Local performers present ‘Best Christmas Pageant Ever’
(Left to right) Aspyn Konichek, Brooke Mitchell and Perry Leffler are three of the cast members for the Elkader Opera Players’ production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. (Submitted by Cheri Moser)
The Elkader Opera House and the Opera House Players will kick off the holiday season with “The Best Christmas Pagent Ever: The Musical.”
The family-friendly production of Barbara Robinson’s classic story promises plenty of laughs, hearfelt moments and a reminder of what makes this time of year special.
The 95-minute show will include performers from the local area, including Prairie du Chien and Boscobel in Wisconsin and Elkader, McGregor, Monona, Marquette, Waukon, Strawberry Point, Guttenberg, West Union and Edgewood in Iowa.
The story follows the Herdmans, the “worst kids in the history of the world,” as they stumble into Sunday school looking for free snacks. Chaos ensues when they take over the annual Christmas pageant, but their involvement leads to unexpected lessons about kindness, understanding, and the true meaning of the season.
Prairie du Chien is represented in the cast by Perry Leffler, who takes on the lead role of Grace Bradley. As a mom suddenly tasked with directing the Christmas pageant after the regular director’s unexpected accident, Grace must manage the chaos of the Herdmans joining the production while trying to make it a success.
Joining the cast from Wauzeka High School is senior Brooke Mitchell, making her Opera House Players stage debut. Brooke plays Connie, a “church lady” and busybody who doubts Grace’s ability to pull off the pageant.
“This production is ‘big’ in a different way,” said director Cheri Moser. “It’s about people connecting through a simple, funny, and meaningful story. It’s a reminder to open our hearts and see the humanity in everyone, and I couldn’t think of a better way to start the holidays.”
Evening performances will take place December 6, 7, 13, and 14 at 7 p.m., with matinees on December 8 and 15 at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at elkaderoperahouse.com or at the door.
