GETTING OUT

Beth Bradley's church's Christmas pageant is predictable every year - the angel choir members wear too much lipstick, shepherds wear their father's bathrobes and the minister's son is always cast as Joseph.

But when the authoritative pageant director breaks her leg, Beth's inexperienced mother Grace steps in. That's when the rambunctious Herdman children descend on the production, lured by the promise of free dessert at Sunday school and determined to win all the lead roles. During the frenzy that ensues, the production is briefly retitled "Revenge at Bethlehem."

That's the premise of the popular holiday play "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," staged by Connection Street Theatre at 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at Faith Lutheran Church, 1212 Connection St. in Shelton. The play is also staged at 7 p.m. Dec. 16 and 2 p.m. Dec. 17.

Tickets are $5 at the door. The doors open 30 minutes before showtime.

Michelle Whittaker directs the 1982 play penned by Barbara Robinson, based on her book.

"We always like every year to have a family-friendly Christmas show," she said. She added, "It's humorous, it's lighthearted, it's friendly for all ages."

Whittaker said she also likes the positive messages in the play. Although the other characters are alarmed by the reputation of the Herdman kids, the plot proves they might be wrong in their judgment of the siblings, and that it's possible to discover the Christmas spirit, she said. The show also allows parents and their children to perform together.

The members of the Bradley family are played by Herb Cargill, Brendan Salzer, Krystle Salzer, Emma Siemssen and Autumn Stevens. The members of the Herdman clan are played by J.D. Faubion, Tillie Carnahearn, Logan Siemssen, Elia Siemssen and Elyssa Salzer.

Portraying the school and church kids are Selma Karlson, Harmony Stevens, Zoey Bolender, Ethan Salzer and Paislee Chappell.

The adults and the members of the church council are played by Mat Taylor, Emily Hearn-Carnahan, Brenda Oster, Ray Karlson, Syrena Stevens, Brittany Givens, Zacharie Taylor, Jo Overby, Ava Taylor and Kathy Faubion.

Krystle Salzer is the assistant director, Shannon Klasell is the stage manager, Jay Himlie provides the lighting and special effects, and Marissa and Chris Walker the sound. Donna Wardin, Sawyer Parsons and Max Parsons assist with the lights.

Connection Street Theatre hosts auditions for "A Valentine's Murder Mystery Dinner" at 5 p.m. Jan. 4 in the fellowship hall at Faith Lutheran. Performers ages 16 and older can audition for 10 to 12 roles: three male, four female, and five that can be played by any gender.

For more information, go to http://www.keystonecenterartsandsci.com/acting-out.

IF YOU GO:

WHO: Connection Street Theatre

WHAT: "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever"

WHEN: 7 p.m. Dec. 9 and 16, 2 p.m. Dec. 10 and 17

WHERE: Faith Lutheran Church, 1212 Connection St., Shelton

ADMISSION: $5 at the door