See The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at the Rochester Civic Theatre

(ABC 6 NEWS) – Christmas is right around the corner and the Rochester Civic Theatre is getting in the spirit with a new production.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is based on the 1971 novel written by Barbara Robinson.

It follows the Herdman siblings who take over the Christmas Pageant at the local church.

Last year’s Christmas production was streamed due to COVID019, but this year’s annual holiday show is back in person.

There are 35 kids and 6 adults a part of the show and it has been about 3 years since a mostly youth production has happened at the Civic Theatre.

"We want to have those opportunities for our young youth in the area to participate in theatre in the area, so it is really exciting to be able to have a youth production here at the Civic Theatre," said Rochester Civic Theatre Managing Director, Misha Johnson.

Johnson said it feels great to be back in person this year.

"We are in our 70th season and people are incredibly grateful we are still here. and that we have another 70 years ahead of us. We’ve heard a lot of gratitude for coming back and making sure this is available for the public and that it didn’t disappear during the pandemic," said Johnson.

RCT’s Resident Set Designer helped bring the show to life.

He is a real stained glass artist and held create stained glass windows like the church would have.

"Those are actually painted so it is some stage magic that happens here behind us. So it is interesting because it does take place in a church so it is unusual that there are not a lot of set changes for production, but for this one in particular he wanted to highlight those beautiful stained glass windows," said Johnson.

Masks are required to attend the show.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever runs through Dec. 19.

You can pay an extra $10 to ride the Rochester Trolley Christmas Light Tour and meet Santa. That runs until Dec. 11.

You can find out more here.