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By Susan Mikula Campbell
The kids stole the show at Theatre in the Mist's annual Christmas play last weekend at Stella Niagara Education Park in Lewiston.
This year's offering was "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," adapted from the Barbara Robinson book of the same name, about the "bad" Herdman kids who invade the staid church pageant after learning there would be free refreshments. Chaos and laughter ensue when the longtime director breaks a leg and the mom drafted into the role has to deal with the situation. In the end, they all capture the true meaning of Christmas.
Grownups in the cast were in the minority. It was the youngsters who won hearts of the audience on Friday's opening night from the moment the littlest angels trooped on stage, eyed the audience for family members and offered subtle and not-so-subtle waves. However, one adult on stage did win a big laugh when a young audience member hollered "Grandpa!"
Theatre in the Mist's Christmas shows are always well done and a good way to get in the mood for the upcoming holiday. The only problem with this one was there were only four performances, Friday through Sunday.
Niagara University Theater major Jean O'Harrow directed the production.
Cast members, children and adults, included:
•From the Sanborn/Niagara-Wheatfield area - Abby Zuccari (Claudette/wise man) Heather Zuccari, (Mollie/wise man), Virginia Aldrow (Doris/angel choir), Aiden Casaro (angel choir).
•From Lewiston - Caitlyn Gibas (Beth Bradley), Grace Burton (Juanita/angel choir).
•From Youngstown - Ron Ashker (Reverend Hopkins), Zoe Reid (angel choir), Selah Reid (angel choir).
•From North Tonawanda - Michael Westfall (Hobie/shepherd), Daniel Scime (Elmer/shepherd), Jesse Osmon (angel choir), Issac Fresmire (David/shepherd), Brandon Czerwinski (Bob Bradley/father).
•From Niagara Falls - Stephanie Yousteff (Maxine), Julia Pitaressi (Imogene and Mary), Ruth Mance (Mrs. McCarthy), Zackary Kaiser (Charlie Bradley/shepherd), Brandon Ciccone (Ralph Herdman/Joseph).
•From Newfane - MyKayla Schultz (angel choir), Michelle Schultz (angel choir).
•From Lockport - Ashley DiPasquale (Mrs. Slocum).
•From Tonawanda - Brittany Shannon (Mrs. Armstrong), Elizabeth Lepertine (Grace Bradley/mother).
•From Amherst - Lauren Veruto (Alice), Emma Gerard (Gladys/Angel of the Lord).
•From Getzville - Emilio Izquierdo (Leroy/ wise man).