The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: Future classic in the making

Whatever titles already grace your list of favourite Christmas movies, make room for another. Because The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is going to rightfully earn it’s place there, too.

Based on the 1972 international bestseller by Barbara Robinson, it opens with introduction to the Herdman siblings. They are known around town as “absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world.” For instance, think Scut Farkus, the relentless childhood villain from A Christmas Story. Multiplied by six.

“They lie, they steal, they bully,” go the tall tales about the Herdmans, and they’re totally true, too. Then comes they day they show up at church seeking snacks, and end up hijacking lead roles in the Christmas pageant. But not just any Christmas pageant! The cherished and sacred 75th anniversary, which is gearing up to be extra special. With people coming from miles around to celebrate the long-running community tradition.

Impressive young actors

The story that unfolds is smart, funny, and riveting, with an ensemble of young actors delivering exceptional performances. Beth (Molly Belle Wright), whose first-person narrative drives the action, and younger brother Charlie (Sebastian Billingsley-Rodriguez), are frequently the brunt of the Herdmans’ terror. They play their roles convincingly and brilliantly, making you feel their angst along the way.

Immaculately cast as Herdman kids are Beatrice Schneider as Imogene, Ewan Wood as Leroy, Matthew Lamb as Claude, Essek Moore as Ollie, Mason Nelligan as Ralph, and Kynlee Heiman as Gladys. The youngest, smallest, and scariest of the brood. (Also just the cutest!) Lorelei Olivia Mote plays Alice perfectly, the picture-perfect pretty girl all set to play Mary. Before the role is swiftly snatched away from her by, who else?? A Herdman.

The adults are pretty great, too

Beth and Charlie’s parents in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever are impeccably played by Grace (Judy Greer) and Bob (Pete Holmes). Their family life takes a turn when Grace spontaneously volunteers to direct the pageant, after long-reigning director Mrs. Armstrong (Mariam Bernstein) suffers an untimely accident.

It’s Grace who steps up to save the day, while setting out to prove something to the town ladies who disregard her. That she is capable of doing something important. As a result, Alice’s mother, Mrs. Wendelken (Danielle Hoetmer) and the gaggle of gossips are aghast when Grace takes over the pageant. While they are most certain they’ll be witnessing a disaster.

Passion project for filmmaker

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever was made in Manitoba, in the city of Winnipeg and the town of Stonewall. The film is the 20-year passion project of Dallas Jenkins, writer, director, and producer of wildly popular series The Chosen. It’s a heartwarming ode to the true meaning of Christmas: the story of Mary and Joseph, and the birth of baby Jesus.

It also pays homage to Christmases past, and the nostalgia that comes with reliving the complicated and seemingly traumatic world of being a kid at Christmas. Something we all felt in one way or another, at some point in our young lives.

At the same time, this movie is effortlessly timeless, stirring sentiment through themes of faith, love, tolerance, redemption, and admiration. All of which we can use more of in our world today.

Future Christmas classic

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a fun ride for the whole family, start to finish. No question. And no matter what your religious beliefs are, or are not.

It will invite you in, entertain you, make you laugh, warm your heart, and wet your eyes this holiday season – and all the futures ones, too. As it rightfully earns its place in years to come amongst the best Christmas classics ever.