(BURLINGTON, NJ) -- Bridge Players Theatre Company presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical weekends from November 13-28, 2026. In this musical adaptation of the funny and touching holiday classic, The Herdmans – widely known as the "worst kids in the history of the world" – crash Sunday School lured by the promise of free snacks and end up hijacking the annual church Christmas pageant!
First-time director Grace Bradley is suddenly stuck trying to balance managing the outrageous Herdmans (who have never heard the Christmas story – but have rewrites!) with appeasing the judgmental church ladies. Soon, everyone is calling to cancel the whole thing and it’s up to the Bradleys and the Reverend to help their community see both the Christmas story and the Herdmans through new eyes.
The musical features Book and Lyrics by Jahnna Beecham; Music and Lyrics by Malcolm Hillgartner; and is Based on the Play by Barbara Robinson.
The cast includes (THE HERDMANS) Ralph: Rob Drigant; Imogene: Arya McMahon; Leroy: Jocelyn Womack; Claude: Lexi Watson; Ollie: Gabriel Napier; Gladys: Lylah Watson (THE BRADLEYS) Grace: Gina Drigant; Bob: Damon Strothers; Charlie: Desmond McMahon; Beth: Azalea Williams (KIDS) Alice Wendleken: Jessica Gripp; Ivy Reed: Layna Watson; Elmer Hopkins: Amelia Davis; Teddy Shoemaker: Aubrey Shoultz (CHURCH LADIES) Helen Armstrong: Amber Stolarski; Luanne: Anjelica McMahon; Betty: Marissa DiPilla; Connie: Eva Kleinlein (OTHER ADULTS) Reverend Hopkins: Jay Fink; Fireman: Kris Kauker.
Performances take place Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00pm and Sunday matinees at 3:00pm. There is a special 3:00pm matinee on Saturday, November 21st as well. Tickets are $25 and are available for purchase online. All shows take place at the Broad Street United Methodist Church (36 East Broad Street) in Burlington, New Jersey.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals.
Bridge Players Theatre Company, based in Burlington, NJ, is dedicated to presenting high quality, affordable theatrical productions to the community. We encourage an active and diverse membership by creating opportunities, both on and off stage, for people of all ages and from all backgrounds, inviting all to celebrate their individual talents and their mutual passion for live theatre.
Monday, October 26, 2026
@ 5:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
Rahway, NJ
Senior citizens (55+) are invited to join area teachers and their students for a free play reading of select scenes from “To Kill a Mockingbird”, Christopher Sergel’s adaption of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize–winning novel.
There are multiple performances including:
Monday, October 26, 2026
@ 8:00pm
NJPAC - Prudential Hall
Newark, NJ
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
@ 7:00pm
Grunin Center - Main Stage
Toms River, NJ
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
@ 7:30pm
Kean Stage - Enlow Recital Hall
Hillside, NJ
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
@ 7:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
New Brunswick, NJ
