A tradition continues as Seattle Public Theater (SPT) presents its sixth-annual holiday production of "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," through Dec. 24 at the Bathhouse Theatre, 7312 W. Green Lake Drive N.
"The focus of this production has always been about the growth of the kids and the sense of community that the production brings to the Seattle community, especially during the holidays," said director Shana Bes-tock, Seattle Public Theater's artistic director. "'Best Christmas' takes on a different meaning as opposed to our normal mainstage shows, in that the theater is an outlet for which the children can find in themselves the opportunity to emote and learn to leave their inhibitions behind by expressing themselves."
Same story, different casts
Barbara Robinson's play centers on some Christmas chaos as the Herdmans, six trouble-making siblings on welfare, invade a church production of the traditional Nativity story. Things go awry as they assume all the major roles in the pageant.
"The thing that changes are the people, and that's what keeps it fresh," Bestock said.
Her history with the play dates back almost 20 years, when she played Gladys Herdman in the first professional production of the show, which also took place in Seattle, at the Woodland Park Zoo.
For Bestock and several cast members, the play takes on a meaning beyond its religious backdrop about not taking things for granted and the importance of family.
"I was surprised when I came into rehearsal how much it affected me," said Julia Rauch, 22, who plays Mrs. McCarthy. "It's definitely got a lot of humor to it, and it touches you quite a bit at the end."
An annual tradition
The 20-person cast ranges in age from 8 to older than 50. "I had a lot of great people audition," Bestock noted, adding that about 70 tried out.
"[The younger cast members] are so professional. I sometimes feel like they have more focus and energy than I do," Rauch said.
A number of the kids in the production have performed in the play for several years, in different roles.
"I was surprised to see how many people had been in it before," said 13-year-old Kellan Larson, who is enjoying his debut with the production as Claude Herdman. "I'm happy with the part I have. It's pretty fun being a bully."
Sasha Kool, a 14-year-old University Prep student, plays Beth, the narrator. This is also the first time she has performed in "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever."
"I've wanted to be in this play since I first saw it," she said. "I've seen it every year."
Kayla Sargent, 16, who played Beth in last year's production, returns as Alice. "It's fun because it's a professional show, but it's still very familiar and comfortable," she said.
"I'm really enjoying it; it's a very interesting experience," agreed Kaya Wynn, 16, who plays Imogene. She added, "It's the part I really wanted. She's very opposite from me, which is very fun."
Wynn saw the play for the first time at Seattle Public Theater last year.
"I think by now it's a tradition, and we'll continue to do it indefinitely," Bestock said. "Until there's no interest in doing it or seeing it, I think we'll keep going."
Show times
"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" runs through Dec. 24. For ticket information, call 524-1300 or visit www.seattlepublictheater. org.
Jessica Davis can be reached via e-mail at needitor @nwlink.com.
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