Stage version of classic Rudolph TV special heads to Kennewick

Sarah Miller-Crews grew up watching the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer TV special.

The stop-motion animation classic evokes fond memories for her.

“When I think of the special, it makes me think of the holidays and spending time with my family,” she said.

Now, she’s part of the beloved tale herself. Miller-Crews stars as Rudolph in a musical stage version of the show.

Presented by Jam Theatricals, the North American tour stops Nov. 25 at the Toyota Center.

It’s part of the 2015-16 season of Broadway at the Windermere Theatre at the Kennewick facility.

Showtime is at 7 p.m. A limited number of $27 tickets are available through the box office. Upper and lower level seating starts at $37, floor seating is $49.50 and VIP seating is $62.

The musical production uses projections, costumes, puppets and the classic songs and dialogue to bring the 1964 special to life.

“We address all of the familiar story elements from the television special with a talented cast and puppeteers who help recreate the magic on stage,” said Bob Penola, a producing partner, in a statement.

Hermey the Elf, Yukon Cornelius and the Abominable Snow Monster all make appearances.

Just like in the TV special, Rudolph — an outcast because of his red shiny nose — makes friends, finds adventures and learns at least one important lesson: that being different isn’t a bad thing.

“One of the main messages is about friendship and celebrating our unique differences,” Miller-Crews said.

She grew up in Austin, Texas, honing her acting chops at a performing arts high school. She went on to study theater, film and TV at the University of California, Los Angeles, with an emphasis in musical theater. She graduated in 2014.

The Rudolph tour will have her on the road during much of this holiday season, but Miller-Crews said she’s OK with that.

“What is so great about this show, besides the fact that everyone who is working on it is phenomenal, is that it’s sort of impossible not to have fun while you’re doing it,” she told the Herald. “It’s such a fun show. The message behind the show makes it a joy perform.”

Tickets are available through www.ticketmaster.com, by calling 800-745-3000 and through the Toyota Center box office. Tickets purchased through the box office avoid service charges.

This story was originally published November 18, 2015 at 10:31 PM with the headline "Stage version of classic Rudolph TV special heads to Kennewick."