ZCT - The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Cast & Crew Bios - The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Show Pictures Director's Notes
October 30, 31, Nov. 6, 7 - 7pm
November 1, 8, 2009 - 2:30pm
Full: $12, Senior: $8, Student: $8, Youth: $5
Tickets are going briskly - place your order soon!
Friday & Saturday at 7:00pm
Sunday at 2:30pm

	Justine Gibbon (Alice) Hi, my name is Justine Gibbon and I'm going to tell you a little bit about myself. First off, I live for my friends and pets. My dog is Ted and I have a tom cat named Sunny. My favorite colors are lime green and black. My only experience in a play is our church plays. Also, I am in the 6th grade at Nashport Elementary.
	Siena Shirer (Beth) Siena Shirer is 12 years old. She is in 7th grade at Bishop Fenwick Middle School in Zanesville. She loves dancing, singing, acting and playing volleyball. Last year, she played Dorothy in the school play The Wizard of Oz and was Mrs. Claus in the Christmas play. She has performed in various shows dancing. Siena lives in Adamsville in the country and is involved in 4H. She has a step-brother Allen(19) and step-sister Kelsey(16). She also loves her cat, Razzle, who we got from the animal shelter. She regularly is an alter server at St. Thomas Church. She loves traveling during summer vacation time and scrapbooking her family memories with her mom, Stef. She looks forward to Tuesday movie days with her dad, Jon. Her family is very special to her. She would like to wish everyone in the cast of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever good luck and break a leg!
	Payton Van Nort (Beverly) - Payton is 7 years old and in the 2nd grade @ Bishop Fenwick. She loves school, playing w/her friends, singing, dancing and doing family thgs w/mom and dad. She is an only child and loves to play "big sister" to younger children. She was born in Illinois but has lived in KY., IN and now Ohio in her 7yrs. This is Payton's first time on stage although she has had a flare for drama since toddlerhood! Payton is very excited a/b this play and looking forward to expanding her dramatic experience w/ZCT and @ school
	Nick Clawson (Charlie) I am a fourth grader at Duncan Falls Elementary School. This is my ninth play at the theatre. I've been an elf in The Lion Witch and the Wardrobe, a Who in Suessical and a duckling in Honk. I've loved every part I get a chance to play. I also like to play baseball, piano and being a webelo in cub scouts.
	Matthew Pitcock (Claude) - I am in the fifth grade, and I go to Maysville Elementary. I have two sisters (they are 3 and 7). I have been in Oliver and 2 school plays. I am also in Cub Scouts. My hobbies are playing computer, Monopoly, and chess. I like playing the part of Claude because I get to be villainous.
	Adelaide Pitcock (Doris) - I am 7 years old, and I'm in second grade at Maysville Elementary. Two of my hobbies are playing school and playing with my sister. I like to sing and dance. My family members are Mom, Dad, Matthew, Anna, and me. I was a munchkin in The Wizard of Oz, and I was an orphan in Oliver.
	Madison Dittmar (Emma)
	Grace Johnson (Gladys) - Grace Johnson is 8 years old and is in third grade at Bishop Fenwick School. She made her ZCT debut in Our Town when she was in Kindergarten and has participated in the last two "Angel Tree" productions. She was also in her school's production of The Wizard of Oz. Besides the theater, Grace's other passions are dance, singing, playing tennis, reading and being with her friends and family. Grace is so excited to have this chance to play the part of Gladys Herdman.
	Ashley Townsend (Hobie) Ashley is an avid sports enthusiast. She loves soccer, basketball, running, and swimming. Ashley plays piano and guitar and sings in a drama club at her church. She is an 8 year old homeschool student who lives with her four siblings and parents. She is excited about playing the role of “Hobie” in the Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Ashley has performed with community theater in Cambridge and Zanesville in several other roles including the reprise of Alladin Jr, “Quee” in Snow White and the Seven Dwarves and “The Bookseller Boy” and “Orphan” in Oliver as well as a member of the “Lollipop Guild” in The Wizard of Oz.
	Meredith Free (Imogene) is twelve and home-schooled. She has been with ZCT for three fun years and has been seen in “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe”, “HONK!” and two “Angel Tree” productions. But the role of Imogene Herdman tops any other she has had before. When Meredith isn’t on stage, she enjoys reading and writing books, art, and history.
	Cary Underwood (Janet)
	Emma Gross (Juanita) - Emma is 7 years old, she is a homeschooler in the 2nd grade. She is the daughter of Ben and Rachel Gross, has a brother Josiah (4), a sister Lydia(3) and a baby sister named Claire. Emma loves to sing, draw, play with her barbies and spend time with her friends. She is currently in soccer, AWANA bible club and American Heritage Girls. This past summer she was an orphan in the play Oliver Twist and has also been in church programs.
	Noah Townsend (Leroy) Noah is a sixth grade home school student who loves science and history. He is involved in a church puppet ministry and musical drama group. Noah plays soccer, piano and guitar and shares his home with his four footed furry child, Peppermint (a miniature schnauzer), 3 sisters, 1 brother and his parents. Noah has previously performed at Zanesville Community Theater in the role of “Mr. Beaver” for the local production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. He has been cast in various roles with other area theaters including “The Munchkin Mayor” in The Wizard of Oz, “Mike Teevee” in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, “Guard” in Alladin Jr., and “Thief” in Oliver. He says the Best Christmas Pageant Ever has a great message and fun cast. Noah enjoys the challenge of being a “bad guy” in the role of Leroy Herdman.
	Maddie McCarthy (Maxine) TBA
	Terry Townsend (Mr. Bradley) Terry makes his first appearance at Zanesville Community Theater in the role of “Bob,” Grace’s husband, the reluctant pageant attendee and the father of Charlie and Beth. Off stage Terry resides in Southeast Ohio as a real life husband and father to his wife and five children. He says it has been fun watching his kids involvement in community theater through the years and now looks forward to sharing the stage with four of them. Terry works in Banking and Finance, coaches his kids soccer team and volunteers in kids ministries at his church. He also helps with stage sets, lighting and sound for church performances. Terry was active in theater in High School and College and is enjoying getting reacquainted with the stage in the Best Christmas Pageant Ever.
	Dee McCarthy (Mrs. Armstrong)
	Monica Van Nort (Mrs. Bradley) - is fairly new to the ZCT family. Her first role was Truvy in Steele Magnolias. She absolutely loved playing that role and had so much fun w/the whole theatrical experience. As a result of such a wonderful and enjoyable opportunity she looked for her first chance to get involved again w/a ZCT production and to get her daughter involved in her first dramatic experience as well. Hence their roles in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Monica was also able to talked her husband into a cameo part - this could be the makings for a regular family activity). While the part of Mrs. Bradley was unexpected and initially overwhelming, it has proven to be an absolute blast to do, especially with such a wonderful cast of young people and other adults to make it so. Monica is originally from Louisville, KY. She's lived in Zanesville for the past 3 yrs. and works as a mental health counselor during the day. She enjoys spending time w/her family by going to movies, playing games, and outdoor rec activities.
	Eileen Jackson (Mrs. Clark) -This is the first show that I have had a role in at ZCT. I have done the Angel Tree benefit for 3 years that is what got me into the theater. I'm retired, I like bowling and water aerobics. I have 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. I live here in Zanesville.
	Valerie Gahagan (Mrs. Clausing) - I am a wife and a homeschooling mom to 7 wonderful kids. I found out I love theater when my kids got involved 5 years ago and I was talked into giving it a try. My favorite role so far has been as Abby in Arsenic and Old Lace, but my favorite thing to do at the theater is to watch my own children on stage and seeing how it grows and stretches them. When we're not running to theater rehearsals we are usually running to soccer. I am also a leader in a local homeschool group.
	Kathy Johnson (Mrs. Jackson) - I am delighted to be performing in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever - one of my all-time favorite books - with my daughter Hannah. I haven't been on stage in a long time, so this has been so much fun! I just cerebrated my 20th anniversary with my husband, Randy, and have four older children in addition to Hannah.
	Alicia Free (Mrs. McCarthy) is happy to be acting with her daughter Meredith in such a fun show. She is the mother of three kids who have each been in several ZCT productions, but this is only her second on-stage appearance. She sends a big thank you and many kudos to Sheryl and the production team for organizing this show (with so many children!) so professionally – they make everything look easy!
	Andrea Janicki (Mrs. Slocum) - Has been involved with many other ZCT productions including playing the part of Mae in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and acting as stage manager in The Haunting of Hill House. She is enjoying the chance to act with her daughter, Isabella, in this show.
	Cindy Brisker (Mrs. Wendleken) Cindy is a happily married mother of two grown daughters and three step sons. Living and loving the country life with a yard full of farm animals! Hee Haw! She is a recent graduate of DeVry University, Columbus Ohio, where she obtained her Bachelor of Technical Management degree. She has also earned Associate degree's is Business Administration, Information Technology Administration and currently holds a Junior Accounting diploma. She is an Ohio State Reading and Learning Certified tutor. She worked as an Algebra tutor at DeVry University and a Vocational Instructor at Goodwill Columbus Battelle Career Education Center. She is expanding her Horizons by joining the Zanesville Community Theatre and excited about her role as Mrs. Wendelken.
	Jack McLendon (Ollie) Jack McLendon goes to Nashport Elementary School and is in the fifth grade. Jack loves to play outside, go to the movies, and camping. Jack lives with his father and mother, Jim and Cassie McLendon and his older brother, Matthew. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is Jack's first show.
	Tony Palmer (Ralph)
	Alison Fanska (Rev. Hopkins)
	Isabella Janicki (Shirley) - is six years old and in first grade at St. Rose School. This is her second play with the Zanesville Community Theatre. When not on stage, she enjoys drawing, dancing, and swimming.
	Angel Choir
	Kristen Dempsey - I'm a 7th grade student at Tri-Valley Middle School. I enjoy playing tennis and going shopping. I love going to the movies with my friends and having cookouts with my cousins. I have a brother named Marcus and a cute puppy name Oreo. This is my first show and I am very excited.
	Katie Gahagan - I'm 9 years old and homeschooled. I like to read Magic Tree House books and collect Littlest Pet Shop toys. My favorite part was playing Gretl in The Sound of Music when I was 4.
	Hannah Johnson - I am a homeschooled 3rd grader, and am 7-years old. My Mom and I love the book The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, so when we heard about auditions for the play, we knew we wanted to try out. This is my first play, and I am so excited to be here! I am a member of the Angel Choir.
	Mia McCarthy
	Sadie McCarthy
	Sarah Townsend - Sarah loves music, dance, and reading. She is an 8 year old home school student who has been active in her 4-H club, with a disabilities ministry at her church and in piano and soccer. Sarah’s recent achievement was the honor of being cast as “Oliver” in the local production of Oliver at the Zane Trace Theater. She said the role “changed her life forever.” When asked why, she explained she would never be quite as shy again! Sarah is looking forward to being a shepherd in the Best Christmas Pageant Ever. She is particularly happy to be sharing the stage with her Dad and three of her four siblings. Sarah enjoys theater and, besides Oliver, has performed various roles on other area stages such as “Lack Tail” in Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, “Lollipop Guild” in The Wizard of Oz, and “Jr. Harem Girl” in the reprise of Alladin Jr.
	Hannah Vansdale - I am a homeschooled 9th grader. "Snow White" (Blick-lead dwarf), "Wizard of Oz" (farmer Munchkin), "Oliver Twist" (pauper), "2008 angel Tree Benefit" (grandchild) and "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" ( angel choir) are recent plays I have acted in. My favorite hobbies are music, crocheting, reading and playing with my horse.
	Aloni Welker
	Baby Angel
	Ella Shipley -Ella is four years old and attends The Learning Center of Souteastern Ohio. Ella enjoys Ballet, Tap, Art, Music & Spending time with her family. This is Ella's first performance!
	Payton Thompson - Payton is six years old and in first grade at Pike Elementary in New Concord. Payton enjoys jazz class, art, acting, and music. She also enjoys spending time with her family and playing with her two brothers, Gavin and Gates. This is Payton's first performance!!
	Mateya Townsend - Teya is 7 years old. She loves music, dolls and stuffed animals. She plays the piano and sings. Teya is active in her 4-H Club as a Cloverbud. This is her first play at Zanesville Community Theatre and she is very excited to sing and have a line to say on her own. Teya lives in Southeast Ohio with her parents and four siblings. She is active in her church Drama Club and has played the part of a “Chinese Orphan” with Gladys Aylward, Promise U, “Mary” in the Christmas Pageant and as a member of the “Lullaby League” in The Wizard of Oz on other area stages.
	Production Staff
	Sheryl Wise (Director) Sheryl is delighted to bring this show back to ZCT! She first directed this show in 1989. It is a holiday classic for kids and adults alike. The Best Christmas Pageant is based on the book of the same name and was written by Barbara Robinson, who if you didn’t know grew up in Portsmouth, Ohio. It was also later made into a movie. Children get the opportunity to showcase their talents in acting and music and really are the stars of the show. It is a great way to kick off the Christmas season. Bring on the snow and Christmas carols! Sheryl has directed numerous shows for ZCT as well as other area theaters. She is also the drama director at Philo High School. Last season she ventured to the other side of the lights and enjoyed some time onstage as Lady McDuff in Macbeth, M’Lynn in Steel Magnolias, and Rev. Mother in Nunsensations. Later this season, Sheryl will direct another of her favorite shows---the comedy, Noises Off.
	Jan Kiikka (Producer) Jan Kiikka has been a member of ZCT for over 20 years. She has served on the Board of Directors several terms and has been costume chairperson and helps with the box office. Jan has acted in or produced many shows. She lives in the McIntire Terrace area with her husband and 5 dogs, 1 cat, and many fish. Jan is the district librarian for Franklin Local Schools. She is the Producer at Philo High School Drama Department. She is on the Board of Directors of Muskingum Behavioral Health, a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, and sews and knits for Touching Little Lives. Jan and her husband are members of PAWS, a group of volunteers at the Animal Shelter Society
	Julia Free ( Stage Manager )

Head shots of cast members ©2005-2010 Dan Olson, used with permission.
Ph. 740-408-0428
Head shots of cast members Alicia and Meredith Free ©2009 Paul Prior, used with permission.
Head shot of cast member Monica Van Nort ©2010, Shelley Tolliver, used with permission