Fresno Christian’s Drama program recreates the magic of the “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” book and movie with dedicated cast members, performing one show, Dec. 8. The original novella, written by Barbara Robinson and published in 1972, was made into a movie last year by Dallas Jenkins.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is a book about how the Herdmans or the town troublemakers joined the Christmas pageant when they weren’t supposed to or were expected to. When Mrs. Armstrong, the director of the pageant, got injured. Grace Bradley took over and let the Herdmans join, everyone thought it was going to fail but Grace helped the Herdmans learn about the birth of Jesus and once they performed for the town everyone thought it was the best pageant they had ever seen.

The FC actors threw themselves into this performance and it showed in their confidence on stage. The cast looked like they were having so much fun and really enjoyed being a part of the production. 

The play starts off with junior Brooklyn Tweedy being introduced as Beth Bradley the narrator and main character. 

“I absolutely loved it, I was head over heels,” Tweedy said. “Beth is a character I have loved since the first time I did the play back in eighth grade and I was Gladys, but Beth has always been my dream role.

At times it felt like the Beth was less of a main character and more of a narrator. I found myself longing for more main character energy.

The big moment is when the Herdmans arrive on stage. They include six siblings, who are known for ruining everything. We learn more about the Herdmans and the annual Christmas play they have bullied their way into. As the plot develops, we see the Bradleys and the Herdmans slowly become friends.

Mrs. Armstrong, played by Olivia Saldivar, ‘26, used to plan the Christmas play until she broke her foot and had to give the leadership to Beth’s mom, Grace. Saldivar has been in drama for three years and was so happy to get the part as Mrs. Armstrong. She really enjoyed her last Christmas play as part of the FC drama team.

“I actually liked being in a wheelchair and having a cast. I’ve never done anything like that before,” Saldivar said. “Mrs. Ainley and I, we kind of made up the cast that day, I think it looked like a real cast though.”

Two other seniors, along Saldivar, take the stage this year. Matt Tacchino plays Bob Bradley, the father of Beth Bradley.  K’Lanna McArn plays Mrs. McCarthy, who is also one of the church ladies. Both have been an integral part of the theater program and starred last spring in “The Sound of Music” as Liesl and Rolf. 

The costumes in this production showed the characters personalities and the time period well.  Beth Bradley dons a plaid schoolgirl outfit giving private school uniform vibes, while Imogene Herdman sports overalls and a T-shirt for her grunge look.

Towards the end of the show, the Herdmans start to realize how much this play means to everyone. Even though the family doesn’t know the Christmas story, they are ready to learn and be a part of the play.

Susan Ainley has been the drama and choir teacher since 2010 and has directed this production three times. The last time this play was performed was in 2022, and she was not expecting to put it on again this year, but she is glad she did.

“We have a pretty strong work ethic with every play and rehearsal becomes really fun,” Ainley said. “We practiced every Sunday since September.” 

The sets were vibrant with some special details, including stained glass windows, a Sinclair gas station sign and a dining room table with salt and pepper shakers on it. The characters were able to go from one side of the stage to the other changing the scene completely.

This production was the perfect way to usher us into the Christmas season. I was very invested in the plot and even found myself later wanting it to continue. I longed to know the next chapter for the Herdmans. The drama class is putting on “The Wizard of Oz,” and I can’t wait to watch it in the spring.

To read more from The Feather visit, Movie Review: Wicked final chapter reaches theaters or Food Review: Trader Joe’s Christmas Collection adds sparkle to season.