The Farmington Players will ring in the holidays this season with the family-friendly comedy The Best Christmas Pageant Ever running December 2-18. It's a family-friendly play with Saturday and Sunday matinees. Tickets are available now at www.farmingtonplayers.org or by calling 248-553-2955.
The Players say it's a hilarious play is based on a best-selling classic book written by Barbara Robinson. It’s the tale of mom Grace Bradley who struggles to put on a church Christmas pageant when the usual director is sidelined by a broken leg. Grace is faced with casting the mischievous Herdman kids – known as the “most inventive and awful” children in town.
CHAOS AND LAUGHTER
The Herdman children begin attending Sunday school when they mistakenly believe the church offers snacks after classes. Despite protests from church members, the Herdmans land roles in the annual Christmas play, retelling the traditional tale of the Nativity, with a touch of chaos that leads to lots of laughter.
COMFORTABLE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN
Director Terie Spencer of Commerce Township says, “Audiences can expect to see a story of folks who have their comfortable world turned upside down. They rediscover wonder, passion and love.” While the show features 8 adult actors, the real stars include 20 children from various communities in the Detroit area. One of them is the narrator Beth Bradley played by Hannah Weinraub of Farmington Hills. She relates her memories as she moves in and out of the action.
A MELTING POT
Spencer enjoys the show so much she’s directing it for a second time, and she’s delighted her cast includes a “melting pot” of actors from all backgrounds and faiths. “I hope audiences will see the connection we all have as people regardless of religious belief… it's been a wonderful experience finding common ground as we prepare to present this charming story,” says Spencer.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever serves as a delightful gift for families during the holidays, using humor to share the heartwarming message of the magic and true meaning of Christmas.
Reserved seats for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, sponsored by The Life Chest are available now at www.farmingtonplayers.org or by calling the box office at 248-553-2955.
SHOW DATES & TIMES
Friday, December 2 -8pm
Saturday, December 3 -2pm
Saturday, December 3 -8pm
Sunday, December 4 -2pm
Friday, December 9 -8pm
Saturday, December 10 -2pm
Saturday, December 10 -8pm
Sunday , December 11 -2pm
Friday, December 16 -8pm
Saturday, December 17 -2pm
Saturday, December 17 -8pm
Sunday, December 18 -2pm
TICKETS
Reserved Seats are available at both www.farmingtonplayers.org and the box office at 248-553-2955. You can also send an email to boxoffice@farmingtonplayers.org
• Adults: $16
• Students: $14
• New Senior Pricing: $14 - ($2 off any performance and Seniors Must be 62+).
• Group Discount: ($2 off adult price on any show with a group of ten or more people.)
LOCATION
The Farmington Players Barn is located at 32332 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills Michigan 48334. It’s the big white barn on the north side of 12 mile between Orchard Lake and Farmington Rd.
CAST MEMBERS
ADULT ACTORS
Mother (Grace) – Suzi Collins-Duprey Madison Heights
Father (Bob) – Michael Rea Livonia
Reverend Hopkins – Drex Morton Canton
Mrs. Armstrong – Diane Cancro Berkley
Mrs. McCarthy – Ellen Doman West Bloomfield
Mrs. Slocum- Cleaster Snerling Detroit
Mrs. Clark- Jan Jacobs Farmington Hills
Mrs. Clausing –Jeanne Steuer West Bloomfield
YOUTH ACTORS
Beth Bradley - Hannah Weinraub Farmington Hills
Charlie Bradley - Forrest Gabel Walled Lake
Ralph Herdman- Ben Rakolta Farmington Hills
Imogene Herdman – Saskia Koenig Livonia
Leroy Herdman – Michael Soverinsky Farmington Hills
Claude Herdman- Nathan Rakolta Farmington Hills
Ollie Herdman– Ryley Harker West Bloomfield
Gladys Herdman – Jasmine Pereira-Allen Farmington Hills
Alice Wendleken – Maryanna Lauter Farmington Hills
Maxine – Grace Cancro Berkley
Doris – Madilyn LaJoice Farmington Hills
Roberta – Reagan Marinucci Farmington Hills
Janet- Sydney Harker West Bloomfield
Elmer- Allen Karas West Bloomfield
David- Max Weinraub Farmington Hills
Hobie – Samuel Bushre Bloomfield Hills
Shirley –Natalie Welday Farmington Hills
Tracy- Charlotte Rea Livonia
Beverly – Erin Creagh-Chase Farmington Hills
Juanita – Ally Bushre Bloomfield Hills
PRODUCTION TEAM
Director – Terie Spencer Commerce Twp.
Assistant Director – Jim Snideman Commerce Twp.
Producer – Jim Kelly Farmington Hills
Producer – Val Knol Farmington
