Cast & Crew
Cast
Bob Bradley-Dave Marsh
Grace Bradley-Andrea Weston-Smart
Beth Bradley-Emily Cole
Charlie Bradley-Cael Best
Ralph Herdman-Sydney Keith
Imogene Herdman-Anna Gunter
Leroy Herdman-Nathaniel McKenzieSullivan
Claude Herdman-Justin Hazlett
Ollie Herdman-Leah Clark
Gladys Herdman-Hayden Bookter
Alice Wendleken-Lizzie Snell
Mrs. Armstrong-Reva Rice
Mrs. Slocum-Lucy Page
Mrs. Clark-Heather Marsh
Mrs. McCarthy-Donna Wilson
Maxine-Lenora Page
Elmer Hopkins-Atticus McGee
Holly-Jenna Beddall
Diana-Lily Hubbard
Doris-Samantha Gunter
Shirley-Margaret Page
Juanita-Rory Hannah
Reverend Hopkins-Elysa Ray
Crew
Co-Director: Dave Marsh
Co-Director: Heather Marsh
Stage Manager: Kate Fortin
Backstage Tech/Firemen: Riley Rice, Regan Rice
Costumes: Allison Haugan
Properties/Scenic Dressing: Cathy Yunker McCanse
Set Design: Rich Garrett
Lighting Design: Michelle Koenen, Danielle Kays
Set Construction: Rich Garrett, Mark Pendleton
Scenic Painting: Cathy Yunker McCanse, Theresa McKenzieSullivan
Sound & Light Board Operator: Nicholas Van Vlack
Meet the Directors
Dave Marsh, Co-Director (Bob Bradley)
Dave is excited to get back to work at the Evergreen Playhouse. Well, actually he did act in A Midsummer Night’s Dream with TOAD and A Year With Frog and Toad for TYT so we guess he’s been acting. So, he is happy to be back directing for the first time in nearly two years. Well, we guess he did direct a number of small One From The Shelf productions that were streamed online during the COVID shutdown. We guess that means Dave is happy to be continuing doing theater wherever he gets a chance. He is also happy that he is able to drag his wife along on his theater adventures!
Heather Marsh, Co-Director (Mrs. Clark)
Twenty seven years ago Heather acted in her first play at Evergreen Playhouse. She played Cop #2 in The Gazebo and acted with her then-boyfriend, Dave Marsh. A year later she directed her first show performed by a few veteran actors that still perform on this stage. Since then, Heather has been busy “stage managing” her life with four kids and getting a B.A. and teaching degree at St. Martins. Heather has appeared in several One from the Shelf productions and is eager to do more acting and directing in the future.
A Note From the Directors:
When Heather and I first started thinking about this show, we talked about what the story meant to us. We had both read the book when we were in elementary school (Heather more than once) and we took away very similar thoughts.
First, we all have our Holiday traditions that we hold dear. Those little things that, if we don’t honor them, could ruin our holiday. The Herdman family come into the Pageant and turn it on its head but ultimately it’s still ok. In fact in some ways it’s the best one ever. The last two years have been like that. Traditions that we hold dear have been uprooted and we’ve had to come up with new ways of celebrating. That’s our new normal and while it’s been different, it’s still been good.
Then, there is the idea that people are often looked down on when they are a bit different. The Herdmans are definitely the definition of different. They were poor, uneducated, unsupervised, and rough around the edges. But, despite how much their family’s values flew in the face of the social norms of the 1970’s, they ended up teaching the “normals” that maybe being different isn’t so bad. Fifty years later and we are still trying to learn that.
So, from Heather and I (Herdman's in our hearts) we hope you enjoy our little bit of different in your Holiday season.
Special Thanks
TOAD, Centralia Church of the Nazarene, Alta Smith, Riverside Fire Authority District #1
Cast Biographies
Jenna Beddall, Holly
Jenna is thrilled to be performing in this year’s Christmas play; The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Jenna is eleven years old and started her theatre career in multiple church Christmas plays. She then went on to perform in Evergreen Playhouse’s production of Children of Eden and Scrooge, the Musical. Jenna excels in school and enjoys playing the piano, reading, and participating in gymnastics in her spare time.
Cael Best, Charlie Bradley
Cael is nine years old and in the 3rd grade. You may recognize him from the 2019 Evergreen Playhouse production of Scrooge, the Musical as Tiny Tim. Some of Cael’s other favorite roles have been young Simba in The Lion King, Jr. and LeFou in Beauty and the Beast, Jr. along with Order Up and The Show Must Go On, all with TOAD. Cael’s first play was TOAD’s Once upon a Mattress (G2K). When Cael is not acting he is often found at Centralia Ballet Academy, here he enjoys taking Tap, Musical Theater and Ballet. He also enjoys assisting in teaching younger boys how to dance. Last year he played Fritz in The Nutcracker.
Hayden Bookter, Gladys Herdman
Hayden Bookter began her acting career by playing Gladys Herdman in her church's production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever two years ago. She is thrilled to reprise the role in Evergreen Playhouse’s production. Hayden's love for live theater developed at a very young age. She anticipates this performance being the first of many in the years to come. Hayden lives with her parents, grandmother, older sister, older brother, younger sister, cat, and a 200lb Great Dane/Mastiff. When she is not on stage she enjoys listening to music, spending time with friends and family, and gymnastics.
Leah Clark, Ollie Herdman
Leah is a 14 year old actor in the 8th grade. She’s been in theater for seven years and enjoys everything from performing in TOAD summer camps to set and costume design. She’s been in at least nine shows and is excited to be in another one. She looks forward to her next play, which will be this summer with TOAD, if not sooner.
Emily Cole, Beth Bradley
Emily Cole has recently played the roles of Lady Bird One, Mother Frog and Mouse in A Year With Frog and Toad at Tenino Young at Heart Theater. She has also performed as Little Alison in Fun Home at Centralia College and as Gingy in Shrek The Musical in high school. This is Emily’s first show at the Evergreen Playhouse and she is very excited to be a part of this production!
Anna Gunter, Imogene Herdman
Anna Gunter is a 14 year old home-schooler. She first appeared at the Evergreen Playhouse in Crazy for You (Summer Youth Musical Theater program). Anna was on the backstage crew for the Summer Youth Musical Theater program's production of 42nd Street. She participated in Centralia College's Summer Theater program in 2019 and 2021, played the part of the Evil Fairy in Princess Whatsername in 2020 (P.A.T.H.), and participated in TOAD's 2021 Spring break production of Order Up!
Samantha Gunter, Doris
Samantha Gunter is a home-schooled 6th grader. Her favorite role was Simba in TOAD's 2020 production of The Lion King, Jr. Other productions have included 42nd Street and Bye Bye Birdie (both with the Youth Musical Theater Program). Order Up! (TOAD) and Beauty and the Beast, Jr. (TOAD). Samantha studies tap and musical theater at Centralia Ballet Academy and voice with Brynn Walker. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Rory Hannah, Juanita
Rory Hannah started her work in theatre with musicals in 2010 with The Wizard of Oz and has continued to grow her passion for musical theatre as well as everything to do with the stage. She has been in over twenty plays and musicals, also taking acting classes, dance classes, and singing lessons. Last spring, she was inducted into the Thespian Honors Society. Rory is looking forward to making this a profession, taking all opportunities to learn more and grow as a thespian.
Justin Hazlett, Claude Herdman
Justin has worked in Once Upon a Mattress, The Lion King, Jr, Order Up, Beauty and the Beast, Jr., and Seussical, Jr. In addition to acting, he enjoys video games, swimming, and spending time with his dogs, goats, and cats at his home in Rochester. Justin is excited to be playing Claude Herdman in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.
Lily Hubbard, Diana
Lily has been in The Lion King, Jr., Beauty and the Beast, Jr., and Order Up! with TOAD, and she directed an Easter play at her church. She’s excited to be performing as Diana in this Evergreen Playhouse production.
Sydney Keith, Ralph Herdman
Sydney is a singer/actor from the Tumwater area and this is her first time performing at the Evergreen Playhouse. She has worked on numerous productions in the Olympia area, most recently playing young Angela Warren in Olympia Little Theatre's Go Back For Murder. This past June, she eagerly made her stage-writing debut in Plank Island Theatre Company’s Writing Wrongs monologue show in Aberdeen—a production she both wrote for and performed in. Her writing made its way to the stages of Chicago via Paradox Theatre Works this past October. Check out her work at sydneykeithwrites.com.
Atticus McGee, Elmer Hopkins
This is Atticus' theater debut! Besides his recent passion for performing, Atticus enjoys reading, piano, soccer, and all things learning.
Nathaniel McKenzieSullivan, Leroy Herdman
Nathaniel McKenzieSullivan has performed in theatre productions since before he can remember. He most recently performed in TYT’s A Year With Frog and Toad as Young Frog, in TOAD’s Seussical the Musical Jr. as one of the Wickersham Brothers, and in EP’s fundraiser, All Together Now. Nathaniel is 11 years old, loves Minecraft, and is an advanced red belt in Taekwondo. He is a 5th grader in Olympia.
Lenora Page, Maxine
Lenora has been on the Evergreen Playhouse stage many times and is very happy to be back. You may have seen her as Perkins in The Hound of the Baskervilles, or Janie Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life. In August she played Belle in TOAD’s production of Beauty and The Beast, Jr. This spring, she will be playing Jack in Centralia College’s production of Into the Woods. She will graduate with her high school diploma and Associate Degree from Centralia College in June.
Lucy Page, Mrs. Slocum
Lucy is excited to be part of the Evergreen Playhouse’s Christmas show. Most recently you may have seen her as Lady Agatha in The Hound of the Baskervilles or the recent EP fundraiser All Together Now. You also may have seen her grace the Evergreen Playhouse stage as Lily in The Secret Garden, Eve/Mama Noah in Children of Eden, Ma Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life, Mrs. Cratchet in Scrooge, the Musical, or Ms. Pennywise in Urinetown. Lucy has three amazing kids, a giant dog and two sweet cats.
Margaret Page, Shirley
Margaret made her Evergreen Playhouse debut as the littlest Bailey in Scrooge, and now she’s back to play Shirley in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. She’s nine years old and in the 3rd grade. Margaret has a big dog named Gus Gus and two cats, Taika and Mindy.
Elysa Ray, Reverend Hopkins
Elysa has been in theater for over ten years and has been in twenty productions. Her favorite roles have been Ms. Hannigan in Annie, Olive Madison in Odd Couple (female version), M'Lynne in Steel Magnolias and Madame Arcati in Blythe Spirit. She's loved painting sets for over 30 shows at both the Roxy Theater and Evergreen Playhouse. She's grateful for the cast members and directors that have taught her so much and provided her such a loving extended family.
Reva Rice, Mrs. Armstrong
Reva Rice is thrilled to be back on stage at the Evergreen Playhouse where she has been honored to be part of the casts for A Streetcar Named Desire, a murder mystery, and Deathtrap. She most recently performed in The Wind and the Willows at Olympia Family Theater. Her favorite place to perform is in front of her third grade class, every day is a different show! She couldn’t do this without the love and support of her family.
Lizzie Snell, Alice Wendleken
Lizzie has always loved all things theatrical and artistic. Her grandmother has been involved in local theatre for many years and after seeing numerous plays at the Evergreen Playhouse, she is excited to finally be on stage!
Andrea Weston-Smart, Grace Bradley
Andrea is new to the Evergreen Playhouse stage but not to theater. She is a familiar face in the Olympia area acting community with roles that include a woman meeting Elvis in a grocery store in All the King's Women (Olympia Little Theatre), joining John Wesley Powell's expedition of the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon in Men on Boats (Olympia Little Theatre), and imparting words of wisdom as Jaques in William Shakespeare’s As You Like It (Goldfinch Productions). In addition to her various stage roles, Andrea also serves on the Olympia Little Theatre Board. Andrea would like to thank Dave for casting her in one of her favorite plays, the talented cast for making this such a fun experience, and as always her kids for being the greatest. Shazam!
Donna Wilson, Mrs. McCarthy
Donna Wilson has been working in theater since her junior year of high school. She currently holds a BA in Theater from The Evergreen State College and her MA in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University. There were no theater options available while growing up until Donna attended Running Start at Centralia College. She fell in love with acting there and hasn’t stopped working in theater since. Donna has written and directed a couple short plays, performed at the Roxy Theater in Morton, worked as Theater Tech and Art for the OnStage Children’s Theater Education Program (also at the Roxy), and this will be her first time performing on stage at the Evergreen Playhouse.
Crew Biographies
Kate Fortin, Stage Manager
Kate Fortin has worked professionally in theater since 2013. Holding a BA in Directing for Children from The Evergreen State College, she originally got her start as the Artistic and Educational Director of the OnStage Children’s Theater Education Program at the Morton Roxy Theater. Since 2015, she’s designed over twenty shows as the Scenic Designer for Pacific Northwest Theater, an Olympia-based nonprofit children’s theater company. In 2017, Kate worked as an actor for Warner Brothers Entertainment on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at the Mt. Rainier Railroad and Logging Museum, returning as the Stage Manager for the 2019 season. Kate is thrilled to be behind the scenes of this production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and hopes to continue her involvement at the Evergreen Playhouse.
Allison Haugan, Costume Designer
Allison is thrilled to be costuming The Best Christmas Pageant Ever this holiday season. The 1970’s costumes really brought back happy memories of her childhood and this show helped make new ones with the wonderful cast and crew. She would like to thank her family – her husband for moral support, her mom for creative support, and her children for their loving support. Enjoy the show and Merry Christmas!
Rich Garrett, Set Designer
Rich, when not on stage performing, loves designing and building sets. The challenge of having the stage have a different look for every play is something that he thrives on. Favorite set designs include TOAD's productions of Seussical, Jr., Once Upon A Mattress (G2K) and Mulan, Jr. His works are seen on the EP stage frequently, with his favorites being Godspell, Moon Over Buffalo and The Musical Comedy Murders of the 1940's. When Rich isn't on or backstage here at the EP, he is either cooking, playing Xbox, or spending time with his family.
Danielle Kays, Lighting Designer
Danielle has designed lights since 2015 (over 30 productions). Her design work has also been seen in other local productions at Centralia College (1984, Antigone, You Can’t Take it With You, Fun Home), TOAD (Mulan, Jr., Once Upon A Mattress, Same Time Next Year) and with Tenino Young-at-Heart (Just So). Some favorites include The Secret Garden, Godspell, Children of Eden, The Diary of Anne Frank, A Christmas Carol, A Few Good Men, and Grease.
Michelle Koenen, Lighting Designer
Michelle has been involved in theater for many years, including productions at the Evergreen Playhouse. While always interested in the technical aspect of theater, she has never been part of the creative team before. Unless, of course, you count her direction, set designing, costume designing, and set dressing for a few local fifth grade productions. She is very excited to work as the lighting designer for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.
Cathy McCanse, Set Dresser
Cathy studied Visual Design at the Art Institute of Seattle. She has worked as both costumer and scenic artist for several shows at the Evergreen Playhouse. In the past few years she began set designing and set dressing. Her first set design was for Evergreen Playhouse’s The Importance of Being Earnest followed by Olympia Little Theater’s Daphne’s Dive. This is her third EP’s set dressing production the which included Come Back to the 5 and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean and Don’t Dress for Dinner. Cathy wants to thank Theresa McKenzie Sullivan for her support and hard work on this endeavor. She also thanks her family for their understanding of the joy she receives in taking the time for the arts.
Theresa McKenzieSullivan, Scenic Painting
Theresa A. McKenzieSullivan has been involved with local theatre for over 20 years. She is active with Tenino Young-at-Heart Theatre and the Olympia Family Theatre, and happily serves on the Board of Directors at the Evergreen Playhouse. She loves the theatre world and enjoys contributing in any context, be it on stage, working on the set, as a musician in the orchestra pit, or as music director.
Nick Van Vlack, Sound & Light Board Operator
Nick has stepped out of the small, dark confines of his cave and into the small, dark confines of the lighting booth for this production! He has previously worked in the booth for a handful of One From the Shelf shows and is eager to once again have the opportunity to learn from his mentor and personal hero Dave.
Song Lyrics
Oh Little Town of Bethlehem
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
Away In a Manger
Away in a manger
No crib for a bed
The little Lord Jesus
Laid down his sweet head
The stars in the sky
Looked down where he lay
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep on the hay
O Come, All Ye Faithful
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant
O come ye, o come ye to Bethlehem
O come and behold Him, born the King of Angels
O come, let us adore Him
O come, let us adore Him
O come, let us adore Him
Christ the Lord
Angels We Have Heard on High
Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o’er the plains
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains
Glo-----ria In Excelsis Deo
Glo-----ria In Excelsis Deo
We Three Kings
We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Following yonder star
Oh, star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light
Silent Night
Silent night, holy night!
All is calm, all is bright.
Round yon Virgin,
Mother and Child.
Holy infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sponsors for Our 2021-2022 Season
Note From the Board
Welcome back to the Evergreen Playhouse. My goodness, how we’ve missed you. It has been over a year and half since we have been together and we are so grateful to bring theatre back to the Evergreen Playhouse stage.
We took this gift of time to renovate and rejuvenate our beautiful theatre and we took time to raise money to help offset the loss of income during those difficult 20 months. As you sit here in the theatre, you will notice the new paint, the new carpet, the new seats but most of all you will notice how good it feels to be here celebrating the stories of our 62nd season.
Live theatre is important, it is immediate, and it is necessary. Our stories this year will feature actors putting themselves out there for you to love or hate, they will bare their souls to you, share the vulnerability of these characters, and they will bring laughter, joy and a little bit of intrigue to you as well.
When you, the audience, reacts, applauds, gasps, or is held in silence, that is what live theatre is - that moment where the people onstage connect with the people in the seats and there is no better feeling when that connection is made. Thank you all for joining us in person again - it is so good to be back.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the show -
Kris Garrett, Board President
To contact the board, please email us. Board meetings are open to the public and are every second Sunday of the month at 6:30pm.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Show Sponsor
Our other Show Sponsors for Season 62:
Cast (in alphabetical order)
Crew (in alphabetical order)
