‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ at No Square Theatre

OC Theatre Guild
6 minutes ago
4 min read

One of the funniest Christmas stories to delight holiday audiences comes to Laguna Beach.

From Left: Jen Kucera Rothman, Teddy Rayburn, Adam Ferguson and Lila Etherton. Photo courtesy of No Square Theatre

by Anne Reid

Based on the beloved book by Barbara Robinson, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” brings holiday chaos, comedy and unexpected heart to No Square Theatre this season. In this hilarious classic play, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids, probably the most inventively awful kids in history, as they bulldoze their way through the show, causing chaos along the way.

What begins as utter mayhem slowly transforms into a surprisingly tender celebration of community, compassion and Christmas spirit. With a cast of sixteen children and six adults, ranging from complete beginners to seasoned young performers, this production promises family-friendly laughter and a heartfelt finale that has made the story a holiday staple nationwide.

For Artistic Director Joe Lauderdale, choosing this piece was intentional. “I wanted something that had a multi-generational cast,” he says. “It’s always a learning experience for young people to work with adults. This show is charming and fun, yet also poignant, insightful and redeeming. It’s the perfect holiday show for the family.” Though No Square is primarily known for its musicals, Lauderdale sees this play as a meaningful addition to the theater’s season. “Having a play is important in our overall mission,” he explains. “It’s a different kind of show for No Square. We offer youth programming but this show is open to everyone. It’s a universal story.”

Directing the production is Stephen Gomer, who is working with No Square Theatre for the first time. With more than 35 years of directing experience across Southern California, Gomer brings a mix of professionalism, humor and firm guidance to a cast dominated by young performers. “Kids are willing to try so many things,” he says. “It’s scary sometimes because they don’t always retain information right away, but they’re ambitious, they listen and when they get it, it’s wonderful.” He describes himself as a “stern director” who expects his actors, no matter their age or experience, to work together seriously and respectfully. “There are no small parts,” he emphasizes. “Only small actors. Even if you have just a few lines, what you do with them matters. Everyone shines in their own way.”

From Left: Josh Giuberto, Blakely Amador, Jax Lommerin, Annabelle Finch, Logan Pearson and Chase Provost. Photo courtesy of No Square Theatre

Gomer says he was immediately drawn to the script’s blend of comedy and warmth. “I like to do shows that have humor but also a really nice story,” he explains. “And the holiday element makes it even better.” Though he has directed children’s theater before, this is his first time leading a community theater production where the majority of the cast are kids. “It’s different,” he says with a laugh. “Some have done a lot of shows and some have never done it before. But that’s part of the joy.”

Rehearsals are closed to parents – an unusual but strategic choice for such a youth-heavy cast. Gomer says it allows young actors to focus, experiment and grow without outside eyes. “Many kids come with a stage parent,” he jokes, “but this setup lets the actors work freely.” He works closely with sound, light and scenic elements to create a sensory experience in No Square’s intimate thrust space. He’s adding distinctive sound cues, including a humorous “Herdman signal” that sets the tone for their entrances, and subtle underscoring to heighten more emotional moments. Lighting shifts help transport the audience through the many locations in the story, including the mother’s house, the schoolyard, backstage chaos at the church, dressing rooms, the parents’ area and even a makeshift hospital scene created with just a wheelchair. The pageant at the end brings everything together with simple costumes, including holiday sweaters and nativity accessories, many contributed by families to support the low-budget charm.

Lauderdale, reflecting on his journey to this moment, notes how special it is to bring a holiday play to this intimate Laguna Beach theater. As a former Youth Theater Director at The Laguna Playhouse for 17 years, he became well known nationally through the American Alliance for Theatre and Education and continues to champion meaningful, community-centered storytelling. “No Square is a gem of a little theater,” he says. “We hope people from all over Orange County will check us out. We love having new people and we want to continue serving the Laguna Beach community.” Originally stepping in as Interim Artistic Director, he ultimately accepted the permanent role and now looks forward to growing the theater alongside Managing Director Rob Harryman and Assistant Artistic Director Hillary Pearson. “We will continue to grow and challenge audiences with both thought-provoking shows and pure entertainment,” he adds.

From Left: Claire Benson, Hannah Yaoz, Taegyn Morris, Lucy Wilson, Janelle Rothman, Anabelle Vander Mooren and Teddy Rayburn. Photo courtesy of No Square Theatre

Gomer hopes families come ready to laugh and be moved. “For those who know the show, I want them to rediscover its sense of awe and tenderness,” he says. “For those who don’t, I hope they experience something new and joyful.” With young performers from Huntington Beach, Mission Viejo, Laguna Beach and other nearby communities, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” promises to draw parents, grandparents, friends and supporters, filling No Square with a unique kind of holiday spirit. “I hope I don’t disappoint the moms,” he says with a smile. “We have six weeks of rehearsal, eight performances and what we get is what we get. But I hope they’re as happy to work with me as I am with them.”