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Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

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

Developed by Character Arts Creations, LLC
Originally produced, directed and conceived by Jeff Frank and First Stage with scenic and puppet designs by Brandon Kirkham

Arrangements by Timothy Splain
Orchestrations by William C. White

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com.

The beloved TV classic, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," soars off-screen and onto the stage! Join Santa, Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph in this puppet-filled musical spectacular that speaks to the misfit in all of us. Have a “Holly Jolly Christmas” at The Rose!

  • Run Dates DEC 1 - 23, 2023
  • Duration 90 minutes + intermission
  • Members Receive Rose members receive DISCOUNTED tickets to this show!
  • Ticket Price $37 (main floor)
    $32 (balcony)

Show Sponsors

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Photo

Show Program

Cast & Credits

Cast

  • Sam – Renzellous Brown
  • Santa Claus – Patrick Wolfe
  • Mrs. Claus  – Faushia Weeden
  • Donner / Moonracer / US Santa Claus – Donovaughn Daniels
  • Mrs. Donner / Spotted Elephant / US Mrs. Claus – Charity Williams
  • Rudolph – DeVon Richards II
  • Clarice / Ostrich Cowboy – Sydney DeLong
  • Hermey – Jay Hayden
  • Boss Elf / US Yukon – Sue Gillespie Valker
  • Yukon Cornelius / Clarice’s Father – Karl Houser
  • Fireball / Plane / US Hermey – Sam Rhodes
  • Coach Comet / Charlie in the Box – Olivia Johnson
  • Bumble 1 / US Charlie – Ren Walther
  • Bumble 2 / US Donner/Moonracer – Elizabeth Peller
  • Bumble 3 / US Boss Elf – Breanna Mack
  • Reindeer / Train / US Sam – Brannon Evans
  • Reindeer / Birdfish – Munay Sin
  • Reindeer / Dolly / US Bumble – Claire Heuertz
  • Elf / Woodland Friend – Paisley Moore
  • Elf / Woodland Friend / US Rudolph – Ainsley Powell
  • Elf / Woodland Friend / US Clarice – Vivian Rase
  • Elf – Lucy Beutler
  • Elf / US Reindeer – Adele Coffey
  • Elf / US Reindeer – Lucy Pfannenstiel

Artistic & Production Credits

  • Director – Matt Gutschick
  • Music Director – Jerry Brabec
  • Choreographer – Sue Gillespie Valker
  • Stage Manager – Meghan Boucher
  • Assistant Stage Manager – Monica Moran
  • Misfit Puppet Design/Creation – What If Puppets*
  • Puppet/Movement Coordinator – Stephanie Jacobson
  • Scenic Designer – Seth Howard
  • Projection Designer – Brittany Merenda
  • Costume, Hair & Make-up Designer – Zach Kloppenborg
  • Lighting Designer – Matt Benes
  • Sound Designer/Sound Engineer – Sierra Smith
  • Run Crew – Kyra Fowler, Ron Leach, Grace Luis
  • Spot Op – Seth Lindsey, Ben Jordan
  • Director of Production – Sarah Buck
  • Technical Director – Jackson Curtright
  • Props Mistress – Devon Denn-Young
  • Production Technician – Ren Walther
  • Resident Lighting Designer & Lead Electrician – Matt Benes
  • Resident Sound Designer & Audio Engineer – Christy Hernandez
  • Resident Stage Manager – Meghan Boucher
  • Scenic Charge Artist – Trent Grooms
  • Costume & Makeup Director – Zach Kloppenborg
  • Costume Shop Manager – Katie Greves
  • Stage Management Apprentice – Erin McNeley-Phelps
  • Electrics/Audio Apprentice – Sierra Smith
  • Swing Techs – Aiden Carman
  • Drapers – Katie Greves, Zach Kloppenborg
  • Stitchers – Emma Buda, Katie Greves, Seana Holmes, Zach Kloppenborg
Renzellous Brown

Renzellous Brown

Sam -

Renzellous Brown is an interdisciplinary musical artist from Flint, MI. Their professional career began in 2016 with a non-profit performing arts orginization based in Southern California. After traveling throughout the United States and Japan in as a teaching artist, they completed their BA in Arts & Media management in Fremont, NE at Midland University in 2022.

Within their first year of moving to Omaha after graduating, Renz’s debuted as Crystal in Little Shop of Horrors at the Omaha Community Playhouse. They currently work with organizations such as Black & Pink National in-residence with Lydon House, Elevate Omaha as a member of the Grant-Making Board and a guest services representative with Steelhouse Omaha. Renz plans to commit their talents to the advancement of intersectional BIPOC folx alongside local creatives to cultivate inclusive communities and empower youth. In the holidays spirit, Renz hopes to generate joy and celebration amongst the audience every night of this production. Follow their future endeavors on all social platforms @ren_zealous. Happy Holidays!

Patrick Wolfe

Patrick Wolfe

Santa Claus -

Ho, ho, ho! Patrick is so excited to be back on the Rose stage with this wonderful cast and crew. It's been several years, so he's got some catching up to do! Offstage, Patrick can mostly be found near a ballfield extolling the virtues of a well timed bunt and the need for soft hands. He thanks you for coming today and hopes you enjoy the show!

Previous Credits:
• The Doll Maker's Gift - Zalushka

Faushia Weeden

Faushia Weeden

Mrs. Claus -

Donovaughn Daniels

Donovaughn Daniels

Donner / Moonracer / US Santa -

Donovaughn is happy to be a member of the rose family being both a teaching Artist and performer. He would like to thank his mom, his boyfriend Alan, and his best friend Allie for all of their continued love and support as he starts this exciting new journey.
Additionally he'd like to thank his 20k followers on tiktok

Previous Credits:
• Lord Pinkelton-Cinderella (Rose)
• Richard the Bartender-Beauty and the Beast (Rose)
• Sebastain-The Little Mermaid (Marian High)

Charity Williams

Charity Williams

Mrs. Donner / Spotted Elephant / US Mrs. Claus -

Charity is excited to be returning to The Rose for the second time! She is Nebraska’s Miss Congeniality 2023, a Dance Teacher, Actress, Model, and Content Creator. We can look forward to seeing Charity star in her upcoming film, Hestia’s Thanksgiving. Some of her recent theatre roles include: Uptown Soloist/ Shirelle in Beautiful at Omaha Community Playhouse, Silly girl in Beauty and the Beast at The Rose, Olivia in The Color Purple at Omaha Community Playhouse, Alice in Death by Design, and Rose in Meet Me in St Louis, both at Bellevue Little Theatre, as well as more. Recent films she’s acted in include: commercials for The Rose, Keep Omaha Beautiful, Zoey in the film F, and Willow in a recent Metro film titled Remnants. She has walked for Kansas City Fashion Week, and MJ Legacy Fashion Show where she was featured in The Daily Nebraskan to discuss her experience, plus she’s modeled for local brands around the area including Mechee, Slightly Fit, and Scooters. She hopes you can leave your troubles at the door, sit back, and get swept up in the magic of the show this Christmas season!

DeVon Richards II

DeVon Richards II

Rudolph -

DeVon is very excited to make his community acting debut in a production at The Rose Theater as Rudolph in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. He loves being an 11th-grader at Central High School. When he's not in school or on stage DeVon enjoys listening to music and playing video games. His recent credits include Patrick in Spongebob Squarepants the Musical and Uncle Henry/Guard in The Wizard of Oz.

Previous Credits:
• Orcus/Ronnie in She Kills Monsters
• Jesus/Dan Dad in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
• The Bullfrog in Honk Jr.

Sydney DeLong -

Sydney DeLong -

Clarice / Ostrich Cowboy -

Sydney is excited to be back on The Rose’s Mainstage for Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. She is a Sophomore at Papillion South and in her fourth year of Show Choir. Sydney has always loved singing and dancing, becoming a Rose Kid at age six, and quickly finding her passion for musicals; leading to roles including Mrs. Phelps, Matilda the Musical (Rose Brigade), Gertrude McFuzz, Seussical the Musical (Papillion Middle), and Fairy Godmother, Descendants the Musical (Rose Youth Productions). This is her fifth year in The Rose Brigade. You may have also seen her on the main stage in The Rose Theater’s productions of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Sydney would like to thank her family for their support and encouragement.

Jay Hayden

Jay Hayden

Hermey -

Jay Hayden (they/them) is ecstatic to spend this time at the North Pole! Jay is the Director of Teen Programming at The Rose — running the High School Internship, coordinating The Rose’s social-justice oriented programming, and teaching several teen classes year-round. Jay has previously been on The Rose stage in GIRAFFES CAN’T DANCE, DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS, HOWIE D: BACK IN THE DAY, and THE CAT IN THE HAT. Jay is also a co-conspirator with Old School Shakespeare Omaha, performing free, accessible Shakespeare around Omaha. With OSSO, Jay has performed in THE TEMPEST, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING and ROMEO & JULIET. They are a freelance Theatrical Gender Practitioner, and have presented on best practices for including transgender artists with the American Alliance of Theatre Education, TYA/USA, and the NYC Roundtable. Proud member of Ring of Keys, proud graduate of the University of Vermont. www.jay-hayden.com

Sue Gillespie Valker

Sue Gillespie Valker

Boss Elf / US Yukon -

Sue is thrilled to be back on The Rose stage. Other regional stage credits include Stinky Cheese Man (Ensemble), Penguin Problems (Ensemble), Elf the Musical (Sam), Click, Clack Moo (Mother), Always, Patsy Cline (Louise), Ring of Fire (June), Beehive ( (Ensemble), Shrek (Dragon/Mama Bear), Cinderella (Fairy Godmother),Cabaret (Sally Bowles) Horrible Harry (Teacher), Junie B. Jones (Teacher), Miss Nelson is Missing (Miss Nelson),Nunsense (Sr. Mary Leo), Seussical (Bird Girl), Royal Carribean Cruise Lines (Singer/Dancer), Royal Viking Cruise Lines (Singer, Dancer), Carnival Cruise Lines (Singer, Dancer), Sally Cruise Lines (singer, dancer) Beehive (National Tour/Ensemble), to name a few.

Choreography credits include Beauty and the Beast, Newsies, Elf the Musical, Seussical, Crazy for You, Cinderella, Annie, Beehive, Peter Pan, Matilda, Cabaret, Penguin Problems, Ring of FIre, Shrek, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Beehive, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, 42nd Street, Nunsense, Once Upon a Mattress, and Peter and the Starcatcher, to name a few. Sue served as the Rose Theater Director of Musical Theater/Dance and has also choreographed numerous high school show choirs.

She is the recipient of the national Freddy G., Outstanding Musical Theater Educator award, The Omaha Theater Arts Guild Outstanding Theater Educator recipient, awarded "best choreography" for North High School show choir (regional level), as well as for her original pieces, "Sucked Under" and "Wipe Out," at regional dance competitions.

She dabbles in film and recently shot a regional casino commercial, as well as short film, Hestia's Thanksgiving (Hera/Anarchy Productions). Her first feature film, Between the Lines (Maria/Bitter Hipster Productions), is set to be released in 2024. She was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for the Film by the Iowa Motion Picture Association.

Sue is the proud mom of Claire and Parker and would like to thank them, and her husband, Bill for all their support. Insta: @suevalker

Karl Houser

Karl Houser

Yukon Cornelius / Clarice's Father -

Karl Houser is overjoyed to bring the spirit of Christmas to every misfit throughout the frozen north. Karl produces a podcast, River Heights Radio, with his partner Hope. He would like to thank his band, The Tone Downs, for giving him so much time to pursue other interests. An alumni of both the local Backline Comedy Theater and Chicago's IO theater, Karl is a teacher and coach of the improvisational arts, as well as having founded the Nebraska Improvised Shakespeare Enterprise. Karl would like to thank his Improv teams, King Louie, Besties, and Chicken Party for their consistent willingness to reschedule. Karl aspires to be an instigator, rabble rouser, and leader in his community. Special thanks his family, Hope and Robert Busby.

Previous Credits:
• Mr. Ratburn (Arthur)
• Mr. Krabs (SpongeBob SquarePants)
• Monkey (Giraffes Can't Dance)
• Santa Claus (Elf)
• Blue Dragon (Dragons Love Tacos)
• Dad (Moody Judy)
• Maurice (Madagascar)

Sam Rhodes

Sam Rhodes

Fireball / Plane / US Hermey -

Olivia Johnson

Olivia Johnson

Coach Comet / Charlie in the Box -

Olivia Johnson wears many artistic hats, from a published writer to film director, her ventures expresses her exuberant approach to life. Her stage work includes community spaces like The Union for Contemporary Art and Anastasis Theatre. Olivia is very excited to return to her musical roots, and especially with Rudolph, a misfit who embraces their uniqueness.

Previous Credits:
• The Blues of Knowing Why, The Union for Contemporary Art (2019)
• Stories on the Brink, Anastasis Theatre (2018)

Ren Walther

Ren Walther

Bumble 1 / US Charlie -

After Graduating with my theater degree, I sought out professional theater experience in the form of a scenic carpentry apprenticeship at The Rose. I found great fulfillment in the work I had done, so much so that I continue to do it today. A big part of me still loves to act on stage, so I am incredibly grateful to be a part of this production (my first professional acting credit!!).

Elizabeth Peller

Elizabeth Peller

Bumble 2 / US Donner/Moonracer -

Elizabeth (EP) is part of the Bumble puppeteering team. She is a theater generalist who focuses primarily on playwriting, acting, youth directing, and costuming. She is also one of the Rose Teaching Artists. She is so excited to be a part of this joyful show with such a wonderful cast! She finds the most joy in using art—be it theater, writing, or otherwise—as an educational tool. She loves research (especially historical research!) and learning about the world around her. When she is not teaching or reading, you can find her doing different hand arts or exploring the outdoors. Her most recent acting credits from the Rose include Park Ranger Mo & Puppeteer (Firefly) and Zoe/Mia US (Popularity Coach). She is so excited to help bring this amazing show to life. Enjoy!

Breanna Mack

Breanna Mack

Bumble 3 / US Boss Elf -

Breanna Mack is excited to make her Rose Theater debut in “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”! She has fond memories of watching this program with her family as a child every winter season. Breanna is a recent graduate from Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Theatre Education. She is a current Teaching Artist Fellow at The Rose and spends her days teaching students about theater all around the Nebraska and Iowa areas. She is excited to explore working with puppets in this production. She wants to thank The Rose for helping her grow so much throughout the years and continuing to give her opportunities to teach and learn. She would also like to thank her family and friends for their endless support and for dealing with her dramatics both on and off stage. Enjoy the show!

Previous Credits:
• The Clinic - Missouri State University
• The Last Supper - Snap! Productions
• (Directed) Be Careful What you Wish for - The Rose Theater
• (Directed) The Rainbow Fish - The Rose Theater
• (directed) Crimes of the Heart - Missouri State University

Brannon Evans

Brannon Evans

Reindeer / Train / US Sam -

Brannon Evans is delighted to be returning to the Rose stage in "Rudolph". She most recently appeared as Buster in her Rose debut of "Arthur"! Originally from Omaha, NE, Brannon Evans’ first love was storytelling and exploring the worlds she created in her mind and experienced on stage and in books. Music and theater is where she found community and the courage to walk in her truth.

Brannon is a recent theatre performance graduate from the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film in Lincoln, NE. Her other recent credits include Dreamgirls at the Omaha Community Playhouse, Death of a Salesman at the Nebraska Repertory Theatre, & Dontrell Who Kissed the Sea at the Black Repertory Theatre in St Louis. Brannon is passionate about empowering and cultivating the next generation of artists, as our youth are our future. Her motto is, “Expect nothing, appreciate everything." Peace and Love. insta: @brannon.evans

Munay Sin

Munay Sin

Reindeer / Birdfish -

Munay’s greatest goal is to be famous someday. Acting on stage and film is the pathway to make that dream come true. In addition to school productions, acting classes have prepared Munay for this holiday classic.

Claire Heuertz

Claire Heuertz

Reindeer / Dolly / US Bumble -

Claire Heuertz is a freshman at Westside High School. She is super excited to be involved her first ever Rose Theater show! She loves to do show choir and theater in her free time. Claire has a passion for Jazz music and reading. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Previous Credits:
• Glinda the Good Witch in Wizard of Oz

Paisley Moore

Paisley Moore

Elf / Woodland Friend -

Paisley is a 7th grader at Gretna Middle School and adores acting. She recently starred in Oliver Jr. at Chanticleer Theater and has been part of several plays with The Missoula Children’s Theater. She developed an early passion for the stage while assisting her Dad with One Act at Gretna High School. Apart from her love for acting, Paisley is active in her school's choir, show choir and student council. She takes vocal lessons at The Rose and has been attending dance classes since preschool. In her free time, Paisley enjoys golf, along with spending time with friends. Her parents are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and her commitment to the arts.

Ainsley Powell

Ainsley Powell

Elf / Woodland Friend / US Rudolph -

Ainsley is 11 years old and attends Papillion LaVista Community Schools. Her Rose Theater MainStage credits include 2022 as "Marta" in THE SOUND OF MUSIC and ensemble of DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST in 2023. Ainsley has been a Rose Kid for 7 years, taking Dance and Theater classes. She is in year three as part of the Rose Theater’s Junior Rose Brigade, as “Lady Bug” in JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH JR, in the “Outstanding Performance” winning SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL JR. last season as “Bird Girl” and as “Private the Penguin” in MADAGASCAR THE MUSICAL JR. in 2022. Before Junior Brigade, Ainsley was a member of The Rose Theater’s Mini Rose Brigade for 4 years, as “Molly” in ANNIE KIDS, “Young Anna” in FROZEN KIDS and ensemble in THE ARISTOCATS KIDS and ALADDIN KIDS. Ainsley’s other endeavors include placing 3rd overall in Omaha’s Mobile Stage Talent Show 2023, and first place in “Papillion Idol,” 2019. Ainsley loves all things Musical Theater and is excited to be a part of RUDOLPH!

Vivian Rase

Vivian Rase

Elf / Woodland Friend / US Clarice -

Vivian is so excited to return to the mainstage at the Rose in Rudolph! Her last production at the Rose was Sound of Music as Gretl. She currently is in her 3rd year of Junior Brigade where she has played Skipper in Madagascar, Sour Kangaroo in Seussical and this year will be Ladahlord in James and the Giant Peach. She also played Summer in OCPs production of School of Rock. Vivian is currently a 5th grader at Elmwood-Murdock Elementary. When she is not on the stage, she enjoys spending time on the farm with her dogs, cats and younger sister Estelle.

Lucy Beutler

Lucy Beutler

Elf -

Lucy is delighted to be making her acting debut in "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" at The Rose! Lucy is 10 years old and attends Westside Community Schools. She studies voice, piano, and violin. In her spare time, Lucy enjoys reading, soccer, tennis, and playing with her little brother and baby sister.

Adele Coffey

Adele Coffey

Elf / US Reindeer -

Adele is 12 years old and has been involved with the rose theater since she was 6. She has performed with the rose brigade in many shows including Aladdin, The Lion King, Madagascar, Seussical, and currently James and the Giant Peach. Her favorite roles were Jasmine and young Simba. Adele spent many holiday seasons with the American Midwest Ballet in The Nutcracker. So she is especially exited to spend this Christmas season performing in Rudolph. Her favorite Christmas activity is making ginger bread houses. When she’s not performing Adele enjoys playing soccer, running track, and doing STEM projects.

Lucy Pfannenstiel

Lucy Pfannenstiel

Elf / US Reindeer -

Lucy has watched Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer every year since she can remember. She is very excited to be in this show on the main stage! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her three guinea pigs and dog, reading, and hanging out with friends. Lucy has been going to the Rose for ballet and tap classes since she was four, and has been part of the Rose Brigade since first grade and is proud to still be a member in seventh grade. Lucy attends Norris Middle School and enjoys ELA, Social Studies, and band.

Hear the Music

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Photo