Add humor to your holidays with the family-friendly comedy "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever."
Presented by Words Players Theatre , the play features 55 kids and adults from Rochester and the surrounding area. It tells Barbara Robinson’s classic story of the Herdman children and their amusing takeover of the annual church Christmas pageant.
"We do a holiday show every year. It’s the time of year when we try to do something festive," says Kathy Kuhlmann, Words Players volunteer. Last year, Words Players performed "A Christmas Carol" and is planning to revive it again for next year’s holiday rotation.
If being part of the audience isn’t enough for your kids, get tickets to the early performance at the Jon Hassler Theatre. Children ages 9 to 13 are invited to participate in the Best Christmas Pageant theater class.
Held from 10 a.m. to noon prior to the performance, students will learn basic acting techniques as they rehearse a scene that will be performed in the show. Kids will be able to sit with their family for the remainder of the performance. There is no cost for the class, though donations are accepted.
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"We want to make theater accessible. We’re hoping kids will enjoy the class and the opportunity to participate in live theater," says Kuhlmann, whose youngest daughter is appearing in the play.
In an effort to make theater accessible to all families, Words Players does not charge a fee for kids' theater classes and camps (donations accepted) and tries to keep ticket prices low.
The theater group is temporarily housed in the Masque Theatre’s former headquarters, but is looking for a permanent headquarters. The nonprofit offers year-round opportunities for kids and adults, including upcoming productions: "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" (March 10-13), Thornton Wilder One Act Plays (April 8-9), and "Fiddler on the Roof" (July 29-31, Aug. 4-6).
"Auditions are always posted on the website," Kuhlmann says. "The best way to keep track of them is to get on the audition list by e-mailing info@northlandwords.org."
The show runs an hour and a half with an intermission. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for kids. Call, e-mail or go online to order tickets.
