‘Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer: The Musical’ at Heinz Hall; Regent Square Theater Showing ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ (Tues., 12/22/15)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-3d9gQRlYU

1) In 1939, an artist for the Montgomery Ward department-store chain came up with a new holiday promotional item—a children’s book featuring a character called Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Rudolph turned out to be a keeper. He became the subject of treatments in other media, including the hit song we all know … and, in 1964, an animated TV special that is still broadcast annually. Now there’s a stage musical based on the TV story. The touring production of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical visits Pittsburgh with live actors playing the parts of Sam the Snowman, Hermey the Elf, and other such creatures that the television writers added to Rudolph’s saga. If you were charmed by their antics as a child, consider how your children might enjoy the stage spectacular. Rudolph thinks you might even get a kick out of it yourself. 7 p.m. Performances through December 27. Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Ave., Cultural District.(MV)

2) It’s a Wonderful Life – You knew you were going to run into this on the list at some point, didn’t you? Let’s see, what could I possibly I tell you about this Frank Capra/Jimmy Stewart/Donna Reed classic that you don’t already know? Not many people are aware of this, but “Zuzu’s Petals” was actually a 40’s-era euphemism for cocaine. Just kidding – man, you’ll fall for anything. The movie, on its 1946 release, was a box office disappointment. Over the years, however, it’s achieved legendary status and according to the American Film Institute, has been voted the Number 1 “Most Inspiring Movie” of all time. As a holiday treat, Pittsburgh Filmmakers is offering free admission and asking you to bring a nonperishable food item or canned good for the East End Cooperative Ministry Food Drive. 5 and 8 p.m. Through tomorrow. Regent Square Theater, 1035 S. Braddock Ave., Regent Square. (TH)

3) Krampus – Does the onslaught of Sparkle Season have you down? Are you afraid that if you hear the Chipmunks’ piercing falsetto one more time (when all you really want to do is fill up your gas tank), you’re going to run amok? Has the Yuletide got you tied up in knots? In short, are you over it? Krampus might be just the remedy. It’s based on a German legend about the “anti-Klaus” – a demon who visits children who haven’t been good for goodness sake. Michael Dougherty directs Toni Collette, Adam Scott, and Conchata Ferrell as a typical dysfunctional family coming together for Christmastime. Judging from the trailer, it’s your usual “no place like home for the screwed-up holidays” kinda thing … until a hideous monster lands on the roof and the whole gang is running for their lives. It’s the perfect holiday treat for the little ‘uns – if you don’t mind paying for the years of therapy they’ll need to recover. Check Fandango for screens and times. (TH)

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