It’s Christmas in July! I’m pleased as punch to announce that I will be directing The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson at Clark Theatre in December. Merry Christmas!

This play holds special significance for me. It was the second show I was ever in (behind rave reviews for Billy Goats Gruff at my elementary school) and I was in it for nine years in a row. I know this show forwards, backwards, and sideways. I’ve been a baby angel, I’ve been Mom. I’ve spent hours with that little blue script in my hand. I’ve got the t-shirts to prove it. Sure, they were made into a quilt. Why would I need nine of the same t-shirt anyway?

When I first auditioned for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, I made a fool of myself. I spent all day prepping for auditions and I went over the top. I came to auditions in a white turtleneck and white corduroy overalls with snow boots. I sang Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer at the top of my lungs when my name was called. No one told me how freaking ridiculous I was. It wasn’t until after my audition that I even noticed the other kids in the room who, by the way, were not dressed nearly as festively as I was. I remember being really embarrassed for myself afterwards, but the audition was over with and the cast list went up. I was a baby angel. I think I even got a line.

I want to make one thing clear, real quick. I was never Beth. I was never a Herdman. I was never a lead. But it never discouraged me. I always felt like an important piece of the puzzle in whatever role. It taught me humility and pride, all at the same time. I mean, I did the show for nine years and never once landed Beth, Imogene, or even Alice? That’ll knock you down a peg. But I did the show for nine years and I was the best Baby Angel/Maxine/Ensemble/Laura/fireman/Mrs. Clark/Mom I could be every year.

It was always the same place, always the same lines, but always a different show each year. Doug directed, then Judy, then Allison… the list has many names on it – and now I’m thrilled to add mine.

This is my tenth Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and I’m going to do what I can to make it the best Best Christmas Pageant Ever. I’m looking forward to meeting you all at auditions! White corduroy overalls optional.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
By Barbara Robinson
A Clark Youth Theatre Production
November 30, December 1, 7, 8 at 7:30 p.m. Sundays, December 2, 9 at 2 p.m.

The Herdmans never go to church. So how did they end up with the lead roles in the Christmas play? Chance, intimidation, and maybe a little Christmas magic help bring the Herdmans, as well as the rest of the town, to a new understanding of the holiday season.

An annual Clark Youth Theatre tradition. Auditions: Saturday, October 6 at 3 p.m.