Pine Island Playhouse to present ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’
The Pine Island Playhouse is getting ready for its upcoming show, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” based on the book by Barbara Robinson. Director Nichole Pichon, who runs many of the children’s programs at Pine Island United Methodist Church, fortunately has many youth at her disposal to cast in shows, such as this one.
“There are a little more than 30 people in the show, and a lot of them are kids,” Pichon said.
Showtimes are this Friday and Saturday, Dec. 10 and 11, at 7 p.m., with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. The schedule repeats the following weekend with 7 p.m. performances Dec. 17 and 18, with a 2 p.m. matinee Dec. 19.
This show, Pichon said, is about a family that goes to a church Christmas pageant, after finding out there will be snacks, only to become the biggest characters in the Christmas story, although they’ve never heard it.
For the Christmas season, Pichon said she tries to pick shows to perform that have a really big cast, because people seem to love seeing shows at this time of year with children in them, as opposed to February and March, she said, when they do a small adult cast.
While season is in bloom, she likes to be prepared with various shows.
“I can do a big adult, children’s theatre piece that has adults and kids later, because the cast is so big I get enough audience for that, so it’s right out of season. I tend to include a lot of kids because we have a lot of kids,” Pichon said.
In the rehearsals for this show, Pichon said the cast has had an amazing time, laughing throughout, making rehearsals easy, as there have been fewer for this show than any of the others.
CW Fudge Factory, one of the show’s sponsors, will be selling treats before and after the show, which is paid for, in addition to its sponsors, by donations, which are accepted and appreciated, as there is no charge for attending any of the shows put on by Pine Island Playhouse.
Seating is first-come, first-served, with available reserved seating for those with disabilities. If you need special seating, please call Nichole 239-677-9492.
“It’s going to be a really good show. We’re so excited to be back, and it will be great to come back with a really big show,” Pichon said, adding that those planning to attend should come early since this time of year usually presents a full house each night.
Pine Island Playhouse is located within Pine Island United Methodist Church, 5701 Pine Island Road, N.W.