Synopsis:

Beth Bradley's church's Christmas pageant is predictable every year-the angel choir wears too much lipstick, the shepherds are all in their father's bathrobes, the minister's son is permanently cast in the role of Joseph-hardly "four-star entertainment." But when seasoned and authoritative pageant director Mrs. Armstrong breaks her leg, it is up to Beth's inexperienced mother Grace to step in. The timing couldn't be worse, as the rambunctious Herdman children, a rough and tough group of siblings from the wrong side of the tracks, descend upon the pageant, lured by the promise of free dessert at Sunday school, and determined to win all the lead roles for themselves. The Ladies' Aid Society members are beside themselves with disapproval, all the shepherds quit because Gladys Herdman "hits too hard", the show is briefly re-titled "Revenge at Bethlehem", and the church catches of fire. But Beth and her community watch in surprise as the same old Christmas story is rejuvenated by the creativity, energy, and unexpected sincerity of a misunderstood young family.

Characters:

Father (Bob Bradley) - 35-38. Solid family man

Mother (Grace Bradley) - 35ish. Trim, attractive

Beth Bradley - 10-11. The narrator, strong voice

Charlie Bradley - 8-9. Traditional kid brother

Ralph Herdman - 12-13. Ragged, scroungy, slouching manner, touch of adolescent cool

Imogene Herdman - 11-12. Loud, bossy, crafty

Leroy Herdman - 10-11. Tough, sure of himself

Claude Herdman - 9-10. Tough, combative

Ollie Herdman - 8-9. Looking for trouble, Claude's usual partner in crime

Gladys Herdman - 7-8. Small, wiry, feisty.

Alice Wendleken - 10-11. Prim, proper, pain in the neck

Mrs. Armstrong - 50ish. Largish woman, managerial in voice and manner

Mrs. Slocum - 35-60. Pleasant, motherly woman

Mrs. Clark - 35-60.

Mrs. Clausing - 35-60.

Mrs. McCarthy -middle 40's. A younger, less imperious version of Mrs. Armstrong

Maxine -10-11.

Elmer Hopkins -12-13.

Hobie - 9-10.

David -8-9.

Beverly -7-8

Fireman -25-30.

Shirley -5-6.

Juanita -5-6.

Doris -9-10.

Reverend Hopkins -middle to late 40's.

Extra angel choir members, baby angels, shepherds

Performance dates:

Saturday December 9th, 2023 at 7:00pm & Sunday December 10th, 2023 at 2:00pm

Boone County Museum of History

314 S. State St.

Belvidere, IL. 61008