PRESS RELEASE
November 27, 2007

ROTTENEST KIDS COLLIDE WITH GREATEST STORY
Hope Community Church Presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Raleigh, NC -- Hope Community Church will present Barbara Robinson's inspiring family comedy The Best Christmas Pageant Ever during five performances on Friday, December 7 at 7:30 PM, Saturday, December 8, at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, December 9, at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. Complimentary tickets can be reserved by calling 532.0620 or emailing info@gethope.net  Hope is located at 821 Buck Jones Road in southwest Raleigh near Cary's South Hills Mall.

Barbara Robinson published the book The Best Christmas Pageant Ever as a novel for children in 1972; it quickly became a beloved holiday classic. Ten years later, the author adapted her book into a fast-paced, family-friendly play. The script was soon turned into a popular television movie. Each incarnation has charmed audiences with a unique blend of humor, insight and inspiration.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever tells the story of a church trying to mount its traditional holiday pageant while including six-over eager children from the Herdman family---the loudest, nastiest, most inventively awful kids in the community. With the Herdmans around, the angel of the Lord is more likely to bring the shepherds a black eye than good news. The spirit of the season, however, works its transformative magic. As the Herdmans experience the nativity story for the first time, they respond with surprising honesty. They're outraged that Mary must give birth in a stable, furious that Herod attempts to kill the baby, and awed by the appearance of the angel. The worst kids in the neighborhood connect with the wonder and mystery of the story, and the play’s congregation rediscovers the pageant's true power.

Performances last approximately one hour and doors open 30 minutes prior to the start of each performance. The play is most appropriate for children ages kindergarten  and older.

For more info about the production or Hope Community Church, visit www.gethope.net

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Direct press inquiries to:
Debbie Dodson
Creative Arts & Drama Director
Hope Community Church
www.gethope.net
919.532.0620 x109