Hoboken Children’s Theater: ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’

HOBOKEN, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the Hoboken Children’s Theater Company. Send local news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com

The Hoboken Children’s Theater Company, in conjunction with Broadway Licensing presents the World Premiere of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical, JV version. The HCT will be originating a shortened version of the musical adaptation of the holiday classic.

HCT owner and Artistic Director Chase Leyner says she is thrilled and honored that Broadway Licensing has asked them to bring this classic story to their stage in Hoboken.

“Getting in on the ground floor of these projects is an incredible learning experience for our organization and our performers.”

In 2015, HCT developed the script for Theatrical Rights Worldwide’s new “Young@Part” version of All Shook Up, and premiered a version of The Ballad of Janis Matthews and the Dodo Scouts. Co-directed by Leyner along with Broadway veteran Don Brewer, and musical-directed by Scott Pearson, the show was nominated and came in second for Broadway World’s 2016 Award for Best Children’s Theater. “

Broadway choreographer, Janet Rothermel will choreograph The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Her credits include Broadway: Mamma Mia!, Sister Act, Side Show and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat as well as the feature films Beauty and the Beast and Mamma Mia!.

Musical Director Scott Pearson is a New York vocal teacher and musical director. His credits include: L.M. (Pump Boys and Dinettes), Guido Contini (Nine) and Homer Collins (Floyd Collins).

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is based on the childhood classic by Barbara Robinson with Book and Lyrics by Jahanna Beecham and Musica with lyrics by Malcolm Hillgartner,

Here’s how the theater describes the production:

“The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world--so when they crash Sunday school and demand parts in the Christmas pageant, the whole town panics. They have never even heard the Christmas story, but they definitely have rewrites! Soon everyone is calling for first-time director Grace to cancel the whole thing. But it's up to her to help the community see the Herdman kids through new eyes. Silent night? Not a chance. But sometimes a little joyful noise is just right for Christmas.”

Performances: Friday Nov 3, 7:00; Saturday Nov 4, 2:00 & 7:00; Sunday Nov 5 2:00 at MST Theatre, 1400 Clinton Street, Hoboken NJ. Tickets available for $15 at thebcpe.brownpapertickets.com. For more info - hobokenchildrenstheater.com or call 646-339-8485.

Photo: Hoboken Children’s Theater Company

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