3:55 PM | Friday, November 22, 2024
Stages Theater Company is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the beloved holiday classic, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” by bringing the enchanting tale back to the stage for this festive season. After performing the show on and off for ten years, the theater aims to rekindle the magic of this cherished story amidst the holiday spirit.
At the heart of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” lies a powerful and universal message about embracing differences, a theme that resonates just as strongly today as it did when the story first captivated audiences. Like Rudolph’s luminous red nose, the importance of this lesson is clear for all to see.
One of the talented performers in this year’s production, Takell Lee, a middle school student from Hopkins, aptly encapsulated the message when he said, “Everybody has their differences, and you should treat them like how you would want to be treated.” Lee’s words reflect the essence of the narrative, which follows the journey of a reindeer that faces exclusion yet ultimately discovers the beauty of individuality and friendship among fellow misfits.
In this production, Lee takes on a diverse array of roles, including Fireball the Reindeer, a cowboy, and a member of the ensemble, showcasing his versatility and range as a budding actor.
Powered by Puppets
In addition to his multiple roles, Lee has honed his puppetry skills, breathing life into his characters in a unique way. While Rudolph himself is not a puppet, many of the whimsical characters he encounters throughout the story are designed as puppets, adding an extra layer of creativity to the performance.
“I have to multi-task, and I have to learn how to do everything that acting couldn’t do,” Lee elaborated, emphasizing the challenges and joys of incorporating puppetry into his performance. As a cowboy in the ensemble of misfit toys, Lee operates a puppet representing the cowboy toy, whimsically riding an ostrich alongside other distinctive characters, like a train with square wheels and a playful spotted elephant.
Takell Lee performs on stage with his cowboy and ostrich puppet.
Lee is honored to be among the pupils of the talented David Gamache, who portrays Charlie in the Box—another lovable misfit on the island. Gamache, an integral part of the production since it first debuted a decade ago, prides himself on the craftsmanship of each puppet, all of which were meticulously handcrafted for Stages Theater. “He really, really paid extra attention to detail. He made it almost like how the special is. And I’ve been maintaining them for the past ten years,” Gamache noted, emphasizing the enduring quality of the puppets that continue to enchant audiences.
The puppets remain in excellent condition, contributing to the mesmerizing experience of the show. On stage, magic unfolds in various forms, from soaring reindeer to colossal Abominable Snowman puppets, with Gamache skillfully operating many of them.
A Meaningful Message
Gamache takes joy in performing as Charlie in the Box because he perfectly embodies the show’s central theme of acceptance and diversity. “It just goes with the message of the show,” he explained. “All these differences, all this uniqueness is essential to everyday life.”
David Gamache shows off his Charlie-in-a-Box, a misprint of the classic Jack-in-a-Box.
This year marks a significant milestone as the television special celebrates its 60th anniversary. Gamache believes that even for adults, the message of companionship and acceptance shines through more brightly than ever, enriching their perspectives on the story: “They see everything in a different light and they get a whole new meaning from it,” he shared. “Especially watching somebody, a little person you might know, that just makes it a whole lot more special.”
Showings of this whimsical production kick off today, Friday, November 22, and will continue through Saturday, December 28, at the Hopkins Center for the Arts. For more information about showtimes, ticket purchases, and various accessibility options, details can be found on the official Stages Theater website.
Twin Cities
How does the use of puppetry in the production enhance the storytelling experience for the audience?
**Interview with Takell Lee: Celebrating 60 Years of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” at Stages Theater Company**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Takell! It’s exciting to hear about your involvement in the 60th anniversary production of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” How does it feel to be part of such a beloved holiday classic?
**Takell Lee:** Thank you for having me! It’s an incredible honor. “Rudolph” is a story that many people know and love, and to be a part of this celebration means so much. It feels like I’m part of something really special—bringing joy to audiences during the holidays.
**Interviewer:** You’ve mentioned that the core message of the show resonates strongly today. Can you elaborate on that?
**Takell Lee:** Absolutely! At its heart, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is all about embracing our differences and celebrating who we are. My character faces challenges but learns that being unique is something to be proud of. I really believe in this message, and I think it’s important—we should treat everyone the way we want to be treated, no matter how different we are.
**Interviewer:** You have a variety of roles in this production. What are they, and how do you prepare for each?
**Takell Lee:** I play several characters, including Fireball the Reindeer and a cowboy, among others. Each role is unique, which keeps things exciting! I prepare by thinking about what makes each character special and how they contribute to the story. Plus, I’ve been learning a lot about puppetry, which adds another layer to my performance.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of puppetry, how does that enhance your performance?
**Takell Lee:** Puppetry is such a fun challenge! While I’m not a puppet myself, many characters in our show are, which adds a whimsical touch. Operating a puppet requires a different skill set; I have to multitask and think creatively. It’s amazing to see how the puppets bring additional life to our scenes, especially the cowboy puppet I ride on an ostrich!
**Interviewer:** David Gamache, who plays Charlie in the Box, has been instrumental in the production as well. What have you learned from working with him?
**Takell Lee:** Working with David has been a fantastic experience! He has such a great eye for detail and takes great care in crafting each puppet. He always emphasizes the importance of the storytelling aspects of puppetry. From him, I’ve learned how critical it is to maintain that connection with the audience, making sure every movement tells a part of the story.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like you’re gaining valuable experience on stage! What’s your favorite part about being in this production?
**Takell Lee:** My favorite part is definitely seeing the audience’s reactions. When they laugh or cheer, it makes everything we’ve worked for feel worth it! Plus, being part of a team that shares these special moments during the holiday season is something I will always treasure.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Takell! It’s been wonderful talking to you. We look forward to seeing you on stage as you celebrate this anniversary!
**Takell Lee:** Thank you! I can’t wait for everyone to see the show. Happy holidays!