Entire Lillig family gets in on the act at Albright Theatre's Christmas show
The Herdman kids are the worst kids in town. Wherever they go, trouble follows and the resulting chaos is entertaining for young and old.
"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" at the Albright Theater is a great family show. It is humorous and heart warming with a message that everyone can relate to.
The play centers on the Herdmans, a family of rambunctious kids who decide that they want the good parts in the annual Christmas pageant. The Herdmans are the "worst kids in the world, they lie, steal and smoke cigars, even the girls."
The opening sets the stage for a conflict that makes the audience roar with laughter and tear up when the Herdmans and the other church members realize what Christmas is all about.
It's not only a great play to see, it's also a great play for actors, young and old alike to perform.
Five years ago, Ali Lillig wanted to try out for "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" at the Albright. Her mom, Kathy Lillig, took her to the audition. When the director stated that parents wouldn't be allowed to attend the rehearsals, Kathy Lillig made a quick decision.
"I was uncomfortable leaving Ali with strangers so I tried out too," said Lillig. "I was quite surprised when I got the part of the mother. It was a great experience for both of us."
This year the Lilligs are back, only this time the whole family is involved. Kent Lillig is cast as the father. Kathy Lillig is the mother and Ali, 12, has the part of the narrator. Scott Lillig, 10, plays the part of the minister's son Elmer, who usually gets the part of Joseph in the pageant.
Andrew, 8, is David, one of the kids who doesn't want to be in the pageant and Mark, 6, is a baby angel.
"Having everyone in the play is actually a lot of fun," said Kathy. "Usually one of the kids is running to one thing or another. It's been great doing this play together."
Kathy Lillig packs a dinner for the family to eat before the play rehearsals and sometimes the dinner is on the run.
"We got to go to Bulldog's Red Hots once," said Mark, realizing one of the perks of being in a theatrical family.
The family is learning about all of the challenges that come with being involved in a play.
"I know my lines but I have to remember when to go on and offstage." said Scott.
For Ali, the challenge is remembering the monologues.
"I don't have as many lines but they are longer and that's hard," she added.
David appreciates the actors and all that they do.
"At first I thought the kids who play the Herdmans were bad but then I realized they were nice and really good actors," he said.
Why is it important to go to this play?
"If you don't know about the baby Jesus, you can learn," said Mark
Mark's older sister Ali agrees there is a message in the play.
"You can't always judge people by the way they look," she said. "Everyone has a soft side inside."
The joy of doing things together as a family is a lesson the Lillig family has experienced with this play.
Why not do the same, by taking your family to see the "Best Christmas Pageant Ever" at the Albright theater? It just might be the best Christmas present ever.