Published: November 25, 2009 10:29 pm      

DLT set for Christmas play

Plot revolves around church production

DUNCAN — It’s not a traditional Christmas story, but it may be the best. At least that’s what the title suggests.

Duncan Little Theatre will present “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” for a four-day engagement at the Simmons Center. It will begin at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 through 5, and at 2 p.m. Dec. 6.

The play revolves around a church play and the involvement of the worst kids in the town, the Herdmans.

Michael Harris, play director, said, “It’s going very well. This is one of the most talented group of actors I’ve ever worked with, whether they’re adults or children. I’ve been doing this for 35 years.”

Harris said the actors are ahead of where many are when preparing for a play. He said the majority of the actors have their lines memorized and things have been running smoothly.

He said he feels good about the play because of how far the actors have come in learning lines and getting into their characters.

“We’re fine tuning at this point,” Harris said.

Harris said he was offered the opportunity to direct the play by DLT veteran Gina Flesher. At first he wasn’t sure if he’d get the opportunity to direct because he didn’t know if he’d be traveling with work at the time.

But things worked out, and he jumped at the opportunity to direct the story he has loved for years.

“It’s an absolutely hilarious play,” he said. “I love how the Herdmans come around to the story of Christmas.

“I just love the story.”

Harris said he has read the Barbara Robinson’s book of the same name numerous times and is glad he has the opportunity to direct the production. He said he is amazed by the range of the actors, especially since many of them are youths.

There’s about 30 children of all ages performing in the comedy. Several have been in DLT productions, most noteably those who appeared in the February DLT performance of “Peter Pan.” And many have helped add to the play, Harris said.

“The kids have a lot of imput,” he said. “This is a good group of kids.”

— Derrick Miller is a reporter for The Duncan Banner. He can be reached at 580-255-5354, Ext. 160, or via e-mail at derrick.miller@duncanbanner.com.