The “most famous reindeer of all” from the long- running and highly-rated holiday television special returns live on stage in the critically acclaimed Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical at the Charles F. Dodge City Center Pembroke Pines on Saturday, December 23 at 2 and 7 p.m.

In 1964, the beloved stop-motion animated television classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer made its network television debut and has been delighting audiences across the country for over 50 years. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical is a wonderful new way to experience this family tradition,” says producing partner Jonathan Flom. “This show entertains and, at the same time, helps spread the important and timeless message that we should celebrate our differences.”

The story tells the tale of a young Rudolph who, because of the appearance of his bright, shining nose, is excluded from the Reindeer Games. He flees Christmastown and meets up with new friends Hermey the Elf and Yukon Cornelius. After finding The Island of Misfit Toys, Rudolph journeys home, where a snowstorm of epic proportions is threatening Christmas. Can Rudolph rescue his family and friends and help Santa save the holiday?

Projections, costumes and characters are faithfully brought to the stage against a backdrop of nostalgic set designs. The 12-foot-plus-tall Abominable Snow Monster is jaw-dropping. Since the special itself is a classic musical, the stage show does not feel at all like an adaptation and audiences are surprised and delighted when they see performances of songs such as “Fame and Fortune” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” that are heard but not performed in the TV special.

The cast brings high energy to classic songs and dialogue, while irresistible and loveable puppets highlight the charming “roughness” from the television show’s stop-motion effects. Flom says, “The familiar story elements from the television special are addressed with a talented cast and puppeteers who help recreate the magic on stage.”

Following three successful years of touring North America, the national tour is a family favorite -- a “holiday staple” (The Boston Globe) and an "utterly charming, top-notch production" (Orlando Sentinel).

Rudolph’s partnership with PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center continues this year.  The show offers a free toolkit to teachers that leverages the powerful messages from the Rudolph story to teach important character values.  In addition, a portion of proceeds from sales of the new book, T.E.A.M. Rudolph and the Reindeer Games, will be donated to PACER.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical is produced by Right Angle Entertainment, Iconic Entertainment Studios and Premiere Producers LLC. For more information, visit www.rudolphthemusical.com and follow the latest updates to the Facebook page at facebook.com/rudolphthemusicaltour.

Tickets are $30-$50 with 100 VIP tickets that include a post-show photo opportunity with Rudolph and one other character. This show is not recommended for children under three years old.

• Advance ticket sales are available only through Ticketmaster, by phone at 1-800-745-3000 and at Ticketmaster outlets. On the day of the show, tickets are available at the Charles F. Dodge City Center Pembroke Pines box office 90 minutes before the show.
• There is no charge for self-parking. Valet service is available for most performances on the west side of the main entrance for $17.00.
• The Charles F. Dodge City Center Pembroke Pines is located 601 City Center Way, Pembroke Pines, FL 33025. For more information visit PembrokePinesCityCenter.org..