The Best Nativity Musical Ever

The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world–so when they crash Sunday school and demand parts in the Nativity musical, the whole town panics. There’s not supposed to be biting or cigar-smoking in Bethlehem, and while these kids have never even heard the Nativity story, they definitely have rewrites! Soon, everyone is calling for reluctant director Grace Bradley to cancel the whole thing. It’s up to the Bradleys and the Reverend to help their community see the Nativity story and the Herdman kids through new eyes in this buoyant musical adaptation of the funny and touching holiday classic.

Roles
10F, 9M
Musicians
5
Acts
2
Duration
1 hour 30 minutes

Creators

Jahnna Beecham

Jahnna Beecham

Book and Lyrics By Jahnna Beecham (Playwright/Lyricist) met Malcolm Hillgartner (Composer/Lyricist) while acting at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. They were married onstage at the Empty Space Theatre in Seattle and have built a life together in the...

Read More

Malcolm Hillgartner

Malcolm Hillgartner

Music and Lyrics By Malcolm Hillgartner (Composer/Lyricist) met Jahnna Beecham (playwright/lyricist) while acting at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. They were married onstage at the Empty Space Theatre in Seattle and have built a life together in the...

Read More

Orchestration

5 Musicians

PIANO/CONDUCTOR
REED (Clarinet, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax)
BASS (Electric)
DRUMS
GUITAR (Acoustic, Electric)

Casting

Ralph
Male - 13
The oldest and coolest. He’s the enforcer.

Imogene
Female - 12
Leader of the Herdmans. She’s loud, bossy, and crafty.

Leroy
Male - 11
Ralph’s backup. Very confident in the muscle department.

Claude
Male - 10
Scrappy and smart.

Ollie
Male - 9
A bit of a naïve urchin who follows the older boys’ leads.

Gladys
Female - 8
Little but fierce. Nothing scares Gladys.

Grace
Female - 35-40ish
Sweet, good-humored, slightly frazzled mom.

Bob
Male - 35-40ish
Easygoing dad, wry sense of humor.

Charlie
Male - 10
Typical kid brother, says what he thinks.

Beth
Female - 11
Charlie’s older and wiser sister. She’s honest and kind.

Helen Armstrong
Female - 40-50ish
Organized steamroller. She’s always in charge.

Reverend Hopkins
Male - 40-50ish
Occasionally befuddled, always well-meaning.

Luanne
Female - 35-40ish
Sassy, tells it like it is.

Betty
Female - 30–40ish
Sweet southerner, calls everyone “honey.”

Connie
Female - 30-40ish
Direct, no-nonsense type.

Alice Wendleken
Female - 11
Know-it-all. She thinks she’s perfect.

Elmer Hopkins
Female - 10
Preacher’s kid, which means he needs to behave and be nice.

Teddy Shoemaker
Male - 9
Wimpy kid with glasses, asks too many questions.

Ivy Reed
Female - 11
Beth’s earnest friend who is sometimes a goody-goody.

Production Materials

Included in your license are the following cast and crew scripts. These materials will be shipped upon receipt of payment if your license request is approved.

19 Cast Script/Vocal Books

A combination of the show’s full script and the full vocal book. All dialogue within each song is printed in the score to prevent flipping back and forth during rehearsals. All books are spiral-bound and double-sided.

2 Director’s Scripts

A single-sided, spiral-bound script designed with plenty of space for the director to take notes and add blocking during the rehearsal process.

1 Stage Manager’s Script

A single-sided, three-hole punched script that can be inserted into your three-ring binder.

2 Piano/Conductor Scores

A keyboard score that is a key part of the show’s actual orchestration. This score contains both vocal parts and a cue staff, which guides the conductor through the full orchestration by informing them when instruments enter the song, as well as providing specific part lines when necessary.

Orchestration Set

Bass, Drums, Guitar, Reed

Promotional Resources

The Best Nativity Musical Ever Logo Pack

Official Logo Pack

Included with license

Includes color and black and white high-resolution logo files in JPG, PNG, and EPS formats.

Learn More

The Best Nativity Musical Ever Official Show Artwork

Official Show Artwork

$175

Creating artwork for your performance has never been easier – customize online in minutes, download a print-ready PDF, order printed posters, access layered files.

Learn More

The Best Nativity Musical Ever Promotion Kit & Social Media Guide

Social Media Marketing Kit

$250

Includes everything you need to plan and implement the promotion of your show – 50+ graphics for social media, original show specific content, social media guide, promotion calendar and press release template.

Learn More

Production Resources

Video Archival License

If you want to record your production for archival purposes you may do so by purchasing a video license.

$150

Stage Tracks / Show Ready

These high quality performance and rehearsal tracks will greatly enhance your production.

$750+

Show Ready

This rehearsal tool allows you to play a customizable rehearsal track of your show, complete with individual vocal parts.

$350

Additional Printed Books

Additional books (Cast Script/Vocal, Piano/Conductor, etc.) are available.

$25 each

Full Conductor Score

An ideal solution for those who choose to conduct their show from the podium, as opposed to the piano. Each detailed instrument staff is always right in front of you--giving you the most comprehensive layout for full control of your orchestra.

$125/Print, $100/Digital, $175/both

Digital Orchestration PDFs

Prefer playing or rehearsing from your tablet? All of our orchestration scores (including PC and PV) are available in digital copies.

PC or PV $50
Orchestration Parts $25/per book

Sound Effects Package

Our easily downloadable SFX package includes all the necessary noises to enhance your production. No additional software is required so you can simply run these from a computer, phone or tablet.

$50

Broadway Plus

A workshop experience in which a Broadway artist speaks and works with students in an educational setting through our partnership with Broadway Plus.

Prices Vary by Product

TurnKey Transpositions

Our catalogue is full of iconic music, and we can customize many of our titles to your performers' unique voices with our TurnKey Transpositions. Get the perfect key for the perfect actor! Our team will transpose any songs at your request during any point in your license period. All files will be delivered digitally and priced for your specific needs.

$50 per song for PV or PC
$150 per song for all orchestral parts (including PC/PV)

Credits

Based on the Play by Barbara Robinson

Orchestrations and vocal arrangements by Deborah Wicks LaPuma