by Amber Countryman, Sumner Newscow — In the spirit of the season, the Wellington Community Children’s Theater will perform “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” a classic tale written by Barbara Robinson.

The story follows the Herdman children, Ralph, Imogene, Leroy, Claude, Holly and Gladys, called the “worst kids in the history of the world,” who lie, steal, smoke and cuss. The siblings set fire to a tool shed, blackmail someone to get a charm bracelet, smack someone across the head, just to name a few of their shenanigans.

When the Herdmans show up for church for the free snacks, and suddenly take over the Christmas pageant, the other children are shocked. The Herdmans have never heard the Christmas story before, and start to reimagine it in their own way.

The cast includes: Bob Bradley (father), Hunter Lough; Grace Bradley (mom), Jessie Calhoun; Beth Bradley, Rachel Ewing; Charlie Bradley, Maddox Wylie; Ralph Herdman, Jax Kiesinger; Imogene Herdman, Dalee Strange; Leroy Herdman, Taylor Robbins; Claude Herdman, Brodee Lough; Holly Herdman, Makenna Wylie; Gladys Herdman, Camryn Bannister; Alice Wendleken, Izzi Saunders; Mrs. Armstrong, Avery YoNash; Mrs. Slocum, Jade Pearson; Mrs. Clark, Sophia Trillo; Mrs. McCarthy, Aurora Young; Maxine, Jessica Kenemore; Elmer Hopkins, Breegan Bevan; Hobie, Kaylee Horinek; David, Colton Strange; Beverly, Sophia Trillo; Fireman, Alex Zani; Shirley, Alaina Lough; Juanita, Delaney Page; Reverend Hopkins, LaRance Lough; Shepherds – Levi Calhoun, Aiden Calhoun, Noah Schmitz; Angel Choir – Rachel Ewing, Izzi Saunders, Camryn Bannister; Kings – Makenna Wylie, Taylor Robbins, Brodee Lough.

Showtimes are Friday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $8 for adults, $5 for students and senior citizens, and children ages six and under are free. The show will be held at the Memorial Auditorium, 208 N. Washington, and doors will open thirty minutes before the show. Concessions will be available.