Other, non-North American English-speaking countries know the play The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by an alternate title: The Worst Kids In The World. That should tell you about the quality of the characters in question, and the odds that the title would actually come true. The Herdman clan will be on hand to teach you all about the true spirit of Christmas by lying, cheating, stealing, smoking and other wholesome endeavors. It's a feel-good season of joy for everyone. Or something.

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, 7 p.m. Dec. 19-21, 3 p.m. Dec. 22-24, Tacoma Youth Theatre, 924-B Broadway, Tacoma, $5-$20, pay-what-you-can Dec. 19, 253.677.0531