The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical
Performing December 5 – 21, 2025, 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
Click here for audition information for this and other Spotlight Youth Theatre productions.
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(s) | Performer(s) |
|---|---|
| Sleigh Ride Cast / Jingle Bells Cast | |
| Ralph | Liam Davenport / Liam Davenport |
| Imogene | Grace Langford / Lily Spears |
| Leroy | Brendan Lounsbury / Brendan Lounsbury |
| Claude | Ivan Shkarayev / Ivan Shkarayev |
| Ollie | Eloise Kennedy / Kenzie June |
| Gladys | Triss Stovall / Sydney Underwood |
| Grace | Hailey Black / Angela Lunde |
| Bob | Theo McComb / Theo McComb |
| Charlie | Jaxson McComb / Jaxson McComb |
| Beth | Beckett Gambrel / Valorie Nelson |
| Helen | Cora Welch / Della Beougher |
| Rev Hopkins | Craig Piazza / Craig Piazza |
| Luanne | Kylie Hamilton / Ellie Roberts |
| Betty | Lexi McComb / Lexi McComb |
| Connie | Alayna Rerucha / Va’Nessa Madden |
| Alice | Aubrey Nelman / Vada Sorby |
| Elmer | Dillon Ginn / Dillon Ginn |
| Teddy | Evie Samora / Emery Dunham |
| Ivy | Lilly Rundle / Sophie Pehrson |
| Ensemble | Emma Orizaga / Ellia Row |
| Dina Epshteyn / Isabella Hines | |
| Melanie Escalera / Lucy Salari | |
| Sadie Schumaker / Sidney Castagna | |
| Delia Schumaker / Sofia Del Grosso | |
| Jubilee Thomas / Violet Sorby | |
| Billie Murtagh / Amelia Geraci |
Production Team
| Role(s) | Team Member(s) |
|---|---|
| Director | Nicole Blanco |
| Music Director | Heather Walker |
| Choreographer | Ada Poormon |
| Stage Manager | Kelly Swope |
| Sound Designer | Jack Taylor |
| Kenny Grossman | |
| Light Designer | Jessi Nessi |