
November 24 – December 24, 2023
THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER: THE MUSICAL
Book and Lyrics by Jahnna Beecham
Music & Lyrics by Malcolm Hillgartner
Based on the Play by Barbara Robinson
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC. (www.broadwaylicensing.com)
Directed and Choreographed by Molly Rhode
The horrible Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world. The entire town panics when these rowdy six siblings are cast in the church’s annual Christmas pageant. It's up to good-hearted Mrs. Bradley to help the Herdmans – and the rest of the town – discover the true meaning of Christmas before it's too late. Silent night? Not a chance, but sometimes a little joyful noise is just right for Christmas.
Runtime
75 minutes + brief intermission
Age Recommendation
Suggested for adults, teens, and children ages 5-6, 7-9, 10-12
November 24 – December 24, 2023
THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER: THE MUSICAL
Book and Lyrics by Jahnna Beecham
Music & Lyrics by Malcolm Hillgartner
Based on the Play by Barbara Robinson
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC. (www.broadwaylicensing.com)
Directed and Choreographed by Molly Rhode
The horrible Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world. The entire town panics when these rowdy six siblings are cast in the church’s annual Christmas pageant. It's up to good-hearted Mrs. Bradley to help the Herdmans – and the rest of the town – discover the true meaning of Christmas before it's too late. Silent night? Not a chance, but sometimes a little joyful noise is just right for Christmas.
Runtime
75 minutes + brief intermission
Age Recommendation
Suggested for adults, teens, and children ages 5-6, 7-9, 10-12
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical
Discover more about this event

Tech Talk
Sunday, December 3, following the 3:30PM performance
Stay for an extended talkback following the performance.






Friday, December 8
Saturday, December 9
Sunday, December 10
Friday, December 15
Saturday, December 16
Sunday, December 17
Wednesday, December 20
Thursday, December 21
Friday, December 22
Saturday, December 23
Sunday, December 24
Kerpow Cast
Ralph Herdman, TERRANCE ILION
Imogene Herdman, LORELEI WESSELOWSKI
Leroy Herdman, LAYLA MATHIAS
Claude Herdman, MARLOW KUHNEN-GROOMS
Ollie Herdman, HARLOW TOBICZYK
Gladys Herdman, MILA RODRIGUEZ
Beth Bradley, PIETJA DUSEK
Alice Wendleken, TAYLOR ARNSTEIN
Ivy Reed, LAUREN DeGROOT
Charlie Bradley, SILVIA STOEGER
Elmer Hopkins, COLLIN WIESE
Teddy Shoemaker, SAM DUSEK
Pageant Narrator, SOFIA KUBACKI
Ensemble/Angel, SUMMER LASTER
Ensemble/Angel, ELISE FISCHER
Ensemble/Shepherd, THOUGHT GRANT
Ensemble/Shepherd, OLIVIA SCHMITZ
Ensemble/Camel, WILL PERKINS
Young Ensemble/Sheep, TEGAN STADLER
Young Ensemble/Sheep, FINLEY BROWN
Young Ensemble/Sheep, DIANA QUINDEL
Young Ensemble/Sheep, ANNABELLE MILLER
Shazam Cast
Ralph Herdman, JOHN EASH-SCOTT
Imogene Herdman, MAYA O'DAY BIDDLE
Leroy Herdman, GRANT SCHOONOVER
Claude Herdman, LUCIA HARRIS
Ollie Herdman, ROCIO DEL MAR BERRIOS
Gladys Herdman, EVIANNA GIBBONS
Beth Bradley, MAIA SCHERMAN
Alice Wendleken, NIAMH MAYNE
Ivy Reed, MAKAYLA LLOYD
Charlie Bradley, BENNETT SCHOONOVER
Elmer Hopkins, PENNY WHITMORE
Teddy Shoemaker, MILO EULL
Pageant Narrator, TESSA IMES BENISCHEK
Ensemble/Angel, HELEN PALOMA MAROTTA
Ensemble/Angel, TAYLOR BURKS
Ensemble/Shepherd, CECE HARRIS
Ensemble/Shepherd, CAROLINE KANTER
Ensemble/Camel, TOBIAS IMES BENISCHEK
Young Ensemble/Sheep, KENDALL MILAZZO
Young Ensemble/Sheep, ALICE NGUYEN
Young Ensemble/Sheep, WILLOW MILLIGAN
ADULT CAST
Grace Bradley, KAREN ESTRADA*
Bob Bradley, CHASE STOEGER
Helen Armstrong, LACHRISA GRANDBERRY*
Luanne, LAURA GORDON*
Betty, BREE BEELOW*
Connie, CYNTHIA COBB*
Reverend, J.T. BACKES*
Understudy for Karen Estrada, KENDRA KROUTH
Understudy for Chase Stoeger, D ERIC WOOLWEBER
Understudy for Lachrisa Grandberry, SOPHIE MICHALSKI
Understudy for Cynthia Cobb, MICHELLE LORICCO
Understudy for Laura Gordon, ANYA PALMER
Understudy for Bree Beelow, CAITLYN NETTESHEIM
Understudy for J.T. Backes, SHAYNE PATRICK STELIGA
ARTISTIC AND CREATIVE TEAM
Director and Choreographer, MOLLY RHODE
Music Director, BILL BUSCH
Scenic Designer, KRISTIN ELLERT
Costume Designer, DARYL HARRIS
Assistant Costume Designer, LYNDSEY KUHLMANN
Lighting Designer, ERICA LAUREN MAHOLMES, USA
Sound Designer, MATT WHITMORE
Dance Captain, BREE BEELOW
Production Stage Manager, KELLY L. SCHWARTZ*
Assistant Stage Manager, LAUREN WESTFAHL
Second Assistant Stage Manager, AMINAH ROCKETT
* Appearing through an Agreement between First Stage and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States