The Best Christmas Pageant Ever the Musical
Performing December 4 – 20, 2026, on the Spotlight Youth Theatre main stage.
The story of the unruly Herdman children, known as the “worst kids in the history of the world,” who unexpectedly disrupt the church’s annual Christmas pageant. As they prepare for their roles, they discover the true meaning of Christmas and, in turn, help the community see the Nativity story through new eyes.
Book and Lyrics by Jahnna Beecham
Music and Lyrics by Malcolm Hillgartner
Based on the play by Barbara Robinson
About This Production
The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world–so when they crash Sunday school and demand parts in the Christmas pageant, the whole town panics. There’s not supposed to be biting or cigar-smoking in Bethlehem, and while these kids have never even heard the Christmas story, they definitely have rewrites! Soon, everyone is calling for reluctant director, Grace Bradley, to cancel the whole thing. It’s up to the Bradleys and the Reverend to help their community see the Christmas story and the Herdman kids through new eyes in this buoyant musical adaptation of the funny and touching holiday classic.
Cast
| Role | Performer |
|---|---|
| CAST A – CAST B | |
| RALPH | Liam Davenport – Liam Davenport |
| IMOGENE | Kylie Hamilton – Serenity Peterson |
| LEROY | Jaxson McComb – Jaxson McComb |
| CLAUDE | Kenzie June – Amelia Geraci |
| OLLIE | Dasia Davenport – Evelyn Alden |
| GLADYS | Jozette Fagan – Violet Sorby |
| GRACE | Promiss Hobbs – Elin Williams |
| BOB | Theo McComb – Theo McCombs |
| CHARLIE | Haskell Fagan – Haskell Fagan |
| BETH | Lilly Rundle – Vada Sorby |
| HELEN | Mischa Cavazos – Lily Gray |
| PASTOR HOPKINS | Sapphire Trioli – Sidney Castagna |
| LUANNE | Lucy Salari – Sky Young |
| BETTY | Arabella Blanco – Ella Erkert |
| CONNIE | Arrow Maynard – Lexi McComb |
| ALICE | Emma Samahy – Valorie Nelson |
| ELMER | Raymen West – Mason Row |
| TEDDY | Rafferty Fagan – Vienna Sorby |
| IVY | Sofia Del Grosso – Emery Dunham |
| ENSEMBLE | Everly Eckardt – Everly Eckardt |
| Diilon Ginn – Dillon Ginn | |
| Izzy Hackborn – Izzy Hackborn | |
| Abigail Albrecht |
Production Team
| Role | Team Member |
|---|---|
| Director | Nicole Blanco & Van Rockwell |
| Musical Director | Heather Walker |
| Choreographer | Ada Poormon |
| Stage Manager | Lorenzo Escudero |
| Set Designer | Brianna & Becky Funk |
| Costume Designer | Aleezah Siddiqui |
| Properties Designer | Kenny & Vicki Grossman |
| Sound Designer | Izzi Haber |
| Lighting Designer | |
| Dance Captain | Arrow Maynard |