Please welcome the cast of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, a hilarious and heartwarming holiday classic by Mary Robinson, based on her beloved book. Directed by Caroline Callaway with Assistant Director John Lowery, this family favorite production is sponsored by AmerCable, Southern Bancorp, and The Call. Performances will take place on Tuesday, December 2; Wednesday, December 3; Friday, December 5; and Saturday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee on Sunday, December 7 at 2:30 p.m. Box office is now open.
At the heart of the story is Beth Bradley (Elise Lewis), whose church’s Christmas pageant is the same predictable production every year—complete with over-rouged angels, bathrobe-wearing shepherds, and the minister’s son and her brother Charlie Bradley (Maddox Wilson) eternally cast as Joseph. Her father, Bob Bradley (Jacob Martin), is the easygoing family man who keeps his sense of humor as the pageant spins out of control, while her mother, Grace Bradley (Jessica Raines), reluctantly steps in to direct after veteran leader Mrs. Armstrong (Jenna Tucker) breaks her leg.
As Grace scrambles to pull the pageant together, she faces the gossip and disapproval of the church’s Ladies’ Aid Society—Mrs. Slocum (Summer Ship), Mrs. Clark (Jazmin Wong), Mrs. Clausing (Deeya Mulloli), and Mrs. McCarthy (Abby Cate)—each convinced the production is doomed. Meanwhile, the children of the congregation, including Alice Wendleken (Rachel Tucker), Maxine (Davis Blanchard), Elmer Hopkins (Jackson Greer), Hobie (Gezus Holmes), David (Andrew Arnold), and Beverly (Haven Thomas), prepare to reprise their usual roles in the angel choir and nativity scene.
Then everything changes when the Herdmans—Ralph (Jack Sawyer), Imogene (Kinley Rushing), Claude (James Childs), Leroy (Luke Hickman), and Gladys (Penelope Sawyer)—descend upon Sunday school after hearing there are free desserts. Known as “the worst kids in the world,” the unruly Herdmans take over the lead roles and throw the entire pageant into chaos. With shepherds quitting in protest, angels swinging punches, and the show nearly renamed Revenge at Bethlehem, the community braces for disaster.
Supporting characters add to the lively mix: Reverend Hopkins (Adam Thomas) tries to maintain calm and order as the church and congregation spiral into delightful chaos, while the Fireman (Matthew Power) is called in one of the play’s funniest moments after an accidental alarm. The Sunday school children—Shirley (Julietta Martin), Juanita (Annabelle Odom), and Doris (Charlotte Sneed)—along with the angel and shepherd ensemble (Emalin Anderson, Parker Benson, Kate Endel, Kadence Flurry, Avery Kate James, Della Ligon, Avery Long, Henley Miles, Tinsley Poindexter, Katie Purifoy, Harper Lee Sharp, Braelyn Warner, Avery Wesson, and Kirby Wesson) help round out this charming and chaotic community.
But amid the laughter, misunderstandings, and uproar, everyone discovers the true spirit of Christmas in the most unexpected way. The Herdmans’ rough edges bring new meaning to the nativity story, transforming what seemed like a disaster into a heartfelt celebration of compassion, acceptance, and grace.
“This production brings together such an incredible mix of talent—seasoned performers, bright new faces, and families performing side by side. It’s the perfect reflection of what makes The Best Christmas Pageant Ever so special: heart, humor, and community,” said Callaway. “It has been a joy working with everyone thus far, and I can’t wait for audiences to see how this group brings the story to life.”
Tickets for this season’s production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” are $15 for general admisssion, $10 for SAAC members, and $5 for students. Visit SAAC’s online box-office to purchase tickets or call (870) 862-5474.