If I had to sum up Center for Puppetry Arts' "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" in one sentence, I’d say: It’s worth every penny, plus parking is free.
The show is well done. There’s even a short post-performance education lesson on puppets and the art and technique of puppetry.
It’s timed just right. Not too long, but just long enough. A little more than an hour from start to finish.
The story line follows the classic presentation of the most popular reindeer of all. It’s done in what I’d describe as the same old-school fashion that most of us remember of Rudolph. There’s no attempts to add useless twists or lavish technical tricks. Who needs that anyway when all you really want is Rudolph and the other reindeer?
Except for a little trepidation over the abominable snow monster (more on that later), my little one gave it two thumbs up and was glued to the show the entire time.
And did I say parking is free.
I took my daughter to a 2 p.m. Saturday show. If I’ve learned anything as a parent, it's that making sure my kid has time for a snack and a nap beforehand will go a long way when doing anything that requires being seated for more than 15 minutes. She’s 4. The center is not a place for taking food or naps.
The show times for Rudolph vary. There’s also a noon show on Saturdays and during the week there are morning and afternoon shows.
The first year I took my daughter to the performance I had no idea what to expect. While the name itself clearly suggests puppetry, I’d never been to the center before so it somehow went over my head that it would be performed with live puppets. I know, I know, what else would I expect right? Well, it was one of those 'duh' moments we parents sometimes have when we think we know it all.
Yes, it’s a show with live puppets, but not just any puppets. If you’ve never been to the Center for Puppetry Arts prepare yourself to be wowed. First, the simplicity of it all is captivating. Second, the singing and vocals — done by the puppetry cast — are just about perfect. And, lastly, the execution of the puppetry and the animation and scenery used to tell the story are all near unison.
When you arrive, your little one (s) will get a chance to take a picture with one of the puppets. In our case it was cute little reindeer Clarice, Rudolph’s, shall I say, love interest. And while you’re there, for a separate fee, you can visit the center’s museum or create-a-puppet workshop. My daughter got a chance to make her own puppet snow monster after the show. We both left peeling glue off our hands.
But enough about that.
You can find out all of those nitty-gritty details at www.puppet.org/about/faq/.
I’m sure what you really want to know is more about the performance.
The show is performed at the center’s Mainstage Theater. Everything is done by six puppeteers. The version you’ll see was adapted by Jon Ludwig and is directed by Tim Sweeney, based on the timeless 1964 animated television special.
As I said earlier, it was a hit for my little one and I’d say I didn’t see any unengaged children there. Except for maybe those who looked to be under age 4. I saw a few squirmy look-to-be 2-year-olds. NOTE: The show is advertised for age 4 and up. And that’s fair when you think about the story, understanding the meaning behind it and, oh yeah, the abominable snow monster. My daughter did cover her eyes like she was watching a grown-up horror film whenever he showed up.
From my point of view, the snow monster actually is a pretty fascinating part of the show. It appears as a life-size puppet.
The center seating is good whether you’re down close to the stage or not; it’s a quaint place with theater-row style seating (not individual seats). There’s room to move in case your kid wants to dance or needs to squirm. There appeared to be only one row, the very front row, with view obstruction but a sign warns guests of that. I even saw that one row had been reserved for a birthday party (a good idea to check out if you’re interested. Complete with a birthday shout-out for the little prince or princess.)
Be prepared to laugh and tear up a little the same way you did watching it on television. We all have a soft spot in our heart for Rudolph. And don’t forget about the misfit toys. The center’s presentation of the misfit toys is a great part of the show as well.
Honestly, I can’t think of any downside to the performance, no kidding. It’s a great family outing and I’d see it again this season but I’d be sure to let my daughter take a friend along next time. Now I just need to teach my daughter the lyrics to theme song, shame on me for not doing that already. She looked at me in amazement when she realized I knew the words and she didn’t.
I can assure you that after one visit, seeing Rudolph at the Center for Puppetry Arts will become an annual tradition for you and the kids. And even if they never change anything about the show, it seems there’s something new to look forward to each year.
"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" is playing through Dec. 31 at the Center for Puppetry Arts, located in Midtown at the corner of Spring and 18th Street and only a short walk from Arts Center MARTA. I'd suggest seeing it before Christmas but it's a timeless performance that's good before or after the holiday. Check www.puppet.org for complete times and days and pricing. Tickets can be purchased online or in person. There are no shows Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day or New Year's Day
And did I mention, parking (though limited) is free. Get there early and enjoy the show. That’s my story!
That's My Story is written by AJC managing editor Monica Richardson. Read more at https://www.facebook.com/MonicaRichardsonAJC/.
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