Children’s Theatre of Charlotte (CTC) is excited to announce the return of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical,” a beloved holiday production that has become a perennial favorite for many in Charlotte. Directed and choreographed by Jennifer Poarch, the show brings audiences back to the misadventures of the Herdmans—the “worst kids in the history of the world”—as they take over the annual church Christmas pageant, with chaos, laughter, and heartwarming surprises at every turn. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical” will run from Nov 22 - Dec 22 in the McColl Family Theatre.
In addition to “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical,” audiences will get to experience a new holiday play developed by Children’s Theatre of Charlotte in collaboration with Sigmon Theatrical called “Doggie on My Doorstep: A Holiday Tail.” Aimed at preschool audiences (ages 3 and up), this playful production tells a story of friendship and the magical connections that stay with us long after they’re made. The show will run from Dec 12 - 22 in the Wells Fargo Playhouse.
A Conversation with Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s Steven Levine and Sigmon Theatrical’s Caleb Sigmon, Co-creators of “Doggie on My Doorstep”
Steven Levine, director of production at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, and Caleb Sigmon, creative director of Sigmon Theatrical, share a behind-the-scenes look at the play, its inspirations, and what young PreK audiences can expect from this exciting new work.
Q: Can you tell us a little about the play?
SL: “It’s a play about friendship, and the kind of connections that may occur fleetingly, at random times in our lives, but that stay with us long after.”
CS: “We were creating this with small children in mind, but it has really turned into something the entire family can enjoy. Silly moments for the kids, big laughs for the grown ups, and some heart-touching moments that I think will really speak to everyone.”
Q: Will there be a dog on stage?
SL: “The name of the play is ‘Doggie on My Doorstep.’ Let’s just leave it at that.”
CS: “We've been working hard to create the star of the show - an incredible puppet! Much like the magical puppetry of ‘The Lion King’, after a moment, you start to forget it's a puppet at all as it runs and darts across the stage like a real, living thing. I know children are going to want to pet him after the show.”
Q: This is a brand-new work. What is the process like for developing a play like this?
CS: “It's always a gift to get to create with friends. It's been so much fun developing this new play at Children's Theatre of Charlotte, and getting to work with Steven. We have very similar backgrounds and have always gotten along in a brotherly sort of way - this process has really been a celebration of that! We each bring ideas to the table and nothing is off limits. We record most of our sessions, so we try to give each crazy idea its best shot and then watch the playback to see what works and what doesn't! Some incredibly funny moments have come from this!”
SL: “This is not a text-driven piece. It’s more akin to silent film or clown theater, so we developed it on its feet and only wrote out a scenario when all was said and done. Caleb and I both have a background in Physical Theatre, so we share a vocabulary in that regard. We got together in a rehearsal room last summer and played—a week later, we emerged with the show in hand, and a song in our heart.”
Q: What previous works have either of you developed and/or directed at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte?
SL: “The first time Caleb and I worked together was in CTC’s production of ‘Mary Poppins’. He played Bert, and I played Mr. Banks. We didn’t have much stage time together but sat next to each other in the dressing room and connected instantly. Since then, I’ve directed ‘Pigs is Pigs’ and last season’s ‘Pinocchio’ here at CTC and have a long history of devising and developing new works.”
CS: “Most of my work over the last 14 years at Children's Theatre of Charlotte has been as an actor, with shows like ‘Peter Pan’, ‘Matilda ‘, ’Pete the Cat’, ‘Balloonacy’, and ‘Dr. Seuss' The Cat in The Hat’, among others. Recently, I've had the chance to collaborate on a deeper level, like directing a show for the Resident Touring Company last season. We are also working on some exciting upcoming projects that I can't wait to talk about!”
A Conversation with Jennifer Poarch, Director and Choreographer of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”
Jennifer Poarch shares her excitement about directing and choreographing “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical” and reflects on her experience with this long-standing holiday production.
Q: Can you tell us a little about the musical?
JP: “Adapted from the book by Barbara Robinson, ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical’ is about six siblings, deemed the worst kids in the world, who take over the church Christmas pageant, causing chaos. This adaptation is filled with dynamic music and energetic choreography, and we get to see if the Herdmans will succeed or if the town will cancel its holiday tradition.”
Q: Why has this show become a family tradition for many in Charlotte?
JP: “It is a sentimental story that promotes empathy and equality, and it resonates across all ages. It’s colorful, energetic, and filled with 70 minutes of chaos, humor, and heartfelt moments that urge audiences to return each year. It’s also an opportunity for families to support local talent and enjoy a touch of the Christmas spirit.”
Poarch also remarks on the size of the cast, noting that 14 of the 27 cast members are newcomers to Children’s Theatre of Charlotte and that they’re “thrilled to tell THEIR story.” Unlike the 14 newcomers, Jennifer Poarch has been part of this production five times since 2017. She’s played Grace (2017), Helen (2018), and LuAnne (2019, 2022, and 2023), and in 2019 was assigned the title of dance captain. Now, in 2024, the self-proclaimed cheerleader of the youth cast gets to lead the show! “I am enjoying my time as director and choreographer. It's such a blessing to be able to do what you love. Even though directing and choreographing is work and a job, it really feels like play and pure ‘joy, joy, joy!’” exclaims Poarch. “A favorite feeling as a director is seeing the cast grow individually and as a whole. The actors build confidence within their craft and within their everyday lives. Creating moments on stage, providing solutions to guide the cast, playing and building characters, and watching the cast shine when everything comes together is truly a remarkable experience.” One thing Jennifer Poarch is excited about most? “This will be my first time ever SEEING the show!”
Join Jennifer Poarch and others who have made “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical” part of their holiday tradition, and bring your youngest to see “Doggie on My Doorstep: A Holiday Tail.” Stop in at The Winter Wonderland Shop at CTC from Dec 4 - 7 for a holiday treat for the kids.
For more information about Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s holiday lineup and their 2024-25 season, visit ct charlotte.org.
