The cast of approximately 35 young actors signed on for the play this summer when they took part in an actors' workshop. Co-director Ron Bagwell suggested the idea of combining a workshop for young people with an actual production last year, and now it's come to fruition.
“During rehearsals for ‘Grease' last spring the directors spent a lot of time working on the basics of acting-diction, enunciation, projection, stage movement, etc. I realized that we really need to start working with these young actors at a much earlier age,” Bagwell said.
The play tells the tale of the Herdman kids, who aren't exactly the best fit for the church's Christmas pageant. They smoke, swear, fight and steal, and none of them have ever heard the Christmas story. They think the Wise Men are dirty spies and Herod is in need of a good beating. After taking over the annual pageant, the misfits have church members up in arms. But the end result makes the best of the worst kids on the block, and leads to “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.”
The compelling Christmas story is one Bagwell said knew he wanted to bring to the stage.
“I read the script several years ago when we were reading for the season, and I really like the play,” he said. “I have wanted to direct it from the first time I read through the script.”
Bagwell added that the play would not have happened without much help from Richard Wright and his co-director Jessica Draeger. Both guided the actors in the workshop and have remained involved in the production.
“(Richard Wright) taught them the basics of projection, diction and other skills through games and exercises-they were learning things they didn't even know they were learning. He made it fun for them,” Bagwell explained. “Jessica worked with the older actors, and they were able to concentrate more on characterization, in addition to projection and enunciation.”
The cast features nearly 40 children, ages 6 to 15, and five adults. The audience is also asked to participate in telling the Christmas story by joining in a group singing of “Silent Night” and “Joy to the World.”
“I can't think of anything that will get you in the Christmas spirit more than this,” Bagwell said.
A special matinee performance will be held at The Ritz Theater this Saturday at 2 p.m., prior to the Newberry Christmas Parade. Shows will also take place Dec. 7 and 8 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 9 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students. To reserve tickets, call The Ritz at 276-1963.
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