When audiences come to see the Oswego Players’ production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” this December, they will be entertained by a talented cast of 28 actors performing on a wonderful set with ingenious lighting effects. This combination alone will make the beloved Christmas show one to remember – show times are 7:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays, December 5th, 6th, 12th and 13th, and 2pm Sundays, December 7th and 14th.
As anyone who has orchestrated an event may know, the behind-the-scenes efforts of many are usually championed by a few key people. In this case, the Power behind the Production are Director Jennifer Hitchcock and Stage Manager Angella Bandla. Between them, these two ladies have brought a concept from idea to performance; no small act in such a short period of time.
Hitchcock has been directing shows at the Oswego Players for close to twenty years, and since 2008 has been a regular Director for the end of season finales. “I’ve always loved the concept of the Christmas show, where we get as many kids as possible onto the stage to experience the Arts and Theater,” she said. “I often say that the adults in the show provide the foundation, but the production is all about the kiddos; seeing their self-confidence rise during rehearsals is particularly special to me, and the life skills they develop through their participation will remain with them well past the final curtain. This year is particularly special for me as my four-year old daughter Charlotte will make her stage debut as an Angel – which she definitely is in my eyes!”
While Hitchcock provides the vision for the production, Bandla provides the glue that brings all the elements together. She studied theater at SUNY Fredonia and has been Stage Managing at School and Community theaters for decades, often backing up multiple shows per season: indeed, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is the third production that she has Stage Managed for the Oswego Players just in 2025. The Stage Manager role requires a laser focus on capturing every thought the Director has, recording it and being able to articulate each one throughout the rehearsal period. At the same time, the Stage Manager provides reassurance to the actors while ensuring they are at the right place on time for their entrance. “And when the production goes into the final week, the Director steps back,” Bandla said. “From that point on, the Stage Manager coordinates all the final technical elements to ensure the Director’s vision is presented to the audience.”
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc www.concordtheatricals.com
This project is made possible through the CNY Arts Grants for Regional Arts and Cultural Engagement regrant program thanks to a New York State Senate Initiative supported by the NYS Legislature, the Office of the Governor and administered by the New York State Council on the Arts.
For more information and ticket sales please go to https://oswegoplayers.org/ or for phone reservations please call the Box Office at 315-343-5138.
Pictured are the Oswego Players’ Director (Jennifer Hitchcock – r) and Stage Manager (Angella Bandla – l) discussing character blocking for the forthcoming production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” under the watchful eye of Charlotte Hitchcock (4).