THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER

ABOUT THE SHOW

In this hilarious Christmas classic, 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. You won't believe the mayhem – and the fun – when the Herdmans collide head-on with the story of Christmas! Adapted from the bestselling Young Adult book.

The show runs approximately one hour and 15 minutes, with no intermission. Concessions will be available prior to the start of the show and may be taken into the theatre.

Parking in Downtown Cary is in very high demand in December with many people coming to enjoy the holiday lights! Please allow yourself time to get to the theatre early to find parking and relax!

For the 12:00 Noon show on Saturday, December 6th, please try to arrive prior to 11 am to find parking. Due to the Christmas Tree Lighting and other events at the Downtown Cary Park that day, there will be road closures and increased traffic near the Cary Arts Center.

MEET THE DIRECTOR

Amanda Jenkins moved to Cary NC in January 2023, from a very small countryside village in England, having always been active in theatre she reached out to Cary Arts Center- seeking opportunities to become involved in youth theatre and education in her new home area.

Back in England she taught drama in local schools and ran her own Saturday morning and holiday theatre workshops out of a cozy 120 seat theatre. A highlight of her teaching career is having her senior workshop class selected to work and perform with the National Theatre as part of their Connexions program. 

In addition to teaching, Amanda also worked for the National Health Service as a Specialist  Child Development Practitioner, specializing in play therapy and support for children (and their families) being assessed for or having a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and other neuro-diverse disorders. 

She is passionate about making creative drama accessible to all and feels lucky to have worked with, and learnt from, so many diverse young people.

Amanda trained with LAMDA and New Era and also has a degree in Early Childhood Education.  

In her spare time Amanda loves exploring the beautiful NC parks, mountains, beaches and trails. She enjoys  live music, dancing, reading, yoga and spending time with her husband of 32 years – Jeff.

She has 2 wonderful adult kids who are still in the UK, Ben & Robyn and visits them and other friends and family back in England regularly.

As part of the Cary Arts Centre’s theatre team Amanda has directed 2 mainstage musicals – Matilda and Tuck Everlasting as well as teaching many summer camp classes and on track out days.  

She is very excited to be working with the Cary Players!