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Abbotsford Children's Theatre presents Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Production takes place Friday, Dec. 2 and Saturday, Dec. 3
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(From left) Morgan Peters

Abbotsford Children’s Theatre (ACT) presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever on Friday, Dec. 2 and Saturday, Dec. 3 at Matsqui Centennial Auditorium (32315 South Fraser Way).

When the director of the annual Christmas pageant breaks her leg and has to step aside, the traditional Nativity story is turned on its head when the incorrigible Herdman family takes over the play.

The Herdman kids lie, steal, hit little kids and they don’t even know the Christmas story – but that doesn’t stop them from taking the leading roles.

Chaos and hilarity reign as the Herdmans collide with the classic Christmas story. Will it be the best or the worst Christmas pageant ever?

The cast is composed of 33 young actors ages nine to 17.

Rachel Kehler, 13, who plays Imogene Herdman and Mary, said she has enjoyed her four years in ACT.

She enjoys being able to “turn into a different person when you’re on stage” and “making other people happy” through her performances.

Her castmate, Morgan Peters, said she most enjoys being able to “make up details about my character that aren’t in the play.”

Ryan Illes, 14, has been with ACT for eight performances and through the Best Christmas Pageant Ever, she has learned that “no matter how little or how much you have, it doesn’t determine the type of person you are.”

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is the first performance for Lauren Paize, 11.

“I really like starting my weekend off at ACT. I have so much fun and have met so many new friends,” she said.

Showtimes are 7 p.m. on Friday and 1 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are $12 in advance and $14 at the door. They are available online at abbotsfordchildrenstheatre.org or in person at The Reach Gallery Museum, Tourism Abbotsford and Jazz-Ma-Tazz.