Remember the days of Christmas pageants where the children of the church tell the story of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem? The most biddable children with the best voices got the starring roles; everyone else is a shepherd or an angel or an ox.
But this weekend at the Chocolate Church Arts Center, things will be mixed up a little.
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” written by Barbara Robinson, is the story of Imogene, Claude, Ralph, Leroy, Ollie, and Gladys Herdman, six delinquent children. They go to church for the first time after being told the church offers snacks. Despite protests from other church members, they are given roles in the Sunday school Christmas play, in which they tell the
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” will be held this weekend only at the Chocolate Church Arts Center.
Herdmans, terrors of the town, take over the annual pageant with surprising results, for both the town and the Herdmans.
“The kids in our play developed a great deal of confidence while working on the play,” said Jennifer DeChant, executive director of the Chocolate Church. “Some of the children were a little shy, but director Wayne Otto helped them develop their creativity while learning the lines.”
The Davenport Trust Foundation has funded a proposal to underwrite the cost of tickets. This sponsorship removes financial barriers for families and students who wish to attend the show. Tickets will be available for high school and elementary school students and the elderly.
To complement “The Best
Christmas Pageant Ever,” each show will feature local musicians and singers performing Christmas carols before the play. This involvement adds another layer of festivity and entertainment.
Performances will be held this weekend only at the Chocolate Church. On Friday, Dec. 20 and Saturday, Dec. 21, the show begins at 7 p.m. On Sunday, Dec. 22, the matinee begins at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10; $7 for students and seniors, and are available online at www.chocolatechurcharts.org or by calling the box office at 442-8455.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
