Sports were my greatest concern growing up, to the detriment of almost every other activity. I never considered choir or band or scouting or anything else. I was all-in with my sporting interests, which varied in degree between basketball, football, baseball, and track.
My personality was completely defined and characterized by my involvement in athletics. I hate to admit it, but while I never knowingly treated anyone poorly (to the best of my recollection), I did snub my nose at the other extracurricular activities and those who chose to be involved in them. And none more so than theater.
I’m not sure why I found theater so disillusioning. In reality, sports is as much theater as theater is sports. Both activities take place on a stage with an audience in attendance. Both have stars, directors, and support. And both, if done well, have dramatic highs and lows that make for intriguing storylines.
But in my mind, sports were cool, and the theater was very uncool.
Yet, an interesting dichotomy is at play because, at one time in my life, I was involved in a theater production that moved me deeply.
The theatrical production I’m speaking about occurred at my church sometime in the mid-1970s, where I played Joseph in a regional adaptation of “The Nativity.” Many of the details are lost to me, but somehow, I got roped into auditioning for the annual event, eventually finding my way to center stage as the father of Jesus. I guess that because of my involvement in sports, I had little fear of acting out in front of other people, which apparently made me a viable candidate to portray history’s greatest dad.
Whatever the case, I remember taking my role in the play seriously. While I didn’t have an abundance of lines to memorize, I did have enough where I was concerned that, without ample preparation, I could easily make a public spectacle of myself. I think flubbing a line would be tantamount to missing a wide-open layup.
So, I practiced—a lot. In fact, I have more memories of reciting lines in my bedroom than I have of the actual event.
The church I attended in my youth was a typical New England Episcopalian structure with expansive marble flooring, rows upon rows of uncomfortable wooden pews, countless stained glass windows highlighting biblical stories, a glorious alter adorned with all the scriptural accouterments, and an expansive ceiling that looked like it reached into the heavens.
When I was there (which was every Sunday throughout my entire childhood), I was caught between a sense of religious awe and painful boredom. Week after week, I suffered through the seemingly pointless biblical interpretations, totally unaware that the scriptures and those conveying them to me were having a profound effect on my young psyche.
It would take decades before I realized just how much those early years at church profoundly affected my personality and outlook on life. And while the pageant I’m speaking of was only a one-off event, it still left an indelible mark on me.
Anyone who has ever been involved in a production of a nativity play knows that Mary is the central character. The Angel Gabriel is sort of a big deal, but Mary (with the baby Jesus swaddled in her arms) really is the center of attention. I knew my role of Joseph was supporting at best, but I still wanted my performance to be a slam dunk.
All I remember was being ridiculously nervous prior to the start of the play and up until I spoke my final line. After that, all my acting was simply moving about the stage. At some point, I looked into the gathered crowd, with the candles burning and the Christmas hymns beginning to be sung, and had an overwhelming feeling about the holiday that has never left me.
This week’s film, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” is a story not unlike my own, except in this case, there’s a bit more deviance at play. This wonderfully simple yet poignant story of a small-town nativity production has all the markings of a holiday classic, with fun-loving characters, a cheerful storyline, and a memorable lesson about life.
Outside of the obvious plot structure, this film has a decidedly Christian slant. But while some films in this category get preachy with their messaging, this one does not. Instead, it is subtle and endearing, like the movies many of us grew up with that involve religion without pushing it down our throats.
If you grew up going to church during the holidays or happened to be in your own nativity play, definitely give this one a try. It’s a family film at heart, but its holiday tone makes it appealing to everyone.
A righteous “B+” for “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” now playing in theaters everywhere.
Got a question or comment for Dom? You can email him at moviediary@att.net.
