The Best Christmas Pageant Ever 2024
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, by Barbara Robinson
Directed by Stephen Buse, assisted by Vaughn Hardman
Performance Dates: December 7, 8, 13, 14, 15
It's America’s favorite Christmas book by Barbara Robinson as a PLAY!
The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, steal, and swear. So no one is prepared when this outlaw family invades church one Sunday and decides to take over the annual Christmas pageant. None of the Herdmans has ever heard the Christmas story before. Their interpretation of the tale—the Wise Men are a bunch of dirty spies—has a lot of people up in arms. And their wild antics cause havoc throughout the play’s production. But the actual pageant is full of surprises for everyone, starting with the Herdmans themselves, as they ultimately lead the town in finding the true meaning of Christmas. They will make this year’s pageant the most unusual anyone has seen and, just possibly, the best one ever.
Barbara Robinson’s popular and bestselling tale of the rowdy Herdmans has been beloved and celebrated since the book’s original release in 1972.
CAST
Beth Bradley ..................................... Caylee Trimble
Alice Wendelken ................................ Izzy Schwarz
Charlie Bradley ................................. Gage Brassell
Ralph Herdman ..................................... Caleb Korte
Imogene Herdman ......................... Ashlee Dolch
Leroy Herdman ................................. Caleb Threatt
Claude Herdman ............................... Colt Brassell
Ollie Herdman ................................ Mark Carmona
Gladys Herdman ............... Makenzi Humphries
Maxine .................... Emersyn Couch-Thompson
Elmer ................................................... Miykael Walden
Hobie/David ............................... Marissa Carmona
Beverly .......................................... Angie Motherspau
Juanita ................................................... Kinslee Tanner
Doris ...................................................... Jerusha Threatt
Grace Bradley .......................................... Jess Morris
Bob Bradley ......................................... Blake Trimble
Mrs. Armstrong ................................. Joy Fitzgerald
Mrs. Slocum .................................. Ada Motherspau
Mrs. Clark .......................................... Donette Trimble
Mrs. Clausing .................................. Lyndsy Brassell
Mrs. McCarthy ........................................ Carol Morris
Mrs. Smith ....................................... Donette Trimble
Rev. Hopkins ................... Tim Couch-Thompson
Angels Choir ........ Harley Johnson, Lola Davis
MEET THE CAST & CREW
COLT BRASSEL (Claude Herdman)
Auditioning for this play was at the top of Colt’s to-do list, so to be assigned the part of Claude Herdman was so exciting. Colt has had so much fun getting into character and learning the art of acting. Participating in this play has been a great addition to his extracurricular activities.
GAGE BRASSEL (Charlie Bradley)
This being Gage’s first play, he was excited to be assigned the part of Charlie. He has really enjoyed learning the ropes of acting. In addition to his leather work hobbies and competitive shooting, participating in this play has been a highlight for his year.
LYNDSY BRASSEL (Mrs. Clausing)
Lyndsy has enjoyed being a part of this cast and play. It has been neat to watch the kids get into their character and have fun acting.
MARK CARMONA III (Ollie Herdman)
Mark is happy to be a part of this year’s Christmas production, THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGENT EVER. He has preformed in several shows at LWA and has loved making new friends with his cast mates over the years. Mark is a Freshman in High School from Hill County. He enjoys, hanging out with friends and video games as well as acting.
MARISSA CARMONA (Hobie)
Marissa is glad to be a part of this year’s Christmas production, THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGENT EVER. She has preformed in several shows at LWA throughout the years and hopes to witness the theatre grow. Marissa is a Junior in High School from Hill County who enjoys writing and drawing as well as acting.
EMERSYN COUCH-THOMPSON (Maxine)
Emersyn has performed in several plays including CAPTAIN BREE AND HER LADY PIRATES, SARA FINDS CHRISTMAS, and STORYBOOK REUNION MURDERS.
TIM COUCH-THOMPSON (Rev. Hopkins)
This is Tim’s acting debut. He has enjoyed it very much and hopes to continue acting.
LOLA DAVIS (Angel Choir)
On stage for her second ever performance, Lola is a 5th grader who enjoys art, paper crafts and softball.
ASHLEE DOLCH (Imogene Herdman)
Ashlee is thrilled to be playing Imogene Herdman in this production. Her recent credits include Farmers Wife and the Lion in STORYBOOK REUNION MURDERS at Lake Whitney Arts. From choir, dance and theatre Ashlee has studied the performing arts since she was 8 years old.
JOY FITZGERALD (Mrs. Armstrong)
Joy has been involved in theatre since her first production as a witch in her fourth grade play. Since moving to Whitney last year, LWA has welcomed her with open arms. She would like to thank all the amazing stage ninjas (directors and techies) and fellow cast mates for working so hard to put on this beautiful show for our community. Joy's LWA credits include a Narrator in A CHRISTMAS CAROL and Assistant Director for AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS.
MAKENZI HUMPHRIES (Gladys Herdman)
Makenzi is a young actress making her community theater debut in THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER. At age 9, she is excited to step onto the stage for her first big production, bringing a fresh energy and enthusiasm to her role. Makenzi has always loved performing, participating in school performances and local theater camps. She has enjoyed the process and is eager to learn and grow in the craft, Makenzi attends Aquilla ISD, and is the daughter of proud parents, Jessie and Alix Humphries.
HARLEY J (Angel Choir)
Harley is a small town girl with a big personality. She is currently in the 3rd grade and vice president of her class. Harley enjoys sports, church and theatre. This is her first play to be involved in and is super excited, and looking forward to "breaking a leg!"
CALEB KORTE (Ralph Herdman)
Caleb is a hardworking student and actor who aspires to be the best person possible. He has also participated in two other plays at LWA, these shows are, CAPTAIN BREE AND THE LADY PIRATES, and A CHRISTMAS CAROL.
CAROL MORRIS (Mrs. McCarthy)
Carol loves being involved with Lake Whitney Arts. She has performed as Roxanne in FARCE OF NATURE and multiple roles in A CHRISTMAS CAROL. She has also been busy working behind the scenes helping to paint sets, work lights, and general backstage assistance. Carol has enjoyed working alongside her daughter and granddaughters in this play. Carol is grateful to her husband for his continued support.
JESS MORRIS (Grace Bradley)
Jess is so grateful to be a part of this show. She has been in multiple shows with LWA appearing most recently as Cecily Pigeon in THE ODD COUPLE, and other roles including Sir Francis and other characters in AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS, Mrs. Cratchit and Charwoman and in A CHRISTMAS CAROL, and Jenna Sealey in FARCE OF NATURE. She has also assisted in the booth working lights and sound. Jess is so thankful to be a part of Lake Whitney Arts and the amazing community of people involved here.
ADA MOTHERSPAU (Mrs. Slocum)
This is Ada’s first show with Lake Whitney Arts. She has always had a love for theatre and is excited for this experience.
ANGIE MOTHERSPAU (Beverly)
This is Angie’s first play with Lake Whitney Arts. She has recently performed in the Pioneer Day Beauty Pageant and received 1st runner up. Angie enjoys time with her family and playing softball.
IZZY SCHWARZ (Alice Wendelken)
Izzy is thrilled to be in this production, and is grateful for all her previous opportunities. Izzy has preformed for LWA in multiple productions including, SLEEPY HOLLOW, TOYS TAKE OVER CHRISTMAS, CAPTAIN BREE, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, and STORYBOOK REUNION MURDERS.
KINSLEE TANNER (Juanita)
Kinslee is a 7th grader at Whitney Middle School! This is Kinslee’s 2nd time to be a participant in one of the Lake Whitney Arts’ shows. She was in THE TOYS TAKE OVER CHRISTMAS in 2022. Kinslee enjoys acting and being part of such a wonderful organization and is already looking forward to the next production she can try out for!
CALEB THREATT (Leroy Herdman)
Caleb is excited to be making his debut with Lake Whitney Arts. When Caleb isn’t performing, he can be found drumming, working out, or joking around with friends and family.
JERUSHA THREATT (Doris)
Jerusha is thrilled to be making her debut with Lake Whitney Arts. This is her first performance! In addition to performing, Jerusha enjoys reading, playing the ukulele, and spending time with her friends.
BLAKE TRIMBLE (Bob Bradley)
Blake has been a part of the children’s shows as a parent for years. He always had a desire to get on the stage. After some encouragement from his family he has appeared in THE SUGAR BEAN SISTERS, CLUE, FARCE OF NATURE, and THE ODD COUPLE.
CAYLEE TRIMBLE (Beth Bradley)
Caylee grew up watching her brothers perform on the LWA stage eagerly waiting for her age to allow participation. In 2018 she landed her first role. Caylee loves all things theatre & treasures being an LWA theatre kid. Caylee would like to thank Mr. Buse & all the crew for their hard work in making this show come to life..This is Caylee's 11th show on the LWA stage. Some favorite roles include Howdy from THE SNOW WHITE VARIETY SHOW, Greta from SLEEPY HOLLOW & Cow from STORYBOOK REUNION MURDERS.
DONETTE TRIMBLE (Mrs. Clark)
As a long time theatre parent, Donette was recruited to deliver a line in this seasons Christmas play. Donette would like to thank Director Buse for the incredible amount of love, patience and knowledge he has shared with this cast. Mr. Hardman, along with Jaleigh, and Becca in the tech booth have all worked tirelessly and their efforts are so appreciated. Donette's favorite thing to do is to watch her loved ones doing what they love to do.
MIYKAEL WALDEN (Elmer Hopkins)
Miykael is excited to be taking the stage yet again at LWA. He not only enjoys the fun that comes from performing, Miykael also cherishes the friendships that he makes during each show he has been a part of. Miykael's first performance was Samuel Prescott in CAPTAIN BREE AND HER LADY PIRATES. He later played several characters, including Turkey Boy and Young Scrooge in A CHRISTMAS CAROL. When he isn't acting, Miykael enjoys hanging out with his friends and playing games.
STEPHEN BUSE (Director)
Stephen was last seen in THE ODD COUPLE on the LWA stage. This is his directing debut at LWA. He would like to thank the amazing cast, crew, his assistant director, set designer and all of those directors who have given their helpful advice.
VAUGHN HARDMAN (Assistant Director)
Vaughn has never been formally trained as an assistant director and is wondering how he got such an amazingly awesome job. He is honored to work under the direction of Stephen Buse and the sensational cast of THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER.
JALEIGH SCHWARZ (Sound)
Jaleigh has been involved in Lake Whitney Arts for a year and a half and has since acted in 4 plays, most notably A CHRISTMAS CAROL and …80 DAYS. Jaleigh has also designed and worked sound in now 4 plays most notably STEEL MAGNOLIAS and is excited to continue contributing to the theater.
BECCA BILZ DAVIS (Lights)
Becca, a retired school counselor, has been with LWA since the beginning: both on stage and off.