Just in time to celebrate the holiday season, The Artists Collaborative Theatre is bringing to life its heartwarming tradition of ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,’ with opportunities to watch all December long.
The show will open at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 1 at the Pikeville High School Alumni Auditorium with additional showings at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16; and a 3 p.m. matinee showing on Dec. 10, all at the PHS Alumni Auditorium.
Tickets for the show are $12 and can be purchased at the door.
According to Emily Kingery, director, ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ is based on a book of the same title by Barbara Robinson.
“A group of unruly kids come to join the Christmas pageant and hilarity and chaos ensue,” said Kingery. “The things that can go wrong do go wrong.”
The ensemble consists of approximately 20 participants, Kingery said, primarily from the ACT Kidz Theatre.
Additionally, she said, Student Director William Slone will be making their directorial debut with this show.
Slone also participated in the ACT Kidz theatre, they said, and even played as a character in last year’s performances of ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’.
Taking on the role of a director in the production is much different than being involved as an actor, Slone said.
“I’m used to being on the stage, but instead, I’m watching it happen,” said Slone. “It’s kind of magical.”
The show itself holds a special meaning for the ACT, Kingery said.
“We’ve seen kids grow up through this show,” said Kingery. “And we get to see them grow from the baby angel up to one of the main characters, and that’s really cool for us.”
It is also the last show the ACT ever performed in their home theatre before it burnt down, she said.
Kingery said she is excited to share the magic of the show with audiences.
“The audience can expect to feel all the emotions,” said Kingery. “It’s a light-hearted show with a really important message underneath.”
Slone agreed.
“You also see character development of bad kids turning into not-so-bad kids,” said Slone. “The moral of the story is deep and beautiful.”
Overall, Slone said, the show will feel like Christmas.
“It’ll be Christmas,” said Slone. “Like how Christmas makes your heart feel warm.”
