This Christmas season, Newtown Stage Company (NSCo) will bring The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical to the Edmond Town Hall stage.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever has surged in popularity with the 2024 release of the Lionsgate film. Now the local theater company is offering an opportunity for readers to see the musical adaptation of the classic Barbara Robinson tale live on stage.

The holiday musical for all ages tells the story of the Herdmans, who are the worst kids in the history of the world. When they crash Sunday school and demand parts in the big Christmas pageant, the whole town panics. There is not supposed to be biting or cigar-smoking in Bethlehem.

Soon, everyone from the terrified shepherds to the furious church ladies are calling for reluctant director Grace Bradley to fire the Herdmans. It’s up to Grace and the Reverend to help their community see the Christmas story and the Herdman kids through new eyes in this musical adaptation of the funny and touching holiday classic.

Performances are planned for 7 pm Friday and Saturday, December 13-14; and 1 pm Saturday and Sunday, December 14-15, all at Edmond Town Hall Theatre, 45 Main Street in Newtown.

Tickets are $20 each and available online at newtownstageco.com. Advance purchase is strongly encouraged. Historically, Newtown Stage Co productions have sold out.

NSCo’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical is being co-produced by NSCo Founders Katie Bloom, Erin Loucks, and Ryan Loucks. Katie Bloom is directing with Erin Loucks as choreographer, and Ryan Loucks as musical director. They are joined by a dozen or so Newtown area residents to help make this show a success.

The show is stage managed by Alan Sager, Cassidy Bloom and Teagan Merchant. Costumes are designed by Jen Turey, sets are designed by Katie and Justin Bloom. Sets were constructed by Justin Bloom with support from Tony DiPerrio and Kyle Kunst. Props are designed by Ella Christensen.

Other Newtown residents include Kelly Burger who is serving as assistant musical director. Lighting will be run by Paul Merchant of Newtown. Elizabeth Greene, Christianne Golesky, Jenny Merchant, Stacey Marmoa, Pat Dalton, Kara Tanner and Tyler Stone all played key roles in the success of this show.

Run time is one hour and 30 minutes; there is no intermission. Concessions will be available in the lobby.

For questions relating to ticketing send email to NewtownStageCo@gmail.com.