"The Herdmans were absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. They lied and stole and smoked cigars (even the girls) and talked dirty and hit little kids and cussed their teachers and took the name of the Lord in vain and set fire to Fred Shoemaker's old broken-down toolhouse."
So begins one of the best loved Christmas stories, opening December 3rd at the Ivoryton Playhouse. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever was first published as a book by
Barbara Robinson in 1972. It tells the story of 6 wild children (the Herdmans) who are the scourge of the town, terrorizing young children and horrifying adults. They go to church for the first time because they have heard that snacks are handed out at Sunday school. Instead, they find themselves involved in the annual Christmas Play. Everyone thinks the Pageant will turn out to be a disaster, but a surprise is in store.
The book was adapted into a television movie in 1983 starring
Loretta Switt in the role of
Grace Bradley, the hapless mother who is talked into directing the Christmas pageant and finds herself caught up in the lives of these wild children who are in desperate need of love and kindness. This is a warm and wonderful holiday story of love and faith, filled with much laughter and one or two tears. A perfect family show!
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by
Barbara Robinson, is on stage at the Ivoryton Playhouse from December 3 - 13. Directed by Missy Wary with husband and wife team David Conaway and Monique Nee playing Bob and
Grace Bradley, this well-loved story features performers both young and old, from all along the shoreline.
Set design is by Dan Nischan, lighting design by Doug Harry and costume design by Pam Puente.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever opens on December 3 and runs thru December 13 for 2 weeks, Performance times are Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2pm. Evening performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for students and $15 for children and are available by calling
The Playhouse box office at 860-767-7318 or by visiting our website at www.ivorytonplayhouse.org .(Group rates are available by calling the box office for information.)
The Playhouse is located at 103 Main Street in Ivoryton.
*Members of Actors Equity
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