Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a gift to the community

When the Greeley Community Theatre Troupe started looking for a show to replace its annual presentation of A Christmas Carol, the group had an interesting challenge. The audience has grown accustomed to holiday fare that the entire family can attend, but this show serves an even larger function. Bus loads of school children are brought in to see matinee performances of the show. For many of the children, it is their first exposure to live theater. The dilemma was solved with the selection of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, on display at Greeley Central High School Auditorium this weekend.

Although the play is based on a fairly popular novel (by Barbara Robinson), and it was made into a movie with a couple of sequels, the story is not as well know as other holiday tales. It's the story of a small town that produces an annual re-telling of the Biblical Christmas Story. But this particular year, a new director is forced onto the scene when the former director breaks her leg. To make matters worse, the unruly Herdman family with all six of their misbehaving children strong arm their way into the leading roles. Disaster after calamity overtakes the pageant, until, of course, everything works out in the end.

Director Noel Johnston has assembled a huge and impressive cast for this production. More than 60 actors, ranging in age from 5-70, fill the stage, at times leading me to wonder if rehearsals were more difficult than herding ants. Although it is hard to pick out any of the ensemble for special mention when everyone in the show is so fun to watch, I would be remiss if I didn't mention Maggie Hayes and Mike Purtill. Hayes carries the show with her portrayal of Grace Bradley, the housewife-turned director. Purtill, as her husband Bob, plays his role with such understated perfection that nearly every line of his dialogue is a laugh line.

Only an hour in length, this isn't by any means heavy drama, although the message is clear and powerful. The Herdman children demonstrate that the words used in a message aren't as important as the meaning behind the words, and that even the roughest, toughest child can be touched with tenderness.

There are three public performances, but if past years are any indication, the later ones will be sold out. I recommend getting tickets to the Saturday performance while tickets are still available. It will provide a few minutes of respite from the bustle of Christmas shopping and will remind you again what the season is really all about. This show truly is a gift to the community.

Bryan VanDriel lives in Greeley and has been active in the arts for more than 30 years.

WHERE TO GO

WHAT: "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" a production of Greeley Community Theatre Troupe

WHEN: 7 p.m. Dec. 14-15; 2 p.m. Dec. 15

WHERE: Greeley Central Auditorium, 1515 14th Ave.

TICKET INFO: (970) 356-5000