Directed and choreographed by Ericka Conklin, with musical direction by Whitney Madill, the winter youth ensemble kicked off rehearsals on Nov. 1–and from that very first day, the cast found themselves swept into a blizzard of Christmas magic.

Conklin says she approached this production with a deep respect for the original TV classic. “I really wanted to be informed by not just the film, but the era in which the film came out,” she said. “I wanted to evoke as much as we can of the ’60s feel. The music is very big band, and I didn’t want to do anything that distracted from the nostalgia. People don’t want a new take on this story. I wanted what felt comfortable and cozy.”

This year’s cast is a dazzling ensemble: Ethan Adgate, Jace Bower, Lexie Bowman, Josephine Carroll, Mo DePasquale, Michael Ford, Chloe Forsberg, Maryn Fry, Seth Geyer, Thomas Geyer, Emily Glunt, Sawyer Hanna, Lennon Hanna, Samirah James, Charles Johnson, Hartlyn Kiess, Connor Kleckner, Lillian Klugh, Sierra Kolk, Willow Kremser, Sarah Long, Ave Metzger, Sophia Moore, Eleanor Peters, Makaelyn Polk, Holland Popadines, Lorraine Probst, Aaron Probst, Kenna Shenk, Mazee Sox, Amelya Sox, Abigail Stimely, Claira Thomas, Claire Walker, Katherine Winklemam, Andrew Wolfe, and Rylee Worden. Behind the scenes, Production Stage Manager/Sound Designer Kaidyn Rogers and Assistant Stage Manager/Props Designer V.C. Deener keep the North Pole running smoothly.

At the center of the show is 18-year-old Connor Kleckner, who plays Sam the Snowman–the gentle, warmhearted narrator who guides audiences through Rudolph’s journey. For Kleckner, who grew up watching the classic TV special, the role feels nothing short of magical. “I’ve always loved that snowman,” he said. “Getting to play him is a dream come true.”

PHOTO PROVIDED Connor Kleckner takes his final bow with the Youth Ensemble, charming audiences as Sam the Snowman at Millbrook Playhouse.

Kleckner sees himself in his character, too. “We’re both pretty–pun intended–chill guys,” he laughed. “He’s lovable, and I like to think I’m a lovable person too.” But it’s the character’s message that resonates deepest: “Sam says Rudolph learns that you can’t always run away from your problems. That really sticks with me. I’ve thought about running from things before, but I never have. It’s about facing what you’re going through and being yourself.”

Conklin shares that commitment to the heart of the story. “I want to emphasize the theme of acceptance–not just of others, but of yourself,” she said. “Rudolph and the misfit toys don’t only need acceptance from the outside world; they need to learn to accept themselves. That’s where it has to start.”

For many younger cast members, Millbrook is already a second home. Ten-year-old Sawyer Hanna auditioned simply because she “loves theater” and couldn’t resist a story filled with “animals and elves.” Her favorite song? Jingle, Jingle, Jingle–especially because she gets a solo. Fellow 10-year-old Willow Kremser says playing an elf feels perfectly natural. “My character is fun and bubbly and I’m also really fun and bubbly,” she said. Her favorite tune in the show is Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.

Fourteen-year-old Kenna Shenk, returning after appearing in Newsies and Honk Jr., said she jumped at the chance to be back on the Millbrook stage. “The people here are so welcoming,” she said. “I love learning the choreography and getting to interact with everyone on stage. All of us coming together makes the show come alive.”

Thirteen-year-old Amelya Sox, who plays Rudolph himself, says her favorite part has been discovering the playful, youthful energy of her character. “Rudolph is very childlike and fun,” she said. “And I really like the people I get to do most of my scenes with.”

PHOTO PROVIDED Rudolph and Hermey the Elf—portrayed by Amelya Sox and Seth Geyer—team up for adventure in Millbrook Playhouse’s production of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical.”

For Conklin, working with a large cast of young performers is part of the joy. “I love how silly it gets,” she said with a laugh. “It’s really amusing to throw some of their slang back at them. There’s such an energy to kids this age.” This year marks her fourth Christmas show with the Youth Ensemble, and she says the long view is one of the most rewarding parts. “It’s wonderful watching them grow up and build confidence.”

As the cast prepares to take audiences from Santa’s workshop to the Island of Misfit Toys, they hope families will feel the joy that has filled every rehearsal. “I hope people see how much everyone here loves to perform,” Kenna said. “And how hard everybody’s worked,” added Amelya. Willow agreed: “I hope they see how we brought it to life and how hard we all worked.”

Conklin hopes audiences recognize something deeper as well. “I hope they enjoy the magic,” she said. “We’re doing the show in our barn as we always do, but there’s something so honest and scrappy and magical about that.” But beyond the charm, she hopes families see the impact theater has on these kids. “It’s important for kids to have a passion–whether it’s art, a sport, or something they’re studying. It gives them an outlet. I hope people see how important art is for these kids and for our community. Theater education creates a cycle of continuing to provide high-quality art.”

Kleckner, who will graduate from the Youth Ensemble after this show and head to Bloomsburg University to study in their integrated theater program, feels the weight and warmth of this final performance. “I’m excited to work with this group of kids one last time,” he said. “It’s going to be hard to say goodbye, but it’s not really a goodbye–more like ‘see you later.'”

He carries with him years of memories and mentorship from Millbrook. “I’ve gone from performing to lights to house managing. Ericka and David have given me so many opportunities to immerse myself in theater. I think I’m prepared for anything now.” And though he’s moving on, he promises he’ll return: “I always say the barn will never get rid of me.”

PHOTO PROVIDED The iconic trio—Rudolph (Amelya Sox), Hermey the Elf (Seth Geyer), and Yukon Cornelius (Sierra Kolk)—shine in Millbrook Playhouse’s holiday production.

He hopes the younger cast members will embrace the same sense of belonging he found here. “What I hope you kids take away from this is that you have a home here,” he said. “If anything ever gets bad, remember you have a place in the barn. We’ve got the cow pass if you need it.”

As the curtain rises on Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical, one thing is certain: It truly takes a village to make a little Christmas magic–and Millbrook’s village is full of bright stars, big hearts, and a whole lot of holiday cheer.