Hickory – The Hickory Community Theatre presents the hilarious and touching Christmas comedy The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! for three performances, December 13-15 on the mainstage in the Jeffers Theatre.

The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world! When they crash Sunday school and demand parts in the Christmas pageant, the whole town panics. There’s not supposed to be fighting or cigar-smoking in Bethlehem, and while these kids have never even heard the Christmas story, they definitely have rewrites! Soon everyone from the terrified pint-sized shepherds to the furious church ladies are calling for first-time director Grace to cancel the whole thing. But it’s up to her and the Reverend to help their community see the Christmas story and the Herdman kids through new eyes in this buoyant adaptation of the funny and touching holiday classic.

Jeremy Whitener is the guest director for this production. As an actor, Whitener is a familiar face with Hickory audiences, his first role was in the ensemble of Les Misérables and he went on to play Donkey in Shrek and The Extra in Junk. He also has extensive credits at the Green Room, including Adolfo in The Drowsy Chaperone, Bernardo in West Side Story and Ensemble/General Cartwright in Guys & Dolls. His previous directing work includes Clever, Clever Katia for HCT’s RugBug Theatre in August and last he had the chance to work as music director for The Lion King Jr. to life.

Performances are Friday, Dec 13 at 7:30pm and at 2:30pm on Saturday Dec 14 & Sunday Dec 15. Tickets for all performances are $10 each. Call the box office at 828-328-2283 or visit hickorytheatre.org to purchase tickets or get more information.

The Hickory Community Theatre is a funded affiliate of the United Arts Council of Catawba County. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! is produced by Sam’s Club of Hickory. A Cleaner World, Paramount Automotive, the City of Hickory and Sunbelt Xpress are the sponsors the 2019-2020 Season.

PHOTO: Jeremy Whitener, Guest Director for the Hickory Community Theatre’s upcoming production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! at the Hickory Community Theatre. Performances are next weekend, December 13-15. For show times and tickets visit hickorytheatre.org or call 828-328-2283. Photo courtesy of the subject.