This past weekend, over 500 theater goers, young, old, families, singles and couples fell in love with the Providence Players production of the Barbara Robinson holiday classic Best Christmas Pageant Ever. DCMetroTheaterArts.com critic William Powell says in his Five Star review
Best Christmas Pageant Ever shows that even “bad” kids can do good. The show will warm the heart of every family who sees it. The performances, by the mostly child-to-adolescent cast made Best Christmas Pageant Ever a winner. It’s definitely another sugar plum for this Christmas season.
The final four performances of this critical and audience hit are this weekend, December 15-18, 2016.
In Part 4 of interviews with the cast of Best Christmas Pageant Ever, meet Nora Rice.
Julie: Please tell our readers where they may have seen you appear on our local stages and roles you have played.
Nora: I have been in a couple of plays at Creative Cauldron in Falls Church. You may have seen me as Kate in Madeline’s Christmas, Desert Flower/Birds in The Little Prince, Daphne in Madeline and the Gypsies, and Anastasia in The Dancing Princesses.
What is the play about from the point of view of your character? Have you enjoyed playing her?
Imogene plays Mary in the Christmas pageant so it’s fun to play a character within a character. First, Imogene wants to get the part of Mary so that Alice doesn’t get the part. But I think by the end Imogene is really moved by the Christmas story from the Bible. I’ve loved playing Imogene Herdman. She is very sassy and bossy, not like me in real life. Imogene is important because she is one of the Herdmans. It might seem a little show-offy but every Herdman is important because they are the “bad kids” in this production. Every story needs a hero and a villain, and Imogene is DEFINITELY a villain but she has a heart.
If you were granted one wish on Christmas what would it be?
I would probably say “end world hunger” or “have world peace,” but if the wish was something for me I would want to become a famous actor.
If you were granted one Christmas gift, what would you want?
I would love to have a new phone or an iPod shuffle.
The holidays can be busy and there can be a lot of holiday shows to choose from. Why should people see this holiday production?
Even though there are a lot of holiday productions out there this holiday show is very different. It has special meaning to some people. It is humorous and emotional at times. The interactions between the Herdmans and the Bradleys are hilarious and the play within the play just has to be seen.
How have you enjoyed working with the cast and crew of Providence Players?
The cast and crew are amazing and super sweet. They are the best cast in the world. A lot of the other actors and I have inside jokes along with the crew. My director, Ms. Liz (Liz Mykietyn), lights up my world. She is very patient and kind.
What do you hope people will take away from seeing the Best Christmas Pageant Ever?
I hope they will enjoy the show, have a laugh, and enjoy the holiday season with their family and friends.
The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world; they lie, steal and cheat. Now they have taken over the churches’ annual Christmas pageant! The entire town has gathered in anticipation, waiting to see the Herdmans ruin Christmas – or will they? This funny, heartwarming, holiday tale has become a classic: and good for the entire family! This special production of a holiday treat will benefit the work of The Young Hearts, a group of amazing teens who raise funds to battle blood cancers and other diseases. Directed by WATCH-award winning director Liz Mykietyn, get in the holiday spirit when the Providence Players brings you the final weekend of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever to the James Lee Community Center Theater stage December 15th through 18th 2016.
Best Christmas Pageant Ever plays through December 18, 2016, at Providence Players of Fairfax, performing at the James Lee Community Center Theater – 2855 Annandale Road, in Falls Church, VA. For tickets, call the box office at (703) 425-6782, or purchase them online.
Here Are Remaining Performance Dates And Times:
December 15, 16, and 17, 2016: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30 PM. December 17 and 18, 2016: Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $17 and all performances are general admission seating. All attendees are invited to a special reception with Santa after the show where refreshments will be available for a donation.
LINKS:
Meet the Cast of Providence Players’ ‘Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ Part 1: Michelle Shader, by Julie Janson.
Meet the Cast of Providence Players’ ‘Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ Part 2: Sally Ann Flores, by Julie Janson.
Meet the Cast and Director of Providence Players’ ‘Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ Part 3: Evie Izdepski by Julie Janson.
Meet the Cast of Providence Players’ ‘Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ Part 4: Nora Rice by Julie Janson.
Review: ‘Best Christmas Pageant Ever‘ at Providence Players of Fairfax by William Powell.
