Christmas at its best

You would never guess from the title The Best Little Newfoundland Christmas Pageant…Ever! that it’s such an oddball story.

But it’s the peculiar turns in life that tweak our imagination.

The three Herdsmen children are public enemy number one. Well, not quite. But they are the worst kids in the world. They lie, steal, smoke cigars, swear and hit little kids.

So when this outlaw family invades church one Sunday and takes over the town’s annual Christmas pageant, rule and order are thrown out the window.

None of the Herdsmen have heard the Christmas story. Their interpretation of baby Jesus swaddled in cloth and placed in a manger is one of a baby tied up and put in a feed trough. Or that the Wise Men are a bunch of dirty spies and Herod needs a good thumping.

American writer Barbara Robinson examines Christmas through the eyes of “welfare” kids and their unorthodox view helps townsfolk rediscover the true meaning of Christmas.

Now in its sixth year, Whizzgiggling Productions, in co-operation with Spirit of Newfoundland Productions, resurrects the pageant from Dec. 17 to 23 at the Backstage Theatre.

“It was originally set in a small town in the USA. Spirit of Newfoundland originally did it as a play. It could have been any small town going through tough times that had rough characters,” said Whizzgiggling artistic director Cheryl Jameson.

Ralph, 14, is the man of the house. Dad is rarely around and he’s the protector.

“When dad was around he took the brunt of it and now he’s a bully.”

Imogene, 12, wears dangly earrings and dark, hard makeup.

“She’s trying to look older than she is. She’s rough, tough and jaded. Life has tarnished her. She is one of those people that hits first because she assumes she will be attacked.”

Little Leroy, six, instead is into superheroes.

“He’s the sweetest. He’s a Herdsmen and still not well-behaved. But he’s innocent and sweet and the audience loves him. He’s really simple.”

Last year, the production was so popular people were turned away from several productions.

“It’s very affordable and the book is read in some schools. It’s a great way to show kids what a read is like when it comes to life. And it’s a great way to celebrate Christmas. We bring a lot of heart back to Christmas.”