A little back home tradition

You wouldn’t think that a story about three obnoxious kids on social assistance crashing auditions for a Christmas pageant would make much of story.

Yet as the fifth anniversary of The Best Little Newfoundland Christmas Pageant … Ever rolls around, it’s pretty obvious it’s taken a foothold in the hearts of people. This 90-minute show has been a sold-out show for the past couple of years.

Cheryl Jameson, artistic director of Whizzgiggling Productions, is the driving force behind this successful operation. After moving to Edmonton from Newfoundland, she wanted to connect with other ex-pats by introducing a Newfie tradition, a piece of home to the region.

The first production of the Christmas pageant was nerve-wracking.

“As a production we didn’t know if people would come. As an actor, I didn’t know if people would find it funny,” says Jameson who plays the role of Imogene Herdsman.

This is definitely not your ordinary pageant. Staging the pageant is a dull job for Mrs. O’Brien. What could be so hard about it? It’s always the same Mary, Joseph and Christmas carols.

But no one expects the three Herdsmen to show up for auditions. They are “the worst kids in the world” who are totally ignorant about Christmas. The hamper delivered to their door is the only real connection to Christmas they have. The only reason the siblings arrive at the auditions is for the free food.

And while their arrival could make this the most disastrous pageant ever, it’s the one where everyone learns the true meaning of Christmas.

Featured in this production are Kayla Gorman (Beth), Natalie Czar Gummer (Mrs. O’Brien), Corben Kushneryk (Leroy Herdsman), Graham Mothersill (Ralph Herdsman) and Lindsey Walker (Alice).

Most of the actors have been handling their roles from the beginning. That in part accounts for a more polished production.

“We’re more comfortable with the script. Every year we cut songs and add a few. This year we’ve added Seven Joys of Mary, a serious song and Christmas in the Harbour, an upbeat song about being a Newfie at Christmas.”

They’re odd characters that are thrown into a blender and create a Christmas miracle.

Imogene is a latch-key kid from the wrong side of the tracks. She’s 13, is heading straight into puberty and is trying to figure out the world around her.

“She’s a bit of a bully and feels unloved. She has a good heart, but feels all alone.”

Her brother Ralph is the oldest boy and is also filled with attitude.

“He doesn’t have a father figure and resents having to grow up too quickly. Mom is not around very much and Dad isn’t even in the picture.”

The youngest Herdsman, Leroy, is the clueless, loveable one.

“He’s the one teachers love. He’s innocent. He might pull a pigtail, but he wouldn’t hurt anyone.”

For Jameson, The Best Little Christmas Pageant … Ever has become a way of retrenching during the season.

“The characters translate so well to Newfounderlanders who have settled in Edmonton. The story is warm-hearted and hilarious and by the end you find yourself between laughter and tears because it’s so innocent and sweet and touching.”