RUDOLPH JR. COMING TO WEIRTON — Weir High School’s drama club will performing the 1964 classic about Rudolf in a musical version entitled “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr.,” at 7 p.m. Dec. 6-7 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 8 in the school’s auditorium. Just in time for the holidays, tickets can be purchased at the door or on the school’s website at whs.hancock.k12.wv.us. -- Contributed

WEIRTON — Students involved in the drama club at Weir High School are preparing for their roles in this year’s holiday musical production of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr.”

Community residents are welcome to attend any of the three performances scheduled in the hopes of getting everyone ready for the holiday season.

The drama club will take to the stage at 7 p.m. Dec. 6-7 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 8, with all shows taking place inside the school’s auditorium.

The performance is based on the iconic 1964 stop-motion classic and will bring to life the story of Rudolph, a reindeer possessing that glowing red nose and who ultimately ends up guiding Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve.

Featuring a cast of local students, the performance promises to delight audiences of all ages, officials exclaimed.

Among those in the production will be Levi Anderson portraying Rudolph, Gracie Beagle as Clarice, Makenzie Stear as Hermey and Max Bilodeau as Yukon Cornelius.

Directed by Corey E. Miller, with choreography by Eve Swearingen and Stear, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr.,” features “a lively mix of music, dance and holiday cheer — perfectly capturing the magic of the beloved animated special,” officials stated.

“Rudolph’s story is one of acceptance, kindness and believing in yourself,” Miller said.

“We are thrilled to bring this timeless tale to life and share it with the community in a way that will resonate with both children and adults alike,” he added.

In tandem with the show, those in the club ran a Misfit Toy Drive in which old and slightly-used toys were collected and will be distributed to less-fortunate children within the community this Christmas.

Miller is assisted by student stage manager Emma Underwood. Vocal directors Emily Hores and Erica Sauer assisted Miller, as well as crew members Jayme Utt on sound, Maria Sikora on lights and Andrew Sikora and Megan Brinkley as stagehands.

Tickets will be available for purchase at the door or through the Weir High website at whs.hancock.k12.wv.us.