Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical

November 20 – December 27, 2026

Based on the animated television special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” adapted from the story by Robert L. May and the song by Johnny Marks. Music and Lyrics by Johnny Marks. Script Adaptation by Robert Penola. Originally produced, directed, and conceived by Jeff Frank and First Stage. Arrangements by Timothy Splain. Orchestrations by William C. White.

A holiday story that soars!

Rudolph is flying back onto our stage for the holiday season! With his shiny nose, Rudolph doesn’t feel like he belongs in Christmastown and sets off to find a place that accepts him. Along his journey he encounters fellow misfits, only to realize that home is where he has belonged all along. When a storm threatens Santa’s sleigh from taking off, it’s up to Rudolph to save Christmas and change his story!

Based on the classic television special, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is filled with classic songs, joyful humor, and heartwarming acts of bravery! Join us this holiday season to watch as Rudolph discovers that sometimes being a ‘misfit’ is the most magical thing of all!

Recommended for: All Ages

Location: Mainstage Theatre
Show Run Time: 75 Minutes with a 15 minute intermission
Resource Guide: Coming soon!

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and all related elements © and TM under license to Character Arts, LLC.

Show Calendar

Single Ticket Prices

  • Ages 2-17: $26
  • Ages 60+: $28
  • Adults: $30
  • Lap pass age 3 and under: $5

*All listed pricing includes processing fees.

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Accessibility

We believe that every individual should be able to access the joy, wonder, and benefits of participation in the theatre arts.

Videos

Learn more about the show

Photos

by Amy Rondeau Photography

From our 2024 production

The Cast

Check back closer to Opening Night for a complete list!

The Creative Team

  • AUTHOR – Robert May
  • MUSIC & LYRICS – Johnny Marks
  • PLAYWRIGHT – Robert Penola
  • DIRECTOR – Sandy Boren-Barrett

Check back closer to Opening Night for a complete list!

Creative Team Bios

Sandy Boren-Barrett
Sandy Boren-Barrett
Director

Sandy Boren-Barrett – Sandy has been with Stages Theatre Company (STC) since 1990, allowing her to pursue her passion for theatre production and education, along with community building theatre serving young audiences. During her time in leadership STC has been awarded National recognition with the 2017 Harold Oaks Award for Innovative Contributions to the Field of Theatre for Young Audiences, as well as the 2018 – 50/50 Applause Award for promoting gender equity with playwrights. STC’s 2019-2020 season selection was highlighted in TYA Today Magazine as an example of “a promising increase in representation specifically in works that feature the stories of contemporary young people of color”. Sandy led an international performance tour and artistic exchange with “the egg Theatre, the Young Peoples Theatre of Theatre Royal” in Bath England. Collaboration is at the core of her work, and as an accomplished director has directed over 75 productions at STC which include many new works, dance-inspired productions, and world premieres. She directed the local premier, mainstage production of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, the musical which remains the highest attended production at Stages Theatre Company. Sandy remains on the Executive Committee, as former chair of Minnesota Citizens for the Arts (MCA) and worked with Racially Conscious Collaboration (RCC) to gain her certification in racial equity organizational leadership.

Sarah Hohenstein Burk
Sarah Hohenstein Burk
Music Director

Sarah Hohenstein Burk is a performer and recording artist on keyboard, violin, vocals and percussion, Sarah Hohenstein Burk has toured the U.S., Europe and the Middle East with a variety of ensembles and theatre troupes. Ongoing endeavors include directing and performing with her jazz trio, as well as dates with various jazz, big band, R&B, gospel, classical chamber, international dance and variety ensembles. She has played the roles of music director, conductor, composer, instrumentalist and arranger in countless theatre productions and is actively involved in the development and production of new works at Stages Theatre Company, the History Theatre, Theater Latté Da and Green T Productions.

Krysti Wiita Phillips
Krysti Wiita Phillips
Choreographer

Krysti Wiita Phillips loves being back with the Stages Theatre Company Family! After working alongside Michael Matthew Ferrell, she is honored to step into the choreographer position. She has worked on Stage’s Tuck Everlasting, Elf the Musical, Jr. (2021 & 2019), Mary Poppins, and Beauty & the Beast. Krysti has also worked at many theatres around the twin cities including Theatre Latte Da, Children’s Theatre Company, Artistry, Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, Chanhassen Dinner Theaters, Duluth Playhouse, GREAT Theatre, and Eagan Community Theater. She has also had the joy of working with Hennepin Theatre Trust’s SpotLight Awards and high schools around the area. Krysti is extremely grateful to her husband and daughter, Jory and Delaney, and her family for all of their love and support.

Robert May
Robert May
Author

Robert May – Robert was born on July 27, 1905 in Indiantown, Illinois, USA. He was a writer, known for Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Movie (1998), Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (2025).

Johnny Marks
Johnny Marks
Music and Lyrics

Johnny Marks – Dubbed “Mr. Christmas of the music world,” songwriter and composer Johnny Marks, (1909–1985) brought the world such yuletide favorites as “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Holly Jolly Christmas,” “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” and “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear.”1 But, most notable was a little ditty called “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”

Robert Penola
Robert Penola
Playwright

Robert Penola – Robert is an award-winning playwright, lyricist, and theatre maker with more than 25 years in the entertainment industry. After touring internationally as a performer, he trained as a lyricist at the prestigious BMI Lehman-Engel Musical Theatre Workshop in New York. He has written numerous stage adaptations of children’s stories and created productions for theatres, cruise lines, and theme parks, including the stage musical adaptation of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

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