Entertainment : ACT I\'s \'Best Christmas Pageant Ever\' opens Friday

ACT I of Benton County is pleased to announce the cast of its upcoming production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson. This holiday favorite is the story of the ragtag Herdman family and how their unexpected participation in a small church Christmas Pageant makes a lasting impression on the other participants.

The show will be performed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church on December 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, and 11. Curtain times are 7:00 pm on Friday and Saturday nights and 2:00 pm on Sundays.

The story is told in flashback by the central character, Beth Bradley, whose mother directs the pageant, giving the Herdmans a chance to participate.

April Seitz plays the leading role of Mrs. Bradley. John Stuelke plays Mr. Bradley. Beth Bradley is portrayed at age 12 and age 64 respectively by Molly Cummings and Halane Cummings. Charlie Bradley is Nathan Franck.

The Herdmans are Jonathan Stuelke as Ralph, Hannah Seitz as Imogene, Austin Dougherty as Leroy, Thomas Seitz as Claude, Cole Neilson as Ollie, and Raeganne Neilson as Gladys.

Alice Wendleken is played by Alex Maynard. Maxine is played by Kelsey Franck, and Nathaniel Seitz plays Elmer Hopkins. Monet Elwick plays Liz and Joey Anderson takes the part of Brandon.

Also in the adult cast are Kevin Ahrenholz as Reverend Hopkins, Mary Jo Hainstock as Mrs. Armstrong, Sherry Stout as Mrs. McCarthy, Nancy Beckman as Mrs. Slocum, Danielle Neilson as Mrs. Clark, Shelley Haisman as Mrs. Clausing, with Rich Hainstock is the fire chief and Matt Anderson and Phil Cummings as the firefighters.

Completing the student cast are Miles Elwick, Katherine Seitz, Kate Hyland, Abby Bartz, Addy Maynard, Molly Haisman, Emily Cummings of Urbana, Caleb Franck and Ashley Franck.

Cameo roles are played by Brenda Bartz, Bill Travis, and Rich Hainstock of Vinton and Lois Dougherty.

The production is directed by Steve Arnold, assisted by Ian Stuelke and Katie Hancock. Sue Gates and Gen Mealhouse have created the costumes.

There will be no reserve seating. Ticket sales will be limited to 150 patrons for each performance. Tickets can be reserved by calling 319-472-9957 or 319-214-0096. Tickets are $10.00; there is also a special student rate of $2.00 (ages 5 – 15) when accompanied by an adult. There is a limit of four student tickets per adult ticket.