Classic Christmas comedy opens at Little Theatre

Could anything go right when the “worst kids in the whole history of the world” show up at church for the free snacks and then volunteer to participate in the annual Christmas pageant?

The children of the Herdman family and their antics threaten to turn the best Christmas pageant ever to total chaos in this family-friendly comedy based on the popular children’s book by Barbara Robinson.

The play has been performed previously at the Little Theatre of Tuscarawas County, but this year’s performance includes a twist with the story set in the 1950s. The play is directed by Lisa Sommers of Dover.

“Our costumes are 1950s; some of our props are 1950s. There will be poodle skirts and greasers,” said Sommers, who has been a member of the Little Theatre for 11 years and directed several plays. “Another special thing is we have a dog in the show. The Herdman kids are the mean bully kids, and we have a one-eyed pug, Zoey, that’s their dog.”

The cast is made up mostly of children. Casting is usually not a problem at the Little Theatre. “We had 65 people try out, and we kept 35, which is a big cast,” Sommers said. “One exciting thing: We have nine kids who have never been on stage before, so it’s nice to give kids a chance.”

Turnaround time at the Little Theatre is limited. “We had just six weeks from the time we did auditions to the time we open,” Sommers said.

During that time the group had to contend with Thanksgiving, Dover-Phila week and Halloween. “We have only 18 rehearsals, and we’ll be up and running. Thanksgiving is a six-day break from practice, and then there are only three practices before we open. It’s kind of crazy, but we are doing well. We’re very organized.”

The Little Theatre tries to keep prices friendly. “We put on some great productions at a modest price,” Sommers said. “It’s really important for kids and adults to be involved in the arts, and you learn a lot more than theater. You learn to get along with people, how to be on time and lots of life skills.”

The Little Theatre offers more for children than performing in plays. In addition to an annual children’s summer workshop, a junior troupe, which is directed by Sommers, was formed about a year ago for children in fourth through 12th grade.

“We meet monthly and work on audition techniques and drama techniques, so there is something more than just the summer program,” Sommers said.

The cast includes Jeff Williams as Bob Bradley; Shavonne McMillan, Grace Bradley; Belle Fockler, Beth Bradley; Will Hammerstrom, Charlie Bradley; Brooke Young, Ralphina Herdman; Brooke Sommers, Imogene Herdman; Ronan Chismar, Leroy Herdman; Taylor Brogan, Claudette Herdman; Anna Wherley, Ollie Herdman; Laney Gottshall, Gladys Herdman; Zoey Sommers, Zoey Herdman; Emilyn Feller, Alice Wedleken; Roxie Long, Mrs. Armstrong; Grace Williams, Mrs. Slocum; Kaleigh McCutcheon, Mrs. Clark; Elle Hall, Mrs. Clausing; Chloe Crone, Mrs. McCarthy; Rees Maloon, Maxine; Jordi Kopp, Elmer Hopkins/Shepherd;

Max Cooley, Hobie/Shepherd; Griffen Hammerstrom, David/Shepherd; Eliza VanArsdalen, Beverly; Lisa Fisher and Nona Wherley, Firemen; Addie VanArsdalen, Shirley; Sophie Hammerstrom, Juanita; Allegra McMillan, Doris; Palmer Witt, Rev. Hopkins; Rory Chismar, Shepherd; and Katy Scott, Emily Lewis, Kaylyn Marlatt, Norah Chismar, Carly Dummermuth, Bella Kaput, Breanna Blackburn and Camryn Albaugh, Angels.

Serving on the crew are Lisa Fockler, assistant director; Trish Green, stage manager; Nona Wherley, Lisa Fisher and Palmer Witt, stage crew; Barbara Kirkwood and Lisa Sommers, costumes; Meaghan Miller, sound; Anastasia Merritt, lighting; Rodney Sommers, production assistant; Aaron Fockler and Jim Flaherty, set; and Lisa Sommers and Jennifer Flaherty, props.

Performances are scheduled for Nov. 29 and 30 and Dec. 1, 2, 6, 7, 8 and 9. Evening shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m.

Sommers said she is excited to offer preshow entertainment at 7 p.m. before some of the shows. “It will be fun. We’ll get some groups and showcase their talents,” she said. “Sometimes it’s kind of boring when you’re waiting for the show.”

Preshow performances include Thursday, Nov. 29 with Heidi and Brianna Swinford; Friday, Nov. 30 with a harp soloist and duet; Saturday, Dec. 1 with Dover High School Ars Nova Singers; Friday, Dec. 7 with Roxanne Timberlake; Saturday, Dec. 8 with The Merritt Family Band; and Sunday, Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. with Sydney Jeffries and Dani Williams.

Cookies will be served at the Thursday evening shows.

Tickets will be available by visiting www.thelittletheatreonline.org or through the Kent State Tuscarawas Performing Arts Center by calling 330-308-6400.