Chaos ensues as Herdmans take over: Tickets on sale now for CCT’s holiday show

The Herdmans were the worst kids in the whole history of the world….or were they?

When Charlie Bradley, played by Peyton Johnson, boasted of the fun he has at Sunday school, he never dreamed that he would inadvertently invite the Herdmans to his ‘safe place’. Imogene, Ralph, Ollie, Gladys, Leroy and Claude, played by Autumn Canty, Kaleb Ward, Katie Sohn, Emery Norman, Elisha Adair and Kevin Swindell respectively, show up for Sunday School just in time to take over the Christmas pageant. Amidst fires, fighting wise men and a stray ham, the true meaning of Christmas begins to emerge through a hilarious and heartwarming story.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (BCPE) play is adapted from the book of the same title by Barbara Robinson which was released in 1971. The play is narrated by Beth Bradley and revolves around the memories she has from the year the Herdman’s took over the pageant and the lessons she learned from them. Teen Beth is played by Mattie Oliver and Josie Fox portrays adult Beth as the narrator.
“This is my second chance to direct this delightful play and there is a good reason,” said Sheilah O’Heany, director. “Best Christmas Pageant Ever is such a wonderful story and it always draws great actors-and their families-who want to be a part of its holiday message. It’s also been fun to think of ways to keep it fresh and unique from previous productions and I’m feeling confident tha we’re doing just that.”

“I am very excited to return to the stage and reprise my role as the Fire Chief,” said Jerry Parker.

Additional cast members are Bob Rydman as Father (Bob Bradley); Brittany Lankford as Mother (Grace Bradley); Tessa Hobbs as Alice Wendleken; Allie Hague as Maxine; Benita Rydman as Mrs. Armstrong; Debra Petri as Mrs. Slocum; Rosemary Chambers as Mrs. Clark; Susan Montgomery as Mrs. Clausing; Candy Dominguez as the Sunday School Teacher; Chanel Hauge as Mrs. McCarthy; Abe Punches as Elmer Hopkins; Brayden Adair as Hobie; Lorelai Dubravsky as Debra; Annie Oliver as Beverly; Alice Canty as Shirley; Sophia McNeil as Juanita; Katie Petri as Doris; Holie Montgomery as Laura; Riley Collins as Phyllis; Annie Punches as Judy; Jared Dubravsky as the Rev. Hopkins; Jerry Parker as the fire chief; Kent Shuttleworth, Atticus Belota and Alijah Belota as firefighters; and Ellison Norman, Carolyn McIntyre, Tatum Collins, Emily McNeil, Howie Montgomery and Chase Collins as Sunday School students.
“I am really excited to be in another play with my aunt,” said Carolyn McIntyre. “Plus it is fun to run and scream on stage when the Herdmans fight.”

BCPE is the second play of the 47th season at the Cherokee Civic Theatre and there will be three performances over one weekend. Opening night will be Friday, Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m.

Additional performances will be Saturday, Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.cherokeetheatre.net or by calling the theater at (903) 683-2131. The box office located at the theater, 157 W. 5th Street, Rusk, will open at 3 p.m. on Dec. 11for those wishing to purchase their tickets in person.

All seating is general admission, except for CCT members who may reserve their seat. Memberships for the 47th season are still available and can be purchased by calling the theater.