FAITH GETS INVOLVED WITH THE SCHOOL HOLIDAY PAGEANT, AND CHARLEY GETS IN A RUMBLE WITH A ROWDY ELF, ON ABC'S "HOPE & FAITH"

"Silent Night, Opening Night" - Faith is crushed to learn that her role as Ashley Storm on her former soap has been recast with a new actress (Rebecca Budig, "All My Children"). To lift her spirits, Hope asks her to help out with Hayley's school holiday play. But Faith's tough coaching techniques cause big problems for the kids and Hope. Meanwhile, Charley tries to help Justin deal with a bully, but ends up in a rumble with Hank Peterson (Danny Woodburn, Mickey from "Seinfeld"), the boy's dad -- a little person who is one of Santa's elves at the mall -- on "Hope & Faith," FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10 (9:00-9:30 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network (Rebroadcast. OAD: 12/12/03)

"Hope & Faith" stars Faith Ford as Hope, Kelly Ripa as Faith, Ted McGinley as Charley, Nicole Paggi as Sydney, Macey Cruthird as Hayley and Paulie Litt as Justin.

Guest starring Rebecca Budig as Ashley Storm/Angela/ Alexandra, Danny Woodburn as Hank Peterson, Brett Murphy as Edwin, Derdriu Ring as Sally, Christopher Jordan as Matt Jones, Brittany Singer as Katie, Lydia Jordan as Fairy, Sascha Elblmayr as Nando, Claire Alpern as woman, Brian Donahue as Santa and Sebastian Rand as kid.

"Silent Night, Opening Night" is written by Jennie Snyder and Victoria Webster; the director is Gil Junger.

"Hope & Faith" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1-channel surround sound.

This program carries a TV-PG,V parental guideline.