Bathrobes and Bed Sheets for NFLT

Nov 19, 2009

As rehearsals for NFLT’s production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” head into their final weeks, “things are coming together beautifully,” according to stage manager Karin Reynold.  

The six shepherds are experimenting with their crooks, the boy playing the lamb has learned to go “b-aa” loudly, and the baby angels are practicing Christmas carols.

White sheets and bathrobes are being transformed into costumes for angels, shepherds and wise men by a hard-working backstage crew. At first glance, these could be rehearsals for any Christmas pageant from the past hundred years.

But this Christmas Pageant, adapted from a beloved children’s book by Barbara Robinson, has a twist or two. For instance, one of the wise men is carrying an unusual gift.

In addition, many of the children acting in the pageant are encouraged by director Sarah Hale to be on their worst behaviour! It is hoped that by performance time they won’t forget how to be bad, because after all, they are very good kids in real life. They’ve worked hard to learn their lines and movements on and off the stage. It’s a big commitment of time and energy, especially this year when so many families have been down with colds and flu. Just in case - important characters, from Mary and Joseph to little Gladys Herdman, the terror of the town, have understudies. For many young actors, that means learning two parts.

One thing is certain; if “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is as lively as the rehearsals, it’s a treat not to be missed on the first weekend in December, the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th!