'The Best Christmas Pageant Ever'

Tßhe Whitefish Theatre Co. presents the family classic “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” as its holiday show at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.

This hilarious and heartfelt play opens with a sneak preview night at 7:30 p.m. tonight. Performances continue at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 7, 8, 14 and 15; at 2 p.m. Dec. 8 and Dec.15; and 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9 and Dec. 16.

When the six Herdman kids — considered the terror of teachers, parents and students alike — show up at auditions and manage to snatch the major roles in the holiday show, everyone is convinced that this Christmas pageant, if it is presented at all, will be “the worst Christmas pageant ever.” Will the pageant be a disaster as everyone is expecting? Or will the spirit of the season allow the community to see the pageant — and the Herdmans — through new eyes?

Called “one of the best Christmas stories ever — and certainly one of the funniest,” this show, based on the 1971 book by Barbara Robinson, brims with mayhem and fun as the Herdmans bring a little joyful noise to the holidays.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $10 for students with reserved seating. Tickets for tonight’s sneak preview performance are sold only at the door and are $12 for adults and $10 for students.

Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office, 1 Central Ave., Whitefish, or by calling 862-5371. Box office hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and one hour before performance times. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.whitefishtheatreco.org.