The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
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The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
by Barbara Robinson
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
Director: Marie Fox
In “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” chaos ensues when the unruly Herdman siblings, known as the “worst kids in the history of the world,” take over the annual Christmas pageant. When the usual director is forced to step down due to an injury, Grace Bradley, a seemingly ordinary woman, steps up to coordinate the pageant. Despite initial skepticism from the community, Grace decides to embrace the Herdmans’ involvement, hoping to instill the true meaning of Christmas in them. As rehearsals progress, the Herdmans bring their unconventional flair to the production, turning the traditional pageant on its head. Through their involvement, the community learns important lessons about acceptance, kindness, and the spirit of Christmas.
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MEET THE CAST
(*) denotes also a member of the Ensemble (^) denotes Dance Ensemble (‘) denotes Fight Ensemble (“) denotes Dance Captain
TAP TO SEE BIO
EMILY HARER
is excited to be in another production here at the CTL. She could previously be seen in ELF THE MUSICAL and CORNER OF BROADWAY AND THIRD: Kidz. She has participated in several summer camps here and is excited to continue her acting career. She would like to thank her friends and family for supporting her and hopes you enjoy the show!
EMILY HARER
(Beth Bradley)
LIZ SNOW
is thrilled to be returning to CTL's Mainstage and to be directed by Marie once more! Favorite roles include Chris in RUMORS; Belinda in NOSIE'S OFF!; Olympe de Gouges IN THE REVOLUTIONISTS; M'Lynn in STEEL MAGNOLIAS; Gertrude in HAMLET; Karen in AUGUST OSAGE COUNTY); Jo in INDEPENDENCE. Elizabeth recently completed her Master's degree in Theatre Education, and has over a decade's experience directing and teaching high school theatre. She extends huge gratitude to Marie Fox for all of her hard work on this production, and to Cameron for his neverending support!
LIZ SNOW
Mother (Grace Bradley)
JAMES WOOSTER
is excited to play the Father in THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER at CTL. Though this is his first time on the CTL stage, he once played Leroy Herdman in another production. While he hasn’t performed on stage in nearly 20 years, he’s thrilled to return to acting and to share in this heartwarming Christmas classic, which has always been a favorite of his. James is the pastor at Pine Street United Methodist Church, He hopes this story reminds you that Christmas is about love, grace, and the surprising transformations that happen when we welcome others with open hearts.
JAMES WOOSTER
(Father (Bob Bradley))
WESLEY RAUCH
is a 5th grader at McCall Middle School in Montoursville. He had a blast playing the roll of Humpty Dumpty in CTL'S Production ALICE @ WONDERLAND. Wesley enjoys being on an Odyssey of the Mind team, Cub Scouts, his youth group at church, and recently started a Book Club at his school.
WESLEY RAUCH
(Charlie Bradley)
JADE ALEXANDER
is a young aspiring actress. She has already taken two improv classes with the director Marie Fox. She was also Alice in ALICE @ WONDERLAND a CTL, the show was directed by Nina White, and she was in MATILDA JR., at her school. She played Miss. Trunchbull, and that show was directed by Daniel Bergman. While working on this show she is also ARSENIC AND OLD LACE, where she is performing as lieutenant Roony, the show is directed by Michele Long. Jade is very excited to be a part of THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, and that it is able to promote the true meaning of Christmas.
JADE ALEXANDER
(Imogene Herdman)
RIESA BURK
is a freshman at PA Virtual Charter School. This is her first Mainstage performance, she has been in the sprouts production, ALICE @ WONDERLAND where she played the rose. She has done many summer camps and after school programs here at CTL. She would also like to give thanks to her improv “teacher” Marie Fox whom has helped her become a better actress and person overall.
RIESA BURK
(Ralph Herdman)
CADENCE DECKER
is thrilled to be in CTL's production of "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!" You may have seen her previously in CORNER OF BROADWAY AND THIRD: Kidz (featured soloist), WHAT HAPPENED AFTER ONCE UPON A TIME (Storyteller), DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at the Community Arts Center (Chip), as well as the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra's Broadway Holiday Concert (featured performer) and Williamsport Area Middle School's HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL JR. (Sharpay). She would like to thank her mom for always supporting her and Mrs. Fox for this amazing opportunity. Merry Christmas!
CADENCE DECKER
(Leroy Herdman)
EMMALINE MARTIN
is currently a 7th grade student at McCall Middle School. Emmaline is a Broadway loving, singer and actress. This her third CTL performance. She formerly acted as Michael Hobbs in ELF THE MUSICAL last year and has already performed this year in CORNER OF BROADWAY AND THIRD: Kidz singing a song from Annie. Recently for her 13th birthday, she visited NYC where she saw Aladdin, visited the Broadway Museum, and met the Supervisor, Arranger, and Conductor Haley Bennett (and her dog Cheerio) of & Juliet. Emmaline is an animal lover and spends her free time with friends, family, and her rescue dogs, River and Skye.
EMMALINE MARTIN
(Claude Herdman)
REBECCA WINTER
a sophomore, is very excited to be in her first supporting role at CTL. She is the Historian for Loyalsock’s International Thespian club. She also participates in Master Singers and choir at Loyalsock. She has been involved in a few productions in the past such as THE CREATURE CREEPS (Freda Zitzen), ELF THE MUSICAL (Tiara and tech),THE LIGHTNING THEIF (Bianca), and most recently IS THERE A COMIC IN THE HOUSE? (Gloria). She would like to thank her friends, family, and everyone involved in this production for this amazing opportunity!
REBECCA WINTER
(Ollie Herdman)
ABBY SHIBATA
is in her first year of middle school in the area and is so excited to debut her theatrical talents for the first time in this production of THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER! Abby has been in several after school classes at the CTL, as well as a production run by Family Life in the summer of 2024. Abby wants to be an actress when she grows up, loves caring for animals, and cannot wait to have fun in this production!
ABBY SHIBATA
(Gladys Herdman)
REBEKAH RICHARDSON
is glad to be back for her third Christmas show at CTL. This is her 5th season of Mainstage shows, which have included SWEENEY TODD, TO KILL A MOCKING BIRD, ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST, MIRACLE ON 34TH ST, and ELF THE MUSICAL. She is a homeschooling mom and mixed media artist. The holidays can be difficult, but you are not alone. If you need emotional support, reach out to the national mental health hotline: 988.
REBEKAH RICHARDSON
(Mrs. Armstrong)
ELIZA WHYMAN
is delighted to be a part of THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER! Coming off the back of THE PROM and CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, Eliza is excited to work with another stellar cast and round off her year with this fun production. In the spirit of Christmas and the season of giving, Eliza would like to dedicate this show to her entire family, including her dog Snow, whose name aptly matches the season. And to every audience member: happy holidays!
ELIZA WHYMAN
(Mrs. McCarthy)
HANNAH BASTIAN
is thrilled to be a part of this year's winter production of THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER! She is a sophomore at Loyalsock Township Highschool and participates in the band and choir. She is on the volleyball team and has been seen in THE CEATURES CREEP and IS THERE A COMIC IN THE HOUSE? At CTL she has mained in MIRACLE WORKER as Helen Keller and TO KILL A MOCKING BIRD as Scout Finch and made appearances in other shows like: IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS, MIRACLE ON 34TH ST, and more. She thanks the production staff for this amazing opportunity.
HANNAH BASTIAN
(Alice Wendleken)
KRISTIN PEREZ
is excited to be in her first play at CTL. She has previously been seen in the musicals DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, ELF THE MUSICAL, RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA, THE PROM and CATCH ME IF YOU CAN. Kristin has also worked behind the scenes on many shows including CABARET, RAGTIME, and CALENDAR GIRLS. Kristin would like to thank you friends, family and fur babies for their continues support. She would also like to thank the production staff for giving her the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing show. Happy Holidays!
KRISTIN PEREZ
(Mrs. Slocum)
SUSAN KRAMER
is a mom of 4 boys and she is enjoying sharing this experience with three of them! Suzie did theater in childhood and more recently played Mrs Fitzgerald in CTL's CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN. Suzie is excited to start her master's program in a few weeks. Big thank you to Jacob, Suzie's partner in chaos (and life) for holding down the fort. May you remember the true meaning of Christmas this holiday season!
SUSAN KRAMER
(Mrs. Clark)
MELODY BLAHUT
is a senior at Lycoming College with a minor in theatre performance. She is so excited to participate in the THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGAENT EVER That may just be the name of the show but it rings true for this production. She would love to thank her wonderful cast and crew for making this show one to remember. You might have seen Melody in last year's RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA as ensemble. She is grateful to be back in the swing of things at CTL and hopes everyone enjoys the show! A special thank you to her parents and twin brother.
MELODY BLAHUT
(Mrs. Clausing)
ABBY RICHARDSON
is so excited to be back on the CTL Mainstage! She was previously seen in THE LITTLE MERMAID and MIRACLE ON 34TH ST. Abby is a homeschooled 6th grader who loves music, dance, art, reading, and theater. She hopes to be a chef or a baker.
ABBY RICHARDSON
(Maxine)
VIOLET SPONHOUSE
is in seventh grade. She is an active member at her church and a super enthusiastic volunteer at the James V Brown Library. She has attended various theatre camps and is incredibly excited for her debut performance in THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER!
VIOLET SPONHOUSE
(Elmer Hopkins)
SAMUEL KRAMER
is 10 years old and in 4th grade. Samuel likes to read, play Pokemon, and build Lego. Samuel played a Real Rabbit in THE VELVETEEN RABBIT at Bloomsburg Theater last summer. Samuel has enjoyed doing a show with his Mom and younger brothers this time. Samuel hopes everyone has a fantastic Christmas!
SAMUEL KRAMER
(Hobie)
ISAAC WOOSTER
age 9, is excited to play David in THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER at CTL. He has previously appeared in the CTL Sprouts production of ALICE @ WONDERLAND as the Tiny Door, and in Family Life Radio’s Museum of His Story. When he’s not on stage, Isaac enjoys trading Pokémon cards, building with Legos, and playing Kirby on the Nintendo Switch. He’s thrilled to be part of this fun Christmas story and hopes you enjoy the show!
ISAAC WOOSTER
(David)
SELAH THOMPSON
is a freshman at Williamsport High School. Her love of theatre has led to be in productions such as RIKKI TIKKI TAVI, ALICE @ WONDERLAND and various theatre camps. This is her first CTL main stage performance. When not performing, she likes drawing,playing Sonic games,and listening to music.
SELAH THOMPSON
(Beverly)
ELEANOR PETERS
a 6th grade student at Lock Haven Catholic School. Eleanor enjoys reading, musical theater, playing with her school friends and listening to music.
ELEANOR PETERS
(Shirley)
MARYN FRY
is a freshman at Loyalsock and is very excited to be apart of this production! She has been apart of ctl since she was 4! Starting with summer camps then she progressed to after school classes and finally to main stage shows! Her favorite roles include Polly in CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF, a henchman and more in MATILDA at the cac, ensemble in ELF THE MUSICAL and ANYTHING GOES, and more. Maryn is beyond grateful to her friends and family who are here supporting her tonight and to everyone else who supports her acting dreams! She would lastly like to thank Marie for this opportunity!
MARYN FRY
(Juanita)
IRIS PINCKNEY
is thrilled to be returning to the CTL stage. Past productions include CORNER OF BROADWAY AND THIRD: Kidz, CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF, and ALICE @ WONDERLAND with the Sprouts program. Additionally, Iris enjoys participating in CTL camps and classes. Apart from theatre, Iris stays busy as an active participant in City Alliance Church, Valley Learning Community homeschool co-op, Odyssey of the Mind, and Williamsport Youth Choir. Iris hopes that you have as much fun watching the show as she has had getting ready for it!
IRIS PINCKNEY
(Doris)
MICHAEL MCJUNKIN
is excited to be in his second role at CTL as well as his second Christmas play. He was most recently in ELF THE MUSICAL at CTL, His other roles include SPAMALOT at River Stage, Eddie in MAMMA MIA, Mysterious Man from INTO THE WOODS; Grinch in SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL; and Drake in HONK. Michael would like to thank the Director and CTL for the opportunity. Thank his family for all their support as well as the audience for coming.
MICHAEL MCJUNKIN
(Fireman)
MICHAEL HEILMANN
This is Michael's second time on the CTL stage (at least with the lights on), he goes from serving fairy tale royalty at the CAC to protecting the community hosting the Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Only time will tell if his services will be called upon again; but, for now, the show must, no… WILL go on.
MICHAEL HEILMANN
(Fireman)
TIM HEILMANN
is excited to be back on the CTL stage for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! It seems he can't resist a Christmas time performance, having appeared in: SCROOGE (back in the 90's - Bob Cratchet), and then (after a long hiatus) A CHRISTMAS STORY THE MUSICAL (Jean Shepard), IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (Joseph), WHITE CHRISTMAS (Mr. Snoring Man), and ELF THE MUSICAL (Santa Claus). Sprinkled in between have been roles in SOUTH PACIFIC (Captain Brackett), COMPANY (Larry), SWEENEY TODD (Ensemble), RAGTIME (Ensemble), DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Ensemble), CABARET (Herr Schultz), and RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA (Ensemble)
TIM HEILMANN
(Reverend Hopkins)
AVA FITZGERALD
is ecstatic to be a part of her first official show through the Community Theater League. She has had previous acting experience through various camps at the CTL and as a Raccoon in the Missoula Children’s Traveling Theater's version of RED RIDING HOOD in 2016. As a Freshman at Loyalsock Township High School, Ava enjoys singing in the choir and playing music trivia. She wants to thank her family and friends for always encouraging her creativity.
AVA FITZGERALD
(Angel Choir)
LYDA PINCKNEY
is a homeschooling 8th grader. She has participated in CTL classes and summer camps in the past and enjoyed being a part of the Sprouts program in WHAT HAPPENED AFTER ONCE UPON A TIME. Outside of theatre, she plays violin in the WAMS orchestra and is an active participant in City Alliance Church, Valley Learning Community homeschool co-op, and Argonaut School. Lyda wishes to thank the cast and crew for welcoming her to THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGAENT EVER and for bringing one of her favorite Christmas stories to life. She hopes you enjoy the show!
LYDA PINCKNEY
(Angel Choir)
KIERRA WILLIAMS
is excited to be in her third CTL production. She has been in WIZARD OF OZ as a munchkin and sang in CORNER OF BROADWAY AND THIRD: Kidz. Outside of the theater she directs her energy practicing Goshin Jitsu.
KIERRA WILLIAMS
(Angel Choir)
KATIE DINGES
is excited to be in her 3rd Christmas show at CTL. She was previously in MIRACLE ON 34TH ST and in IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (Zuzu). She loves all the amazing people she’s met at CTL and the chance to be in this special show.
KATIE DINGES
(Angel Choir)
LOLA CARUSO
This is Lola’s first ever experience in a production. She’s very excited to be on stage and part of this cast. She would like to thank her family for supporting her in all she does.
LOLA SAVAGE-CARUSO
(Baby Angel)
HAYDEN DAY
Although she is making her debut theatrical performance, Hayden Day is no stranger to the spotlight. A 5th Grader at Curtin Intermediate School, Hayden is a Clarinetist in the school's Jazz Band, the Goalie for her travel soccer team, "Heatwave," the Catcher for her Little League softball team, and loves playing defense in the local basketball leagues. Hayden loves Pandas, "Stranger Things," and fast rollercoasters!
HAYDEN DAY
(Baby Angel)
NAOMI WHITE
is so excited to join THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGAENT EVER for her first show at CTL. In addition to performing she enjoys art, singing, imagining, crafting, and reading.
NAOMI WHITE
(Baby Angel)
JOHARA SMITH
is a 4th grader who is so excited to make her stage debut in THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGAENT EVER! She loves to sing and act, and recently began to play in the school band. When not on stage, Jojo shines on the softball field with her travel team, Diamond Defenders, and loves to play pitcher and catcher. She also enjoys roller coasters, drawing and swimming.
JOHARA SMITH
(Baby Angel)
LIAM WHITE
a 5th grader at Loyalsock elementary school. He’s been playing piano and saxophone for 2 years. Previously at CTL, Liam has played the Elephants Child in RIKKI TIKKI TAVI and the Caterpillar in ALICE @ WONDERLAND and has also performed in THE VELVETEEN RABBIT and DRAGONS LOVE TACOS at the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble. His favorite video games are Cuphead, Undertale, and the Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild & Tears of the Kingdom. Liam likes to cook and jump on his trampoline but not at the same time
LIAM WHITE
(Shepard)
BRIAN KRAMER
is 8 years old and in 3rd grade. He loves to draw, sing, and spend time with his family. Brian previously played Jackie in CTL's CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN. Brian is looking forward to another great show. Thank you to his Mom and his two brothers who did the show with him. Brian wishes everyone a Merry Christmas!
BRIAN KRAMER
(Shepard)
WESLEY THOMPSON
is a fifth grader at Curtin Intermediate School. His love of theatre has led to be in productions such as ALICE @ WONDERLAND and Museum of His-story camp. Wesley loves video games, scouting, and hanging with his family in his spare time. He is very excited about the play and will do his best and is happy for the opportunity to be in this play.
WESLEY THOMPSON
(Shepard)
BENJAMIN KRAMER
is excited to participate in his very first show ever. Thank you to his mom and his two brothers for doing the show with him and making it a fun experience. Merry Christmas!
BENJAMIN KRAMER
(Shepard)
ARCHER WHITE
(they/them) is a homeschooled high school student. They enjoy writing, drawing, and anything creative. They have previous acting experience in plays put on by homeschool co-ops they attended in the past. This is their first performance at CTL, and they are very excited to be here!
ARCHER WHITE
(Shepard)
MEET THE PRODUCTION TEAM
TAP TO SEE BIO
MARIE FOX
has spent most of her life in the theatre, When not teaching at WAHS, she is very active at CTL. Marie serves on the board, directs the adult improv troupe, teaches theatre camps, and has worked with the Penguin and Spotlight programs. Some favorite moments directing include; THE PROM, RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA, CLUE, IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, THE MIRACLE WORKER, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, and BEDSIDE MANNERS, to name a few. When not at the theatre, Marie enjoys spending time with her family. She is thrilled to work on this show with such an energetic and creative cast and crew!
MARIE FOX
(Director)
YVETTE KLOPP
is excited for her first CTL behind the scenes production as a Stage Manager. She is thrilled to work with such an amazing production team and honored to be able to work with such an amazing Cast as well. She would like to thank CTL for giving her this opportunity. She has been on the CTL stage this past year in PROM as part of the Ensemble and was part of the CTL production of RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA in the Ensemble at CAC last year as well. Enjoy this wonderful play and remember Have the Best Christmas Ever!!!
YVETTE KLOPP
(Stage Manager)
SLOAN WOOD
is a senior at Lock Haven University pursuing Early Childhood Education, which is why she had to join the kids for this pageant! Sloan has directed for WAHS during their production of LOCKDOWN. She is beyond thrilled to collaborate with Marie Fox for this new opportunity of Assistant Directing THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGAENT EVER. Sloan is also a frequent face to see on the CTL stage in productions such as CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN and BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS. Sloan hopes you enjoy the show and remember to cherish all the moments, especially with our own real-life Herdmans.
SLOAN WOOD
(Assistant Director)
MADELINE WILLIAMSON
is so excited to be an Assistant Stage Manager for this production. Maddie has been acting and singing on CTL stages since 2021 and most recently played Brenda in CTL's Season 48 Opener CATCH ME IF YOU CAN. This is her first time working on the production crew and she's enjoyed putting a different set of skills to work. Maddie is grateful to CTL for the opportunity to work on another show and to her husband for his love and support. She hopes you enjoy this classic Christmas story told by our fun and talented cast!
MADELINE WILLIAMSON
(Assistant Stage Manager)
NEVAEH WILLIAMS
is very excited to be apart of another show here at CTL, but this time, backstage! With this being Nevaehs first time being apart of a production team. She is very excited to see where this show goes! She’d like to thank Marie for this wonderful opportunity and for setting her up for greatness! Enjoy the show!
NEVAEH WILLIAMS
(Assistant Stage Manager)
MISSY BLACK
has been costuming for CTL for several years. The last few shows that she costumed were THE LIGHTNING THIEF, RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA, GREASE, SHREK, DISNEY"S DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, CABARET, CHICAGO, RAGTIME and MAMMA MIA. Missy loves being involved in CTL productions behind the scenes, so costuming is the perfect place for her to give back to the community. Missy would like to thank her friends and family for their love and support and to the CTL family for allowing her to be part of the magic.
MISSY BLACK
(Costume Design)
MORE CREDITS
Jordan Miller ... Lighting Designer
Seth Sponhouse ... Scenic Design
Kyle Huggins ... Marketing/Photography
Seth Sponhouse ... Scenic Design
Kyle Huggins ... Marketing/Photography
MAIA CENIMO
(Choreographer)
JOSIAH HICKS-LEE
is excited to be helping out again on the production side at CTL. This is his first show as an assistant stage manager and is glad to be helping out with the music. He has worked on over 50 productions. Some of his most recent work has been in "The Prom," "Steel Magnolias," "A Christmas Carol" twice, and "Beauty and the Beast." He has worked with Hamilton-Gibson as well as as with New Covenant UCC doing direction, choreography, music direction, and costume design. He has also played pit orchestra on various instruments.
JOSIAH HICKS-LEE
(Assistant Stage Manager/Music Director)
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN TO JOIN US! FIND OUT HOW BELOW
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
- Attend an audition–The best way to jump right in is to attend an audition and meet the director, stage manager, and production manager. They can tell you where help is needed most.
- Visit the business office–CTL’s administrative staff will be on hand during the day to help get you started by putting you in touch with our CTL’s Volunteer Coordinator.
- Call or email–Contact the business office by calling (570) 327-1720 or by emailing CTLVolunteers@yahoo.com with your contact information and areas of interest.
Each production is staffed independently. If you have a particular interest in a show or position, please let us know. Even if your desired position is already filled, we may call upon you for backup.