The West Liberty University (WLU) Hilltop Players end the 2023-2024 season with the production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” written by Barbara Robinson. Which is being performed from Nov. 30 – Dec. 2 at 7:30pm, Dec. 3 at 3:00  and the last showings were Dec. 7 and Dec. 8 at 7:30pm. 

The production is about six misbehaving children—the Herdmans—and their unexpected involvement with the town’s annual Christmas pageant. The children go to Sunday school for the first time thinking that it will be a breeze, and on that day, Grace Bradley chooses the lead roles for that year’s christmas pagent. With the rest of the kids not raising their hands for a role, Grace is forced to cast the Herdmans in the pageant with the children having no idea what it is about.

Everyone in town is expecting the Christmas pageant to be a disaster, but the Herdmans’ unconventional performances actually make the whole show much more realistic and moving.This show gives you an excellent outlook and provides some laughs along the way, the play shows you that you shouldn’t always judge a book by its cover and that it’s okay to be different.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” had 27 cast members and was directed by Judy Hennen. She said her main concern going into the play was that it was her first time working with kids, as other play directors have said it was difficult. But not long into directing she found she loved it! Saying that it was fun working with them as they were “unspoiled” saying they “give their smiles and giggles freely” and that they were honest and extremely hardworking.

The cast consists of: Bob Bradley played by Roman Hicks, Grace Bradley played by Isabella Constantini, Beth Bradley played by Klisty Snider, Charlie Bradley played by Aidan Kosol, Ralph Herdman played by Oliver Marks, Imogene Herdman played by Rowland Dodd, Leroy Herman played by Asa Krinov, Claude Herdman played by Benedict Stromeyer, Ollie Herdman played by Ethan Redd, and Gladys Herman played by Chloe Blatt. 

Additionally, the cast continues as: Alice Wendleken played by Daisy Deaton, Mrs. Armstrong played by Len Batson, Mrs Slocum played by Gabrielle Means, Mrs. Clark played by Joy Deaton, Mrs. McCarthy played by Eva Tennant, Maxine played by Traelynn Alton, Elmer Hopkins played by Gabriel Wilson, Hobie played by Craig Whitlatch, David played by Christopher Stromeyer, Beverly played by Maylee Bartsch, Fireman one  played by Zander Shiley, Fireman two played by Drake Kendrix, Shirley played by Raven Wilson, Juanita played by Rose Stromeyer, Doris played by Athena Taylor and Reverend Hopkins played by Shannon Shifflett. Finally, the Angel Choir Members are Len Betson, Daisy Deaton, Joy Deaton, Rose Stromeyer, Athena Taylor, Kaylee Whitlatch and Raven Wilson. The Stagemanger is Jordan Derring and Assistant Stagemanger is Benny Mounsey. 

This was the end of the 2023-2024 Hilltop Player’s season, however there are more exciting performances to come in the 2024-2025 season!