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Directed for PM&L by Adam Armstrong

PM&L Theatre presents

The Best Christmas Pageant Everby Barbara Robinson

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

PRODUCTION TEAMDirector .................................................... ADAM ARMSTRONGStage Manager ....................................... NICOLE HEYLAssistant Stage Manager ...................... TIFFANY MOORMANNStage Runner .......................................... PENNY WURSTERKid Wrangler ........................................... JOSHUA ARMSTRONGVocal Director .......................................... NICOLE HEYLPiano Accompanist ................................ RANDY MARGISONCostumes ................................................ LINDSEY YATES BADTKESet Design ............................................... ALLIE CASSIDYSet Construction ..................................... WOW CONSTRUCTION, ANDY ECKLUNDLighting .................................................... CHUCKLEHEADSLight Board Operator ............................. REBECCA ZELLARSound ....................................................... GUY FINLEYProducer .................................................. JENNIFER BIEL FRANCOPublicity ................................................... REBECCA ZELLARProgram ................................................... KATHLEEN LeFAVEHouse Manager ...................................... PAULA MANTASPhotographers ........................................ CONNIE WURSTER, MELISSA FRANK, GARY L. LUZ, IVA TROCKE

BARBARA ROBINSON, authorBarbara Robinson wrote several popular books for children, including My Brother Louis Measures Worms, The Best School Year Ever, The Best Halloween Ever, and the enormously popular bestselling novel The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, first published in 1972, which was made into a classic TV movie and on which this play was based. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

is produced annually in theaters, schools, and churches all over the world. Ms. Robinson passed away in 2013 and is survived by her two daughters and three grandchildren.

The first professional production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever was given by the Seattle Children's Theatre on November 26, 1982.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever CHARACTERS

BOB BRADLEY ....................................................................... Adam MiskieGRACE BRADLEY ............................................................ Kimberly BarnesBETH BRADLEY ..................................................................... Adelynn LenzCHARLIE BRADLEY ................................................. Jonathan MoormannRALPH HERDMAN ......................................................... Jackson HonakerIMOGENE HERDMAN ................................................................. Bella MuirLEROY HERDMAN .................................................................... Chase MuirCLAUDE HERDMAN .............................................................. Max KennedyOLLIE HERDMAN .................................................................... Elliott JoungGLADYS HERDMAN ............................................................ Emily MalcolmALICE WENDLEKEN ............................................................... Claire HaranMRS. ARMSTRONG ............................................................ Kathy AuklandMRS. SLOCUM ................................................................... Becky HonakerMRS. CLARK .................................................................... Katie ArmstrongMRS. CLAUSING ......................................................................... Erin BoothMRS. McCARTHY .................................................................... Bonnie HartMAXINE .............................................................................. Layla KalscheurELMER HOPKINS ..................................................................... Tyler WeberHOBIE ................................................................................ Kiernan EcklundDAVID ................................................................................... Kingston DavisBEVERLY ..................................................................................... Clara RiterFIREMAN ............................................................................ Dominick KnoxFIREMAN .................................................................................. Tom CappelSHIRLEY ................................................................................... Lily HonakerJUANITA ................................................................................. Finn StuebnerDORIS .................................................................................... Hailey BadtkeJANET ........................................................................................... Emily SelfROBERTA .............................................................................. Kendall YouraREVEREND HOPKINS ........................................................... Gregory NevilSHEPHERD ............................................................................... Connor LotzCHOIR ANGEL ....................................................................... Penny BadtkeBABY ANGELS ............................... Malcolm Armstrong, Tobias Badtke, Izabella Booth, Madeline Booth, Olivia Davis, Aria Horst, AnnEstelle Joung

ERIN BOOTH as Mrs. ClausingErin has appeared on the PM&L main stage most recently in IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY and TREASURE ISLAND, but she is so excited to share it for the first time with her two wonderful daughters Madeline and Izabella. Enjoy the show and Merry Christmas!

MALCOLM ARMSTRONG as Baby AngelMalcolm is pleased to be part of his first performance at PM&L, or anywhere! He is super thrilled to be getting an early jump at three years old! He says “hello” and “Merry Christmas” to his family and his baby sister Miranda.

KATHY AUKLAND as Mrs. ArmstrongKathy is delighted to be appearing in her first play at PM&L. At the

Haylofters in Burlington, she appeared in BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS, and MAMA MIA. She wants everyone to remember, there are no small parts, only small actors. But, there is a vast array of talent and

angels of all ages. Kathy thanks everyone for all their patience and love. She wishes Merry Christmas to her family and friends!

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever CAST PROFILES

KATIE ARMSTRONG as Mrs. ClarkKatie is totally thrilled to be back at PM&L, this time with her

son Malcolm and husband Adam! She was last seen on stage as Holly in UNCOMMON WOMEN. She’d like to give all her love

to her family: her sisters, her brothers, her children and her husband Adam. Merry Christmas!

HAILEY BADTKE as DorisHailey is twelve and in the seventh grade. She is happy to be back on the PM&L stage. Last time she did this show, she was a Baby Angel! Some favorite shows she’s done here are SHREK THE MUSICAL, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, and MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS. Hailey also enjoys drawing and playing computer games.

PENNY BADTKE as Choir AngelPenny is almost ten, home-schooled and in the fourth grade. Her

last show here was SHREK THE MUSICAL. Outside of theatre, Penny enjoys fashion, following YouTube stars, and listening to

music. When she grows up, she would like to open a bakery with her cousins.

TOBIAS BADTKE as Baby AngelTobias is three years old and this is his first show! Aside from being adorable, he is very spirited and loves attention. He has three sisters, two of which are in this show. His mom thanks the director for trusting to put him on stage!

KIMBERLY BARNES as Grace BradleyKim is thrilled to make her PM&L debut in this production. An Ohio native and recent California transplant, she now lives in

Antioch with her husband and son. Kim spends her free time feeding all the critters in her yard - in case you were wondering

why the local squirrels have gotten so chubby.

MADELINE BOOTH as Baby AngelMadeline is incredibly excited to be in her very first stage

play with her mom and sister. Madeline also played Young Florence in the prologue film for PM&L’s previous main stage

production CHESS. She hopes to be in more performances in the future.

TOM CAPPEL as FiremanTom is so excited to be a part of this production. Previously at PM&L he was in THE CHRISTMAS CAROL. He has been in several productions at Lakes High School including MARY POPPINS, ONCE UPON A MATTRESS, THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST and BUTTERFLY.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever CAST PROFILES

IZABELLA BOOTH as Baby AngelIzabella has always been a fan of being center stage but this is her first time on a real stage. She is thrilled to be in a play with her mom and big sister, especially at the theatre her mom performs in.

KINGSTON DAVIS as David/Shepherd This Kingston’s first time in a play. He’s really confident about

his role in this play because he’s seen other plays and really wanted to be in one.

OLIVIA DAVIS as Baby AngelOlivia is proud to be appearing in her first play at PM&L. Although new to the stage she has shared the spotlight before with her ice skating shows. Olivia is in first grade and her favorite subjects are violin, art, and gym class.

CLAIRE HARAN as Alice WendlekenClaire Is a sixth grader at Big Hollow who loves to sing, read and act! She enjoys hanging out with her friends, family and puppy, Prim! When she grows up she wants to be on Broadway or become a Forensic Anthropologist! Claire wants to thank her super awesome family, and the cast and crew at PM&L, for making THIS - the best Christmas Pageant ever!

KIERNAN ECKLUND as HobieKiernan has not been in a play here before but he is

excited to act. He has lots of pets and loves animals.

BONNIE HART as Edna McCarthyBonnie is excited to be in this great show! She was recently seen at PM&L in IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY. Bonnie has been involved in theatre since she was about as old as our Baby Angels! She has enjoyed playing roles such as Ladybug in

CLC’s production of JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH.

BECKY HONAKER as Irma SlocumBecky is excited to be back on stage after her last PM&L show in 1995! She is a kindergarten teacher at Oak Grove School. She lives in Antioch and loves spending time with her family. Luckily, two of her kids are in the play, too!

JACKSON HONAKER as Ralph HerdmanJackson is an eighth grader at Antioch upper Grade. He has

been in several plays here at PM&L. He played Reginald in THE CHRISTMAS CAROL, Edmund in NARNIA, Jojo in SEUSSICAL, JR., and Fake Brother in WAIT, WAIT, I CAN

EXPLAIN. He aspires to be a movie actor.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever CAST PROFILES

LILY HONAKER as Baby Angel ShirleyLily is excited to be in her first play at PM&L. She is in third grade at Hillcrest School. Lily is happy to join her mom and older brother who are also in the play.

ARIA HORST as Baby AngelAria is in third grade at Hillcrest Elementary School. This is

her first show; however, she feels she has a lot of experience because she is often at PM&L Theatre with her mom, who is a

stage manager this time. She wants to thank the director for casting her in this show with her friend, Lily.

ANNESTELLE JOUNG as Baby AngelThis is AnnEstelle’s first production and she is so excited to be on the stage! She is in kindergarten and is in her second year of dance classes where she learned how much fun performing can be.

ELLIOTT JOUNG as Ollie HerdmanElliott is ten years old, interested in being Ollie because he

thinks it’s fun to be a Herdman! This is also his first real performance, but he has four siblings, so it feels like the

Herdmans already - performance or no performance.

LAYLA KALSCHEUR as MaxineLayla is eight years old and a third grader at Emmons School. This is the first show that she has ever auditioned for and is so excited to be a part of it. Layla loves hockey and her family.

MAX KENNEDY as Claude HerdmanMax is from Antioch and loves dogs. Previous acting

experiences include roles in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST as the Wolf and the Book Seller. His most recent role was as Mr.

Pinky in HAIRSPRAY. Max looks forward to performing this winter.

DOMINICK KNOX as FiremanDominick is a recent graduate from the University of Wisconsin Parkside where he earned a degree in Theatre Arts. He was seen in the UWP productions of LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST and WAR OF THE WORLDS. He was also assistant director for their URINETOWN. If you want to see amazing shows, go to Parkside! Merry Christmas!

ADELYNN LENZ as Beth BradleyAdelynn is from Pleasant Prairie, WI. She is in the seventh grade

and goes to Friedens Lutheran School. This is her first production at PM&L. He favorite role was when she played Ramona Quimby at Lakeside Players in Kenosha. Adelynn is super excited to play

Beth in this production.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever CAST PROFILES

CONNOR LOTZ as ShepherdConnor Lotz is an eighth grader at Emmons School. He has been in four other plays, but his favorite roles include King Agnarr in FROZEN JR. and Ling in MULAN JR. Connor would like to thank his family and friends for their support.

EMILY MALCOLM as Gladys HerdmanThis is Emily’s first play with PM&L and she is super excited to

be in it. She is eight years old and a second-grader at W.C. Petty School. Emily has a bunny named Margo, and she loves

chocolate and tacos!

ADAM SCOTT MISKIE as Bob BradleyAdam is overjoyed to be returning to PM&L for his third apperance. He previously appeared as Mercutio and six other characters in THE PEOPLE VS. FRIAR LAURENCE and as Captain Long John Silver in TREASURE ISLAND. When not on stage he is either traveling, slinging drinks, or sculpting the earth via his landscape business.

JONATHAN MOORMANN as Charlie BradleyJonny is a fifth grader at Millburn Elementary School and

this is his first show. He thanks his family and his dog for supporting him.

BELLA MUIR as Imogene HerdmanAfter having performed in twenty three plays and musicals since the age of six, Bella, now thirteen, is delighted to be performing for the sixth time at the PM&L Theatre. Some of her favorite roles include Jasmine in Aladdin, Tinkerbell in Peter Pan, and Ayah in The Secret Garden. Keep your eye out in the future for this budding star!

CHASE MUIR as Leroy HerdmanThis is Chase’s third musical, and also his debut at the PM&L

Theatre. He is thrilled to be playing the part of Leroy, and to be sharing the stage with is sister Bella. His other talents include baseball and playing the saxophone. He is thankful to all his

family and friends for coming to support him!

CLARA RITER as BeverlyClara thinks PM&L is a really fun place to perform. She has

played Young Anna in FROZEN, JR., Tiny Tim in A CHRISTMAS CAROL, and Randall in BYE, BYE, BIRDIE, JR. She would like

to thank her parents for being nice and her cat, Athena, for being adorable.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever CAST PROFILES

EMILY SELF as Janet, Angel ChorusEmily enjoys playing volley and doing plays. Her favorite musicals are SCHOOL OF ROCK and PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. She is twelve years old. Her favorite quote is “I can’t find my halo.”

FINN STUEBNER as Juanita This is Finn’s first performance in a theater but not on a stage. He has shown off his talents playing violin in the school talent

show and at his violin recital. Finn is excited to continue finding new ways to shine!

TYLER WEBER as Elmer HopkinsActing is Tyler’s favorite thing to do. He has done two other plays at PM&L and three at other places. His favorite role was as Ralphie two years ago in A CHRISTMAS STORY. He loves acting and hopes to act when he’s older.

KENDALL YOURA as Roberta This is Kendall’s first show at PM&L. She has been in three other

shows as Veruca Salt (WILLY WONKA, JR), Fern (CHARLOTTE’S WEB), and Kassim (ALADDIN, JR.) in Burlington, WI. Kendall is

very happy to be a part of this show. She thanks her friends and family who came to see her in the show. Merry Christmas!

GREGORY NEVIL as Reverend HopkinsA lifetime spent in The Performing Arts as a Jack of many trades, recently seen as Doctor Rank in A DOLL’S HOUSE at CLC, and appeared here at PM&L as Adrian in KILL ME, DEADLY. Other recent roles include as an extra in television cinema and internet productions. The harder you work, the luckier you get!

THANK YOU toAntioch Methodist Church, Antioch Fire Department, Christian Arts Center in Lake Geneva.