instrumental music in the animated television show. Puppetry and some wonderful theatrical effects make for a thrilling live experience, which we believe captures all of the magic of the original right in front of your eyes. The story has always been about a character who doesn’t fit in because he’s different. Now more than ever, this story resonates — and Rudolph shows us that what makes you different also makes you special.”
When asked about the rewards of sharing this show with audiences, Penola added, “It’s been a joy to witness audiences across the country having a special holiday experience when attending the show — whether they be grandparents who remember viewing the special for the first time, or little ones barely 3 or 4 years old who are having their first-ever theatre experience.”
Des Moines Performing Arts is thrilled to finally have this show on their stage, as last year’s planned show was cancelled due to “snowmageddon.”
Classics, Cartoons, Cabaret, History, Premiere — stocking stuffing delights
The holiday season would be a mere specter of itself if these two shows weren’t available. Iowa Stage Theatre Company will present its holiday signature show, “A Christmas Carol.” This excellent adaptation draws returning audiences and new fans, and rightfully so. Jay Michael Jagim’s scenic design is magical and, this year, after delivering his Cloris Award-winning performances as Scrooge, Richard Maynard steps aside to let another veteran company member, John Earl Robinson, assume the mantle of everyone’s favorite curmudgeon-turned-saint. “The Nutcracker” is a must-experience for every child, and Ballet Des Moines’ production is a masterpiece introduction to this gem. Presented in the grandeur of Hoyt Sherman Place Theatre, this is an experience sure to resonate through every first-timer’s life — and, for those who have seen the ballet before.
The Des Moines Community Playhouse brings two different and very appealing shows to the stage this December. One of the world’s most beloved cartoon characters comes to life in “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” as the Kate Goldman Children’s Theatre delivers this holiday favorite. In the John Viars Theatre, the Playhouse will present “A Quiet Night: The Christmas Truce of 1914,” a story based on one of history’s most heart-touching war stories — when two enemies came together on a Christmas night. Out of the violence a silence, then a song. A German soldier steps into No Man’s Land singing “Stille Nacht.” Thus begins an extraordinary night of camaraderie, music and peace. A remarkable true story told in the words and songs of the men who lived it.
The innovative brain trust at Tallgrass Theatre Company created an irresistible musical immersion with their “Home for the Holidays Xmas Cabaret.” This instant classic holiday staple marks the return of the A Sisters and Friends, filling the performance hall with resounding sounds of the season. Smiles will abound, toes will be tapping and hearts will be filled with merriment during this short three-show run.
Add Ankeny Community Theatre’s world premiere show by John Claes, “A Gift for Rebecca,” and a tantalizing array of theatre experiences await patrons.
What price are memories? Priceless. Make them in a theatre near you. ♦
Overheard in the lobby
Ankeny Community Theatre
- Dec. 1-10. “A Gift for Rebecca”
Des Moines Community Playhouse
- Dec. 1-17. “All Is Calm”
- Dec. 2-17. “ Charlie Brown Christmas”
Iowa Stage Theatre Company
- Dec. 8-17. “A Christmas Carol”
Des Moines Performing Arts
- Dec. 12-17. “The Wiz”
Tallgrass Theatre Company
- Dec. 15-17. Home for the Holidays Xmas Cabaret
Des Moines Performing Arts
- Dec. 21 (two shows). “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”
- Dec. 22 – 23. Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Tallgrass Theatre Company
- Dec. 17. Broadway Karaoke
John Busbee is a creative project developer, critic, playwright, author, producer and media professional. He has produced his weekly show, The Culture Buzz, on KFMG since 2007.
