Play review: Best Christmas pageant worth seeing

"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" by Barbara Robinson is directed by Kathleen Day. Its youthful cast -- almost all children, tweens and teens, even the adults are portrayed by teenagers -- ends up adding a fresh flavor to the Christmas story, a sort of symbol of regeneration and a view of the story of Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus through the innocence of inexperience. It could have been cast with older people in the adult roles, but then that nuance of vibrance might have been lost. Kudos to the casting effort -- actors and actresses fulfilling the many parts were well chosen, each well suited to the role.

The show's about the production of a Christmas pageant that doesn't go the way it's always gone. By a twist of fate the usual pageant director is out of commission. So, Grace Bradley is called upon to direct it, which she reluctantly does. But from the first day of rehearsal, things don't go they way she planned. Six children from the Herdman family, who have a less-than-stellar reputation, invade the otherwise routine pageant and end up with the roles of Mary, Joseph, an angel, a wise man and shepherds, and it doesn't seem to get better as time goes on. I won't spoil the ending, but suffice it to say that the Herdmans end up teaching the rest of the folks a bit about the real meaning of Christmas.

Despite a few minor technical difficulties in the first act that always seem to plague dress rehearsals, the show was well-paced and the young actors pulled off many of the scenes with impeccable timing -- something that's rare in productions featuring so many young actors.

Jack Clauss (Charlie Bradley) stole the show early with vivid facial expressions so typical of a young boy.

Caitlin Wagner's portrayal of Imogene Herdman (She also doubles as Mrs. Clausing, a branch in the congregational grapevine) contrasted with Carly Greer's portrayal of Alice Wendleken and meshed well with the performances of Colby Moorhouse (Ralph Herdman) Finean Williams (Leroy Herdman) Rylee Wingert (Claudia Herdman) James Long (Ollie Herdman) and Holly Wingert (Gladys Herdman).

Ashley Magsam and Chase Thompson, both CCPA veterans already, played strong pivotal roles as Mr. and Mrs. Bradley. Magsam's Grace Bradley was the picture of a woman doing her best with a tough situation.

Teri Burgett's Mrs. Armstrong was endearingly pushy, and Marilyn Garnett, Nicole Blum, Caitlin Wagner, and Ashley Hardy added their voices to the congregational grapevine with zest. Blum also played Maxine, switching roles with ease.

Andrew See, Rebekah Wiltshire, Grace Terry, Roger Burgett, Dillon Burgett, Tucker Wingert, Desiree Busey and Bridget Naas rounded out the cast in believable supporting roles.

In the end, the play teaches the viewer a lesson without being preachy, and there are a few laughs worked into the mix for good measure.

Entertaining for all ages, this is one you shouldn't miss. In the program, the director has this to say. "This play proves one of the greatest benefits theater activities can teach children -- how to get along with others… 'The Best Christmas Pageant Ever' makes an appropriate holiday statement for everyone: a tolerance for differences, a commitment to work together for the greater good, and an affirmation that we never know until we try."

Plus, it's fun, and some surprises along the way make it all the more enjoyable.

The set is by Tom Schmidt and Teri Burgett. Stage manager is Allison Fast. Jeannie Norwood is music director and Sam Dille, Ethan Raggo and Chris Hogan helped out with lighting.

Performances of "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" are scheduled for 7 o'clock nightly, Dec. 11-13, and 2 p.m., Dec. 14, at the Fox Playhouse, 110 S. Main St., Nevada.