River Company presents “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” by Barbara Robinson, directed by Allison Eddyblouin, as its annual holiday fundraiser. All ticket sales from its three performances, Dec. 6 and 7 at 7 p.m.; and Dec. 8 at 3 p.m. will go to benefit the Food for Scholars Programs at AOS 93 schools.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is about a family of trouble-makers, The Herdmans, who decide to go to Sunday school for free food and end up taking over the annual Church Christmas Pageant. Grace Bradley is the only parent willing to direct the pageant and makes her unenthusiastic family help too.  Bob Bradley helps to direct children in the pageant and daughter Beth  serves as the narrator of the play, explaining to the audience the town gossip and behind the scenes moments. Son Charlie begrudgingly becomes a shepherd even though he is afraid of the Herdmans, especially Leroy  who steals his lunch everyday. Then there is Gladys Herdman who isn’t big, but is “fast, and she’s mean, and she bites.” Then there’s Ralphand Ollie and Imogene - who decides that only she can play Mary in the pageant.

The cast: Allison Eddyblouin, Mike Lee, Lila Neptune-Benner, Davis Awamleh, Blaise Eddyblouin, Ellie James Neptune-Benner, Eli Jones, Willow Moores, Lilly Mae Awamleh, Kostja Stapp,  Marley Neptune-Benner, Mercy Buchwalder, Micah Stapp, Arveragus Eddyblouin, Odysseus Neptune, Agnes Eddyblouin, Kerry Stapp, Cassandra Neptune-Benner, Cynthia Seigars,Elisabeth Awamleh, Mallory Adams, Sumner Richards and Mert Apinwall.

Tickets are now on sale and available online at https://rivercompany.ticketspice.com/the-best-christmas-pageant-ever or call 207-522-2797 to reserve tickets. Tickets are also available at the door a half hour before showtime.  Prices are reduced for this family friendly fundraiser: $10 regular admission, $5 student and $20 for families. All performances are in Porter Hall in Skidompha Library, located at 184 Main Street via the Elm Street entrance. 

For more information, visit www.rivercompany.org