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Herdman Family Returns for Best Christmas Pageant Ever


Those rotten Herdman kids are back on stage at Mississippi College to learn the true meaning of Christmas.

With a cast of more than two dozen, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” returns by popular demand on the Clinton campus. Spotlighting Barbara Robinson’s adaptation of her marvelous children’s book, the show runs from November 27 through December 2 at Swor Auditorium.

Directed once again by communication professor Sandra Grayson, the lively Christmas classic features a talented cast. MC student Victor Barnette of Harrisville plays the father, Leisha NeSmith of Birmingham, Alabama is the mother and Jay Kucia of Clinton takes on the role of Charlie. One of the Herdman children, Ralph, is played by Andrew Orr of Clinton.

It turns out the wacky Herdman children are driven to take control of the church’s Christmas pageant, just to gain the free desserts at Sunday School. It’s really purely by accident that they learn the meaning of Christmas. The church pageant is always directed by the same lady, but unfortunately she breaks her leg and needs a replacement. That only fuels the fun.

Among other key roles in the Department of Communication production, Ali Temple of Clinton and Brooke Reed of Brandon play some of the church ladies. Annelise Thornton and Tangelina Hall, both of Clinton, perform as members of the pageant’s church choir. The two daughters of assistant MC men’s basketball coach Josh Brooks appear in the show.

Based on Robinson’s book, this Christmas show dates back to 1972, and fans might want to check out the movie of this hilarious production. MC’s version is designed to spark belly laughs and a few tears at the start of the holiday season.

Hundreds of school children from Central Mississippi will visit the Clinton campus for 10 a.m. matinees from November 27-30. Groups coming are from Bentonia-Gibbs Elementary, Tri-County Academy, New Hebron Attendance Center, Copiah Academy, Central Hinds Academy, and Raleigh Attendance Center, among others. The MC student director is Heather Barnes of Raymond.

Show times for the Department of Communication Tribal Players production are 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. on November 27, 10 a.m. on November 28-30, and 2:30 p.m. on December 1-2. Tickets are $5 for students and $8 for adults. Groups of 20 or more are charged $4 each.

For reservations, call 601.925.3935.