BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – This year, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer celebrates 60 years since it first aired. To honor the production, the Mount Baker Theatre is bringing the holiday classic to its stage in Bellingham.

The show has traveled all over the nation, with the cast of 19 members performing almost daily. The live-action rendition of Rudolph is a family favorite and features sing-along opportunities, loveable puppets, a high-energy atmosphere and intricate set design–including a 12-foot abominable snowman.

In an interview with My Bellingham Now, Callahan Gillispie shares what the Christmas classic and character Rudolph mean to her:

MBN: “As a Washington native, what is it like to be performing this timeless musical at Mount Baker Theatre?”

CG: “To be back home and doing this here is such an honor. Number one to explore the entire country has been an absolute honor, but I’m really excited to have my friends and family come see it [while in Washington].”

MBN: “What is it about theatre that brings you back every time?”

CG: “There’s really nothing quite like watching a live performance and experiencing a story chronologically with a group of people that you don’t know–being the audience. It’s something that brings people together in the most magical way. It sounds goofy but [Rudolph] is a really important story to kids and adults about diversity and not ostracizing others because they’re different. Getting to tell stories like that in a medium that takes a lot of stamina and passion is that perfect blend of this is where I’m meant to be, this is what I’m supposed to do and this is how I feel like I can give back.”

MBN: “What is your own experience like playing Rudolph?”

CG: “I remember watching Rudolph as a little, little kid and Rudolph is so dang cute. He’s so personable and he has this kind of child-like joy and excitement that is difficult to find in movies nowadays. I remember being a little kid and watching him on the screen thinking that he is so cute, and now I am the guy! It’s so much fun, and I really like flying. That’s the highlight of every single show.”

MBN: “As a performer, how does it make you feel to know that a localized theatre is bringing in national touring acts–like the one that you’re on–to bring crazy shows to this community?”

CG: “It’s awesome because in general theatre needs to be more accessible. Theatre tends to be a more progressive art form–telling stories that need to be told, that people need to hear–so it’s great that we’re giving kids and adults who don’t get access to these stories the opportunity.”

MBN: “What would you want to say to the audience before the show? What can they expect?”

CG: “Expect a fun time! What’s interesting is kids will talk during the performance and audibly react, so if you are showing up expecting a quiet sit-down theater experience, you’re not going to get that. You’re going to get a 3-year-old to your right shouting Rudolph and a 60-year-old to your left reminiscing on how much they love the story. People clap along throughout.”

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer will show twice at Mount Baker Theatre on Dec. 7, at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Ticket pricing is geared to be family-friendly and is the same price for all three sections of the theatre. Click here to visit Mount Baker Theatre’s website and purchase tickets.