By Tiffany Rose Price
Redlands News Collective
REDLANDS — The holiday season is nearly upon us, and Redlands Footlighters Theatre is preparing to bring laughter, heartwarming moments, and a little Christmas chaos to the stage with its upcoming production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.
Running from December 4 through December 20, 2026, this beloved holiday comedy, written by Barbara Robinson, tells the story of the notoriously mischievous Herdman children, who unexpectedly take over a church Christmas pageant. What follows is a delightful mixture of mayhem, humor, and an unexpectedly touching reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.
Directed by Samantha French and Carolyn Duncan, the production brings together local theatrical talent in a festive show designed to entertain audiences of all ages. The production is presented in partnership with Redlands' Looking Glass Studio of Performing Arts.
The Redlands News Collective caught up with the two directors to learn more about their vision for the production, the challenges of working with a young cast, and what audiences can look forward to this Christmas season.
Meet the Directors
The directors bring a wealth of theatrical experience and a shared passion for nurturing young talent.
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Samantha French
Samantha French holds an M.A. in Theatre Arts from UC Santa Cruz and a B.A. in theatre, film, and digital production from UC Riverside. She trained at Shakespeare's Globe in London and currently serves as head of acting at Looking Glass Studio of Performing Arts in Redlands. Her directing credits include The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Alice in Wonderland, and Flora McFlimsey. An experienced stage performer herself, French brings both acting and directing expertise to the production.
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Carolyn Duncan
Carolyn Duncan has extensive hands-on experience in nearly every aspect of theatrical production, including acting, directing, stage management, lighting, and set design. Her passion lies behind the scenes.
In Conversation with Samantha French and Carolyn Duncan
RNC: What inspired you to bring The Best Christmas Pageant Ever to the Footlighters stage this holiday season?
Duncan: Footlighters has traditionally done radio shows and comedies for our Christmas show. Looking Glass Studios used the theater for their production of Alice in Wonderland, which was a great success last summer. I love to see Christmas through the eyes of a child and thought that with some of the students from Looking Glass as well as others in the community, what better way to present a wonderful Christmas story.
French: When Carolyn approached me with the idea of a festive show, I immediately saw an opportunity to bring our young actors into a different theatrical environment. This show felt like a wonderful fit: it offers substantial roles for youth performers while giving them the chance to learn alongside experienced adult actors, build their confidence, and earn a meaningful production credit.
RNC: For readers unfamiliar with the story, what makes it such a beloved Christmas classic?
Duncan: It’s a feel-good Christmas story about a change of heart and a change of opinion. You see growth and change in all the main characters throughout the course of the play.
French: At its heart, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a story about redemption, grace, and the danger of judging a book by its cover. What makes the story so enduring is that beneath all the comedy and chaos, there's a deeply human reminder of what the holiday season can represent: compassion, belonging, and the willingness to see people differently.
RNC: You're co-directing this production. How do your different backgrounds complement one another?
Duncan: We both gave input into the design of the set and costumes. We see things and throw out ideas to one another as to what works best for the production.
French: Our process is genuinely collaborative, and the division of responsibilities evolves as the production takes shape. Carolyn brings years of experience across theater, including stage management, technical elements, sets, and costumes. My background is especially rooted in performance and coaching young actors. We bounce ideas off one another, develop them together, and stay open to adjusting our approach. Unlike traditional theaters, the Footlighters stage is configured in a traverse, so the audience views the action from opposing sides. It has been beneficial to have Carolyn’s input in considering how each moment reads from multiple angles.
RNC: The play features young performers alongside adults. What are the joys and challenges of directing children in a theatrical production?
Duncan: The joy is watching the young actors using their instincts and imagination when portraying the characters on stage. The challenges are, they are kids. Sometimes they do not listen to direction or fully understand what is being asked of them. I have worked with young actors in the past, and we are blessed to have a very professional group of kids for this show.
French: Young performers have an extraordinary capacity for imagination, and I sometimes envy how freely they access it. I try not to over-coach children; I want them to trust their instincts, take creative risks, and make bold choices. The practical challenges are usually less glamorous: coordinating everyone's busy schedules and reminding the kids to save their impressive vocal projection for the stage rather than backstage! (laughs) But their enthusiasm and inventiveness make the process incredibly rewarding.
RNC: What qualities were you looking for during auditions, particularly when casting the mischievous Herdman children?
Duncan: Energy and personality. This helped us determine the characters they would portray.
French: We were looking for a combination of strong foundational skills and the qualities each role specifically required. Vocal projection, active listening, and the ability to take direction were important across the board. For the Herdmans, we needed performers who could embrace the characters' rough-around-the-edges energy and make fearless choices. Ultimately, we wanted actors who could serve the story and grow through the rehearsal process.
RNC: Have there been any particularly funny or unexpected moments during rehearsals?
Duncan: During one rehearsal, we asked the children to react as they would in a particular situation. Their responses were hilarious!
French: The children have a wonderful habit of improvising with one another while staying in character, and they truly say the darndest things. We've seen everything from enthusiastically dramatic headbanging during a fight scene to an impromptu game of catch with a baby doll. Sometimes the funniest moments come when the kids start reminding one another to stay on task! Their willingness to play and respond to each other makes rehearsals feel alive, and it's a joy to watch their creative instincts develop.
RNC: Is there a particular moment you're especially excited for audiences to experience, without giving too much away?
Duncan: When we see Imogene Herdman’s true colors.
French: I'm particularly excited for audiences to see some of the stage combat involving our young performers. They've done a wonderful job making those moments feel believable, and it's exciting to see them use physical storytelling to heighten the action. I think audiences will be surprised by how convincingly the kids bring that chaos to life.
RNC: What do you hope audiences, especially children, take away from the play?
French: I hope audiences leave thinking about redemption and grace. We're all human, and we all go through difficult seasons. A person's circumstances, mistakes, or reputation should never make them less deserving of compassion. I hope this production reminds people that everyone is worthy of love, community, and, of course, a little holiday cheer.
Duncan: This show is a great reminder that we do not always know someone’s situation. The transformation of all in the show comes when they look beyond the surface, and ultimately everyone changes for the better.
RNC: What makes Redlands Footlighters such a special place to produce live theatre, particularly during the Christmas season?
French: Footlighters has a special intimacy that makes it feel like a little haven for theatre in Redlands. It's a place where people can hone a craft they've practiced for years or discover an entirely new skill, and that openness is a meaningful part of community theatre. Its longstanding presence in the local arts scene gives the space a sense of history. During the holidays, that closeness feels especially fitting. A Christmas story about belonging and community has an added resonance when it's being shared in a theatre that brings neighbors together.
Duncan: Redlands Footlighters has been around for a very long time. I remember going to shows produced by Footlighters with my mom many years ago. This Christmas season, we will be making the atmosphere very cozy and comfortable. As a special festive touch, hot chocolate and cookies will be served after the show.
RNC: Why is it important for children and families to experience live theatre, both as audience members and performers?
French: Live theater asks us to be present in a way that feels increasingly rare. Every performance is a one-of-a-kind exchange between the people onstage and the people watching; once that moment passes, it can never be recreated in quite the same way. It's a lesson in attention, empathy, and human connection, all happening in real time.
Duncan: There is nothing else like live theater. You can see the same show multiple times and always come away with something different. Being live theater, you never know what is going to happen next. As a performer, it helps you to learn to think on your feet and keep the show going — even when something goes wrong, the audience will never know!
RNC: What would you say to a young person in Redlands who dreams of stepping onto the stage but hasn't yet found the confidence to audition?
French: Believe in yourself and remember there's a place for everyone in the arts. You don't have to walk into an audition feeling completely confident. Sometimes simply setting the goal to show up is a tremendous first step. Be willing to take a chance on yourself, because you have a perspective and something to share that no one else can offer in quite the same way.
Duncan: Just do it! The more you audition, the less nervous and awkward you feel. You may be the perfect fit for a role, be needed in the ensemble, or even find your place working backstage as a stagehand.
RNC: What first inspired your passion for the stage?
Duncan: I have been involved in theater since I was twelve. I was involved in a summer theater camp at University of Redlands with a few friends of mine and have been doing theater ever since.
French: I was five years old when I played an angel in my school's Nativity play, and I was instantly hooked. Even at that age, I remember feeling that I was part of something bigger than myself. Theatre has since given me so much: confidence, creativity, the courage to take risks, and a profound sense of community. Those gifts have shaped who I am, both as an artist and as an educator. One of my greatest hopes is to pass that same sense of possibility on to my students and help them discover what the stage can offer them.
RNC: Why should Redlands families make The Best Christmas Pageant Ever part of their holiday celebrations this year?
French: When it’s easy to make assumptions about one another or focus on our differences, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever invites us to lead with grace, reconsider our first impressions, and make room for everyone. It’s funny, chaotic, and ultimately full of heart. I hope families leave feeling more connected to each other and to their community. And who knows? We may even have a special visitor from the North Pole during our final weekend!
Duncan: It’s a wonderful way for families to begin their Christmas celebrations, enjoy a family-friendly show, and reflect on what Christmas is really all about.
A Little Christmas Fun
RNC: If you could each describe this production in just three words, what would they be?
Duncan: Fun. Heartwarming. Christmas.
French: Christmas. Chaos. Community.
An Author’s Note: Family Affair, Onstage and Off
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Arts and entertainment writer Tiffany Rose Price and her son, Parker Price.
On a personal note, this production holds special meaning for me. My 9-year-old son, Parker, returns to Footlighters as Elmer Hopkins, following his previous appearance as the March Hare in Alice in Wonderland. My own theatrical roots go back to my teenage years on the London stage, and I'm thrilled to be making my Footlighters debut alongside him in the role of Mrs. Clark. Sharing the stage with my son for the very first time makes this Christmas production especially memorable.
A Christmas Treat for the Whole Family
Whether you're a longtime supporter of local theatre or introducing your children to the magic of live performance for the first time, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever promises an entertaining evening for the whole family. With laughter, Christmas cheer, and hot chocolate and cookies served after the show, it's a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season at Redlands Footlighters.
Performance Information
Production: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Dates: Dec. 4–20, 2026
Venue: Redlands Footlighters Theatre
Address: 1810 Barton Road, Redlands
Phone: (909) 793-2909
Directors: Samantha French and Carolyn Duncan
Written by: Barbara Robinson
Presented in partnership with: Looking Glass Studio of Performing Arts
Tickets: www.redlandsfootlighters.org