By Cassie Lennox

Some folks may have heard about the Herdmans. They steal lunches and smokes cigars, and are hardly the type of kids to star in the church’s Christmas Pageant, but, to their town’s horror, that’s just what they’re going to do.

The actors playing the Herdmans jump onto the church pews and cause a scene by volunteering to take roles in the pageant.
(Portage County Gazette photo)

Those unfamiliar with the notorious Herdman family, or those who enjoy the classic Christmas story about the Herdmans, will be able to see them come to life in the Playhouse Theatre Group’s rendition of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.”

“This show is some of the best fun I’ve had,” said Tanner Reed, who plays Leroy Herdman in the production. “I hear a lot of the time that people are scared to do something like this, maybe of being on stage or singing in public, but this group has something for everyone.”

Will Christmas be ruined? Will the church survive? Amidst the chaos, will the Herdmans, along with the rest of the town, stumble upon the true meaning of Christmas and transform the unruly production into the best Christmas Pageant ever?

Find out at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 7-9, at the Springs United Methodist Church, 2820 Plover Springs Drive, Plover. Those planning to attend the production should consider arriving 30 minutes early, as the space is somewhat small. When the production is through, there will be a lighting of the candles and singing of “Silent Night” together.

The Playhouse Theater Group rehearses a church scene in their rendition of “The Greatest Christmas Pageant Ever.”
(Portage County Gazette photo)

The show will be offered at no charge, though attendees are asked to consider donating a non-perishable food item on the night of the show for the Holiday Baskets of Portage County, in the spirit of giving.

“It’s a fun time to look forward to,” said Rachel Jorgensen, who plays Beth Bradley. “It’s such a fun show and so funny, and on top of that you get to meet all these new friends and see old ones. We’re like one big family, and we keep expanding, which is awesome.”

To read the rest of the story, pick up a copy of the Portage County Gazette at one of the many newsstands in the area, including gas stations and grocery stores. Or subscribe at shopmmclocal.com/product/portage-county-gazette/ to have weekly copies delivered by mail.

For more information or to subscribe over the phone, call 715-343-8045.