MHMT's production of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer does not disappoint, easily immersing all ages into the whimsical spirit of the beloved television special.--News Photo Anna Smith
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
Medicine Hat Musical Theatre’s production of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer captures all the charm of the original alongside the Playhouse’s personal touch.
The show follows the classic 1964 stop-motion television special very faithfully, from the script to the musical numbers, but brings with it an aura of warmth and enthusiasm that can only truly be captured by seeing a live performance.
Jason Thompson is standout in his role as Sam the Snowman, capturing the calm, almost leisurely method in which the character addresses the audience and moves throughout the story. As is Jasmyn Bojakli as Clarice; while the character has comparatively few lines compared to the exemplary leads, her body language perfectly captures the air of a young girl – or doe – in love.
Overall, the phenomenal acting and musical talent is what the community can continually expect from MHMT.
While the Playhouse is not often home to children’s shows, this proved they can and perhaps should be a welcome addition to the roster, as the actors put their all into the shorter performance.
The set for Rudolph is simple, but incredibly effective, largely utilizing a projection screen and a series of painted pyramids which rotate to be trees or pillars of ice depending on the needs of the scene. Costuming is also a highlight; discovering that Rudolph’s noise was in fact flashing during a more dimly lit scene was a surprise and delight, but the enjoyment of the bright colours and abundance of reindeer fuzz gave an overwhelming sense of almost childlike whimsy.
That sense of fun is perhaps the most important aspect of the show; there’s a strong sense that everyone involved in the production had fun making it happen, from the creation of the costumes and props to the deeply enviable job of Abominable Snow Monster actor Richard Grafton, who gets to roar at the other actors every time he’s on stage.
The show evokes a deep nostalgia for those who grew up on the television special, but does not do so to the detriment of the performance, making it a suitable way to celebrate Christmas regardless if the audience is already familiar with the finer details of the tale or not, though the latter group is likely mostly reserved for small children.
At only an hour long, there is no better way to introduce those children, or any friend with a passion for the season, to the story.
