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Theatre of Youth presents 'The Best Christmas Pageant Ever'

by jmaloni

Press release

Fri, Nov 23rd 2012 07:00 am

Based on the story by Barbara Robinson

Theatre of Youth, Buffalo's only professional theater company devoted to children and families, will present for the holidays "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," a heartwarming adaptation of the story by Barbara Robinson. Directed by Artistic Director Meg Quinn, the production opens Friday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m., and continues Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, through Dec. 16. Tickets can be purchased by calling 716-884-4400, ext. 304, or by visiting www.theatreofyouth.org.

This production is recommended for ages 4 and up.

About The Story

Beth Bradley tells the story of the year that her mom had to direct the meanest, nastiest, most inventively awful kids in the history of the world (the Herdmans) in the annual church pageant. Previously, the Christmas pageant was "the same old story with the same old carols." However, when the Herdmans bullied their way into the leading roles, chaos ensued.

The Herdmans were never told the original Christmas story about Mary and Joseph or their trip to Bethlehem, so it became a whole new Christmas "about a new baby and his mother and father who were in a whole lot of trouble." The Herdmans' interpretation of the first Christmas stunned the congregation and revealed to them a deeper understanding of a traditional story. 

"Of all the ways to tell the story of the first Christmas, I think Barbara Robinson's version is the most spirited and genuine," Quinn said. "I am sure we have all known some 'Herdmans' - kids who fend for themselves and appear to be on their own. The Herdmans may be 'the worst kids in the history of the world,' but their true wonder about Christmas may help all of us to remember anew the real story of that night." 

Quinn has once again assembled a talented cast of Buffalo actors, including Mary McMahon, Robert Insana, Joyce Carolyn, Annette Daniels Taylor, Jennifer Fitzery, Bill Schmidt and Adam Rath. Additionally, 26 young people are participating in "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever." "I am really proud of the work being done by these young professionals," Quinn said.

Theatre of Youth ticket prices are $24 or $26 per person and can be purchased online at www.theatreofyouth.org or by calling TOY's box office at 716-884-4400, ext. 304. All performances take place live on the Time Warner Cable Family Stage at the historic Allendale Theatre, 203 Allen St., Buffalo. Discounted group rates, subscriptions, and gift certificates are also available.

Fisher-Price sponsors the production of "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever". 

Independent Health sponsors theatre of Youth's 2012-13 season and "Health and Wellness Series". 

Theatre of Youth, or TOY, founded in 1972, is Buffalo's only professional theatre company dedicated to young audiences. Now celebrating its 41st season, TOY is the resident company at the Allendale Theatre, which was restored in partnership with the City of Buffalo. Since opening the Allendale Theatre in December 1999, more than 500,000 children have attended TOY performances with their teachers or families. For more information, visit theatreofyouth.org/about.html.

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