“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,“ the stage musical based on the animated television special of the same title, is the holiday show presented Dec. 5 through Dec. 14 by Pennsylvania Youth Theatre at the Charles A. Brown Ice House, Bethlehem.

The stage show is adapted from the 1939 story by Robert L. May and the song by Johnny Marks. The song, recorded by Gene Autry, was No. 1 on the Billboard Pop Singles Chart in 1949 and has become a perennial favorite. In 1964, the story was adapted into a stop-motion animation TV special by Rankin-Bass Productions.

The script adaptation is by Robert Penola. Arrangements are by Timothy Splain. Orchestrations are by William C. White.

There are many familiar tunes in the show, including the holiday hit title song, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” and “A Holly Jolly Christmas.”

There were two casts for the Pennsylvania Youth Theatre production. This review is based on the Silver Cast performance Dec. 5.

Anthony Sacco does a fine job as narrator Sam. His hat was a perfect reproduction.

Atahualpa Barnes is a great Boss Elf, gruff and a bit ornery.

Olivia Kobalchick plays Hermie, unapologetic about not fitting in with the other elves.

Baby Rudolph is preciously played by Brooks Opp.

Lochlan McCarthy plays the older Rudolph with a good blend of humility and determination.

Maria Giordano as Clarice sings “There’s Always Tomorrow” in a tone that matches the original.

Veronica DeVino as Yukon Cornelius offers great comic relief in her scenes.

Of course, there is Santa and Mrs. Claus, and Comet, Donner and the other reindeer.

There is an adorable set of owls and polar bears.

The misfit toys are a fun bunch, and strong singers, too.

The set changes are impressive, especially the Elves’ Workshop, with its tables and benches and many smaller objects. The cast helps move the sets, under direction of a backstage worker. It’s clear they practiced moving the sets many times.

All in all, the PYT show is fine family fun, with plenty for the younger generation and their parents to enjoy.

Pennsylvania Youth Theatre, 2020 Worthington Avenue, Bethlehem, is on “Winter Break,” Dec. 15, 2025 - Jan. 4, 2026. Information: 610-332-1400, https://123pyt.org/