First Baptist Newport News & Denbigh United Presbyterian are joining together to present:
A COMEDY, BASED ON THE HIT BOOK
Friday Night, Dec. 4 &
Saturday Afternoon, Dec. 5
First Baptist Church
12716 Warwick Blvd, Newport News
DIRECTOR
Melissa James
Denbigh United Presbyterian
TECH DIRECTOR
John McDonough
First Baptist
STAGE MANAGER
Rachel Phillips
Denbigh United Presbyterian
Director's Note:
This marks my 7th time being part of this incredible play (previously 1989, 1993, 1995, 2004, 2014 & 2019) Why so many times? I love how it brings together a multigenerational cast, with senior citizens down to the tiniest "baby angel" kids working as a team. I love teaching acting skills, especially for comedy, and watching kids enjoy the rush of making an audience laugh, and then cry, and leave with a Christian message in their hearts. Even kids whose moms "made them" be in the play (usually boys!), as they protest, are gleefully asking me, "Can we do this again!?!" by the end. You'll be glad you dedicated your time and energy to this project.
PARTS
Please note that ALL children who want a part will get one. Every child also is guaranteed at least one spoken line (except for the baby angels).
​
​MAIN CHARACTERS
Beth Bradley: The narrator, 10–12ish.
Charlie Bradley: Beth's younger brother, 8–9.
Grace Bradley: Mother, forced to direct the pageant, 30s–40s.
Bob Bradley: Father, reluctant to help (or attend), 30s–40s.
Alice Wendleken: Prim, proper, previously the usual Mary, 10–12.
Ralph Herdman: Scroungy, plays Joseph, 12–14.
Imogene Herdman: Loud, bossy, plays Mary, 11–13.
Leroy Herdman: Tough, plays Wise Man, 10–12.
Claude Herdman: Tough, plays Wise Man, 8–11.
Ollie Herdman: Trouble-maker, plays Wise Man, 8–9.
Gladys Herdman: Small, feisty, plays Angel of the Lord, 7–8.
CHURCH MEMBERS & OTHERS
Mrs. Armstrong: Managerial, in charge (initially), 50-80
Mrs. Slocum: Won't let Imogene use her baby as Jesus, 30-45
Mrs. McCarthy: A second-in-command to Mrs. Armstrong (50-80)
Mrs. Clark & Mrs. Clausing: Church ladies/helpers, any age
Reverend Hopkins: 40s-50s.
Maxine: Friend of Beth/Alice.
Elmer Hopkins: Preacher's son.
Hobie, David, Beverly, Shirley, Juanita, Doris:
Sunday school children, who play angels and shepherds
Firemen: (Usually 2).
Other Angel Choir Members: Ages 7-12
Other Shepherds: Ages 7-12
Baby Angels: Ages 4-6 (no rehearsals until the last 2 weeks before the play)
JOIN THE CAST!
FOR DENBIGH MEMBERS:
Email or text Melissa James for any adult or child interested—for children, please include their height. I'll do casual auditions if needed, but I know the kids already quite well.
​
FOR FIRST BAPTIST MEMBERS:
Please reserve an audition time slot:
STORY SYNOPSIS
"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" tells the story of the unruly Herdman kids, who bully their way into a church's Christmas pageant after showing up for the rumored free snacks at Sunday school. After shocking everyone with their behavior, their unconventional retelling of the Nativity story reminds the cast and congregation of the true meaning of Christmas in a surprisingly heartfelt way.
1-MINUTE VIDEO PREVIEW
Melissa directed the production below in 2014 at Yorkminster Presbyterian Church in York County, while also playing Grace Bradley (which she might do again this year, still deciding!)
​
QUESTIONS?
Email, text or call Melissa James