This hilarious and heartwarming play tells the story of a small-town church’s annual Christmas pageant turned upside down when the unruly Herdman kids take over, turning it into an unexpectedly meaningful retelling of the Nativity story.

Directed by Jerry Brees, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” features a large cast of 38 members and is the perfect must-see play for this holiday season.

With moments of genuine surprise and laughter, the show is a delightful mix of chaos and charm, showcasing the cast’s incredible talent and leaving the audience with a sense of joy and holiday spirit. It’s a celebration of empathy, urging us to look past outward appearances to recognize the potential for change and meaningful connections in everyone.

When the Herdman siblings take over the pageant’s leading roles they bring their wild, disruptive behavior and outrageous questions to the rehearsals, shocking the congregation and challenging everyone’s expectations of what the Christmas pageant should look like.

“There are no small parts, only small actors.”

The six Herdman kids, Imogine (Beatrix Ortiz), Leroy (Henry Grady), Ralph (Weston Thomason), Gladys (Payton Smith), Claude (Vincente Dueñas), and Ollie (Adelynn Cleek), hilariously bring their own eccentric interpretations to the first dress rehearsal with Grace Bradley (Angela Wilson). It is chaotic, yet endearing, as the Herdman’s inexperience and blunt honesty lead to unexpected moments of humor and heart. Grace struggles to keep the rehearsal on track while they ask outrageous questions about the Nativity, like why the Wise Men would bring impractical gifts or why no one called child services on Herod. It perfectly captures the show’s blend of comedy and heartfelt lessons, setting the stage for the transformation that follows.

As the Herdman’s unconventional take on the pageant unfolds, the town learns surprising lessons about compassion, preconceived ideas and the true meaning of Christmas.

The remarkable set features a modular setup that seamlessly transforms between the Bradleys’ household to the church. The clever design makes for smooth transitions between scenes and enhances the audience’s immersion. The church set, in particular, is beautifully crafted, with details that make it feel like a real, small-town church, complete with pews, a stage for the Nativity and even cathedral-style glass windows. It felt as though we were in the middle of the pageant, experiencing the events alongside the characters.

The Herdman kids wear mismatched, worn-out clothes capturing their characters and visually setting them apart from the more traditional, well-dressed kids in the church, subtly emphasizing the contrast between them.

In a deeply moving scene, Imogene, playing Mary, is left alone with the baby Jesus during rehearsal; we see this usually brash and tough child cradles the doll with unexpected tenderness. For a moment, her mischievous facade melts away, revealing a quiet vulnerability and a glimpse at the wonder she feels in the role. The raw emotion is striking as Imogene’s transformation embodies the deeper meaning of the Nativity story. It’s a powerful and touching moment that captures the true spirit of Christmas, leaving a lasting impression on everyone watching.

The cast’s standout talent lies in their incredible ability to fully inhabit their characters, bringing both depth and humor to the performance. Grace and Mr. Bradley (James Grady) are a hilarious dynamic duo interacting with wit and timing, bringing charm and laughter to the stage. As they try to manage the chaos of the pageant, Grace’s patience and Mr. Bradley’s sarcastic commentary create a chemistry that keeps the audience in stitches.

A majority of the cast are immensely talented young kids and teens. The explosive Gladys brings an infectious comic energy to the stage, especially when she delivers lines with perfect comedic timing and exaggerated drama. “SHAZAM!!” In contrast, Beth, with her poised delivery and mature presence, stands out for carrying the narration of the show with professionalism beyond her years.

In the end, this play shows us that growth and transformation can come from the most unexpected places. We see how unlikely characters are capable of learning empathy and understanding and that giving others a chance can have a profound impact. It underscores the importance of compassion, acceptance, and the realization that the true meaning of Christmas goes beyond tradition and outward appearances. Sometimes people who seem difficult are the very ones who can show us the deepest truths about kindness and community.

• Dec. 6, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

• Dec. 7, 2024 at 2 p.m.

• Dec. 8, 2024 at 2 p.m.

• Dec. 13, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

• Dec. 14, 2024 at 2 p.m.

• Dec. 15, 2024 at 2 p.m.

Reservations highly recommended. Email gerald.s.brees.naf@army.mil for tickets.

This review was edited by Kat Nickola.

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