by Barbara Robinson

The Merc Playhouse is pleased to present a special holiday production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever to windup the 2017 season of live theater.  Directed by Jane Orme, the show opens on Friday, December 8^th and runs through Sunday, December 17^th.  This hilarious and heart-warming Christmas classic features a cast of local actors of all ages and we dare audiences to try NOT to sing along with the choir of adorable angels who will be belting out your favorite Christmas carols.

Meet the Herdmans: the worst kids in the history of the world who come from the wrong side of  the tracks. When they attend church one Sunday for the free dessert, they decide they want to be in annual Christmas Pageant but they don’t even know the story of Christmas! From there, it all goes downhill for Mrs. Bradley, who bravely attempts to direct the lying, cheating, hitting family of miscreants.  After a series of insane debacles, including a church fire, Mrs. Bradley and her community watch in surprise as the same old Christmas story is rejuvenated by the creativity, energy, and unexpected sincerity of a misunderstood young family.

DATES: Fri, Dec 8- Sun, Dec 17. Thurs, Dec 14, Pay What You Can Night, 7:30pm for this night only. All other evening performances begin at 7pm, Sunday matinees begin at 2pm.  CONTACT/TICKETS:  Online. $5-$7/youth under 18; $16-$18/adults. www.mercplayhouse.org.  Limited advance reserved seating available until 75 minutes before show time.  509.997.7529, info@mercplayhouse.org