The Herdman children are “the worst kids in the whole history of the world.” So, it’s no wonder that the ladies of the church are concerned when they decide to be in the annual Christmas Pageant.

That is the story of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” presented by the Port Angeles Community Players Children’s Theater, written by Barbara Robinson and directed by Barbara Frederick, with music direction by Brooke Hendry. The play will be on stage at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, and the final performance is at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18.

The play is based on the children’s book of the same name about church Sunday school children recreating the first Christmas. And it’s always the same every year, until the director breaks a leg and the Herdmans decide to take part in it after finding out that they get all the snacks they want at church.

But the church birthday fund is missing, there’s smoke coming from the ladies’ restroom, the cake burns up and a ham is left behind, forming an unconventional pageant that will have the town talking for years.

The play takes place at the Port Angeles Community Playhouse 1235 E. Lauridsen Blvd. Admission is by donation at the door. The play is suitable for children 3 years and older and runs approximately 60 minutes with no intermission. The cast, ranging in age from 4-16 have been rehearsing two days a week for six weeks.

“These kids are so creative and inventive,” said Frederick. “They are so full of energy and enthusiastic to perform this play in front of an audience.”

This is the fifth production staged by the Children’s Theater, which emphasizes theater for youths, by youths added Frederick, who is one of the co-founders. “There is just something so magical and fun working with these kids. They make the story come alive.”

Cast members are McKaylee Anderson, Caleb, Chloe and Mairyn Corey, Allison Fricker, Harrison and Scarlett Fulton, Zelby Gloria, Ekaterina Hanes, Brock Hope, Holden Hughes, Madeline Irwin, Molly Kussin, Avonlea Lawrence, Bryan and Caleb Lisitsin, Damon Little, Jenna and Sammy Mason, Easton and Molly Merritt, John, Kimberlyn and Riley Mitchell, Emily McAliley, Max Ray, Carley Rife, Elise and William Sirguy, Kate Snook and Finn Waknitz.