‘Rudolph’ flying in for 2 nights in Waterbury

WATERBURY — The “most famous reindeer of all” from the longest running and highest rated holiday television special will fly into the Palace Theater, Friday and Saturday, Nov 30-Dec. 1 in “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical”

In response to patron requests, the Dec. 1 matinee at 1 p.m. will be a sensory friendly performance and is open to anyone.

The North American tour soars coast to coast to more than 40 cities this holiday season. The world’s most famous reindeer and a holly jolly cast of iconic characters including Hermey the Elf, Yukon Cornelius and the Abominable Snow Monster will help Santa save Christmas.

Projections, costumes and characters are faithfully brought to the stage against a backdrop of nostalgic set designs. The 12-foot-plustall Abominable Snow Monster is jaw-dropping. The cast brings high energy to classic songs and dialogue, while irresistible and loveable puppets highlight the charming “roughness” from the television show’s stopmotion effects.

For the “sensory friendly” performance on Dec. 1, the production will be modified to accommodate individuals with sensory-input disorders, including autism spectrum, anxiety, and a range of cognitive abilities. At this performance, guests will notice relaxed “house rules” – people may need to get up, move around, and leave the theatre during the performance. There is no expectation that the audience will be completely quiet during the performance. Palace volunteers will be available throughout the performance to help patrons with questions.

A Quiet Room will be available with sensory friendly toys for anyone who needs a break from the performance. The goal is to create an environment where people with autism or sensory needs, along with their families, can enjoy coming to the theatre together and will feel comfortable, supported and free to be themselves.

The script of “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer: the Musical” will not change, but some of the technical elements will be softened to accommodate sensitive ears and eyes. Lights in the audience will be remain lit at a dim level during the entire show to allow safe movement in and out of the theatre. Haze will be reduced and strobe lights will be removed from the production. Abrupt and loud sound effects will be lowered, though some audience members might prefer to use earplugs or headphones. There will be a signal to the audience to warn them that a potentially jarring moment is about to happen, so that caregivers can be ready to help those with sensory sensitivities.

The story is particularly relevant today as it tells the tale of a young Rudolph who, because of the appearance of his bright, shining nose, is excluded from the Reindeer Games. He flees Christmastown and meets up with new friends, Hermey the Elf and Yukon Cornelius. After finding The Island of Misfit Toys, Rudolph journeys home, where a snowstorm of epic proportions is threatening Christmas. Can Rudolph rescue his family and friends and help Santa save the holiday?

Rudolph’s partnership with PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center continues this year. The show offers a free tool kit to teachers that leverages the powerful messages from the Rudolph story to teach important character values. In addition, a portion of proceeds from venue sales of the book, T.E.A.M. Rudolph and the Reindeer Games, will be donated to PACER.

For tickets visit www.palacetheaterct.org, the Box Office 100 East Main Street or call 203-346-2000. Learn more at www.rudolphthemusical.com.

Contributed photo Performances of “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” will be performed at the Palace Theater in Waterbury on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.