Steele Hall Theatre is celebrating the holiday season with a vibrant new production of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical, presented by Pennsylvania Western University’s Theatre Department. The show brings the cherished 1964 Rankin/Bass classic to the stage with fresh energy, imaginative staging, and a heartfelt message that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.
Sophomore Kayla Brill, a dual major in English and Theatre with a concentration in Musical Theatre, stars as Rudolph. Brill says her personal connection to the character began in childhood. “Growing up watching the cartoon, I always felt a connection between me and this character,” she said. “There was just something about Rudolph that made sense to me. To me, he means being proud of how you are different and coming to terms with that.”
One of the most challenging scenes for her to perform is when Rudolph is mocked by the other reindeer, a pivotal emotional moment in the story. “That scene was very hard,” Brill said. “When you’re fully immersed in the world, you get emotional. Staying in that moment can be tough.” She added that she admires Rudolph’s sense of adventure and his willingness to explore who he truly is, something she personally relates to.
Brill noted that working closely with her castmates has strengthened her performance. “Me and David, who plays Hermey the Elf, have gotten so close through this process,” she said. “He’s been such a good person to act with, and it has made this whole experience even better.”
The musical is directed by John Wagner, Instructor of Theatre at PennWest California, Artistic Director of the Main Street Theatre Company, and General Director at the State Theatre in Uniontown. Wagner emphasized that the production aims to honor the charm of the original animated special while enhancing it with modern theatrical tools.
“We honored the heart of the 1964 classic while using today’s theatrical tools, projections, creative character work, fluid transitions, and imaginative staging to give audiences something familiar but fresh,” Wagner said.
When casting the role of Rudolph, Wagner looked for specific qualities. “Rudolph needs warmth, vulnerability, and quiet courage,” he explained. “I wanted someone who could capture the character’s innocence while also showing the strength behind his journey.”
Wagner believes that Rudolph remains meaningful because its themes transcend generations. “It’s a story about feeling different and finding your place, something every generation understands,” he said. “Its message about embracing what makes you unique feels especially relevant to students.”
For Wagner, the most rewarding aspect of directing this production has been the sense of community built throughout the process. “Watching students, faculty, and community members come together has been incredible,” he said. “The collaboration and joy in the rehearsal room make this production truly special. Being part of a process where our community can learn, perform, and celebrate the arts together is incredibly meaningful.”
With heartfelt performances, imaginative staging, and a timeless story, PennWest California’s production of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer promises to bring holiday magic to Steele Hall Theatre and remind audiences that what makes us different may be what makes us shine the brightest.
