Published: November 09, 2009 03:10 pm      

Cast for ‘Best Christmas Ever’ announced

The Greater Cleburne Carnegie Players continues the celebration of its 30th anniversary season with its Christmas production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.”

Carnegie’s production is an annual part of Whistle Stop Christmas.

Barbara Robinson adapted this comedy from her bestselling book, the only story ever to run twice in McCall’s

A young couple, the Bradleys, played by Keli Price and Carnegie newcomer Keith Hollar, struggle to put on a church Christmas pageant.

Under normal circumstances this would be a daunting challenge, but the Bradleys are faced with an even greater challenge, casting the Herdman children, probably the most inventively awful children in history.

The Herdman children are played by Seth Cunningham, Taylor O’Toole, Andrew Loose, Zane Loose, Brendon O’Toole, and Julie Hall.

With the construction of the Cleburne Conference Center, the Carnegie Players anticipate moving to the new municipal theater next season.

For now, Carnegie’s season continues in the historic Carnegie Theater on the second floor of the Layland Museum, which has housed the Players for 30 years.

Carnegie veteran Kate Hicks directs “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” assisted by Shannon Loose. Hicks directed the last production of ‘Pageant’ four years ago.

“Christmas Pageant,” Hicks said, “is one of our four regular Christmas plays because it is such a popular show with the community.”

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” runs weekends, Dec. 4-13.

Friday and Saturday evening shows begin at 7:30 p.m. with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m.

Seating is limited.

Tickets will be available at the Cleburne Chamber of Commerce and online at www.carnegieplayers.com beginning Nov. 23.

For information call the Chamber at 817-645-2455 or the Carnegie information line at 817-645-9255.



The players

Bob Bradley: Father, Keith Hollar

Grace Bradley: Mother, Keli Price

Beth Bradley: Katie Rodgers

Charlie Bradley: Cooper Rodgers

Herdmans: Ralph, Seth Cunningham;

Imogene, Taylor O’Toole; LeRoy, Andrew Loose; Claude, Zane Loose; Ollie, Brendon O’Toole; Gladys, Julie Hall; Alice: Marcie Allison

Mrs. Armstrong: Stacy Blanton

Mrs. Slocum: Jennifer Moore

Mrs. Clark: Robin Levac

Mrs. McCarthy: Shauna Lewis

Maxine: Mary Alice Smith

Elmer Hopkins: Garrett Whitehead

Hobie: William Blanton

David: Austin Price

Beverly: Avery Presson

Timothy Martin (Piano Man): Ben Stewart

Fireman: Duane Price

Fireman: Colin Sides

Shirley: Kayden Moore

Juanita: Hannah Tarron

Doris: Dora Hunt

Rev. Hopkins: DJ Patterson

Shepherds: Brett Hodges, John Hunt, Jordan Price, Nolan Morales, Caleb Midkiff, Samuel Tarron, Benjamin Midkiff, David Midkiff

Angel Choir: Brianna Levac, Meridith Hollar, Addie Presson, Kaili Hall