Just in time for the holidays, Cadence is delighted to present The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical, for eight performances at the Libby S. Gottwald Playhouse at Dominion Energy Center. The musical is a fun-filled festive production featuring professional actors and local children. The two-week engagement plays Friday through Sunday each week, December 13-22, 2024. Tickets are on sale now for $40 and can be purchased here.
Based on the best-selling book and play by Barbara Robinson, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical is the story of the Herdman kids, known in their small-town as the worst behaved kids, ever! The Herdmans are loud, disruptive bullies who somehow land the leading roles in the church’s Christmas pageant. Hilarity and chaos ensue as the children “revise” the classic Christmas story and the townspeople become offended and outraged. The pageant’s director Grace Bradley and the Reverend must find a way for the community to appreciate the true meaning of Christmas despite the Herdmans attempt to wreck it.
Cadence is proud to foster a collaborative, creative community while offering a diversity of experiences for young actors and adults alike. The intergenerational cast and creatives for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever have cultivated a beautiful collection of artists through this production, learning from each other and strengthening family bonds through the arts. In fact, several of the young artists in this production share the stage with their parents. The musical features two casts (Frosty and Rudolph) which rotate during the engagement.
Those attending the December 21st 1 PM matinee will have an opportunity to visit Santa Richmond! This special event will take place after the performance from 3:15 to 4:00pm. Please note that a separate ticket must be purchased for this magical experience which includes a professional digital photo with Santa, plus the chance to take your own photos. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable addition to your holiday celebrations! Learn more about Santa Richmond at @santarichmondva. Buy Now to secure your tickets!
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical features music and lyrics by Malcolm Hillgartner with the book and lyrics by Jahnna Beecham. The production’s direction is by Taylor Bernard and musical direction by Heidi Taylor. Courtney Vollmer created the choreography. The Cadence production features actors Lauren Barry, Kaitlyn Connolly, Desirèe Dabney, Joel Furtick, Chloe Green, Lauren Leinhaas-Cook, and Corey T. Norman.
Performances:
Friday, December 13 at 6:30pm (Frosty Cast)
Saturday, December 14 at 1pm (Rudolph Cast)
Saturday, December 14 at 6:30pm (Frosty Cast)
Sunday, December 15 at 1pm (Rudolph Cast)
Friday, December 20 at 6:30pm (Rudolph Cast)
Saturday, December 21 at 1pm (Frosty Cast) – special opportunity to see Santa
Saturday, December 21 at 6:30pm (Rudolph Cast)
Sunday, December 22 at 1pm (Frosty Cast)
About Cadence: Cadence is a Richmond-based arts educational organization that offers programs for children, youth and adults by providing a safe and creative space for self-expression, cultural exploration, and individual growth. The arts always have and continue to promote social changes and expanding perceptions. The programs and opportunities Cadence offers encourage public dialogue, cultural exchange, and candid reflection on critical issues. Cadence is also committed to presenting contemporary, award-winning theater and film works that inspire discovery, contemplation, and empathy. These life-changing art educational programs are making a positive impact on students in the Richmond community.
