Posted on June 4, 2021 by Heather Adams

Student Auditions Open for “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”

By Rainbow Theatre

Student Auditions Open for “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”

Rainbow Theatre is celebrating “Christmas in July” this summer with the production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical  as  their 30th year of family theatre.  Auditions are scheduled for Sunday, June 6, 2:30 pm, and Tuesday, June 8, 7 pm in the John Paul Room at St. Ignatius Church, Van Reed Rd., West Lawn.  Casting is limited to students between the ages of 8-18 years.  There are many roles available: dramatic roles, vocal solos, and interesting character roles.  A description will be available at auditions.

Evening rehearsals begin the week of June 14th.  A tentative rehearsal schedule will be available at auditions for your perusal.  Rainbow Theatre’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical will be presented at St. Ignatius Church, Van Reed Rd., West Lawn., July 23-25 as a multimedia presentation of film and live performance.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical, with music and lyrics by Jahnna Beecham and Malcolm Hillgartner, is based on the book, play, and movie by Barbara Robinson.  The perfect show for the child in all of us to celebrate with family and friends that we missed during the holidays in 2020.

A story of acceptance between the Herdman kids and the Sunday School kids this story emphasizes the themes of bullying and redemption, and accepting differences among people.  “The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world”–so when they crash Sunday school and demand parts in the Christmas pageant, the whole town panics. There is not supposed to be biting or cigar-smoking in Bethlehem, and while these kids have never even heard the Christmas story, they definitely have rewrites! Soon everyone from the terrified pint-sized 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 buoyant musical adaptation of the funny and touching holiday classic. Silent night? Not a chance. But sometimes a little joyful noise is just right for Christmas in July.

Creative staff for this production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical are: Carol Toomey, Director, Sheryl Lanciano, Musical Director, and Courtney Fichthorn, Choreographer.

Now in its thirtieth year, Rainbow Theatre is a performing group for students, who have an interest in performing and learning about theatre and film production.  Having donated proceeds to local charities in the past, this year the Christmas giving spirit will be encouraged through donations of new baby items, toys, and school supplies to be given to those in need.

For information about The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical auditions, show information, or tickets, call 610-777-0900, or email [email protected]

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Community Testimonials

Wish my town had a channel like this, very cool idea to bring the community together and give people a platform.

James

I wanted to thank you again for the opportunity you have created for our kids.  This experience is more than the TV show.  Eight students who probably never would have talked to each other were excited to execute a plan. Know that you make a difference.

Kristi

Thanks for your commitment to communication far and wide, for your technical support, and tireless efforts to bring fresh programs to BCTV. Bravo!

Liz

Thank you for always being receptive to my ideas. All of your efforts help me to help others and that is a blessing to me.

Adrean

Fantastic work and thanks so much for the quick turnaround!  Always a pleasure to work with you and the rest of the BCTV team!

Jim

Thank you and your staff for all you do to accommodate so many different shows, personalities, etc.!  Can’t be easy, but we really do appreciate it.

Martha

I am happy and proud to be a part of such a dedicated assembly of talent and purpose. Thank you for being a part of my efforts to promote theater and the arts in this region.

David