Lakewood Theatre Company Presents BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, 12/15-22

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, a delightful family story about the true meaning of Christmas, will open at the Lakewood Theatre Company on Wednesday, December 15 at 7:30 PM. Performances continue at 7:30 PM on December 16, 17, 18,19, 20, 21and 22 at 7:30 PM. There will also be matinee performances at 2:00 PM on Saturday Dec. 18 and Sunday Dec. 19. After the opening night performance on December 15th, there will be a hot cocoa and cookie reception.

This year marks the 19th time this holiday production has been staged by Lakewood Theatre Company. The show, directed by Milli Hoelscher, 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 $14.00 for adults and $12.00 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 Amy Haroldson as Grace Bradley, Kraig Williams as Bob Bradley, Caroline Haroldson as Beth Bradley and Daniel Martin as Charlie Bradley. The Herdman children are played by Carter Frainey, Sara Hedberg, Jaden Jacobson, Nolan Larkin, Everett Pearson and Miles Rigby.

Others in the cast include Lizzie Reese as Alice, Kate Threser as Maxine, Ogaenia Calkins as Mrs. McCarthy, Pat Lach as Mrs. Armstrong, Trisha Blake as Mrs. Slocum, Susan Triplett as Mrs. Clausing, McKenzie Holm as Mrs. Clark, Gary Romans as Reverend Hopkins, Luke Kagen as Elmer Hopkins, Anthony Chow as David, Parker Lariviere as Hobie, Caroline Haroldson as Beth, and Robert Calkins as the fireman.

The Angel Choir is composed of Emerson Cohn, Laurel Finlay, Audrey Finlay, Clare Hart, Caty Powell, Kaiya Shivers, Lucas Burkeen and Alexandra Burkeen.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is directed by Milli Hoelscher. Set and light design is by Kurt Herman, costumes are by Allison Dawe, the accompanist is Susan Triplett, properties are by Felix Kelsey, the stage manager is Robert Calkins and the producer is Kay Vega.

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