I absolutely love plays, and any type of production, big or small. So, I was super excited when Neil Johnson contacted me about reviewing his new Nativity Pageant. It is perfect! I love everything about it!
He is very smart to add general instructions about cast size, narration, length of the show, etc. The show is only 15 minutes (up to 20 minutes if you add hymns).
I love how each scene is broken down by who is in it, and that there is a chart with stage areas so people can learn and follow stage directions.
The props are very simple, and no set is needed. Each scene specifies the scripture reference and the length of the scene.
The script is based on the nativity story, and is directly from the King James version of the Bible, with a couple variations for understanding.
I love how there are basic stage directions to help bring the mood to each scene. Everything is very easy to do, but will bring the Spirit to those watching.
Neil Johnson clearly put tons of thought into how to create a pageant that would be meaningful and spiritual, yet also very simple so that people of all backgrounds and talent could participate. This would be wonderful for church Christmas parties, family nights, and so much more. The cast can go from 6-25, so there are so many options!
You can buy this wonderful script on many sites, but here is the Amazon link. The cost is only $2.99 for the electronic version, and $4.99 for the paper copy. It is definitely worth it! Make this pageant a part of your Christmas this year and every year!
Excerpts
Narrator 1: And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
Narrator 2: And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
(Joseph leads the “donkey” with Mary on its back [or Joseph and Mary walk together] to the stage left side of the room.)
Narrator 1: And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because he was of the house and lineage of David:
(Mary gets off the “donkey,” stretches her painful back, and sits.)
Narrator 2: To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. Narrator 1: And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
(Mary puts “baby” into the cradle and stares at him lovingly.)
About the book:
Would you rather read the nativity story or be a part of it? Using simple stage directions, easy-to-find props, and a script that’s straight from the scriptures, this book helps you act out the familiar story of the first Christmas for your friends and family. Start a new tradition this season with a simple pageant you’ll look forward to performing year after year.
About the author:
Neil K. Johnson taught school for 44 years–first drama, then English–and he loves kids. He was able to teach over 7,000, and as a result, many of them won awards for their writing and drama. He was chosen as the 2010 Utah English Teacher of the Year, and he was president of a state English and two state drama and speech teacher associations. Neil received his bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and his master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin at Superior. He did doctoral work at the University of Utah and the University of Northern Colorado. He wrote The Drama Source Book and compiled three books of plays. Neil and his current wife Sharee both lost their first spouses to cancer. They married and blended their family of 15 kids, and they have 50 grandkids (and counting). Neil is very active in his church, and he loves to see the enactment of the nativity pageant at Christmastime. He knows many of the struggles to make the pageant meaningful, and he has tried to address them in this dramatization.
Author Residence: Lehi, UT