Backstage, actors adjust their costumes, scatter everywhere, and take deep breaths, knowing that this night is another chance to bring this story to life. On Friday, November 22nd, at Paint Branch, the Perspectives program was coming to the end of their play, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.
The play follows the Bradley Family, known for their dedication to the community, who find themselves at the center of chaos when Grace Bradley (Gladis Padilla) has to direct their local church’s Christmas play. While this is not too much for Grace to handle, the six Herdman siblings, known as the worst kids in town, may be. As the six Herdmans join the play – Leroy Herdman (Quinn Naugle), Claude Herdman (Darryn Williams), Ollie Herdman (Lana Ngo), Gladys Herdman (Abigail-Grace Paterson), Ralph Herdman, (Topaz Williams), and Imogen Herdman (Box Darisme), everyone expects the play to be a complete disaster. However, the six bring new meaning to the Christmas story, teaching the community what true spirit is.
The crowd on this Friday’s performance was on the smaller side, potentially due to the cold, rainy weather and the PB playoff football game that was also happening concurrently. This may have contributed to what Paterson saw as a subdued crowd, which left her feeling “a little disappointed.” Despite this, she remains optimistic about the PB theater program and its future, adding, “I’m excited about the upcoming auditions for the spring musical. I hope I get another iconic role like this in the future.”
Though the crowd wasn’t interactive, the actors were. Toward the middle of the play, a few actors came off stage and walked up to different audience members asking, “What do you think will happen next?” This unexpected interaction surprised many and created a memorable moment that added energy to the performance.
The performance featured elementary and middle school actors who brought an exciting dynamic to the production. Their presence added a unique charm, with their innocence and enthusiasm contrasting perfectly with the chaoticness of the Herdmen siblings. Their contribution made the play feel heartfelt and joyful, leaving the audience with a sense of warmth and appreciation.
As the curtain closes for this year’s play, the excitement doesn’t end here. Perspectives is gearing up for its next big production, the spring musical, In The Heights. It’s bound to be an exciting showcase of talent and hard work!
