Best Christmas Pageant Ever Returns to Mississippi College Stage
The Herdman kids are rotten to the core. They lie, steal, smoke cigs, swear and even hit little children. Despite their many shortcomings, they accidently manage to learn the true spirit of Christmas.
That’s the story line for “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” that returns to a Mississippi College stage for performances November 19-22.
In his fourth consecutive year doing the play, MC senior Victor Barnette of Harrisville is anxious to get back on stage at Swor Auditorium and make wonderful holiday memories for audiences, young and old.
“I love that MC puts on a Christmas play that is funny and entertains audiences of any age, but at the same time has a deep meaning that all ages need to understand,” Barnette said.
A mass communications major, Victor plays character Leroy Herdman in this fall’s productions on the Clinton campus.
Department of Communication professor Sandra Grayson is back directing the Barbara Robinson’s adaptation of her beloved children’s book about those zany Herdman kids.
It’s become quite a treat at Mississippi College one month before the Christmas holidays. The play attracts audiences of school children from across Central Mississippi as well as Baby Boomers.
“I love being part of this show because I get to see people from all parts of campus come together and form what we like to call the theatre family,” says MC student Ashley Gressett. The Conehatta, Mississippi resident will play the role of Mom in this month’s production.
Production members include a talented lineup of Mississippi College students and children from the Clinton area. Clinton children in the show include Connor, Brayden and Ashton McGaugh as well as Josh, Anna Cat and Emma Grace Markham. Avery and Mallory Brooks are among other Clintonians in the show. Cast members are a close-knit group.
“It’s impossible not to bond with cast members,” says Gressett, a 21-year-old journalism major/theatre minor. “The people in the cast this year are just phenomenal.”
The president of the Mississippi College chapter of Alpha Psi Omega, the national theatre honor society, Ashley believes audiences will laugh, but also will be inspired by a powerful message.
“Everyone is so excited and ready to put on a show that not only entertains, but also shares the story of Christ’s birth with its audiences,” Gressett said. It’s her third year with a role in “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.”
Performances at Swor Auditorium are at 10:30 a.m. on November 19-22. There’s also a showing at 7 p.m. on November 21. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults. Groups of 20 or more pay $4 per ticket.
To reserve tickets, contact the MC Communication Department’s Tribal Players at 601.925.3935.
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