CityView Media is a seasonal sponsor of the Cape Fear Regional Theatre. As part of that relationship, we agree to publish previews and reviews of all main-stage productions on our website. The content of that coverage, however, is independent and within the discretion of the CityView editorial team.
For over three decades, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever has become a cherished holiday event, packing the house to see the spirited Herdman children, undoubtedly the “worst kids in the history of the world,” hijack the annual Christmas pageant, turning the traditional nativity story upside down and teaching the town a lesson in unexpected grace and joy.
With over 120 children in four casts—“Clove,” “Cinnamon,” “Nutmeg,” and “Ginger”—the story remains the same but the show is different year to year and even cast to cast so audiences can see all four and still experience something new, according to Jennifer Sells, who is directing the show for her fourth year.
“It’s just fun to see how the kids’ personalities lend themselves to different characters, some similar to themselves and some very different from themselves,” Sells said. “It’s one giant puzzle that comes together when putting the casts together.”
With a blend of mischief and holiday spirit, each cast offers a fresh take on the true meaning of Christmas. Some students spend their childhoods in the show, switching casts and characters each year.
Nolan Pait, a 17-year-old senior at Village Christian Academy, will be in the production for his 10th year. This year, he will play lead Ralph Herdman. Pait says it is the message that keeps him coming back.
“If you’re truly looking to get into the Christmas spirit, you must come see BCPE,” Pait said. “It beautifully shows the true meaning of Christmas, which is that God loves us so much He sent His Son as the ultimate gift for everyone who chooses to receive it.”
Lauren Anderson, a 13-year-old junior at Renaissance Classical Christian Academy, is playing Alice and is in her fifth year in the show. Anderson has also been in other Cape Fear Regional Theatre main stage productions such as The Addams Family, Matilda, Cinderella, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
“You want to get up out of your seat and dance to the Christmas music,” Anderson said. “Once you leave, you’re in the Christmas spirit and you don’t get out of it until Christmas.”
Abigail Lopez, who plays Mrs. McCarthy this year in the Cinnamon cast, is returning for her second year after attending workshops, summer camps, and volunteering at Cape Fear Regional Theatre. She said she is returning because it is a very positive environment and she had a great experience last year.
“It’s such a fun tradition and it really tells a beautiful story about learning as a person and the magic of Christmas,” Lopez said. “I also love that we can use what we’ve learned in our classes while on stage.”
Sells added a thrust stage—where the audience surrounds the stage on three sides—creating a cozy, intimate experience with the story that families love to see.
“When you are so close to the audience, you just really feel as an audience member that you’re put into the story and everything feels more connected to you and just like you’ve stepped into the world of BCPE rather than watching it,” Sells said.
So prepare for a hilarious production that just might show the town, and you, the true meaning of Christmas spirit, even with the “worst kids in the history of the world” involved.
This enduring Fayetteville favorite promises a fresh, funny, and heartwarming reminder that the true spirit of Christmas often appears in the most unexpected places.
“It’s not Christmas in Fayetteville without The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” Cape Fear Regional Theatre Marketing Director Ashley Nicholl Owen said.
Tickets are $18 for adults and $13 for children. Every cast has Military Appreciation Nights from December 9–12.
Performances run from December 6 through December 21, with 7:30 p.m. performances Tuesdays through Saturdays, 6:30 p.m. performances on Sundays, and 2 p.m. matinees on Saturdays and Sundays.
For more information, visit the Cape Fear Regional Theatre’s website or call the box office at 910-323-4233. Tickets can be purchased in person at the new offsite office at 310 Green St., which is open from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. During performances, the box office will be open from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, moving to the 1707 Owen Drive theater location at 5:30 p.m.
Editor’s note: Jami McLaughlin’s children are among the performers in one of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever casts.
