Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

CRITIC’S PICK: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Center for Puppetry Arts - Rudolph first appeared in a 1939 booklet written by Robert L. May and published by the Montgomery Ward department store in Chicago. The young buck’s appearance was initially censored due to the association in popular culture of red noses with drunkards, but wiser heads prevailed. Rudolph made his first screen appearance in 1948 in a cartoon short; a classic television special followed in 1964, along with sequels and comic books galore over the years. A song based on the character, sung by Gene Autry, hit number one on the Billboard pop singles chart in 1949 and wound up selling 25 million copies. (You’re hearing it in your head right now). Accompanying the show at Puppetry Arts is the Festive Features exhibit; it celebrates “diverse holiday traditions through puppetry” with new pieces such as The Famous Chelm Players and a rare Nativity Scene from Jane Henson. The venue is also hosting ASL-interpreted performances on Sunday, Dec. 15. - Kevin C. Madigan