Be prepared to view church Nativity programs in a whole new light when “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” comes to the Crest Theater this week. This comedy production is based on a popular children’s book by Barbara Robinson, where “the worst kids in the history of the world” take over a church’s Christmas pageant.

The show is a shared project between Barton Community College Theatre and Great Bend Community Theatre. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, and 2 p.m. Sunday,  Dec. 12. Order tickets online at GBCT.net. It features a cast of future stars,including Barton County children in grades K-8 as well as Barton students and adults.

Director Miller James has guided a cast of more than two dozen players – most children making their stage debuts. James has directed multiple shows at Barton and has begun a theater ensemble, The Barton Bards, that will travel to elementary schools and community events and perform folktales.

Cast members include Carlos Orozco, Jennifer Klepper, Brooklyn Reynolds, Sebastian Quezada-Ponce, Joseph Brauer, Emma Beahm, Leo Bashor, Jacob Willard, Otto Bogner, Rozlyn Klepper, Kandys Frydendall, Barbara Thoran, Barbi Austin, Amanda Shepherd, Erin Dannebohm, Nautika Richards, Zoey Bogner, Jeslyn Klepper, Vivian Klepper, Quinton Heath, Brecklynn Carper, Anniyah Hurd-Harders, Shorae Ney, Campbell Husted, Janey Weber, Brianda Quezada-Ponce, Davanee Husted, Knox Husted, Ward Shepherd, Whittaker Shepherd and Winston Shepherd.

Behind the scenes are Leon Sobba, Jacob Disque, Yesenia Summerson, Jacee Stevens, Madalyne Casey, Sarah McMahon, Bryce Hopkins, Kaden Baird, Destiny Hughes, Karen Gore, Angela Meitner and Luke Abbott.