THE BEST CHRISTMAS PEAGENT EVER Opens 12/16 At Lakewood Theatre Co

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, a delightful family story about the true meaning of Christmas, will open at the Lakewood Theatre Company on Thursday, December 16 at 7:30 PM. Performances continue at 7:30 PM on December 17, 18,19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 at 7:30 PM. There will also be matinee performances at 2:00 PM on Saturday Dec. 19 and Sunday Dec. 20. After the opening night performance on December 16th, there will be a hot cocoa and cookie reception.

This year marks the 18th time this holiday production has been staged by Lakewood Theatre Company. The show, directed by Steve Knox, is an adaptation of the popular short story written by Barbara Robinson and originally published by McCall's Magazine.

The theatre is located at Lakewood Center for the Arts, 368 S. State Street in Lake Oswego. Tickets are $12.00 for adults and $10.00 for students and senior citizens. Group discounts are available for parties of 10 or more. For reservations call 503-635-3901 or order online at www.lakewood-center.org.

About the Play: The Herdmans were absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. They lied and stole and smoked cigars (even the girls) and talked rough and hit little kids and talked back to their teachers. So it surprised just about everybody when they decided to take part in the town's Christmas Pageant.

The Herdman kids had never heard of the Christmas story, but the way they interpreted it, you'd think the story of Jesus came right out of the F.B.I. files. (They called the Wise Men a bunch of dirty spies). It was a Christmas pageant to remember. An American classic ... one of the best Christmas stories ever told.

Playwright Barbara Robinson has written several books for children including Across From Indian Shore and Trace Through the Forest. Her stories have appeared in well-known magazines and a short version of this play appeared in McCall's Magazine under the title, "The Christmas Pageant."

Featured performers include: Lisa Hailstone as Grace Bradley, Jared McClain as Bob Bradley, Mira Reichman as Beth Bradley and Dylan Earhart as Charlie Bradley. The Herdman children are played by Kyle Fulton, Sierra Kruse, Jack Rees, Carter Frainey, Grace Jacobson and Bryce Walters.

Others in the cast include Britnie Jacobson as Alice, Kyra Walters as Maxine, Jessica Reed as Mrs. McCarthy, Kim Biggs Berger as Mrs. Armstrong, Ogaenia Calkins as Mrs. Slocum, Susan Tiplett as Mrs. Clausing, Ilana Watson as Mrs. Clark, Clark Swinford as Reverend Hopkins, Richard Swinford as Elmer Hopkins, Sam Chow as David, Jaden Jacobsen as Shirley, Katie McClanan as Doris, and Robert Calkins and Doug Fulton as the firemen.

The Angel Choir is composed of Mackenzie Bezio, Anthony Chow, Ellen Glad, Luke Kagey, Miette LaPierre, Sofia Nelson, Israel Ochocki, Shaylee Ochocki, Allisonn O'Neil, Carly Savoy, Natasha Shklayrel, Maeve Stier, Helena Stockton, Jenna Wilson, Madison Paul, Lizzy Rees and Jack Rees.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is directed by Steve Knox. Set and light design is by Kurt Herman, costumes are by Ashley Wase, properties are by Felix Kelsey, the stage manager is Robert Calkins and the producer is Kay Vega.

To post a comment, you must register and login.