865.539.2490 www.wordplayers.org

presented by

sponsored by

Board of DirectorsPresident: Shawn Carson

Secretary: Leslie HullTreasurer: Terry Weber

Robert Bright, Tom Cervone, Rosalie HadleyJeni Lamm, Cheryl Masur, Tomi Robb

Ron Turner, Megan VenableChan Vinson, James Williams

StaffTerry Weber – Artistic Director

Jeni Lamm – Managing DirectorEthan Norman – Artistic Associate

Melody Watts – Playback CoordinatorJoe Jaynes – Webmaster

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., a Concord Theatricals Company.

&present...present...

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

by Barbara Robinson

Directed by Matthew LloydStage Manager: Glory LedbetterSet Designer: Steve KrempaskyCostume Designer: Liz AaronLighing Designer: Jon Chemay

Composer/Sound Designer: John thomas Oaks

Director’s NotesThis is my third time directing this show, and every time I do,

it hits me a little bit differently. This year, the line that really

sticks out to me is, “Everyone is important. Mary, Jesus, and

the short kids.” Because that’s sort of what this show is all

about. It’s about inclusion and acceptance, and about how the

people who don’t seem important or valuable can make such

a difference if they are just given a chance. So I hope you take

a moment this Christmas season to look around at the people

in your life - the short kids, the bad kids, the people who don’t

look like you, or think like you, or behave like you - and give

them a chance. They may be just what you need.

Matthew Lloyd

CrewCaroline Bradley: Deck Crew

Kaelee Hagins: Spot OperatorNatasha Lloyd: Light Board Operator

CastJessica Cross ............................................ Mother (Grace Bradley)Julia Stark .............................................................Beth BradleyRollin Prince ............................................... Father (Bob Bradley)Jack Lloyd ......................................................... Charlie BradleyJoe Blair ........................................................ Ralph HerdmanXandria Cross ................................................. Imogene HerdmanRemy Stavros ....................................................... Leroy HerdmanCooper Delamain ................................................... Claude HerdmanOdelia Kneiser ......................................................... Ollie HerdmanGrace Bell .......................................................Gladys HerdmanAnnie Rader ..................................................... Alice WendlekenTerri Lloyd ....................................................... Mrs. ArmstrongMazzie Zawisza ................................................................... MaxineBen Barker ......................................................... Elmer HopkinsSeth Clark ..............................................................Hobie ClarkPetra Brown ...................................................................... DavidKate Alexander ........................................................................DorisSage Bohacek .........................................................................JanetHayley Cross ..................................................................... BeverlyNaomi Whipple ....................................................................JuanitaViolet Allen ..................................................................... ShirleyKrisha Brook ........................................................ Mrs. McCarthyPam Vickery .......................................................... Mrs. SlocumAshley Allen ................................................................. Mrs. ClarkStavros Keritsis ................................................... Reverend Hopkins

Special Thanks!Jim & Celia Montgomery, Sonny Partin, Lisa Stockton, South-Doyle High School Drama

Program, Erin Presbyterian Church

Much appreciation to Sheila Earl for being a part of this cast as the original Mrs. Slocum. The cast wishes

Sheila a quick recovery and sends lots of love.

The ArtistsKate Alexander (Doris) is an 8th grader at CAK. She found her love for theatre while participating in Erin Presbyterian’s Creative Expressions Ministry. Some of her previous roles include Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird, Gingy in Shrek, Slightly in Peter Pan, Julie in John Lennon and Me and most recently Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz. This her first time working with The

WordPlayers and she is excited to be included in this well loved play.

Ashley Allen (Mrs. Clark) is so excited to be in her first ever WordPlayers’ show! Ashley grew up in Knoxville and was very involved in community theatre here. After college, she moved to Florida and did many shows there. Her two favorite were Les Miserables (Cosette) and Into the Woods (The Baker’s Wife.) This is her first show since she moved back to Tennessee.

This will always be one of her favorite memories because this is the first show she is doing with her daughter, Violet!! Ashley would like to thank her husband, Lyle, for his support and her mother, Donna, for helping with her younger children so she could do this show with Violet!

Violet Allen (Shirley) This is Violet’s very first show ever! She is having a blast and loving every minute of it! She would like to thank her Mommy for doing this play with her and her Daddy for his awesome support!

Ben Barker (Elmer Hopkins) is very excited to be part of his first show with The WordPlayers. His past stage performances include Our Town, Wizard of Oz, A Boy Called Pinocchio, Alice in Wonderland, Little Women, and Annie. He would like to dedicate this performance to his biggest supporters, his cats Char and Trixie.

Grace Bell (Gladys Herdman) is a 5th Grader at Paideia Academy and is excited to portray the rambunctious Gladys Herdman. Most recently, Grace appeared in Once On This Island at Central High School and as a Wood Nymph in The WordPlayers’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Grace has performed in several productions at Knoxville Children’s Theatre, including

The Wizard of Oz, Disney’s 101 Dalmatians Jr, and as Little Red Riding Hood in Whatever Happened to Little Red?

Joe Blair (Ralph Herdman) is a Freshman at Oak Ridge High School. He is excited to be in his first WordPlayers’ production. Joe has enjoyed performing in several plays at the Oak Ridge Playhouse, including Peter Pan, Fiddler on the Roof, and Nate The Great. His favorite extracurricular activities are playing guitar, running cross country, doing robotics, singing in Sound

Company of Oak Ridge Children’s Choir, and being the coolest Herdman.

Sage Renee Bohacek (Janet) is extremely proud to be part of the cast! Sage lives in Knoxville and is homeschooled. She is in the 7th grade and her favorite subjects are English and Social Studies. Sage first appeared on stage at the age of six as an actress for Sonshine Company. She is best-known for playing the lead character in, John Lennon and Me. Sage would

like to thank her mom, dad, and her grandparents for their love and support. She also thanks the director, Matthew Lloyd, for allowing her to enjoy this valuable experience. The power of prayer by far outweighs the power of any weapon.

Krisha Brook (Mrs. McCarthy) is so excited to be making her debut with The WordPlayers. Krisha is a Knoxville native who spent 10 years in Orlando performing and training with Disney and Universal Studios. Krisha is a trained dancer and improviser with a passion for joy and cheese. Recent credits include Miss Furnival, Black Comedy, Miss Stephanie in To Kill a

Mockingbird, and Sylvia in Sylvia.

Petra Brown (David) is a Knox County Schools 5th grader. This is her first show with The WordPlayers. Petra has also participated in workshops with the Knoxville Children’s Theater. She enjoys reading books (especially the Harry Potter series) and playing with her tabby cat. She would like to thank her family, and her mentor, Mrs. Cross, for introducing her to The

WordPlayers. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Seth Clark (Hobie Clark) is enjoying his debut with The WordPlayers. He has been performing with Bezalel and Sonshine Company for the past few years. He is a 5th grade homeschooler and enjoys making props for drama, film class and robotics. “Thank you to The WordPlayers for the opportunity!”

Hayley Cross (Beverly) is excited to be performing in her second production with The WordPlayers, playing alongside her mother. She is currently in her fourth year taking ballet at the Tennessee Conservatory of Fine Arts and was a member of the drama club at her school. Last year, she played a Wood Nymph in The

Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. She would like to thank her parents for letting her be part of this show!

Jessica Cross (Mother/Grace Bradley) is excited to be reprising the role of Grace Bradley. Some of her favorite WordPlayers’ productions and characters include Caitlin in Over the River and Through the Woods, Mrs. Beaver in The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, Lucille in Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman

Smells, Caroline (Ma) Ingalls in A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas, Mrs. Kirk in Little Women, and Queen Jadis in The Magician’s Nephew. She is also a member of The WordPlayers’ Playback Theatre Troupe. She would like to thank Darrin and Hayley for allowing her the time to be in this production. As always, this is for Cole who is always in her heart!

Xandria Cross (Imogene Herdman) is passionate about performing arts! She has worked in TV, film, and theater and is also currently pursuing a career as a pop singer/songwriter with over 10 original songs released on all major platforms. She thanks God, her family for their support in pursuing her dreams, and

The WordPlayers, and is grateful to be back with them and another amazing cast!

Cooper Delamain (Claude Herdman) is an active performer at Knoxville Children’s Theatre, and he is very excited to make his debut with The WordPlayers. He is an 8th grader at Cedar Bluff Middle School and is fourteen years old. He is an artist in many ways, he enjoys drawing and strives to create his own graphic

novel one day. He would like to dedicate his performance to his friends and family.

Stavros Keritsis (Reverend Hopkins) is happy to return to the stage for the Christmas season! Stavros has been working with The WordPlayers since January 2017 doing Playback Theatre, a theatrical combination of improvisation and storytelling, at numerous venues such as coffee shops, retirement homes and comedy

festivals. Previous performances include Aslan in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. He would like to thank every talent involved with The WordPlayers, his mom for her continuous support and God for making him end up where he is now.

Odelia Kneiser (Ollie Herdman) is excited to be in her first show with The Wordplayers! She’s enjoying playing her first role as a boy as well. She definitely loves being a Herdman. She’d like to thank her fellow cast members for being ridiculously fun, as she has not stopped laughing since the first rehearsal.

Jack Lloyd (Charlie Bradley) is excited to be in another WordPlayers’ production. Some of his favorite roles include Peter in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Johnny Steadman in A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas, Charlie in Jam Jar Sonnets, Anthony Pye in Anne of Avonlea, and Ollie in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

He would love to thank his family, for love and support, and God for the amazing opportunities.

Terri Lloyd (Mrs. Armstrong) has been working with The WordPlayers for over 20 years. Terri’s favorite projects include directing Little Women, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe & The Magician’s Nephew, and being The Bag Lady in Nativity on the Square. Prior to The WordPlayers and her four fabulous children

(Naomi, Cami, Natasha & Jack), Terri traveled in a musical theatre touring company where she was an artistic director, team captain, business manager, and actor; and most importantly, where she met her favorite actor, director, stage manager, and anything theatre husband, Matthew - the director.

Rollin Prince (Father/Bob Bradley) is thrilled to be performing at Pellissippi in another WordPlayers’ Christmas show! He has previously performed in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe; Junie B in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! as well as several other shows in the area. Rollin is the Improv Coach at Bearden High School. And

he has been privileged to have been performing regularly on stage for about the last decade. He would like to thank the cast of BCPE that he saw on a field trip as a kid. They showed Rollin that you could use your gifts, make people laugh, AND miss school! What more could a person want??

Annie Rader (Alice Wendleken) is excited to share the stage with her new theatre family The WordPlayers. Annie began acting at a young age appearing in local and regional commercials. She quickly fell in love with live theatre and has been on the stage ever since. Some of her favorite productions have been

Willy Wonka, Jr. (Charlie), Shrek the Musical Jr. (Dragon), and Into the Woods Jr. (Little Red). Additional credits include Singing in the Rain, Beauty and the Beast Jr., Aladdin Jr., and Godspell, Jr. She will be playing Eponine in the upcoming presentation of Les Miserables School Edition this May at the Clayton Center for the Arts in Maryville. Annie’s voice can be heard on local commercials as well as on the Tara Tremendous Podcast as Tara’s mean-girl cousin Masi DuPont with Wonkybot Studios in California. “Thank you so much to everyone at The WordPlayers for truly making this one of the BEST Christmas seasons ever!” - Phil. 4:13

Julia Stark (Beth Bradley) is a recent graduate of UT with a degree in “Performing Arts Outreach” and minor in Hispanic Studies through the College Scholars Program. Currently, she serves as an instructor at the Knoxville Children’s Theatre and Drama Director for the Knoxville Jewish Day School. This is Julia’s second

production with The WordPlayers after stage managing for Over the River and Through the Woods. When not in the theatre, Julia enjoys playing her harp, hiking, watching old movies, and eating cheesecake. Special thanks to her family and Zachary for putting up with her craziness. Isaiah 9:6-7 Almost Christmas!

Remy Stavros (Leroy Herdman) is a 14-year old homeschooler who loves acting, film making and cartooning. His favorite roles to date have been the Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood, the Dwarf in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, and Archie in Tune Kaboom. He hopes to continue using his passions for

wholesome entertainment. This is his third play with the Lloyds and The WordPlayers. He’s excited and thankful for this wonderful opportunity to work with them again!

Pam Vickery (Mrs. Slocum) is happy to be in the Knoxville area after moving here from Florida. Her favorite past roles are Aunt Martha in Arsenic and Old Lace and Edith in Blythe Spirit.

Naomi Whipple (Juanita) is a dancer with Tennessee Conservatory of Fine Arts, studying ballet and modern under Gwendolyn Delaney. She is eight years old and is excited to be in her first official theatre performance. She is the daughter of Adam and Katrina Whipple and is an avid fan of Harry Potter, Redwall, and Gillian Murphy.

Mazzie Zawisza (Maxine) is excited to be in her first production with The WordPlayers and would like to thank her friends and family for their endless support. She has made many new friends and hopes to stay connected with them. She has appeared in other productions with Oak Ridge High School: Annie and

Little Women. She is beyond thankful to God for all of the opportunities she has been given. Enjoy the Show!!!

Matthew Lloyd (Director) is a long-time veteran of The WordPlayers, having performed in over 25 productions in addition to frequent contributions as director, stage manager, and set designer. Favorite roles include: Over The River (Nick), Godspell (Jesus), Cotton Patch Gospel (17 characters), Big River (King), and Bright Star (Papa

Murphy). Thanks to God and The WordPlayers for so many opportunities and to Terri, Naomi, Cami, Natasha, Jack, and my mom for being my biggest fans.

Glory Ledbetter (Stage Manager) is dipping her toes in the theater pool again after a 6 year hiatus! Her last show being her senior show for her B.A. in Theater from Carson-Newman University, where she designed and directed Tennessee Williams’ Summer and Smoke. Familiar with both sides of the theater, Glory has done acting parts such as Theodosia in The Robe, Aesop

in the Fable Factory, and Gay Wellington in You Can’t Take it With You. She has also stage managed and directed for various productions and festivals including the 24 Hour Play Festival at the Southeastern Theater Conference. Glory is currently a regular in the WordPlayers’ Playback improv troupe and can’t wait to get back on the theater Kool-Aid. “Thank you so much to The WordPlayers for this opportunity to stage manage and see lives changed by the news that ‘Unto you a child is born!’”

The WordPlayers is impacting the greater Knoxville community for the The WordPlayers is impacting the greater Knoxville community for the Kingdom of Christ! Your support is needed and greatly appreciated! Kingdom of Christ! Your support is needed and greatly appreciated!

The WordPlayers is a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) organization. Please send your The WordPlayers is a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) organization. Please send your tax deductible gifts to P.O. Box 53717, Knoxville, TN, 37950-3717.tax deductible gifts to P.O. Box 53717, Knoxville, TN, 37950-3717.

You can help secure the future of The WordPlayers by supporting our You can help secure the future of The WordPlayers by supporting our endowment through The East Tennessee Foundation. endowment through The East Tennessee Foundation.

Please consider building The WordPlayers endowment through your estate planning and Please consider building The WordPlayers endowment through your estate planning and planned giving. Contact Sherri Alley at planned giving. Contact Sherri Alley at

East Tennessee Foundation, (865) 524-1223 for more information. East Tennessee Foundation, (865) 524-1223 for more information.

The WordPlayers’ 2019-2020 Season The WordPlayers’ 2019-2020 Season is dedicated is dedicated

to the memory of to the memory of Gene and Matthew Wooten, Gene and Matthew Wooten,

father and son. father and son.

TheyThey leave a lasting legacy of leave a lasting legacy of deep faith, compassionate love, deep faith, compassionate love,

and selfless service.and selfless service.

Advent Touring ShowWest of Bethlehem by Ethan Norman

Available December 1 - December. 22, 2019

Black History Touring ShowThe WordPlayers is honored

to present the World Premiere of: JACKIE ROBINSON STEALS HOME by Peter Manos

This one-act play chronicles the life story and achievements of Jackie Robinson, who, in 1947, became the first African-American

athlete to break the color barrier in Major League baseball.

Available to tour to schools and other venues February 1 – 29, 2020. To schedule a performance,

please call 865-539-2490 or email wordplayers@comcast.net.

Summer MainStage ShowFootlooseJuly 17-19, 2020

U.S. Cellular Stage at the Bijou Theatre

For more information regarding our season, please visit our website: www.wordplayers.org

To receive periodic updates, please join our mailing list and follow us on Facebook (The WordPlayers),

Twitter (@wordplayers) and Instagram (wordplayers).

Announcing Auditions for our summer musical: FOOTLOOSE

(performed July 17-19, 2020 at the Bijou Theatre)

AUDITIONS: Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020Auditions will be by appointment at Erin Presbyterian Church, 200 Lockett Rd., Knoxville For complete audition instructions, please see the audition page on our website wordplayers.org

The WordPlayers is impacting the greater Knoxville community for the The WordPlayers is impacting the greater Knoxville community for the Kingdom of Christ! Your support is needed and greatly appreciated! Kingdom of Christ! Your support is needed and greatly appreciated!

The WordPlayers is a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) organization. Please send your The WordPlayers is a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) organization. Please send your tax deductible gifts to P.O. Box 53717, Knoxville, TN, 37950-3717.tax deductible gifts to P.O. Box 53717, Knoxville, TN, 37950-3717.

You can help secure the future of The WordPlayers by supporting our You can help secure the future of The WordPlayers by supporting our endowment through The East Tennessee Foundation. endowment through The East Tennessee Foundation.

Please consider building The WordPlayers endowment through your estate planning and Please consider building The WordPlayers endowment through your estate planning and planned giving. Contact Sherri Alley at planned giving. Contact Sherri Alley at

East Tennessee Foundation, (865) 524-1223 for more information. East Tennessee Foundation, (865) 524-1223 for more information.

ALL WORLD PLAYERS ($1000+)

Jennifer BannerPat & Jean Canavan

Shawn & Alice CarsonBarbara Darce

Jim & Leann DicksonRay & Jackie Fisher

David & Lindsey HarrellJim & Linda Williams

MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS ($500-$999)

Bob & Annie BrightJohn & CeCe Campbell

Tom Cervone & Susan CreswellJoe & Carol Ottaviano

Kelly, Karin and Alyssa VogtTerry & Jeni Weber

ALL STAR PLAYERS ($250-$499)

Greg & Elaine AndersonJohn & Cindy CannonJohn & Patti Frazier

Stan & Rosalie HadleyLoretta Harber (In honor of Jim

& Leann Dickson)Chris & LeAnn Hilemon

Dan & Libby McCammonBuddy & Janet McLean

James & Celia MontgomeryGibbs PrevostMarty SmithErnie Roberts

Bill & Dotty VinsonBruce & Linda Wheeler

Joyce Cope Wyatt

MAJOR PLAYERS ($100-$249)Anonymous

John & Carol AckerDon & Beth Arnurius

Richard & Margaret AshworthTom & Linda Bolen

Robert & Lorraine BowmanJohn & Cheryl Brauns

George & Kathy BrooksPatty Bruns

Patricia CappielloDan & Carol Ann Casey

Bill & Helen DeitchEd & Melissa Flanagan

Micki FoxReid & Nancy Gerhardt

Brad & Joy GuilfordKurt Brandt & Dawn Huff

Josie HyltonJim & Lee HysmithJoe & Kim Jaynes

Stan & Jackie JohnsonSteve & Anne Jones

Robert KingTerri King

Steve & Carolyn LuperMalone & Costa Dentistry

Stan & Brenda MaloneJoe & Ellen Manning

Charles & Deborah MorganBill & Sheila MoyerJerry & Jean Mullis

Mike & Lori MurphreeRoy & Linda Painter

Pamela ReevesBarry & Pam Robertson

Howard & Marcella RussellNancy SchowalterRon & Alva ShipeBernard Starner

Troy & Evangella StavrosDavid & Jane Stroud

Mikel & Lakeisha WalkerDave & Barbara Wasil

John & Janie WendelkenMark Palmer & Windie Wilson

Dorothy WinfreyMary Witort

Leon A. Zevenbergen

UTILITY PLAYERS ($20-$99)

Ruth AgostoMariellen Amber

David & Rachel BallengerDan & Marie Carroll

Lynn ChilbergPatricia Earl

Bruce & Pat FisherDebby HagarTricia Jones

Lou & Kim KiernanMichael & Nancy Lofaro

James & Sherburne MartinFrank & Ce Ce Morris

Bill & Sheila MoyerEdward & Debra Piotrowicz

Doris RobertsJanet Ann Ross

Jim & Dorothy SharpAmanda Stair

Jack & Patricia WatsonJean Wedekind

OTHER SUPPORT Arts Fund for East Tennessee

Arts & Culture AllianceCentral Baptist Bearden

Roach & Reed, CPA’s, P.C.Tennessee Arts Commission

TJ Development

We are thankful for the supportWe are thankful for the support of our 2019-2020 Season of our 2019-2020 Season

Contributing Players!Contributing Players!(Gifts given between August 1, 2019 and Dec. 1, 2019)(Gifts given between August 1, 2019 and Dec. 1, 2019)

The WordPlayers’ 2019-2020 Season The WordPlayers’ 2019-2020 Season is dedicated is dedicated

to the memory of to the memory of Gene and Matthew Wooten, Gene and Matthew Wooten,

father and son. father and son.

TheyThey leave a lasting legacy of leave a lasting legacy of deep faith, compassionate love, deep faith, compassionate love,

and selfless service.and selfless service.