Hoboken Children’s Theater Company, in conjunction with Broadway Licensing presents the World Premiere of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical, JV version from November 3-5. HCT will be originating a shortened version of the buoyant musical adaptation of the funny and touching holiday classic.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is based on the childhood classic by Barbara Robinson with Book and Lyrics by Jahanna Beecham and Musica and Lyrics by Malcolm Hillgartner, 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.
Hoboken Children’s Theater’s prestigious Junior and Senior Companies are frequently asked by prominent theater writers and licensing companies to help develop, workshop or perform new works. 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, NJ. “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.
“I’ve been really fortunate to get such talented Broadway veterans to work with our students.” Leyner, who will also direct Christmas, continues. Renowned 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!. Our Musical Director Scott Pearson is one of New York’s top vocal teachers and musical directors. His Favorite credits include: L.M. (Pump Boys and Dinettes), Guido Contini (Nine) and Homer Collins (Floyd Collins).
Performances will take place on Friday, November 3 at 7:00pm; Saturday, November 4 at 2:00pm & 7:00pm; and Sunday, November 5 at 2:00pm at MST Theatre, 1400 Clinton Street, Hoboken NJ. Tickets available for $15 at thebcpe.brownpapertickets.com.
Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical has a spirit of giving, and there will be several worthy charities that will have information and will be accepting donations in the lobby at each performance.
Hoboken Children’s Theater is one of the tri-state’s premiere theatrical training programs for young people. HCT veterans have been accepted to the country’s top college programs in performing and theatrical arts, and have appeared on Broadway, National Tours, Film and Television. Over the years HCT has garnered several awards, including Hulafrog’s Most-Loved Acting Studio 2017, New Jersey Family magazine’s Top Acting Program 2015, and the Park Performing Arts Center’s Showtime Award 2009. Hoboken Children’s Theater offers year-round musical theater and acting classes for young people age 4 through young adult, and top-quality performances at our 120-seat theater in Hoboken.
