Lehi Arts Council brings classic holiday story to the stage with musical adaptation of ‘Best Christmas Pageant Ever’
Courtesy Darby Simon
Cast members of the Lehi Arts Council's "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, the Musical" are shown in an undated photo. From L-R: Gladys (Reese Davidson), Leroy(Jack Baggley), Ollie (Oliver Eckroth), Imogene (Avri Davidson), Claude (Kai Sanders), Ralph (Grahm Miller).The true meaning of Christmas is explored in the Lehi Arts Council’s current production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical.” The show opened Friday and performances will continue through Dec. 21.
The show is an adaption of the 1972 novel written by Barbara Robinson that details the shenanigans of the Herdmans, six misfit siblings who invade their town’s church one Sunday insisting on being cast in its annual Christmas pageant.
Amid the antics, chaos and initial resistance from the townspeople to the Herdmans’ demands, Christmas magic emerges.
Courtesy Lehi Arts Council
Cast members of the Lehi Arts Council’s “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, the Musical” are shown in an undated photo.
“I feel like it shows the true meaning of Christmas, to be loving and accepting of others who are different from you, which I think is just a great universal message,” said Cali Wilkes, chair of the Lehi Arts Council and the show’s producer.
The Lehi Arts Council reimagining of the more than 50-year-old story features a cast and ensemble of 28 people who are mostly kids and teenagers.
“We do have a young cast where the kids of the story are a big part of the story,” Wilkes said. “They range from probably fifth grade to 10th grade, and they’re doing great.”
She said it’s been inspiring to watch castmates support one another both on and off stage.
“Directing this production has been an amazing experience. From the Herdman kids’ hilariously chaotic energy to the tender moments of love and compassion, our cast and crew have poured their hearts into bringing this story to life,” said director and choreographer Derrick Cain.
For those who frequent the Lehi Arts Council’s productions, Wilkes said they’ll notice a few new faces on stage as well as returning actors.
“It’s a great show for the whole family. The parents will laugh, the grandparents will laugh, the kids will love the music and the choreography,” Wilkes said.
Performances of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical” will be presented on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday evenings at 7:30 p.m. through Dec. 21 at the Lehi Arts Center, 685 N. Center St. Tickets are available online at lehiarts.org.
