12/14/12 Los Angeles Theater Review: RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDOORS (Falcon Theatre)

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Reviews: Film/Theater - NYC, LA, SF, Chicago – Stage and Cinema

Los Angeles Theater Review: RUDOLPH THERED-NOSED REINDOORS (Falcon Theatre)by Tony Frankel on December 8, 2012

in Theater-Los Angeles

RECIPE FOR A CHRISTMAS STEWI sent this recipe to a friend, who will let us know how this Christmas Stew turned out:

This is a family favorite, cooked up every holiday season. There are a lot of ingredients, but if you start withthe basics and improvise a little, you should be fine. Even though the ingredients change every year, your

12/14/12 Los Angeles Theater Review: RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDOORS (Falcon Theatre)

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stew should be fairly predictable and satisfying. It changes year to yeardepending on the variables: some years the stew is undoubtedly the tastiest dish on earth; other years, thestew will ease your hunger for a holiday treat, but may make you wish for something hardier. Still, no oneto whom you introduce this stew will be so ungrateful that they will leave your stocking unstuffed.

Begin with the Troubadours (my grocer calls them Troubies). If you can’t find them locally, head to theFalcon Theatre in Burbank. This will be your basic stock company comprised of actors, musicians, andcomedians, but don’t substitute this stock. Make sure to ask for the Troubies, because they have been well-seasoned with Commedia dell’Arte and slapstick. Don’t be concerned that most of the people in this stockhave been used year after year – they still retain their flavor of unrestrained, boundless enthusiasm and tastycharacterizations.

Next, find a story. This year, try Rudolph the Red-NosedReindeer, a 1964 television special by Romeo Muller, Jr., which in turn was based on the 1949 JohnnyMarks’ song, which was based on a 1939 poem written by Marks’ brother-in-law Robert L. May (and foryour Jewish friends who may scoff at this Christmas Stew you’re concocting, remember that Mr. Marks,who also wrote “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” wasJewish). Remember to credit these gentlemen if you are going to use their material as a base for your stew.

12/14/12 Los Angeles Theater Review: RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDOORS (Falcon Theatre)

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Stick to the basic story, which is actually very sweet, but notso much that it will overpower the stew. Start with Sam the Snowman as narrator (and get the unconstrainedPaul C. Vogt, whose amiable nature and quick-wittedness are perfect for serving the tale). Add Rudolph,using Steven Booth, who is perfectly ripe and adorable for the misfit reindeer, born with a shiny red nose toDonner (Matt Walker) and Blitzen (Beth Kennedy). Soak Blitzen in plenty of Tab soft drink to explainRudolph’s malady. The best part of your stew will be the comely Molly Alvarez as Rudolph’s girlfriendClarice – and make sure that she whips up the entire stew with endearing choreography: It will prove to bethe most delightful aspect that will keep your guests wanting more.

Locate Kyle Nudo for that nutty elf Hermey, who wants to be a dentist,and Mike Sulprizio for the Yukon prospector. We need them to join Rudolph when he runs away and endsup at “The Island of Misfit Toys.” And what Christmas Stew is complete without Santa and Mrs. Claus?See if you can get the ever-riffing Rick Batalla and Lisa Valenzuela – even if her character isn’t very well-developed, she will add a lot of spice when she belts out a song.

Which leads to the next step: Add some songs. Yes, Marks wrote a number of tunes for the special,including “Silver and Gold,” “Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas,” and the ever-popular titular ditty, but this isChristmastime my friend, when we let go of the old and usher in the new. You can use snippets of theserefrains, but best to write new material. If you don’t have the time or cash to invest in new holiday songs(and really, I wish you would unless you want to hear yet another version of “Jingle Bells” sung by thelatest American Idol winner), you can add the music of another writer or group. Since we’re using sourcematerial from the 60’s, let’s go with the music of The Doors and call our stew Rudolph the Red-NosedReindoors. Cute, huh?

12/14/12 Los Angeles Theater Review: RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDOORS (Falcon Theatre)

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Now, stir the songs into your stock. By all means, keep the originalmelody, but update the lyrics to fit the story. It is preferred that your lyrics are clever and funny, but werealize this is a one-time-only recipe. In your rush to create the stew, you will find that your lyrics will sufferby just being cute. But no one should notice since there are so many other ingredients going on. Beware ofoverstuffing words into a phrase just to make it to the end rhyme – yes, it’s cheap and a timesaver in thecooking process, but the songs will not have a lingering aftertaste.

(Here’s a hint: when you serve the stew, many of your lyrics will get lost with the loud accompaniment.Your guests will become disengaged if they can’t taste every word. I highly recommend Eric Heinly asMusical Director, especially if his drumming is flavored by Kevin McCourt’s keyboards, Jack Majdecki’sguitar, and Kevin Stewart’s bass, but the balance must be leavened. If no other sound designer is available,try John Campbell and Julie Ferrin, although they can be challenged when it comes to mixing.)

Before serving, dress up the table with Sharon McGunigle’s whimsicalcostumes, ensuring that they are both a send-up and homage to the 1964 special. Garnish with snowflakeflurries (use toilet paper if need be) and a giant Abominable Snow Monster of the North. Mix for two hoursand let me know how it came out!

12/14/12 Los Angeles Theater Review: RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDOORS (Falcon Theatre)

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Here is the letter from my friend after the stew was cooked and served:

“Well, my guests were certainly stuffed after this meal, but they all had one word to describe it: “fun.”Nothing more, nothing less. Some felt like the songs should have been used to serve the story better, but Idid run out of time and just plopped some of them into the stew. Honestly, I think there are so manyingredients that – even though there were standouts – nothing really sticks to your ribs. I used your story,but I should have spent more time on the basic script – I guess I’m not as funny as I thought. Basically, it’s arun-of-the-mill recipe which had me satisfied and wanting more at the same time. Kind of like Christmasitself, huh? Thanks for the recipe!”

photos by Chelsea Sutton

Rudolph the Red-Nosed ReindoorsTroubadour Theater Company at the Falcon Theatre in Burbankscheduled to end on January 13, 2013for tickets, call (818) 955.8101 or visit http://www.FalconTheatre.com

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12/14/12 Los Angeles Theater Review: RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDOORS (Falcon Theatre)

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12/14/12 Los Angeles Theater Review: RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDOORS (Falcon Theatre)

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