Book & Lyrics by

Jahnna Beecham

Music & Lyrics by

Malcolm Hillgartner

Based on the Play by

Barbara Robinson

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical is presented by special arrangement with

Broadway Licensing Global (www.broadwaylisencing.com)

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.

Character Descriptions

  • Ralph (Male - 13)

    The oldest and coolest. He’s the enforcer.

    Imogene (Female - 12)

    Leader of the Herdmans. She’s loud, bossy, and crafty.

    Leroy (Male - 11)

    Ralph’s backup. Very confident in the muscle department.

    Claude (Male - 10)

    Scrappy and smart.

    Ollie (Male - 9)

    A bit of a naïve urchin who follows the older boys’ leads.

    Gladys (Female - 8)

    Little but fierce. Nothing scares Gladys.

  • Grace (Female - 35-40ish)

    Sweet, good-humored, slightly frazzled mom.

    Bob (Male - 35-40ish)

    Easygoing dad, wry sense of humor.

    Charlie (Male - 10)

    Typical kid brother, says what he thinks.

    Beth (Female - 11)

    Charlie’s older and wiser sister. She’s honest and kind.

  • Helen Armstrong (Female - 40-50ish)

    Organized steamroller. She’s always in charge.

    Reverend Hopkins (Male - 40-50ish)

    Occasionally befuddled, always well-meaning.

    Luanne (Female - 35-40ish)

    Sassy, tells it like it is.

    Betty (Female - 30–40ish)

    Sweet southerner, calls everyone “honey.”

    Connie (Female - 30-40ish)

    Direct, no-nonsense type.

  • Alice Wendleken (Female - 11)

    Know-it-all. She thinks she’s perfect.

    Elmer Hopkins (Male - 10)

    Preacher’s kid, which means he needs to behave and be nice.

    Teddy Shoemaker (Male - 9)

    Wimpy kid with glasses, asks too many questions.

    Ivy Reed (Female - 11)

    Beth’s earnest friend who is sometimes a goody-goody.

    Various kids to play angels and shepherds in the pageant and possibly other kids in lunchroom.