Hello and Welcome!
Season’s greetings to you all and thank you for becoming a part of our community this evening on a night like this, where the children are bursting with excitement, the cookie table is overflowing, the company is warm, and a story that will lift everyone’s hearts is about to be told. What a fantastic way to jump into the bustle of the holidays and how fortunate we are that we can be here together to experience it.
Over 20 years ago, I was gifted with the incredible opportunity to do something that has undoubtedly shaped my life up to this point: I got to play a Baby Angel in my community theater’s production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. What started out as something my mom and I thought I should “just try out for fun” quickly became a passion that still defines who I am at my core. Fast forward two decades (and some change) later to where we are now, and the same story is being told by a completely new generation of kids who are either experiencing the joy of performing for the very first time or for the sixteenth time. What an honor to be standing on the other side of the audition table and how humbling to think that there could very well be someone in this cast who will one day pass on their theatre bug to the next group of kids who need it the most. Talk about the gift that keeps on giving, right?
I would be remiss if I didn’t take this time to thank all of the wonderful people in our community who have really done everything they can to truly make this The BEST Christmas Pageant Ever. Thank you to our team of esteemed teaching artists, creatives, and technicians, who tirelessly produced inordinate amounts of grace and joy at every turn. Thank you to our generous parents, families, and loved ones who donated their time, efforts, and much more in the midst of their own busy holiday seasons to make this production something we could all be so proud of. And finally, thank you to this cast – thank you for showing compassion like Beth, chaotic energy like Helen, well-meaning frazzledness like Mrs. Bradley, and genuine acceptance like the Herdmans. I can’t wait to see what the next ten, twenty, or even fifty years has in store for all of you, and maybe it will even involve yet another rendition of this same story.
We hope this show tonight reminds you that none of us are immune to the pains and joys of the holidays, and that that’s how it’s meant to be. This season of giving is meant for every member of our community, whether they’re a Bradley, an Armstrong, or a Herdman and it’s our job to make room for all of them in our hearts, but we will start tonight by making room for them in this pageant. We invite you to sit back, relax, and enjoy becoming a part of that community with us.
With love and cheer,
Hayden Patterson
Youth Theatre Program Manager
Director, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical
Hello and Welcome!
Season’s greetings to you all and thank you for becoming a part of our community this evening on a night like this, where the children are bursting with excitement, the cookie table is overflowing, the company is warm, and a story that will lift everyone’s hearts is about to be told. What a fantastic way to jump into the bustle of the holidays and how fortunate we are that we can be here together to experience it.
Over 20 years ago, I was gifted with the incredible opportunity to do something that has undoubtedly shaped my life up to this point: I got to play a Baby Angel in my community theater’s production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. What started out as something my mom and I thought I should “just try out for fun” quickly became a passion that still defines who I am at my core. Fast forward two decades (and some change) later to where we are now, and the same story is being told by a completely new generation of kids who are either experiencing the joy of performing for the very first time or for the sixteenth time. What an honor to be standing on the other side of the audition table and how humbling to think that there could very well be someone in this cast who will one day pass on their theatre bug to the next group of kids who need it the most. Talk about the gift that keeps on giving, right?
I would be remiss if I didn’t take this time to thank all of the wonderful people in our community who have really done everything they can to truly make this The BEST Christmas Pageant Ever. Thank you to our team of esteemed teaching artists, creatives, and technicians, who tirelessly produced inordinate amounts of grace and joy at every turn. Thank you to our generous parents, families, and loved ones who donated their time, efforts, and much more in the midst of their own busy holiday seasons to make this production something we could all be so proud of. And finally, thank you to this cast – thank you for showing compassion like Beth, chaotic energy like Helen, well-meaning frazzledness like Mrs. Bradley, and genuine acceptance like the Herdmans. I can’t wait to see what the next ten, twenty, or even fifty years has in store for all of you, and maybe it will even involve yet another rendition of this same story.
We hope this show tonight reminds you that none of us are immune to the pains and joys of the holidays, and that that’s how it’s meant to be. This season of giving is meant for every member of our community, whether they’re a Bradley, an Armstrong, or a Herdman and it’s our job to make room for all of them in our hearts, but we will start tonight by making room for them in this pageant. We invite you to sit back, relax, and enjoy becoming a part of that community with us.
With love and cheer,
Hayden Patterson
Youth Theatre Program Manager
Director, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical
Navigation
The CFCArts Youth Theatre Program presents
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical
Preshow
- Chipmunk Christmas Song – Early Childhood Jr. Company
I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas – Early Elementary Jr. Company
ACT 1
Scene 1
- Our Perfect Little Town – Church Families, Betty, Luanne, Connie, Helen, Reverend, Beth, Alice, Ivy, Teddy, Elmer, Charlie, Sheriff, Deputy, Church Ladies, Church Parents, Featured Kids
The Horrible Herdmans – Church Families, the Herdmans, Betty, Luanne, Connie, Helen, Reverend, Beth, Alice, Ivy, Teddy, Elmer, Charlie, Sheriff, Deputy, Church Ladies, Church Parents, Featured Kids
Scene 2
- Countin’ On You – Grace, Helen, Betty, Connie, Luanne, Church Ladies
Scene 3
- Take My Lunch – School Students, Charlie, Herdmans, Beth, Ivy, Alice, Teddy, Elmer, Featured Kids
Scene 4
Scene 5
- Hey, Mrs. Bradley! – Grace, Herdmans, Alice, Ivy, Teddy, Elmer, Beth, Charlie, Featured Kids
Scene 6
- Problem – Helen, Grace
Baskets For the Needy – Betty, Luanne, Connie, Helen, Reverend, Church Ladies, Featured Parents
Scene 7
Scene 8
- My Mother Said – Grace, Herdmans, Beth, Alice, Ivy, Featured Kids
Scene 9
- Problem Reprise – Helen, Grace
Maybe – Grace, Bob
Scene 10
- Die, Herod, Die! – Beth, Alice, Ivy, Elmer, Teddy, Charlie, Grace, Herdmans, Featured Kids, Betty, Luanne, Connie, Church Ladies, Reverend
Intermission
ACT 2
Scene 11
- Baskets for the Needy Reprise – Church Families, Church Ladies, Betty, Connie, Luanne, Reverend, Teddy, Elmer, Alice, Ivy, Featured Church Parents, Featured Kids, Grace, Bob, Beth, Charlie
Scene 12
- The Best Gift of All – Grace, Beth, Herdmans
Scene 13
- The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – Bob, Charlie, Beth, Grace, Reverend, Betty, Luanne, Connie, Helen, Church Ladies, Featured Church Parents
Scene 14
- On a Night Like This – The Herdmans
Let There Be Joy – Full Cast
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The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical
In order of appearance, U/S indicates understudy
Beth Bradley – Ella Thompson
Charlie Bradley – Tyler O’Dell
Grace Bradley – Clementine Champoux
Bob Bradley – Elijah Allred
Ralph Herdman – Kydan Herrick
Imogene Herdman – Gaby Zulueta
Leroy Herdman – Camden Dungca
Claude Herdman – Danny Meneses (U/S Ralph Herdman)
Ollie Herdman – Vivian Ortiz-Tatarka
Gladys Herdman – Kate Orpilla
Alice Wendleken – Lily Kate
Ivy Reed – Bostyn Clark (U/S Beth Bradley)
Helen Armstrong – Avani Herrick
Reverend Hopkins – Rowan Smitherman
Elmer Hopkins – Frankie Cowart (U/S Charlie Bradley)
Teddy Shoemaker – Luke McBride
Featured Kids – Juniper Anan, Leyla Artze, Ella Asbell, Daphne Barnett (U/S Ollie Herdman), Everly Blake, Zoe Bumbolow, Willa Kramer (U/S Alice Wendleken), Briella Ramirez (U/S Gladys Herdman), Jaycie Swank, Pearl Tindall (U/S Ivy Reed), Talia Wagner
Betty – Chris Gillespie
Luanne – Willow Dell (U/S Grace Bradley)
Connie – Elliana Livingston
Church Ladies – Elise Combs (U/S Helen Armstrong), Victoria Jones (U/S Betty), Ace Joseph (U/S Leroy Herdman), Jaie Locke (U/S Luanne), Maddie Powell (U/S Connie)
Sheriff, Church Parent – Anthony Albury (U/S Reverend Hopkins)
Deputy, Church Parent – Cornelius Costley (U/S Bob Bradley)
Church Parents – Isla Asbell, London Carrier (U/S Imogene Herdman), Natalya Costley, Evan Joseph (U/S Claude Herdman, Sheriff, Deputy), Olive Holland, Thoryn Schroeder (U/S Elmer Hopkins, Teddy Shoemaker)
Townspeople and Church Choir (Upper Company) – Jackson Barry, Frankie Brown, Annie Hill, Gabi Hill, Paige Hinton, Landon Kabachinski, Arya Kennedy, Isabelle Llerena, Brynn McDougall, Zoe Mee, Elena Nuber, Corban O’Halloran, Raquel Rivera, Ethan Ruyter, Katherine Staples, Madeline Strenth, Adawnna Thomas, Lilliana Vass, Elly Vinton, Arwen Yan
School Children and Church Choir (Lower Company) – Everlee Amendola, Jaxon Artze, Matilda Barry, Ashtyn Burgin, Bertie Champoux, Gabriella Evans, Isabella Evans, Ella Hirte, Aubrey Inderwiesen, Alexandra Long, Anderson Marshall, Sarah McBride, Riley Orr, Knox Weagraff
Townschildren and Baby Angels (Jr. Company, Early Elementary) – Nora Asbell, Maya Furgione, Noah Garnto, Callie Halliday, Riyan Jones, Nora Locke, Darina Lyapina, Samantha McBride, Julia Muccigrosso, Olivia Ngo, Madeline Orpilla, Gabrielle Orr, Renata Savchenko, Piper Simpson, Riley Thomas, Marigold Yadav
Townschildren and Baby Sheep (Jr. Company, Early Childhood) – Ricardo Marcelo Ambert II, Luna Newcomb, Flynn Orr, Francesca Rojas
Production Team
Producer – Leah Porrata
Director, Program Manager – Hayden Patterson
Assistant Director – Mack Bryan
Music Director – Reneé Cartee
Choreographer – Brianna Haufman
Production Manager – Sara Myers
Stage Manager – Lucia Chan
Assistant Stage Managers – Jack Paone, Amy Sulsenti
Technical Director – Joshua McKinney
Lighting Designer – Ethan Patalano
Audio Designer – Veronica Santana Meza
Audio Assistant – Demetri Rath
Scenic and Props Coordinator – Dami Keane
Costume Coordinator – Abby Puryear
Costume Assistant – Anya Flynn
Early Childhood Jr. Company Lead Teaching Artist – Stacey Allred
Early Childhood Jr. Company Assistant Teaching Artist – Kaity Lampman
Early Elementary Jr. Company Lead Teaching Artist – Christina Closs
Early Elementary Jr. Company Assistant Teaching Artist – Kyra Martin
Lower Company Lead Teaching Artist – Nova Stegall
Lower Company Assistant Teaching Artist – Bea Mullins
Upper Company Lead Teaching Artist – Hayden Stuart
Upper Company Assistant Teaching Artist – Bella Castillo
Stagehands – Jaslyn Quintana, Jason Sefick
Spotlight Operators – Deklan Jacobi, Jason Sefick
Front of House Manager – Tommy Mendoza
Volunteers
Production Volunteers
Allred Family
Blake Family
Carrier Family
Collier-Cowart Family
Datta Family
Dell Family
Dungca Family
Garnto Family
Hinton Family
Kasen-Kramer Family
O’Halloran Family
Orpilla Family
Ortiz-Tatarka Family
Rivera Family
Rojas Family
Ruyter Family
Strenth Family
Swank Family
Thompson Family
Front of House Volunteers
Brett Carrier
Randi Clark
Shannon Collier
Candice Combs
Jessica Costley
Seema Datta
Cori-Lynn Gillespie
Madison Jones
Dawn Kensington
Denise Powell
Jen Ruyter
Veronica Santiago
Justina Szabo-Beck
Shannon and Andrew Thompson
CJ Wagner
Missie Weagraff
Allie Yadav
Student Advisory Panel
* indicates current CFCArts Member Ambassador
Elijah Allred
Jadalyn Beck
Lily Kate
Mila Chun
Chris Gillespie*
Deklan Jacobi
Ace Joseph
Chase Kensington*
AJ Lentine
Aurora Nobles
Evie Ortiz-Tatarka*
AuBryahnna Sherrod
Benjamin Wilcox
Gabriella Zulueta
Parent & Guardian Panel
Stacey Allred
Anette Boughner
Randi Clark
Shannon Collier
Kelly Evans
Uzi Husain
Angela Jacobi
Madison Jones
Sonya Kasen-Kramer
Dawn Kensington
Nikki Ortiz-Tatarka
Veronica Santiago
Justina Szabo
Shannon Thompson
Special Thanks
Megan Taylor, Kerry Weisner, and First Congregational Church of Winter Park
St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church of Winter Park
Alicia Hirte for headshot photography
Trisha Houlihan (Snaps by Trish) for production photography
Anthony Albury for production shirt design and flyer creation
Christy Thompson, Randi Clark, Karen Parker, Deb Swank, and Andrew and Shannon Thompson for prop donation
Up Next With CFCArts
February 6 at 7:30 p.m.
February 7 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
February 8 at 2 p.m.
Pugh Theater (Dr. Phillips Center)
Cast Bios
Anthony Albury (Sheriff)
Anthony Albury
Sheriff
Anthony is thrilled to join the cast of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever with CFCArts. His previous shows consist of Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr. (Bloat) and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Ishmaelite/Egyptian Guard). He also can’t imagine working with anyone else and has a deep admiration for the dedication and talent of his castmates. Off stage, he enjoys watching movies, creating his own movies, and loves drawing. He thanks his friends, family, and God for their endless love and support.
Elijah Allred (Bob Bradley)
Elijah Allred
Bob Bradley
Elijah is excited for his 13th production with CFCArts! He is 16 years old and home educated. Some of Elijah’s most loved roles include Valentine (Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins the Musical), Mr. Fezziwig (A Christmas Carol the Musical), Gleb Vaganov (Anastasia the Musical), and Reuben (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat). Elijah is grateful to have the opportunity to perform in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and would like to thank the cast and staff for a wonderful experience!
Ricardo Marcelo Ambert II (Baby Sheep)
Ricardo Marcelo Ambert II
Baby Sheep
Ricky is making his CFCArts stage debut in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. A bright and playful four-year-old, Ricky brings energy and imagination to everything he does. He attends prekindergarten, where he loves playground time and singing in the Cherub Choir. Known for his humor and joyful spirit, Ricky enjoys pretending to be a dinosaur or a kitty cat, always making those around him smile. Outside of school, he loves Jiu-jitsu, play dates, and spending time with his two dogs, Lilo and Stitch. His mom and whole family are his biggest fans and cheer him on in everything he does.
Everlee Amendola (School Child, Church Choir)
Everlee Amendola
School Child, Church Choir
Evelee is excited to be a part of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! Everlee loves being a part of CFCArts! Since joining the cast of Seussical KIDS, she has also been a part of the cast of Annie Jr. and, most recently, joined the cast of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The joy that performing brings to Everlee can be seen on her face whenever she is on stage! She just loves performing with both old and new friends at CFCArts and strives to make every show as great as she can. Thank you to all who support Everlee while she follows her dreams!
Juniper Anan (Featured Kid)
Juniper Anan
Featured Kid
Juniper is grateful to be with all of her friends in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever with CFCArts this year! She is nine years old and enjoys all kinds of performance arts, including singing, dancing, and acting. Her past roles include Berlioz (Disney's The Aristocats KIDS), Children's Chorus (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), and a company role in Annie Jr. Junie would like to thank her parents, family, and friends for their support, and looks forward to more opportunities with the amazing CFCArts community in the future.
Jaxon Artze (School Child, Church Choir)
Jaxon Artze
School Child, Church Choir
Jaxon is super excited for his very first performance with CFCArts! At just nine years old, he loves being a part of the Music Ensemble at Lake Como. He wants to give a big shout-out to his amazing family and friends for all their support, as well as the awesome team at CFCArts for making this opportunity possible.
Leyla Artze (Featured Kid)
Leyla Artze
Featured Kid
Leyla is filled with excitement for her debut performance with CFCArts! At only nine years old, she attends Lake Como and is a member of the Music Ensemble. Leyla would like to express her gratitude to her family and friends for their unwavering support, as well as to the CFCArts team for providing her with this wonderful opportunity.
Ella Asbell (Featured Kid)
Ella Asbell
Featured Kid
Ella is excited to be a part of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever with CFCArts this fall! She has been with CFCArts for three years. Ella would like to thank her family and friends for their support.
Isla Asbell (Church Parent)
Isla Asbell
Church Parent
Isla is excited to be a part of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever with CFCArts this fall! She has grown with CFCArts for four years and looks forward to every production. Isla would like to thank her CFCArts family for becoming her community.
Nora Asbell (Baby Angel)
Nora Asbell
Baby Angel
Nora is excited to be a part of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever with CFCArts this fall! She has been with CFCArts for two years. The winter show is always her favorite to look forward to. Nora would like to thank her family and friends for coming out to see all of her shows.
Daphne Barnett (Featured Kid)
Daphne Barnett
Featured Kid
Daphne loves being on stage and has participated in productions of all kinds, from holiday specials to school and church choir. This is her seventh production with CFCArts. Some of her recent past roles include Harper in The Velveteen Rabbit, Molly in Annie Jr., Squirt in Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr., and a Wickersham in Seussical KIDS. She is grateful for the opportunity to share this story and would like to thank her family, friends, and CFCArts staff for their encouragement and support!
Jackson Barry (Townsperson, Church Choir)
Jackson Barry
Townsperson, Church Choir
Jackson is back, rockin’ the ensemble! This 10 year old loves reading and acting out his imagination, with dreams of being a director someday. Past shows include SpongeBob Jr., Annie Jr., Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr., and, most recently, The Velveteen Rabbit. We love CFCArts and are so grateful to be able to participate onstage. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Matilda Barry (School Child, Church Choir)
Matilda Barry
School Child, Church Choir
Matilda is so excited to be back onstage in this performance! This newly eight year old enjoys playing with friends, crafting and any and all things KPop Demon Hunters related. Her past roles include SpongeBob Jr., Annie Jr., Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr., and most recently The Velveteen Rabbit. We love CFCArts! She hopes you enjoy the show!
Everly Blake (Featured Kid)
Everly Blake
Featured Kid
Everly is currently a 10-year-old performer in her seventh production with the CFCArts Youth Theatre Program. She is excited to return to the Junior Troupe for her second show and to share the stage with so many friends. Her favorite past roles include Tina Kirke in Little Women and Fairy Helper in The Velveteen Rabbit. When not on stage, she can be found with her Girl Scout troop or whipping up some creativity! She extends a big thank you to her parents and CFCArts family for all their support.
Lily Kate (Alice Wendleken)
Lily Kate
Alice Wendleken
Lily is thrilled to play Alice in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. She has enjoyed a variety of roles with CFCArts including Rasu'u, Naphtali's wife (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), the forgetful but lovable Dory (Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr.), the Easy-Street aspiring Lily St. Regis (Annie Jr.), the elf who wants to be a dentist, Hermey (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr.), and the woodland creature affectionately known by his friends as Ratty (The Wind in the Willows). Lily also serves on the CFCArts Student Advisory Panel. She would like to thank her voice teacher, Ms. Angelyn, the amazing teachers and staff at CFCArts, and her family and friends for all of their love and support.
Frankie Brown (Elmer Hopkins)
Frankie Brown
Elmer Hopkins
Frankie is so excited to participate in her first production with CFCArts. She aspires to be an actress and enjoys performing on stage. She is looking forward to having more opportunities to be part of this lovely community theatre. She would like to thank her family for their support. As well as the team that makes The Best Christmas Pageant Ever happen!
Zoe Bumbolow (Featured Kid)
Zoe Bumbolow
Featured Kid
Zoe is an 11-year-old sixth grader at St. Mary Magdalen. She loves being part of CFCArts and is excited to perform in her fifth production with the company. Previous shows include Annie Jr., Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr., Disney’s The Aristocats KIDS, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. When she’s not on stage, Zoe enjoys spending time with her friends.
Ashtyn Burgin (School Child, Church Choir)
Ashtyn Burgin
School Child, Church Choir
Ashtyn is excited to be a part of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever with CFCArts this Fall! She is 10 years old and attends Hillcrest Elementary School where she is a proud member of Girl Scout Troop 149. Ashtyn has participated in the Company for several previous CFCArts programs including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Velveteen Rabbit, Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr., and Annie Jr. Ashtyn would like to thank her family and friends for their support as well as her directors and stage managers for this experience!
London Carrier (Church Parent)
London Carrier
Church Parent
London is an 11-year-old growing performer, who is more and more inspired by theatre each day. She’s proud to have been a part of CFCArts productions of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella Youth Edition, Seussical KIDS, and Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr. This year she also joined her school’s Junior Thespian Troupe, competing in Small Group Musical and Duet Acting. London is overjoyed to add The Best Christmas Pageant Ever to her theatrical experiences!
Bertie Champoux (School Child, Church Choir)
Bertie Champoux
School Child, Church Choir
Bertie is thrilled to have gotten to be a part of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Bertie is eight years old and currently attending Lake Como Elementary. Throughout her time with CFCArts, Bertie has been part of many shows including Joseph and The Technicolor Dreamcoat, Disney's Aladdin Jr., Alice in Wonderland, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr., Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella Youth Edition, The Wind and the Willows, Annie Jr., Disney's Finding Nemo Jr., and The Velveteen Rabbit. We are looking forward to watching Bertie's confidence and skills on stage continue to grow!
Clementine Champoux (Grace Bradley)
Clementine Champoux
Grace Bradley
Clementine is thrilled to have gotten her first lead role in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Clementine is 14 years old and currently attending the Fine Arts magnet program at Howard Middle School. Throughout her time with CFCArts, Clementine has been part of many shows including Joseph and The Technicolor Dreamcoat, Disney's Aladdin Jr., Alice in Wonderland, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr., Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella Youth Edition, The Wind and the Willows, Annie Jr., Disney's Finding Nemo Jr., The Velveteen Rabbit, and Puffs. We are looking forward to watching Clementine bring the character of Grace Bradley to life while celebrating her accomplishment of starring in her first lead role!
Bostyn Clark (Ivy Reed)
Bostyn Clark
Ivy Reed
Bostyn is so excited to be part of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever with CFCArts this Christmas! She is 13 years old and is a proud 8th grader. Past roles include Dormouse (Alice in Wonderland), Aviator Elf (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr.), Lily (The Giver), Thing (The Addams Family Musical), Mary Kingsley (Little Women), and Jess (The Velveteen Rabbit). Bostyn would like to thank her family and friends for their support and love, and her directors and stage managers for this experience!
Elise Combs (Church Lady)
Elise Combs
Church Lady
Elise is having so much fun participating in CFCArts Youth Theatre shows and is excited to join the cast of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. She recently performed in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Puffs, and The Wizard of Oz. She is learning so much from the directors and cast and really loves to make new friends at CFCArts. She is a seventh grader in Seminole County and would like to thank all those who support and love her.
Cornelius Costley (Deputy)
Cornelius Costley
Deputy
Cornelius is thrilled to be part of another Youth Theatre production this fall! He is 17 years old and a 12th grade homeschool student whose past CFCArts performances include Heroes and Villains, Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr., and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. He is grateful for the encouragement and support of family and CFCArts staff and looks forward to continuing to grow through this production.
Natalya Costley (Church Parent)
Natalya Costley
Church Parent
Natalya is excited to return to the stage this holiday season in her fifth Youth Theatre production. She is 14 years old and a ninth grade homeschool student whose past CFCArts performances include Heroes and Villains, The Wind in the Willows, Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr., and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She would like to thank family and CFCArts staff for their encouragement and is looking forward to sharing this performance with the audience.
Frankie Cowart (Elmer Hopkins)
Frankie Cowart
Elmer Hopkins
Frankie is so excited to be a part of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! Frankie is 11 years old and in the fifth grade. This will be their seventh show with CFCArts. Past roles include Toy Car (The Velveteen Rabbit), Napoleon (Disney’s Aristocats KIDS) and Apple Seller (Annie Jr.). Frankie would like to thank the directors and stage managers for providing such an amazing experience with their unwavering support and encouragement.
Willow Dell (Luanne)
Willow Dell
Luanne
Willow is thrilled to be joining the cast for her ninth production with CFCArts. She is 16 years old and a homeschooler with a love for the arts and sciences. She has been performing onstage since the age of two. Some of her favorite roles have been Timon (Disney’s The Lion King Jr.), Grandma (The Addams Family Musical), and Bilhah (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat). Willow would like to thank her family, cast mates, and the CFCArts staff for their support and encouragement. She is grateful for this experience!
Camden Dungca (Leroy Herdman)
Camden Dungca
Leroy Herdman
Camden is thrilled to be performing in this production with CFCArts! A 13-year-old actor with a passion for theatre, he has appeared as Donner in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr., the Sultan in Disney’s Aladdin Jr., and the Father understudy in The Giver. He is inspired by his favorite actor, Andrew Garfield, and loves bringing energy and heart to every role he plays. When not on stage, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends. Cam would like to thank his family and directors for their encouragement and support.
Gabriella Evans (School Child, Church Choir)
Gabriella Evans
School Child, Church Choir
Gabby is SO excited to take the stage in her seventh CFCArts production! For the past two years, she has enjoyed every moment of performing, learning, and making new friends through CFCArts. As a hospital-homebound third grade student, CFCArts has gifted Gabby with the priceless joy of glistening in the spotlight, while bringing characters to life! Outside of theatre, Gabby enjoys music, dancing, building, crafting, and playing with her sister Isabella.
Isabella Evans (School Child, Church Choir)
Isabella Evans
School Child, Church Choir
Bella is thrilled to be performing in her seventh CFCArts production! She has loved every moment of being part of the CFCArts Youth Theatre family over the last two years. When she’s not on stage, Isabella enjoys singing, dancing, creating, and spending time with her family, friends and two baby kittens! Bella would like to thank her directors, castmates, and the CFCArts team for inspiring her love of theatre and creativity.
Maya Furgione (Baby Angel)
Maya Furgione
Baby Angel
For Maya, this will truly be The Best Christmas Pageant Ever - because it’s her first one! Maya is an enthusiastic second grader with an innate zest for life who adores all things musicals. She has participated in Orlando Shakes and Orlando Family Stage camps in the past. She had her first performance with CFCArts in Spring of 2024 as a Baby Bubble in Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr. Maya enjoys singing, dancing, and performing, and is always ready to put on a show for family, friends, and classmates!
Noah Garnto (Baby Angel)
Noah Garnto
Baby Angel
Noah would like to thank CFCArts for the opportunity to be a part of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! Noah is seven years old and is in first grade. This is Noah’s tenth production with CFCArts. Noah’s last role with CFCArts was a Baby Bunny in The Velveteen Rabbit. In 2019, Noah appeared as Jack-Jack in Disney Springs’ Happily Whatever You’re After campaign. He went on to appear in Downtown Orlando’s Find Yourself Downtown Summer 2024 ad campaign, and most recently was featured in Fun Spot’s 2025 Night of Gold commercial. Noah loves acting, dancing, and performing on stage with his friends, and is excited to continue to grow as an actor and performer!
Chris Gillespie (Betty)
Chris Gillespie
Betty
Chris is very excited to be in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever with CFCArts this fall! She has been in theatre with CFCArts for almost ten years now and some of her favorite roles were the White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland, a Featured Dancer in The Addams Family Musical, and Harry in Puffs. She would like to thank her friends for always being there for her throughout these years and her family for doing the same as well as taking the time out of their days to get her to rehearsal consistently and on time.
Callie Halliday (Baby Angel)
Callie Halliday
Baby Angel
Callie is a second grader at Tildenville Elementary School. She has participated in her school's production of Disney’s The Lion King KIDS and recently in The Velveteen Rabbit with CFCArts. She is very excited for the holiday season and to be a part of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!
Avani Herrick (Helen Armstrong)
Avani Herrick
Helen Armstrong
Avani is a seventh grader at Howard Middle School. She is thrilled to be part of this amazing cast. She is grateful for this opportunity to play the role of Helen and would like to thank everyone on the CFCArts team for all of their help and support.
Kydan Herrick (Ralph Herdman)
Kydan Herrick
Ralph Herdman
Kydan is excited to be part of this awesome cast. He is in the eighth grade at Howard Middle School. He is grateful for this opportunity to play Ralph and would like to thank the entire CFCArts team for all of their encouragement and support.
Annie Hill (Townsperson, Church Choir)
Annie Hill
Townsperson, Church Choir
Annie is grateful to be part of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever with CFCArts! This is her fourth production with CFCArts. She was in Sherlock Holmes and the Baker Street Irregulars, Little Women, and Piglet in Winnie the Pooh. She is 12 years old and enjoys singing in her church choir. Annie would like to thank her family and friends for their support and encouragement, as well as the directors and stage managers for this experience!
Gabi Hill (Townsperson, Church Choir)
Gabi Hill
Townsperson, Church Choir
Gabi is grateful to be part of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever with CFCArts! This is her fourth production with CFCArts. She was in Disney’s Moana Jr., Sherlock Holmes and the Baker Street Irregulars, and Little Women. She is 15 years old and enjoys singing in her church choir. Gabi would like to thank her family and friends for their support and encouragement, as well as the directors and stage managers for this experience!
Paige Hinton (Townsperson, Church Choir)
Paige Hinton
Townsperson, Church Choir
Paige is so excited to be performing in this production! She is a 15-year-old student at Lake Brantley High School, where she is an active member of Thespian Troupe 2888 and part of the school’s advanced choir program. Some of her favorite roles include Bunny in Princess Party Smackdown and Mr. Wormwood in Matilda the Musical. Over the summer, she had the incredible opportunity to perform with Orlando Opera in their 2025 production of Lord of the Rings at the Dr. Phillips Center. Paige is grateful for the amazing support from her friends, family, and teachers who inspire her to keep chasing her love for the stage.
Ella Hirte (School Child, Church Choir)
Ella Hirte
School Child, Church Choir
Ella is excited to be a part of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! She is eight years old and attends Princeton Elementary, where she made her first stage appearance singing ‘Ocean Eyes’ at the school Variety Show. Prior to this, Ella has appeared on-camera in various product commercials and demos- as both an actress and model. In addition to stage acting, she is currently pursuing dance, singing, ice skating, and visual arts. Ella would like to thank her cousins, Annie and Gabi Hill, along with her Aunt Rachel for inspiring and guiding her to work with CFCArts!
Olive Holland (Church Parent)
Olive Holland
Church Parent
Olive has been a part of various CFCArts shows for over two years. She is in seventh grade and loves the creative community she is a part of. She would like to thank all her friends for being so awesome and her mom and dad for all their forever support.
Aubrey Inderwiesen (School Child, Church Choir)
Aubrey Inderwiesen
School Child, Church Choir
Aubrey is excited to be a part of her first ever theatre production with CFCArts! Prior to joining, Aubrey was a competitive dancer for three years where she was trained in several genres and won different awards including Standout Performance and Improv Finalist. She is excited to begin her acting journey alongside her brother, Danny, who is also in the show!
Riyan Jones (Baby Angel)
Riyan Jones
Baby Angel
Riyan is so excited to take part in her first holiday performance with CFCArts. She is seven years old and attends Tildenville Elementary School. At school, she is an active member of the Running Club, the Dual Language Magnet Program, and the Gardening Club. Riyan loves the stage, and this is her fifth show with CFCArts! Past roles include Little Fish in Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr., Little Mouse in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella Youth Edition, and Baby Bunny in The Velveteen Rabbit. Riyan would like to thank her family for all of their support, and CFCArts for the opportunity to grow as a true thespian!
Victoria Jones (Church Lady)
Victoria Jones
Church Lady
Victoria is the youngest of four active children in a family that loves theatre. Since she was young, Victoria has attended professional and amateur performances in theatre, music, and dance. She is a member of her school choir and has performed on the piano in several recitals and Talent Shows. Victoria loved performing with the cast of A Christmas Story and Disney’s The Little Mermaid at the Dr. Phillips Center in fall 2024 and spring 2025 and is excited to join CFCArts for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! She thanks God and her family for supporting her.
Ace Joseph (Church Lady)
Ace Joseph
Church Lady
Ace has been acting with CFCArts for over seven years. She has performed in roles such as Megan in Puffs, Chum in Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr., Violet in It's a Wonderful Life, and Clarice in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr. She is excited to bring in the holiday season with this show!
Evan Joseph (Church Parent)
Evan Joseph
Church Parent
Evan has been performing with CFCArts for several years. Some of his favorite roles include Pugsley (The Addams Family Musical), Christopher Robin (Winnie the Pooh), J. Finch (Puffs), and Anchor (Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr.). He is excited to ring in the holiday season with this show!
Landon Kabachinski (Townsperson, Church Choir)
Landon Kabachinski
Townsperson, Church Choir
Landon is thrilled to be back on stage! With a growing list of performances under her belt—including Annie Jr., Frankie Loves Androids, SpongeBob the Musical, Disney’s Aladdin Jr., Elf, and Disney’s Frozen Jr.—she brings energy and joy to every role she plays. Landon loves acting, dancing, and singing, and she’s always excited to learn new things and make new friends in the theatre. She hopes you enjoy the show as much as she’s enjoyed being part of it!
Arya Kennedy (Townsperson, Church Choir)
Arya Kennedy
Townsperson, Church Choir
Arya has always had a passion for performing and is excited to work with CFCArts again! Previous roles include Company in Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr. and Quinn in The Velveteen Rabbit.
Willa Kramer (Featured Kid)
Willa Kramer
Featured Kid
Willa is excited to be cast in her ninth CFCArts show. You may have previously seen her in Anastasia the Musical and Disney’s The Aristocats KIDS. When not on stage, she enjoys aerial yoga and reading, especially Dork Diaries and other graphic novels.
Elliana Livingston (Connie)
Elliana Livingston
Connie
Elliana is a 13-year-old who loves to sing, act, dance, and play the piano. She is thrilled to play Connie, one of the church ladies, in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! Elliana’s past performances include Katherine in Disney’s Freaky Friday Jr., Sally in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and Kate, a featured orphan, in Annie Jr. She loves using her gifts to bring joy to others and to honor God through every performance. When she’s not on stage, Elliana enjoys playing piano, spending time with friends, and dreaming about new ways to share her love of music and theatre.
Isabelle Llerena (Townsperson, Church Choir)
Isabelle Llerena
Townsperson, Church Choir
Isabelle is thrilled to make her debut with CFCArts this season! She is a proud member of the Innovation Middle School Choir and recently performed in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King in Concert at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Isabelle is passionate about singing, acting, and storytelling, and she is excited to begin her theatre journey with CFCArts. She looks forward to many future performances and thanks her family for always supporting her dreams.
Jaie Locke (Church Lady)
Jaie Locke
Church Lady
Jaie is excited to be in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Jaie is 12 and this show marks her fifth show at CFCArts. Jaie would like to thank her family and friends for all of their support.
Nora Locke (Baby Angel)
Nora Locke
Baby Angel
Nora is excited to be in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at CFCArts. This show marks her fifth show with CFCArts. Nora is seven years old and homeschooled. Nora would like to thank all of her family and friends for their support.
Alexandra Long (School Child, Church Choir)
Alexandra Long
School Child, Church Choir
This is Alexandra’s first time in a musical production, and she’s excited to be in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever with CFCArts. Alex is nine years old and attends Hillcrest Elementary. She participates in her school chorus where they’ve performed the national anthem at the Magic Game, Orlando City game, Orlando Pride game, and the Solar Bears. Alex has been playing the piano for three years and performed many recitals. She has also been doing gymnastics for five years. Alex would like to thank her family and friends for their support, and her directors and stage managers for this experience.
Darina Lyapina (Baby Angel)
Darina Lyapina
Baby Angel
Darina is excited to participate in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever with CFCArts. She loves music and enjoys playing the piano. Darina composed her own piece for the National PTA Reflections competition and earned an Honorable Mention Award. She also enjoys singing and performing for her family. With experience as a child model, she has gained confidence on stage. She previously performed in The Velveteen Rabbit with CFCArts. In addition to the performing arts, Darina practiced ballroom dancing and rhythmic gymnastics. She thanks her family and teachers for their support and is excited to keep growing as a young performer.
Anderson Marshall (School Child, Church Choir)
Anderson Marshall
School Child, Church Choir
Anderson is thrilled to be a part of CFCArts’ The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, as it is one of his favorite books. He is a fourth grader at Maitland Montessori School where he plays percussion in the school band. Anderson takes voice lessons at Winter Park Music Academy, and is self-taught on the harmonica. He has appeared in four theatre productions with another company, and this marks his first show with CFCArts. Past shows include Swamped!, Circus, Circus, Get in the Game, and Elfis and the Frozen Princess.
Luke McBride (Teddy Shoemaker)
Luke McBride
Teddy Shoemaker
Luke is stoked to be back with CFCArts in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! He is eleven years old and loves to read, write, swim, and play basketball. His previous roles include Kasey (The Velveteen Rabbit) and Jonah (The Magic Treehouse: Pirates Past Noon). He wants to give a big shoutout to his friends, family, and CFCArts staff!
Samantha McBride (Baby Angel)
Samantha McBride
Baby Angel
Sam is so excited to be a part of CFCArts' The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. She is six years old and loves gymnastics, crafting, and playing with her siblings. She has loved being a part of The Velveteen Rabbit, Disney’s Moana Jr., and The Magic Treehouse: Pirates Past Noon. She can't wait to shine on the stage again and sends a big thank you to everyone who makes it possible.
Sarah McBride (School Child, Church Choir)
Sarah McBride
School Child, Church Choir
Sarah loved being a part of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever with CFCArts. She is nine years old and loves gymnastics, crafting, and swimming. She loves singing and dancing with her friends at CFCArts. She wants to send a big shout out to her friends, family, and staff for all their support!
Brynn McDougall (Townsperson, Church Choir)
Brynn McDougall
Townsperson, Church Choir
Brynn is thrilled to be part of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! She previously performed in Disney’s Aladdin Jr. with CFCArts and is also a gold-medal aerial artist. Brynn attends Advance Learning Academy and loves performing for an audience. She hopes you enjoy the show as much as she’s enjoyed bringing it to life!
Zoe Mee (Townsperson, Church Choir)
Zoe Mee
Townsperson, Church Choir
Zoe is thrilled to be back with CFCArts for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. She participated in the spring as part of the Company for Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr. and found so much joy in being on the stage and bringing the songs to life. She is looking forward to future shows and would like to thank her friends, family members, and the CFCArts family for all their support and guidance!
Danny Meneses (Claude Herdman)
Danny Meneses
Claude Herdman
Danny is 15 years old and has done many shows at CFCArts. With each new performance he grows as a person inside and out. Danny's all time favorite performance was Puffs where he got to be Wayne Hopkins in what he put as a "life changing experience!". Thanks to all his support he has been getting he has continued to achieve his dream in acting.
Julia Muccigrosso (Baby Angel)
Julia Muccigrosso
Baby Angel
Julia is SO excited to participate in her first performance! She is six years old and in the first grade at Dommerich Elementary. She comes from a long line of performers and musical talent, and is so excited to have the opportunity to continue on the legacy. She wants to thank everyone for the love, support, and encouragement as she starts her journey!
Luna Newcomb (Baby Angel)
Luna Newcomb
Baby Angel
Luna is excited to be a part of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever with CFCArts. Luna is six years old and attends kindergarten in Altamonte Springs Florida. She has previously been in Disney’s The Aristocats KIDS with CFCArts and is excited to be back! Luna would like to thank her family, friends and directors for this experience.
Olivia Ngo (Baby Angel)
Olivia Ngo
Baby Angel
Olivia is excited to be a part of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever with CFCArts this season! She is seven years old and thrilled to be performing in her third show. Previous shows include Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr. and Disney’s Aladdin Jr. Olivia has loved her experiences with CFCArts and enjoys growing and shining on stage. When she’s not performing, she loves to roller skate and hula hoop. Her family is so proud of her and looks forward to many more productions to come!
Elena Nuber (Townsperson, Church Choir)
Elena Nuber
Townsperson, Church Choir
Elena is excited to be part of the company ensemble for CFCArts' production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. She recently starred in the summer production of Disney’s The Aristocats KIDS in the role of Toulouse. Offstage, Elena enjoys performing percussion, drawing and playing the piano. New this year, she has been learning ballet . Elena is 10 years old, has a little sister named Petra and attends Audubon Park School. She would like to thank her family and friends for their support. She would like to thank CFCArts and the entire production team for their guidance as well as her friends and family for their unwavering encouragement.
Corban O’Halloran (Townsperson, Church Choir)
Corban O’Halloran
Townsperson, Church Choir
Corban is thrilled to be a part of this production. He is 15 years old and has a full schedule as a high school student. He has played Billy Bailey (It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play) and ensemble roles in Anastasia the Musical with CFCArts. He has valued his time in leadership roles as an assistant teacher in STEAM summer camps, film making, and sits on the youth Executive Board for 4H. Corban would like to thank his parents, his teachers, and the cast and crew for this amazing opportunity.
Your family is so proud of you, Corban!
Watching you shine on stage fills our hearts with joy — keep chasing your dreams!
Tyler O’Dell (Charlie Bradley)
Tyler O’Dell
Charlie Bradley
Tyler is thrilled to be part of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever cast! Tyler is twelve years old and attends Lake Highland Preparatory School. This will be Tyler’s fourth show with CFCArts, as he was in Annie Jr., Anastasia the Musical, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Tyler has a passion for musical theatre and has done a total of 12 shows so far. Some past roles include Adam Maitland (Beetlejuice Jr.), Alexei (Anastasia the Musical) and most recently Grandchild (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat). Tyler would like to thank his family, friends, and vocal teacher.
Kate Orpilla (Gladys Herdman)
Kate Orpilla
Gladys Herdman
Kate is an energetic nine-year-old who loves to sing, act, and shine on stage! She is so excited to be part of the show and can’t wait to make new friends. Kate dreams of becoming a famous singer or actress one day—but if that doesn’t happen, she’d love to be a veterinarian or write her own comic books, since she loves animals and being creative. When she’s not performing, Kate enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.
Madeline Orpilla (Baby Angel)
Madeline Orpilla
Baby Angel
Maddie is a joyful seven-year-old bursting with energy and charm. She loves to dance, sing, and express herself through every performance. Though gentle in voice, her sparkle and sass fill the stage. Maddie’s kindness and big heart make her a beloved friend and a natural performer.
Flynn Orr (Baby Sheep)
Flynn Orr
Baby Sheep
Flynn is thrilled to be part of the cast of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever with CFCArts. This is his third production, having previously performed in Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr. and The Velveteen Rabbit. Outside of theatre, Flynn enjoys swimming, tumbling, and spending time with family. He would like to thank CFCArts for the chance to be part of such a fun show and his family for all the love and support. Flynn is excited to share the holiday spirit with everyone and hopes you enjoy the performance!
Gabrielle Orr (Baby Angel)
Gabrielle Orr
Baby Angel
Gabby is excited to return to the stage for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. This marks ger fifth performance, having previously appeared in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr., Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella Youth Edition, Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr., and The Velveteen Rabbit. When not on stage, Gabby enjoys gymnastics, swimming, and spending time with family and friends. She is grateful to the CFCArts community for the opportunity to be part of this wonderful show and would like to thank her family and friends for their constant support. Gabby is looking forward to bringing holiday joy to the audience and hopes everyone enjoys the performance!
Riley Orr (School Child, Church Choir)
Riley Orr
School Child, Church Choir
Riley is excited to be part of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever this Fall. Past theatre productions include Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr., Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella Youth Edition, Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr., and The Velveteen Rabbit. She is having a blast rehearsing with such a fun group of kids! When not at rehearsal, Riley loves dancing, karaoke, and playing with her dog. She would like to thank CFCArts for the chance to be part of the show and her family and friends for their love and support. Riley hopes you enjoy the show!
Vivian Ortiz-Tatarka (Ollie Herdman)
Vivian Ortiz-Tatarka
Ollie Herdman
Viv is excited to be in her ninth show with CFCArts! Her previous CFCArts roles include Grandchild/Chorus Leader (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), Pearl/Kai/Seagull (Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr.), Sandy (Annie Jr.), and a Wickersham (Seussical KIDS) amongst others. This past summer, she starred as Oaken in Seminole County Performing Arts Jr.'s production of Disney’s Frozen Jr. Viv would like to thank her family and friends for their support.
Maddie Powell (Church Lady)
Maddie Powell
Church Lady
The performing arts has been a part of Maddie's life since she was three years old, spending nine years with the Russian Ballet and participating in various programs with the Dr. Phillips Center. Maddie's first performance in a full length musical was as Melka, a Handmaiden and Featured Dancer in CFCArts production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She is now hooked. In The Best Christmas Pageant Ever she will be performing the part of one of the Church Ladies and is an understudy for one of the leading role, Connie. In addition to the performances, she is enjoying the relationships she is making among the Jr. Troupe. Maddie is currently 14 years old and is attending North Park Academy, a hybrid homeschool program.
Briella Fiona Ramirez (Featured Kid)
Briella Fiona Ramirez
Featured Kid
Briella is thrilled to be performing in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! Past favorite roles include: Dorothy (The Wizard of Oz), Fiona (Shrek), Gramma Tala (Disney’s Moana Jr.), Gertrude (Seussical KIDS), and Duchess (Disney’s The Aristocats KIDS). Briella sends her love to her family and friends, and thanks her directors and stage managers for this experience!
Raquel Rivera (Townsperson, Church Choir)
Raquel Rivera
Townsperson, Church Choir
Raquel is absolutely thrilled to be making her major production debut with CFCArts in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! Raquel has honed her musical theatre skills by participating in multiple musical productions at her school, OCP, primarily as a dedicated member of the choir. She is now excitedly stepping into the world of acting with this production, marking a pivotal moment in her performing arts journey. Raquel looks forward to participating in many more productions and sends sincere gratitude to her family for their unwavering love and the entire production team for this incredible opportunity.
Francesca Rojas (Baby Sheep)
Francesca Rojas
Baby Sheep
Francesca is happy to return to CFCArts as part of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever in the Junior Companies. She has previously participated in Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr., The Wind in the Willows, and Winnie the Pooh. Francesca and her parents would like to thank Cookie and Grandpa for help with pickup and dropoff at rehearsals. She wishes the Central Florida community a happy holiday season!
Ethan Ruyter (Townsperson, Church Choir)
Ethan Ruyter
Townsperson, Church Choir
Ethan is a passionate performer who brings energy and dedication to every role he takes on. Ethan has performed in a variety of productions including Disney’s Frozen Jr., The Addams Family Musical, Matilda the Musical, and Grease. When he's not on stage, Ethan enjoys traveling to new places, casting a line on a peaceful fishing trip, and spending time with his beloved guinea pigs. He is thrilled to be part of this production and thanks his friends, family, and furry companions for their constant support.
Renata Savchenko (Baby Angel)
Renata Savchenko
Baby Angel
Renata is excited to be a part of this production with CFCArts! She loves dancing, playing the piano, swimming, and drawing. Renata is also learning Spanish and enjoys exploring new languages and cultures. She is very active, outgoing, and always full of energy. In her free time, she loves spending time with friends and is currently learning how to roller skate. Renata would like to thank her family and friends for their love and support, and her teachers and directors for inspiring her creativity and confidence on stage.
Thoryn Schroeder (Church Parent)
Thoryn Schroeder
Church Parent
Thoryn is thrilled to be back with CFCArts for her second show! Thoryn is 10 years old and in the fifth grade at i3 Academics. She is a Junior in her local Girl Scout troop. Thoryn’s first role was a Toy in The Velveteen Rabbit. She is excited to be part of Junior Troupe for this production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! She would like to thank her friends and family for all of their support and encouragement.
Piper Simpson (Baby Angel)
Piper Simpson
Baby Angel
Piper Elizabeth is thrilled to be participating in theater with her friends (especially her best friend on the stage and off, Maddie). She is the light and joy of our lives and she shines so brightly no matter the day!
Rowan Smitherman (Reverend Hopkins)
Rowan Smitherman
Reverend Hopkins
Rowan is excited to be part of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever with CFCArts this fall season. He is 17 years old and attends the Universal Education Center. This is Rowan’s second year with CFCArts and has been loving it so far from being cast in his first musical (The Addams Family Musical) as Mal Binecke to being cast in Puffs as Zach Smith. Rowan would like to thank his friends and family for the support, and the production team for this show for allowing him to be a part of this experience.
Katherine Staples (Townsperson, Church Choir)
Katherine Staples
Townsperson, Church Choir
Katherine is excited to return for her fourth CFCArts production in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. She is looking forward to sharing her excitement for theatre both on and off the stage. Katherine would like to thank her friends and family for their love and support!
Madeline Strenth (Townsperson, Church Choir)
Madeline Strenth
Townsperson, Church Choir
Maddie is looking forward to being part of the cast for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! This is her second production with CFCArts and enjoys learning more each time about how plays and musicals come to be. She participates in dance and cross country.
Jaycie Swank (Featured Kid)
Jaycie Swank
Featured Kid
Jaycie is excited to be a part of CFCArts holiday production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. She is in the sixth grade and this is her 10th performance with CFCArts. Her recent roles include Peach (Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr.) and Velveteen (The Velveteen Rabbit). She plays violin, ukulele, electric and acoustic guitar. Jaycie would like to thank her family and theatre friends for their support, and her directors, choreographer, stage managers, and music director for this experience!
Adawnna Thomas (Townsperson, Church Choir)
Adawnna Thomas
Townsperson, Church Choir
Adawnna is looking forward to performing in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever with CFCArts! She is 10 years old and this is her sixth time being a part of a play with CFCArts! She would like to thank the staff at CFCArts and the friends she has made there that have become like a second family!
Riley Thomas (Baby Angel)
Riley Thomas
Baby Angel
Riley is seven years old and is so excited to be part of this production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! Out of the seven shows she has performed with CFCArts, her favorite to date has been Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, in which she was a member of the Children’s Chorus. In her spare time, Riley loves to read, draw, and practice violin and piano. Riley would like to thank her directors along with her family for their love and support.
Ella Thompson (Beth Bradley)
Ella Thompson
Beth Bradley
Ella is ecstatic about playing Beth Bradley in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! This is her 12th production with CFCArts. Some of her favorite roles have been a Featured Dancer in Disney’s Aladdin Jr., a Mean Sister in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella Youth Edition, Tessie in Annie Jr., Young Beth March in Little Women, and the Toy Fairy in The Velveteen Rabbit. Ella would like to thank the directors and teachers at CFCArts for all they have taught her and for believing in her with this opportunity. Ella is grateful for the many friendships made through these productions, and the support and encouragement of her friends and family! She would also like to thank God for blessing her by bringing all these people and CFCArts into her life!
Lilyanne Faye Pearl Tindell (Featured Kid)
Lilyanne Faye Pearl Tindell
Featured Kid
Performances include Opera Orlando Youth Company (Steinmetz Hall), Rollins College Bach Festival Society Youth Choir, with Diana Ross on her Legacy Tour, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra's Liberty Concert and featured Christmas soloist, two-time winner Osceola Idol, musicals roles Yvette - Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Orlando Family Stage), Wendy - Peter Pan (Osceola Arts), Yukon Cornelius - Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr. (Arts w/Heart), and Snoopy - You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown! (SHINE Theatre). As Little Miss Silver Spurs Miss Congeniality, she performs the National Anthem for one of our nation's largest rodeos. Lilyanne "Pearl" feels incredibly blessed to perform with CFCARTS' Ensemble.
Lilliana Vass (Townsperson, Church Choir)
Lilliana Vass
Townsperson, Church Choir
Lila is thrilled to be performing in this year‘s Christmas play! She began acting four years ago and has loved every moment of being on stage. Whether rehearsing her lines, singing, or bringing her character to life, she shines with enthusiasm and creativity. Her passion for acting continues to grow with each performance, and she approaches every role with dedication and joy. Her entire family is incredibly proud of her achievements, hard work, and persevering spirit. We cannot wait to see her, share her talent and holiday cheer with the audience this season!
Elly Vinton (Townsperson, Church Choir)
Elly Vinton
Townsperson, Church Choir
Elly is looking forward to being part of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! She is 11 years old and attends Lake Eola Charter School in Orlando. This will be her first show and she is very excited for the experience!
Talia Wagner (Featured Kid)
Talia Wagner
Featured Kid
This is Talia's eighth production with CFCArts. Some of her favorite roles have been Edgar in Disney’s The Aristocats KIDS and Toy Train in The Velveteen Rabbit. She is thrilled to take the stage with such talented young actors that she gets to call friends. She hopes you enjoy this heartwarming story about acceptance and love.
Knox Weagraff (School Child, Church Choir)
Knox Weagraff
School Child, Church Choir
Knox is in fourth grade at Brookshire Elementary. He has previously been in CFCArt's production of Disney’s Aladdin Jr. and is excited to expand his skills in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! Knox sings, plays piano, and is learning violin and ukulele. He would like to thank his family for their support, his music teacher Miss Sarah, and his big brother Nate for their shared love of performing. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Marigold Yadav (Baby Angel)
Marigold Yadav
Baby Angel
Marigold is excited to be a part of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever with CFCArts! She will turn seven the day after this production ends! She attends Dommerich Elementary School, where she performed as a gingerbread man in her school's production of The Gingerbread Man. She also enjoys performing through her hip hop dance lessons. Marigold would like to thank CFCArts for this experience, and her family and friends for their support and encouragement!
Arwen Yan (Townsperson, Church Choir)
Arwen Yan
Townsperson, Church Choir
Arwen is so happy to be a part of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Some of her appearances include Elf the Musical (Elf #1), Charlotte's Web (Company), and Meet Me in St. Louis (Company) with CFCArts. Arwen is 11 years old and loves singing and playing piano. She attends Tuskawilla Middle, where she is in sixth grade.
Gabriella Zulueta (Imogene Herdman)
Gabriella Zulueta
Imogene Herdman
Gabriella is thrilled to be playing Imogene Herdman in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever with CFCArts. She is 12 years old and a homeschooled student. Some of her favorite past roles include Marfa in Anastasia the Musical, Scuttle in Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr., and Fiona in Shrek the Musical. Gabriella is passionate about performing and loves bringing characters to life on stage. She would like to thank her directors for their guidance and support, CFCArts for this wonderful opportunity, and her family for always encouraging her to follow her dreams.
CFCArts Board of Directors
Chad Faulkenberry, Chair, Journey Strategic Wealth
Dr. Meghan Brand, Vice Chair, Community Leader
Sara Osborne, Secretary, Orlando Health
Tom Clements, Treasurer, Katmai Government Services and Ouzinkie Native Corporation
Dr. Glenn Dym, Florida Cardiology, P.A.
Rep. Anna Eskamani, Florida House of Representatives
Jack Feivou, High Angle Productions
Kris Gault, Samba Safety
Jessica Guthrie, Immediate Past Chair, One Compass Consulting
Dr. Briyanna Jenkins, Seminole State College
Jason Locker, Orange County Public Schools
Rob A. Lott, Blue Trumpet Creative
Esu Ma’at, Orlando Magic
Jeffrey Moore, University of Central Florida
Mark Morales, Attorney, State of Florida, Dept of Children & Family Services
Gary Moss, Retired / Simon Malls
Dr. Jeffery Redding, University of Central Florida
CFCArts Member Ambassadors
Marlana Antifit, Big Band
Lauren Blake, Community Choir
Courtney Verna Burns, Community Choir
Courtney Coil, UpBeat! Theatre Troupe
Stephanie A. Daugherty, Community Choir
Chantel Eubanks, Symphony Orchestra
Elaine Evans, Symphony Orchestra
Chris Gillespie, Youth Theatre
Diane Giordano, Community Choir
Leo Holzenthal, Narrators
Ken Ingraham, Symphony Orchestra
Chase Kensington, Youth Theatre
Evelyn Ortiz-Tatarka, Youth Theatre
Rachel Reinhardt, Symphony Orchestra
Jamaal K. Solomon, Community Choir
Jessica Stein, Symphony Orchestra
Jenny Summers, Narrators
David Theisen, Big Band
Judy Thomas, Community Choir
Amanda Vidal, Symphony Orchestra
Keith Walls, Symphony Orchestra
Mackenzie Wood, UpBeat! Theatre Troupe
Kyle Young, Big Band
CFCArts Staff
Sara Breitfelder, Community Choir, Narrators, UpBeat! Program Manager
Randi Clark, Operations Administrator
Allison Cothran, Instrumental Programs Personnel Manager
Caroline Del Rey, MM, MT-BC, NICU-MT, NMT, UpBeat! Jr. Associate Artistic Director
Brandon Fender, Community Choir Artistic Director
Christine Hicks, Narrators Associate Artistic Director
Olivia Knight, Manager of Marketing & Communications
Justin Muchoney, Executive Director, Artistic Director
Sara Myers, Managing Director
Hayden Patterson, Youth Theatre Program Manager
Leah Porrata, Youth Theatre Artistic Director
Rose Purdy, Manager of Donor & Patron Services
Ashley Samuels, CFRE, Grants Administrator
William Tayek, UpBeat! Associate Artistic Director
Juan Torres, Production Director
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Central Florida Community Arts is funded in part by United Arts of Central Florida, your local agency for the arts, and by Orange County Government through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Central Florida Community Arts is funded in part by United Arts of Central Florida, your local agency for the arts, and by Orange County Government through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Central Florida Community Arts is funded in part by United Arts of Central Florida, your local agency for the arts, and by Orange County Government through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program.
CFCArts Giving Society Members
This list includes all individual donations from 10/1/24 through 11/25/25. We value your gifts, but sometimes mistakes happen – if your name is not listed the way you’d like to see it or you notice any other errors, please let us know so we can update it!
$10,000 +
Russ and Cindy Airington in honor of Stephanie Daugherty
Jim and Barbara Caldwell
Tom Clements
Glenn Dym
David Greene
Anonymous
Frank and Winn Merritt Fund within the GiveWell Community Foundation
$5,000 – $9,999
Carlos and Cathy Barrios
Arne Haak
Clark Morris
Carol Ann Pohl
John and Anne Pucci
Frank Santos
$2,500 – $4,999
Jane Berg
Anette and Randall Boughner
Jessica and Vance Guthrie
Edmund and Barbara Greenwell
Elisabeth Hurckes
Alyssa Noll and Jesse Kreger
Arum Lansel
Diane Sandquist
Prof. Stephen Summers
$1,000 – $2,499
David Andrade
Tessa and Roland Anodide
Gary Baumgarten
Caridad Bergnes
Rachel Bond
Steven & Nikki Botwinik
Stephen Brannon
George Bridges
Don Chancy
J. Gene Chen
David and Carol Cowan
Eric Eliason
Marcia Enos
Brandon Fender
Matthew Frederick
Matt Gay
Priscilla Greenough
Grant Gribble
Frances Guthrie
Paul Harmon
Laverne Herzog
Eduard Hoffmann
Jay Hood
Gerald Keane
Denise Lamwatt
Katie Leatherman
Rita Lowndes
Teresa Lucchese
Deb McCrary
Deborah Mead
Jeffrey Moore
Julie Muchoney
Jessica Needham
Mark Neidig
Ted Nelson
Donna Nickel
Renee Pancoast
Shirley Piercy
Diane Rinkes
Catherine Scott
Nancy Shutts
Richard Stevenson
Mark Thomason
Hardy Vaughn
Larry Watchorn
Doug Whitehead
Katy Reinsel Willis
Bickley Wilson
$500 – $999
Peggy Albu
Andrew Ayoob
Ken Bays
Christina Bianchi
Tom Bissell
Ann Black
Alan Blythe
Bryan Blythe
Meghan Brand
Karen Buchan
CFCAR
Inge Clay
Marlene Conley
Melissa Deschamps
Nancy Deskins
Vicky Diaz
Joseph DiMaio
Carolyn Dymond
Andrea Ellis
Rizwana Fareeduddin
Jack Feivou
Alissa Forde
Martin Glickstein
Warren Gordon
Christopher Grant
Crystal Hernandez
Patricia Houlihan
Erica Huffstodt
Mimi Hull
Dr. Briyanna Jenkins
Shelly Lanham
Olivia Lee
Anne Lee
Travis Lefke
Tim Lentine
Mary Lo
Jason Locker
Rob & Kate Lott
Andrea Menendez
Justin Muchoney
Lettie Myers
Aurelia Nugent
Dw Perkins
Cindy Price
Mary Recchia Brown
Christine Rieck
Maria Rubin
Meredith Sauls
Jeana Smith
Kimberly Soto
Marcia Starcher
Shannon Thompson
Lizzie Tricker
Karen van Caulil
Haylee van Dalen
Margaret Vives-Austin
Larry Winchowky
$250 – $499
Marlana Antifit
Carlos Aquino
Natisha Asbell
Susan Barack
Michele Bell
Julie Bilinski
Carmen Bilinski
Sara Brady
Tad Branham
George Bridges
Sarah Brooks
Lennie Burke
David Chivers
Elizabeth Conklin
Val Cronk
Susan Crowe
Catherine Davey
Lisa Doolittle
Joan Dougan
Laura Dray
Gerald E Dooley
Tom Emling
Chad Faulkenberry
Steve Fessler
Laura Firtel
Martin Folk
Susan Forster
Kristin Gault
David and Joanne Halloran
Jennifer Harden
Suzanne Herin
Fraser Howe
Timothy Hurley
Martha Kirby
Vicki Landon
Carolyn Litwin
Lisa Lopez
Esu Ma’at
Nancy Matherly
Carole Mayback
Karalyn Moss
Gary Moss
Sherry Mulvaney
Kenneth Ng
Daniele Pagenkopf
Brian Paster
Rachel Reinhardt
Angie Roman
Christopher Scocco
Janet Scott
Christi Searls
Richard Smith
Jennifer and Eric Smith Johnson
Pamela Spears
Alexa Stone
Marty Sullivan
Brooke Van de Houten
Kay and Mike Van Der Heyden
Keith Walls
Hannah Weilminster
Jennifer Whitman
Trudy Wild
Michael Wilson
Jennifer Zanmiller
Ashley Zirkle
William Zoon
$100 – $249
Keith Albright
Zac Alfson and Bryan Henley
Ray Alger
Rachel Allen
Joao Almeida
Katrina Anarumo
Anonymous
Stephen Bacallao
Candice Bailey
Paula Barnett
Ann Barretta
Joel Baumgarten
Cheryl Belfay
Johan Bergh
Kyle Bergman
Joanne Bolemon
Scott Boyce
J. Joseph Brann
Kellie Brinker
Stephen Brook
Marcia Buie
Dale Burket
Elisabeth Butler
Kerri Byrd
Candice Calhoon
Sandra Carbone
Joan Carter
Joseph Casalese
Susie Cheatham
Paul Chisholm
Carolyn Christena
Rebecca Clancy
Kent Cooper
Allison Cothran
Diane Culler
Paul Daugherty
Sandra Daum
Alan and Susan Davis
Vanessa De La Vina
Maxine Derington
Megan Derryberry
Richard Dreggors
Christine Dudding
Mary Edwards
Anna Eskamani
Kalex Espinosa
Maria Frasca
Lindsay Fraser
Scott Galbraith
Kathleen Gallagher McIver
Victoria Garcia Retterath
John Gehrig
Rick Gibbs
Diane Giordano
Anita Gomer
Michael Gore
Scott Greenwood
Keith Gridley
Carisa Groomes
Susan Harris
Gail Hill Smith
Danielle Holstine
Leo Holzenthal
Jill Hughes
Ken Ingraham
Thomas Karastamatis
Claudia Kasen
Vicki Katsarakes
Bethany Kelly
Robert Kirby
Sylvia Kirkendoll
Michelle Klein
Vadim Klochko
Olivia and Micah Knight
Deborah Labonge
Paul Lartonoix
Laurie Lesher-Lockcuff
Marilyn Logan
Kathleen Londergan
Sandi M Miller
Grace M.
Heather Mahoney
Wendy Mammino
MaryDell Mattingly
Timothy McCann
Pamela McCoy
Pamela McLaughlin
Scott Meltz
Tommy Mendoza
Danny Meneses
Pamela Midboe-Penn
Pamela Miller
Carolyn Minear
Geoffrey Moehl
Mark Morales
Deborah Mork
Alan Morris
Heather Mount
James Munoz
Bruce Mylrea
Dana O’Neill
Nichole Oxley
Arty Pagan
Mary Palmer
Karen Payton
Emily Peterson
Michelle Purdy
Robert Radovich
Helene Rasmussen
Jeffery Redding
Jayne Reynolds
Jim and Karen Ripperger
Wideline Rislin
Bradley Roberts
Arnetta Rodgers
Jane Rodriguez
Thomas Roten
Aaron Rowe
Patricia Russell
Mark Sajeski
Ashley Samuels
Kathleen Sanborn
Richard Sandler
Azela Santana
Danny Seigler
Edmund Short
Peter Sieviec
John Sirounis
Marion Skilling
Jennifer Smith
Diana Smith
William Smitherman
Alice Southworth
Kim Spradlin
Rich Starcher
Becki Stauber
Amber Steckel
Joyce Stefancic
Eloise Stiglitz
Jenny Summers
Thomas Swalby
Charyl Tabscott
Mary Tench
Richard Thurston
Mary Thurston
Jennifer Tyndall
Linda Van Der Heyden
Margie Vicente
Adam Walker
Lisa Walters
Charisse Walton
Jen Weaver
Blake Weber
Madison Weinberg
Tyler Whipple
Charna Wiese
Ariane Williams
Alan Wilson
Thom Winter
Allyson Wise-Bird
Jean Witherington
Julie Wolf
Linda Wolf
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR CENTRAL FLORIDA COMMUNITY ARTS, A FLORIDA-BASED NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION (REGISTRATION NO. CH36897, EIN 45-2324172) MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE (WWW.FRESHFROMFLORIDA.COM.) REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. CENTRAL FLORIDA COMMUNITY ARTS IS A 501(C)(3) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION. YOUR CONTRIBUTION IS TAX-DEDUCTIBLE TO THE EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW. UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED, NO GOODS OR SERVICES WERE PROVIDED IN EXCHANGE FOR YOUR FINANCIAL DONATION.


























