“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” has been adapted in many forms since Barbara Robinson’s novel was first released in 1972.

It’s been a staple on the local theater circuit and even had a television adaptation in the early 1980s.

Now comes a feature film adaptation which manages to provide a fresh spin on a holiday classic. Director Dallas Jenkins, known for the faith based television series “The Chosen” as well as a few faith based feature films, has crafted a film that uses a light touch to convey its message of the true meaning of Christmas.

Add to that a very solid cast, including some wonderful child performances, and the result is a fun new entry in the holiday rotation.

Told from the viewpoint of Beth Bradley (Molly Belle Wright, with Lauren Graham providing the narration), “Pageant” centers around an annual tradition in a small town – a church presentation of the story of the birth of Jesus that has become routine in the community.

When the normal director is injured and unable to be in charge of the play, Beth’s mom Grace Bradley (Judy Greer) steps in to helm the presentation.

Things quickly go awry when the Herdmans, six delinquent siblings led by Imogene (Beatrice Schneider), decide to try out for the play – much to the dismay of the rest of the town.

Grace stands her ground and allows the Herdmans to take part, realizing they might not be so bad after all as the siblings slowly learn the true meaning of Christmas.

The film adaptation has plenty of familiar beats, with Ryan Swanson, Platte Clark, Darin McDaniel never straying far from the source material. Greer is well cast as Grace with Pete Holmes doing well as Grace’s husband Bob.

In the end it all comes down to the child cast, which proves to be more than up to the task. Schneider is a delight, perfectly capturing her character’s sweet center in that hard exterior shell. It’s the kind of character that could have easily become a caricature, but Schneider’s work provides a believable and realistic touch.

Wright is good as well, along with Kynlee Heiman as the youngest Herdsman Grace. Heiman’s performance could have been over precocious, but she brings a nice comedic touch.

This cast is more than enough to make “Pageant” one of the stronger faith based films in recent memory, a Christmas tale that can be appreciated by the entire family.
If You Go
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”
Starring: Judy Greer, Pete Holmes
Directed by: Dallas Jenkins
Rating: PG for thematic material and brief underage smoking
Playing at: Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10, Highland Cinemas (Glasgow), Available for streaming via in demand
Grade: B-