MATT DANIELS

Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer™: The Musical

Adapted by Robert Penola from the Rankin Bass Special with music by Johnny Marks

First Stage Milwaukee 2014

Original direction by Jeff Frank

Production Design by Brandon Kirkham

Lighting Design by Jason Fassl

Choreography by Jessica Redish

I directed this remount of a 2012 production (originally conceived and directed by Jeff Frank) for which I was an actor and the movement director. To honor to the handcrafted feel of the original stop-motion animation special, we turned to Japanese theater and the concept of kokens to manipulate the world, including puppets, set pieces, and the actors themselves as Rudolph takes flight.

"The production brings the characters to life in uniquely impressive ways, while remaining faithful to the original show... both an evening of wonderful theater as well as a learning experience for children and adults alike." —SHEPHERD-EXPRESS

"The best music in this show is its snowken-led movement (designed in 2012 by Matt Daniels, who directs this time)... this Rudolph gives us an inspiring glimpse of a tomorrow in which we might overcome, allowing such dreams to finally come true." —MILWAUKEE JOURNAL-SENTINEL