In the light of the success of the groundbreaking movie “Crazy Rich Asians”, shining hope on tv, movie, and stage leading roles for Asian actors are mighty probable. I just watched this light-hearted box office hit on the flight to St. Louis, Missouri, last Friday. Despite feeling anxious during a 2 hour and 45 min flight, I found myself smiling and teary-eyed at the end of the movie. I’m not sure if it’s the happy ending or the fact that, finally, I was entertained and moved by a movie with an all Asian cast.
Before I left Vancouver to perform in Missouri last weekend, I received an invitation to watch a Christmas play at the Havana Theatre. It is called “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” by Barbara Robinson, directed by Tamara McCarthy and produced by Naked Goddess Productions. This Christmas classic tells the story of the worst kids in the history of the world, all six Herdman children participating in an annual Christmas pageant.
Surprisingly, the youngest of the Herdman kids, Gladys Herdman is being played by 7 year old Filipino Canadian girl named Olivia A. The role was meant to be for a Caucasian girl but apparently the director loved Olivia’s audition and offered her the part.
As the only Asian cast, tiny Olivia stood out like a giant with her role as a feisty little Herdman girl. She definitely stole the show. I enjoyed the play so much that I highly recommend this lively classic for all to see.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
December 6-16, 2018
Havana Theatre, 1212 Commercial Drive
Tickets @ www.nakedgoddessproductions.com and www.havanavancouver.com
About Olivia A.
Angela A. Photo by Angelo Renai.
Olivia is making her theatrical debut The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, although she has appeared in “The Last Stay” and “Shuttlecock” and landed her first commercial. She made her local stage debut with the songs “We’re All Made of Stars” and “Shine Like Stars” and received the nickname “Little Girl with a Power Voice” after performing in a contest. She has attended Arts Umbrella and World of Fairy Tales. Olivia thanks her family, Ms N, Ms V, the cast members of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and especially Sandra and Tamara for making her childhood memorable.
