WaCPAC presents the play The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
As the holiday season unfolds, many churches and theaters put on productions of famous Christmas stories.
Made possible by WaCPAC, Wooster Foursquare Church hosted a production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.
Performances, featuring community members, took place the weekends of Dec. 4 and Dec. 5 and Dec. 11 through 13.
According to director Margaret Leatherman, the play tells the story of the Herdmans, a family full of delinquent children who lie, bully other children and are troublemakers in the community. When they hear the news of the annual church Christmas pageant, they bully their way into the main roles and start to wreak major havoc.
In the end, what some feared would be the worst pageant in the history of the church turns out to be pretty special and causes the community to rethink the real meaning of the Christmas story.
WHS student Daniel Carpenter (10) played the role of Ralph Herdman, the oldest of the many Herdman children.
He began to relate to his character throughout rehearsals.
“I have brothers at home and we tend to rough house a bit, but I try not to take it too far,” Carpenter said.
The church hosted an audience of all ages throughout the weekend, showcasing the message that The Best Christmas Pageant Ever holds.
“Our actors range from five to 70 years of age. We all work together as a team to make the play a success,” Leatherman shared.
Jenette Karger, 31, playing Grace Bradley, the lead role, was glad to share an important message this holiday season.
“I am excited that we get to entertain the audience. All and all, it is a lovely story with a valuable message…The theme is that sometimes we judge others based on their actions, but maybe the bad kids need an opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive,” Karger said.
Even with no snow on the ground, the actors and actresses got to spread Christmas cheer.
