Discover the Inspiring Journey Behind ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ – Hitting Theaters November 8!
Dallas Jenkins, the acclaimed creator of “The Chosen,” has embarked on a heartwarming new holiday project. Joining him on this festive endeavor is Lauren Graham, renowned for her roles in “Parenthood” and “Gilmore Girls.” Graham has signed on for Lionsgate and Kingdom Story Company‘s upcoming theatrical release, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.”
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This delightful film, based on Barbara Robinson’s beloved classic, promises to deliver the festive cheer audiences crave. Known for the hilarious and chaotic adventures of the Herdman children, the story follows their unexpected participation in the local church’s annual Christmas pageant.
“Hold on to your jingle bells, because the Herdmans are coming to church!” teased the production team. “Grab your family because #TheBestChristmasPageantEver is in theaters starting November 8th!”
Jenkins, who serves as co-writer and director, shared his long journey to bring this story to the big screen. “This is a big day. For 15 years, I have been chasing this movie,” Jenkins revealed. “Over 15 years ago, my wife and I brought home the book ‘Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ and read it to our kids for the first time and cried like babies. I laughed out loud and cried out loud,” shared Jenkins who worked for years to obtain the rights to the film.
This is a dream come true for me, and I’m going to make a great movie for you.
Dallas Jenkins
“When I finished reading it, I said, ‘I have to make this movie.’ Unfortunately, the rights were somewhere else. I kept getting told no; I couldn’t make it. Every week, I prayed, thought, and imagined making this movie.”
Prayers finally answered
Jenkins refused to take no for an answer and his prayers were eventually answered.
“I’d prepare things, write things, keep notes, and picture what it would look like, what it would feel like. Then, a couple of years ago, the studio that owned the rights forgot to extend them. One of the moms of the rights holders was a big fan of ‘The Chosen’ and said, ‘You need to work with this guy.’
Jenkins shared this opportunity is a dream come true for him and he intends to make the classic book into a movie to remember.
A dream come true
“This is a dream come true for me, and I’m going to make a great movie for you.”
As the countdown to the film’s release begins, excitement is building for the 75th Annual Christmas Pageant.
Cast members from Jenkins’ The Chosen series have joined the film, including Kirk B.R. Woller, Vanessa Benavente, and Elizabeth Tabish. Lauren Graham will play the narrator in addition to making a key on-screen cameo, Judy Greer plays Grace, the director of the pageant, and Pete Holmes as her husband, Bob.
Holiday joy comes to the big screen November 8
The Herdmans are poised to bring holiday joy and a touch of chaos to the big screen. “We’re thrilled to have all-stars Judy Greer and Pete Holmes join the cast of ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,’” along with producer Kevin Downes.
Mark your calendars and prepare for a delightful holiday experience as “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” hits theaters on November 8th. Join the celebration and get ready to laugh and cheer as the Herdmans take center stage.