RUMFORD — Paper Moon Players will present “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” a funny, heartwarming holiday classic based on Barbara Robinson’s children’s books, on Dec. 14-16 at 49 Franklin’s Mystic Theater.

The story about the Herdman family was made into a television Christmas special starring Loretta Switt and Fairuza Balk.

The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, steal, cheat, smoke cigars, swear and hit little children. So everyone is surprised when this outlaw family invades church one Sunday and decides to take over the annual Christmas pageant.

None of the Herdmans has ever heard the Christmas story. Their interpretation of the tale — the Wise Men are are bunch of dirty spies, Mary picked the wrong name for baby Jesus and Herod needs a good beating — has many people up in arms. It will certainly make for an unusual Christmas pageant, and quite possibly the best one ever. 

Cast members include Margaret Donaghue, Scott Owings, Jennifer Foster, Jan Peaslee, Tanya Vaughn, Jennifer LeDuc and Randy Holman. Director Keith A. Grassette and assistant Melissa Fallon have also cast many area schoolchildren lead by Jillian Conant, Trent Holman, Gina Kubesh, Jacob Sinclair, Virginia Owings, Sean Gould, Ben Duguay, Logan Danger Von Cote and Lily True.

Other young performers are Casey Saisi, Thomas Parlin, Jacob True, Paige Landry, Jade Kubic, Amara Aiken, Ellie LeDuc, Alice LeDuc, Lily Duguay, Erin Landry, Emily Buono and Alana Gotto.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” will be presented at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 14-15; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16. Doors open one hour before showtime. Holiday treats will be available for purchase.

For tickets, $7, call 1-207-369-0129, visit All That Jazz and Bartash’s on Congress Street or log on to www.49franklin.com.