HEBER SPRINGS — Since its creation in 2011, the Heber Theatre has presented numerous productions as its staff works to fulfill a mission of bringing the community together while raising funds for various charities and providing the public with theatrical performances.
The community theater’s next production will be The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, which opens at 7 p.m. today in the auditorium of the William Carl Garner Visitor Center at Greers Ferry Lake.
Performances will continue at 7 p.m. Friday, Monday and Tuesday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Doors will open 30 minutes prior to each performance. There is no admission charge, but seating is limited.
“Although we cannot accept donations at the door for this performance, donations may be made to the Heber Springs Lions Club, which is the charity we are supporting with this production,” said June Painter, who co-founded the community theater group with her daughter, Chelsey.
Painter said donations should be mailed to Lynn Williams, president, Heber Springs Lions Club, P.O. Box 166, Heber Springs, AR 72543. Checks should be made payable to the Heber Springs Lions Club.
Painter said that since its creation, the Heber Theatre has raised approximately $30,000 for charities and nonprofit organizations in the Cleburne County community.
Jeff Craddock is director of the local production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, which is based on the book by the same name by Barbara Robinson. The play is a one-act, 60-minute production with no intermission.
The play tells the story of how a church plans to present its annual Christmas pageant and how a group of delinquent children bully their way into the play and, unwittingly, touch the hearts of those in the community.
One family — the Bradleys — takes on the responsibility of organizing the play. The mother, Grace, played by Paula Whitaker, leads the effort. Supporting her are the father, Bob, played by Richard Nordskog; the daughter, Beth, played by Cadence McKenzie; and the son, Charlie, played by Nick Meyer.
Members of another
family — the Herdmans — are said to be the meanest kids in town and do whatever they want to do. They want to be in the pageant, and they end up taking it over. Portraying the six Herdman children are Evan Hobgood as Ralph, Jaden Lester as Imogene, Harrison Hestir as Ollie, Hannah Baugh as Gladys, Paxton Singleton as Claude, and Kyleigh Grubbs as Loretta.
“It’s quite a funny play, but it has a message of redemption,” said Craddock, who moved to Heber Springs about a year ago when looking for a place to retire. He said he has directed the play before.
“I directed the show in Saudi Arabia for the ex-pat (patriot) community,” he said, adding that he taught school for 28 years there in a education facility that was sponsored by an oil company. “I did a lot of theater while I was there.”
Craddock said the local production incorporates approximately 30 people, who are all from the Heber Springs area.
“Most are children,” he said. “Many of them are on stage for the first time. Others have been involved in the Heber Theatre before.”
Additional cast members include Hunter Smith as Elmer, McKenna Meador as Maxine, Kimberly Torres as Beverly, Victoria Torres as Doris/Juanita, Morgan Riegle as Baby Angela Shirley, Gabriel Torres as David/Hobie, Meleah Boyett as Mrs. Armstrong, Rhonda Hestir as Mrs. Slocum, Sue England as Mrs. Clark, Freddie Lou as Mrs. McCarthy, Lori Grubbs as Mrs. Clausing and Trevor Torres as a fireman.
Appearing as shepherds will be Conrad Grubbs, Brittany Farris, Jacob Haskett, Morgan Grubbs and Brandy Thompson.
Members of the crew include Lori Grubbs, stage manager; Rhonda Hestir, set artist/props; Leighana Grubbs, lights; Jan Turberville, costumes; and Hayley Cummings, makeup.
Painter said the Heber Theatre is always looking for new people, either to appear on stage or to help behind the scenes. There are no membership dues.
For more information on the Heber Theater, call (501) 365-3250 or email hebertheatre@gmail.com Information is also available at www.hebertheatre.webs.com.