Shreveport Little Theatre & Academy

(In reference to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Jr.) 
Saw this at Shreveport Little Theater tonight. Had a wonderful time.  Had to see it, because that Rankin and Bass Christmas special was probably one of the first times I ever (As the kids say these days) felt seen. I'm an eternal misfit. The songs and characters will always have a huge space in my heart. This was a children's production with cast members ranging in ages from 7 to 13. Any mistakes, missed cues, flubbed lines or  botched blocking is not only forgivable but endearing (No pun intended) to me. Little Baby Rudolph was played by an understudy in tonight's performance and he kept futzing with his nose. It was awesome. Amongst the 8 and 9 year old elves I spotted some kids that are Broadway worthy, or at least Kids Bop, who were belting out the songs and their choreography was crisp and on point. Stand out were the girls playing Hermey the Elf and Yukon Cornelius. They have incredible stage presence and instinct. Rudolph was appropriately shy, and played straight man to those two powerhouse girls. The kid who played Clarice the Reindeer did justice to "There's always tomorrow". The kids playing the denizens of the Island of Misfit Toys were perfect and brought the energy. I was not disappointed or unentertained throughout the play. I wish it was playing an extra week so more people could see it.