The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is Barbara Robinson’s funny and touching holiday play, directed by Joe Thompson and performed in the round at The Colonial Players of Annapolis. When the notorious Herdman children take over a church Christmas pageant, their mischief and chaos gradually transform the production into a heartfelt retelling of the Nativity. The story celebrates family, laughter, tradition, surprise, and community spirit.

The production is intended for family audiences and includes mild bullying, childhood mischief, and brief references to poverty and social inequality.

When: December 2–13, 2026

Showtimes: December 2 at 7:30 PM; December 3 at 7:30 PM; December 4 at 7:30 PM; December 5 at 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM; December 6 at 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM; December 9 at 7:30 PM; December 10 at 7:30 PM; December 11 at 7:30 PM; December 12 at 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM; and December 13 at 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM. The December 2 performance is the opening, and the December 13 performance is the closing.

Tickets: Price not available

Venue: The Colonial Players of Annapolis

Format: The production is staged in the round.

Author: Barbara Robinson

Director: Joe Thompson

Ages: Suitable for family audiences. The play features mild bullying behavior, childhood mischief, and brief references to poverty and social inequality.

Cast: Julie Fox as Grace Bradley; Matt Leyendecker as Bob Bradley; Shannon Monroe as Beth Bradley; Nilsson Benil as Charlie Bradley; Connor Martin as Ralph Herdman; Arden Wyrick as Imogene Herdman; John Lyons as Leroy Herdman; Tyler Currie as Claude Herdman; Bodie Sillaman as Ollie Herdman; Shelby Parks as Gladys Herdman; Grace Wenzel as Alice Wendleken; Felicity Alexandra as Mrs. Armstrong; Carrie Gross as Mrs. McCarthy; Katrina Sillaman as Mrs. Slocum; Melinda Brown as Mrs. Clark; Heather Parks as Mrs. Clausing; Mason Seeger as Reverend Hopkins; Madison Brooks as Maxine; Malachi Sillaman as Elmer Hopkins; Gideon Sillaman as Hobie; Molly O’Leary as Daisy; Everly Martin as Beverly; Richard Atha-Nicholls as Fireman; Madeline Phillips as Shirley; James Brown as Shepherd; and Katerina Atha-Nicholls, Abigail Parks, and Alethea Sillaman as Baby Angels.

Production team: Hannah Geib is assistant director, Elli Swink is producer and properties designer, Dyan Alexander is assistant producer, Erica Miller is play consultant, Gemma Trezza is stage manager, Sandy Loepker is costume designer, Jan Blome handles hair and makeup, Rick Swink is lighting designer, Jolene Randazzo is set designer, Brad Phillips is booth technician, and Barbara Kalafos is creative consultant.

Run time: Not provided.