“Tickets are available now for “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” said the Rev. Jay Tennies, who also announced the cast and crew of the seasonal comedy.
Tennies is pastor of sponsor Hill Memorial United Methodist Church where the play by Barbara Robinson will be performed Dec. 1 to 3. All proceeds will benefit Destinations-Bradford, the faith-based, non-denominational charity.
“More than three dozen children and adults from local churches are joining to present this humorous but touching play,” said Tennies.
The play will open at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1, and be shown in matinees at 2 p.m. Dec. 2 and 3. At $8 each, tickets are available now from cast and crew members; Destinations Bradford; and weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the church office, 44 Kennedy St. If available, tickets can also be purchased at the door, said Tennies, who noted there are only 120 seats available for each show.
The 90-minute presentation has no intermission.
Tradition gets a shake-up when the six Herdman siblings, described as “the worst kids in the world,” take over all the major roles in a small-town church’s annual performance about the first Christmas. The Herdmans have never heard the Biblical Christmas story.
Beth Bradley, played by Addie Walt, narrates the story of how her mother Grace (Rawny Reed) copes when she is unexpectedly pressed into directing the Christmas pageant for the first time and then has to deal with the Herdmans as well.
The unruly Herdmans will be played by Luke Caruso as Ralph; Felicity Cramer as Imogene; Addie Haviland as Leeanne; MaKaylla Kagarise as Claudia; Maddison Kagarise as Ollie; and Lorelai Cramer as Gladys.
Fred Feightner will be Bob Bradley with Mearlyn Atkinson as Charlie Bradley. Claire Thompson and Tori Langianese will portray Beth’s girlfriends, Alice Wendleken and Maxine, respectively.
Church ladies will be H. Kathleen Bryant as Mrs. Armstrong; Rebekah Cramer as Mrs. Slocum; Beckie Confer as Mrs. Clark; and Heather Skiver as Mrs. McCarthy (and accompanist).
Brendan Confer and Evan Confer take on the parts of Elmer Hopkins and Hobie, respectively.
The Rev. Patrick Cox will play the role of Reverend Hopkins, and members of the Bradford City Fire Department will make a cameo appearance.
Rounding out the cast are R’Néijah Hubbart as Angel Beverly; Sammi Anne Minich as Baby Angel Shirley; Emily Walb as Baby Angel Juanita; and Dawkins Reed, Peighton Reed and Bentley Herzog as baby angels.
At opening curtain, Susan Thompson and Marielle Thompson will offer “Welcome to Our World” by Michael W. Smith in American Sign Language and Beckie Confer will sing “What a Glorious Night.”
Co-directors are Nanci K. Garris and Diane Kerner Arnett; Jessica Ann Coder is technical director. The crew also includes Sue Rea, props; Cindy Graham, costumes.
For further information, contact Tennies at 814.362-4375 or revjtenn@gmail.com; Garris at nkgarris1@gmail.com; or Arnett at laffingone@gmail.com.
