May 25, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

Five questions with Ben Gilly of the ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’

Tonight at 7 p.m, The St. Joseph Church of Christ will present “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.”

We asked Ben Gilly, who is Bob Bradley, to answer five questions for us.

What can you tell me about your character?
I play the character of Bob Bradley, husband to Grace and father to Beth and Charlie; a
solid family man. Bob is begrudgingly tasked to help his wife with wrangling the kids together for
the pageant.

What has been your favorite part about the pageant?
I’ve enjoyed watching the children of the cast grow and develop their characters. Many
of them came in with little to no theatre experience and have really learned a lot and put
together a great show.

What do you hope the audience takes away from the story?
While presented mostly as a comedy, the core of the show is the biblical telling of
Christ’s birth. Audience members should expect to laugh, cry, and learn about the meaning of
Christmas. I hope everyone is able to see a little bit of themselves in the characters of the story.

What has it been like acting with your kids?
My daughter, Ellie, has loved every bit of this show. My wife and I have both always had
a soft spot for drama and theatre and it’s been awesome to watch our girl express herself and
learn how to have a stage presence. It’s been a real bonding moment for her and I too since we
have some inside jokes and stories that the rest of our family hasn’t been a part of.

What is your favorite part of the Christmas season overall?
I’m a sucker for classic nostalgia. I love driving around town looking at lights and
decorations, watching ALL the holiday movie favorites (including Die Hard), singing carols,
spending time with family; just all the traditions of the season!

Banner
Related Posts

Around Town May 27-June 1

May 27, 2019

May 27, 2019

May 28 St. Joseph Village Board meeting 7 p.m. Village Hall 207 E. Lincoln SJO School Board 6 p.m. St....

Fire Protection District welcomes public to their new home

November 16, 2019

November 16, 2019

Rusty Chism would have felt a sense of pride. At least that’s the hope of St. Joseph-Stanton Fire Protection District...

Tree lighting, Grinch scavenger hunt to take place today

December 2, 2023

December 2, 2023

The hunt for the Grinch is on. The Village of St. Joseph is hosting a scavenger hunt on Dec. 2...

Voges urges St. Joseph residents to celebrate America

July 3, 2020

July 3, 2020

World War II veteran Bruce Voges loves America. When he told his kids he wanted to have a Fourth of...

Talk of the Town… Jim and Jen Wagner

August 6, 2019

August 6, 2019

Every week we ask a village resident or official three questions. This week we spoke to Jim and Jen Wagner...

St. Joe Auto giving back to community in multiple ways amid pandemic

April 17, 2020

April 17, 2020

Casey and Matt Phillips wanted to do something to brighten the St. Joseph community. So the husband and wife that...

Rides available to fish fry

August 8, 2019

August 8, 2019

The mayor and some local residents are hoping more seniors can attend the St. Joseph Community Festival held Thursday, Friday...

Mayor asks residents to decorate windows, sidewalks

March 30, 2020

March 30, 2020

The St. Joseph Record and Mayor Tami Fruhling-Voges are asking village residents to decorate their front windows, driveways or sidewalks....

The Kramers to perform in Thomasboro

April 26, 2019

April 26, 2019

The Kramers have performed on the Main Stage at the National Quartet Convention and at the Gaither Fall Festival. They...

Around Town March 12-15

March 11, 2019

March 11, 2019

If you want your event included please email us at stjosephrecord@gmail.com March 12 Summer Camp Registration All Day Registration for...

Weekend Family Fun Guide

July 12, 2019

July 12, 2019

Head over to the Vermilion Regional Airport tomorrow to see hundreds of hot air balloons and fun family activities at...

Little Prince and Princess applications being accepted

July 1, 2019

July 1, 2019

The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring the Little Prince and Princess event in conjunction with the St....

Orr to celebrate 100th birthday with parade today

April 20, 2021

April 20, 2021

St. Joseph resident Audrey Orr is turning 100. To celebrate her family has organized a birthday parade for noon today....

Spring Community Garage Sale dates set

January 5, 2021

January 5, 2021

The Spring St. Joseph Community Garage Sales will be held April 8, 9 and 10th. Participants select their own times...

Around town Jan. 28-Feb. 2

January 28, 2019

January 28, 2019

If you want your event included please email us at stjosephrecord@gmail.com Jan. 28-31Used book saleSt. Joseph Township Library, 201 N...

Comments
Leave a Reply