Nuremburg Players announce cast, dates of 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer'

Dec. 1—The Nuremberg Community Players will perform "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" for one weekend only at the Emerson Theater, 283 Hazle St., Nuremberg.

Reservations are strongly suggested.

Based on the classic animated television special and the stage production originally directed and conceived by Jeff Frank and First Stage, the classic musical was adapted from the story by Robert L. May and the song by Johnny Marks.

The forecast in Nuremberg calls for snow inside the theater, thanks to the purchase of a few new snow machines.

The show is filled with holiday hits, such as "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "A Holly Jolly Christmas."

The cast features Santa and Mrs. Claus, played by Joey Gans and Olivia Witcofski; Hermey, the charmingly apologetic elf, played by Cyrus Freeman; Bumble, the abominable snow monster, played by Eric Pugh; Clarice, the young doe, played by Kailan McCallum; the slightly absent-minded prospector Yukon Cornelius, played by Charles Glickert; and Rudolph, played by Savannah Klingerman.

Rounding out the cast are Sam the Snowman, played by Harold Roach; Donner and Mrs. Donner, Rudolph's parents, played by A.J. Miller and Isabella Tranguch; Fireball, the young buck, played by Sutton Roach; Coach Comet, played by Emma Bartusik; Boss Elf, played by Kayla Aude; Clarice's father, played by A.J. Miller; and King Moonracer, King of the Island of Misfit Toys, played by Joey Gans.

The Misfit Toys are Charlie the jack-in-the-box, played by Jason Reese; a girl doll, played by Charleigh Dennison; a spotted elephant, played by Sam Roach; a train engine with square wheels, played by Erin Bartusik; a bird that swims, played by Sutton Roach; an airplane that doesn't fly, played by Emma Bartusik; and a cowboy who rides an ostrich, played by A.J. Miller.

Millie Symbula plays a reindeer, while the elves are played by Milena Pretti, Bruce Pretti, Sutton Roach, Emma Bartusik, Charleigh Dennison and Sam Roach.

"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" is under the direction of Todd Statuto. Assistant director is Ann Bonacci, and the producer is Shawn Anderson.

As a bonus, Santa Claus will be at the theater for photos following each performance. Photos with Santa are $5 per photo, with proceeds being donated to the theater. Each child who gets a photo will also get a gift from Santa.

Children are asked to bring their letters for Santa and be sure to include names and an address to get a response from the North Pole.

At each performance, the Nuremberg Players will also be collecting toys for the Toys for Tots campaign. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to be donated to a child in need at Christmas.

The show arrives as the troupe celebrates its 39th year as a volunteer community theater.

Established in 1983, the all-volunteer nonprofit and community-involved organization has entertained with nearly 100 performances.

The group holds charity fundraisers and offers a college scholarship for local students each year.