Little Theater of Gastonia
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
by BARBARA ROBINSON
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THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER is presented through special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH and all authorized performance materials are supplied by CONCORD THEATRICALS.
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Meet the Cast
BETH BRADLEY
Sophia Galloway
Sophia Galloway is ecstatic to be performing again at what she considers her “home theater,” at Little Theater of Gastonia. Sophia was last seen in ANNIE (Annie,) and THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE (Lucy Pevensie,) at LTG, MATILDA JR (Mrs. Honey,) at LUMI; and THE SECRET GARDEN (Ensemble,) at Queen City Concerts. Sophia loves Broadway songs, travelling, reading, and making movies with her free time. Sophia is thankful for another opportunity to perform with her theater family!
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CHARLIE BRADLEY
Cora Miklas
Cora Miklas (Charlie Bradley) is excited to be performing at the Little Theater of Gastonia (LTG) for the first time. Cora was last seen on stage in WILLA WONKA KIDS (Veruca Salt). Cora has participated in training with the LTG and Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. Cora (10) is in fifth grade at Pinewood Performing Arts Academy where she is currently rehearsing for Winifred Banks in MARY POPPINS JR. When not on stage Cora enjoys reading, playing soccer, fostering kittens, and volunteering at cat adoption events with her current foster kittens. Cora would like to thank her Mom and Dad for practicing lines with her and is thankful she is part of this show. Cora really enjoys acting and wants to see how far she can go.
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GRACE BRADLEY
Yolanda Smith
Yolanda Smith is excited for her first performance at Little Theater of Gastonia. She is especially delighted to join her daughter Keaton on stage for their first show together. Yolanda is especially grateful to Alex and Keaton for their enduring love, and to her community of friends for their support.
BOB BRADLEY
Beau Norwood
Beau Norwood is excited to be back on the Little Theater of Gastonia Stage! Beau made his debut last fall in ANNIE (Oliver Warbucks). Beau currently serves on the board of directors and his spare time enjoys playing music, golfing, and spending time with his family.
IMOGENE HERDMAN
Marlie Peterson
Marlie Peterson is happy to be performing again at Little Theater of Gastonia. Marlie was last seen on stage in THE OUTSIDERS (Ponyboy), WAIT UNTIL DARK (Gloria), THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK (Anne Frank), and MATILDA (Hortensia). When not on stage, Marlie enjoys playing piano and reading.
GLADYS HERDMAN
Hollin Hannon
Hollin Hannon, 8 years old, is happy to be back on stage at the Little Theater of Gastonia. She was last seen in ANNIE (Molly) and ANNIE JR. (Molly). When she’s not performing, Hollin enjoys playing soccer, crafting, and spending time with her siblings — both two-legged and four-legged. She is grateful for the opportunity to be part of LTG, a place of belonging, joy, and dreams coming true. Shazam!
RALPH HERDMAN
Sage Wofford
Sage Wofford is excited for his first performance with the Little Theater of Gastonia. Sage enjoys all things theater and is happiest on stage. When not on stage, Sage can be found assembling Lego sets and listening to his favorite bands.
LEROY HERDMAN
Elijah Hartman
Elijah Hartman is very excited to be onstage again, this time for their first Main Stage performance! Elijah’s most recent performance at Little Theater of Gastonia was in THE OUTSIDERS (Bob) and HADESTOWN (U/S HERMES). They enjoy skateboarding to their local park to read books that are all symbolic of the 5 stages of grief (everything’s a symbol!), hanging out with friends and cooking, when they aren’t preparing for their next performance, of course!
OLLIE HERDMAN
Riley Knockenhauer
Riley Knockenhauer is so happy to be performing once more at Little Theater of Gastonia. Riley was last seen in THE OUTSIDERS (Mr. Smye), ANNIE (Ruth) and THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE (Ensemble). When not on stage, Riley enjoys drawing and working with animals.
CLAUDE HERDMAN
Cooper James
Cooper James (age 13) is grateful for the opportunity to be playing Claude Herdman and debuting on the mainstage here at LTG. Previous credits - through the LTG acting classes- include PETER PAN (Peter), THE SECRET GARDEN (Ben) and THE OUTSIDERS (Randy). When Cooper isn’t pursuing stage time he can be found on the soccer and flag football fields. He also enjoys creating YouTube videos, coding games from scratch and spending time with his younger brother.
ALICE WENDLEKEN
Amelia Memrick
Amelia Memrick is thrilled to be performing again at Little Theater of Gastonia. Amelia was last seen on stage in PUFFS (Dragon) and ANNIE (Pepper). When not on stage, this sixth-grader enjoys playing softball, reading fantasy novels, singing, and creating crafts. Amelia would like to thank her mom for driving her to rehearsals, her dad for his support, and her little sister for being her biggest fan.
MAXINE
Ariana Parker
Ariana Parker is always happy to be performing at Little Theater of Gastonia! Ariana’s most recent performing credits include THE OUTSIDERS (Jerry), CABARET (Young German Boy), MEAN GIRLS (Gretchen), and HADESTOWN: TEEN EDITION. Outside of performance arts, Ariana enjoys reading, drawing, basketball, and anything remotely related to frogs. Ariana is excited to perform alongside friends and family!
MRS. HELEN ARMSTRONG
D. Laverne Woods
D. Laverne Woods has been involved with the dramatic arts as an actor, singer, dancer, director, producer, and playwright for over 40 years. Her recent credits include directing the WIZARD OF OZ and MURDER AT THE PIE AUCTION with the Dilworth Players; Clairee in STEEL MAGNOLIAS (Clairee; Old Courthouse Theatre), CINDERELLA (Ensemble, Dilworth Players), and THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE (The White Witch, Little Theater of Gastonia). When she isn’t on stage, Laverne is either traveling or spending time with her grandchildren. She gives all the glory to God for the gifts and talents He has given her, and she wishes to thank her family and friends for their love and support.
MRS. EDNA MCCARTHY
Ashley Brayton
Ashley Brayton is excited to be back on stage at LTG. Some of her favorite roles include CLUE (Mrs. White) and STEEL MAGNOLIAS (M’Lynn). Ashley would like to thank her family and friends for all their support in her theatrical endeavors.
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MRS. IRMA SLOCUM
Lauren S. Parker
Lauren S. Parker is grateful to be able to share the stage at LTG with her family, friends, and many of her students in this fun, family classic! Lauren was last seen on stage in THE ODD COUPLE: FEMALE VERSION (Manolo). When not performing, Lauren is still usually at the theater teaching, directing, or working in other capacities. On the rare occasion Lauren is NOT lurking at the theater, Lauren can often be found forcing her family and friends to play games and/or go traveling, camping, and reliving fleeting youth with overtly loud music in overpriced concert venues.
MRS. JANE CLARK
Maddie Knockenhauer
Maddie Knockenhauer is so happy to be performing once more at Little Theater of Gastonia. Maddie was last seen on stage in PUFFS as Headmaster, and ANNIE where she played multiple characters such as Mrs. Greer, Howe, and Lt. Ward. When not on stage, Maddie enjoys making crafts and eating jelly rings and marshmallow twists!
MRS. VERA CLAUSING
Heaven Wilson
Heaven Wilson is making her debut stage appearance at the Little Theater of Gastonia. When she’s not performing, she enjoys spending time with her family and hanging out with her friends.
REVEREND HOPKINS
Ethan Parker
Ethan Parker is astounded to be back on the LTG stage, but is excited for the opportunity to share it with his entire family. Last seen in CABARET (Herman), Ethan has also performed in productions such as THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE (Father Christmas) and SOMETHING ROTTEN! (Robin). Ethan is usually in a more behind-the-scenes role with tech and set building. When not performing, Ethan enjoys camping, board games, and spending time with his family.
JUANITA
Kalaya Taylor
Kalaya Taylor is proud to be in another Little Theater of Gastonia production! Kalaya has been previously seen in THE OUTSIDERS (Johnny Cade), MEAN GIRLS, JR. (Karen), HADESTOWN: TEEN EDITION, OUR TOWN, and ANNIE, among others!
ELMER
Isabella Knockenhauer
Isabella is so happy to be performing at LTG once more! Some past productions you might have seen her in include: SISTER ACT, ANNIE, and PUFFS. Crew work includes 101 DALMATIONS, KIDS and THE COLOR PURPLE! Isabella is 15 going on 16 (her birthday is on a show date!), and enjoys spending time with her family, coloring, and watching horror movies! Isabella is in Chamber Choir at her school, and has participated in All County, Western Regionals, and the Gardner Webb Choral Clinic. Her favorite foods include Sushi, and pizza. She also likes Ice Cream, and brownies! Isabella wishes to become a NICU nurse, or an Labor and Delivery Nurse. She is currently involved in the Caromont Health Club to learn more about her career, and what she wants to do. Isabella is so proud of every single person in this show, and cannot wait for everyone to see it!
DORIS
Stella Wofford
Stella Wofford is so happy to be performing for the first time with the Little Theater of Gastonia. When not on stage, Stella enjoys all things makeup and playing volleyball with her friends.
HOBIE
Roen Parker
Roen Parker is excited to be back on stage, this time with his whole family! Roen’s recent productions include 101 DALMATIONS, KIDS (Spotty), ANNIE (Sandy), FINDING NEMO, KIDS (Squirt), and several class productions. When not at the theater, Roen can almost always be found playing one of his favorite games or building with his Legos!
SHIRLEY
Noel Gilliam
Noel Gilliam is excited to return to the stage at the Little Theater of Gastonia! She was last seen in THE COLOR PURPLE as “Young Olivia”. When she’s not performing, Noel loves singing and spending time with a good book.
DAVID
Ronan L. Williams
Ronan L. Williams is so excited to be doing his 2nd play. He will be appearing in THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER as David. When not on stage, Ronan is doing film acting and loves riding dirt bikes.
BEVERLY
Keaton Smith
Keaton Smith is thrilled to be performing alongside her mom for their first show together. Keaton has performed multiple shows with Spartanburg Youth Theatre, and more recently was privileged to be part of the ensemble of CATS at Flat Rock Playhouse. Keaton’s favorite role at SYT was Lucy Pevensie in THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE. When not on stage, Keaton enjoys good books, singing, science, dance, her extra large family, her many friends, and her dog Klaus.
BABY ANGEL
Annie Levy
Annie Levy, age 6, is so excited to be performing for the first time. When not on stage, she loves art, ballet, piano, ALL dogs and making everyone laugh.
BABY ANGEL
Aubri Kelly
Aubri Kelly is so happy to be performing once more at Little Theater of Gastonia. Aubri participated in the 101 DALMATIANS, KIDS summer camp. When not on stage, Aubri enjoys playing outside, crafting with clay, and spending time with friends.
BABY ANGEL
Georgiana Hinson
Georgiana Hinson is thrilled to make her Little Theater of Gastonia debut! This is Georgiana’s very first stage production, and she is overjoyed to help spread holiday cheer as one of the Baby Angels. She has loved singing and performing at home since she was little and is excited to share that love on stage for the first time. When she isn’t rehearsing, Georgiana enjoys listening to music, drawing, reading stories, and spending time with her family and her cat, Merlin. She especially loves baking cookies and watching Christmas movies to get into the holiday spirit. Georgiana would like to thank her parents for always encouraging her to try new things, supporting her big imagination, and cheering her on in everything she does.
BABY ANGEL
Maggie Hill
Maggie Hill is so happy to be performing once more at Little Theater of Gastonia! Maggie was last seen on stage in ANNIE. Maggie is also involved in theater at school where she is currently in MARY POPPINS. When not on stage Maggie is a first grader who enjoys gymnastics and playing at the park.
BABY ANGEL
Sarai Wilson
Sarai Wilson is debuting at the Little Theater of Gastonia. Outside of acting, Sarai enjoys styling her dolls’ hair, playing in the park, and creating colorful art.
BABY ANGEL
Savannah Wilson
Savannah Wilson is debuting at the Little Theater of Gastonia. When she isn’t on stage, Savanah loves roller skating around the neighborhood, playing uno, and eating sushi. She also enjoys dancing to her favorite songs.
BABY ANGEL
Serenity Anderson-Wilson
Serenity Anderson-Wilson is debuting at the Little Theater of Gastonia. When she isn’t on stage, Serenity loves riding her bike in the neighborhood, coloring bright pictures, and spending time outside with her sisters. She also enjoys listening to her favorite songs and eating sushi with her family.
SHEPHERD
Noah Gilliam
Noah Gilliam is excited to return to the stage at the Little Theater of Gastonia! He was last seen in THE COLOR PURPLE as “Young Adam”. When he’s not performing, Noah loves singing and drawing pictures.
FIREMAN
DaVonte Wilson
DaVonte Wilson is making his debut stage appearance at the Little Theater of Gastonia. When he’s not performing, he enjoys spending time with his family and hanging out with his friends.
FIREMAN
Raheem Gilliam
Raheem Gilliam is excited to return to the stage at the Little Theater of Gastonia! He was last seen in THE COLOR PURPLE as “Buster”. When he’s not performing, Raheem enjoys spending time with his children, Noel and Noah.