Conservatory Theatre Company to Touch Hearts, Funny Bones with THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER: THE MUSICAL

Point Park University's Conservatory Theatre Company presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical, a laugh out loud, funny holiday play that puts the joy in Christmas for all ages. Directed by Philip Winters, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical runs December 9 - 18 in the Rauh Theatre at the Pittsburgh Playhouse, 222 Craft Ave.

Performances will be at 8 p.m., Thursdays through Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Adult tickets are $24, students and seniors are $10 and can be purchased by calling the Pittsburgh Playhouse box office at 412-392-8000 or visiting www.pittsburghplayhouse.com.

The Herdmans are the worst kids in the world. Shoplifting. Smoking Cigars. Drinking wine. And now that they have discovered that snacks are served at church, they want to be in the Sunday school's Christmas Pageant. Yes, all SIX HERDMANS- Ralph, Imogene, Leroy, Maude, Olive, and Gladys- are taking on Mary, Joseph, and the Angel of the Lord and, well, it's not the same old thing. Rediscover the true meaning of the holiday season and that no matter how different people are, the true magic happens when everyone comes together.

"The show is a quirky, funny musical about Christmas, childhood, acceptance and understanding," said Winters. "It is fast, silly, touching, and true. It features the worst kids in the history of the world. And a boy dressed like a sheep."

The Saturday, December 10th matinee performance will be dedicated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. All proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia. $10 donation per ticket and they must be purchased in person at the Pittsburgh Playhouse box office. *Cash or check made payable to Make-A-Wish only.

Special autograph signings will take place after the Saturday and Sunday 2pm matinee performances.

The Conservatory Theatre Company production features musical direction by Camille Rolla, scenic design Tucker Topel, costumes by Rachel Wyatt, lighting by Brianne Behnen, and sound by StEve Shapiro.

Director, Philip Winters is a local actor and director, and has been active in the Pittsburgh and regional theater scene for over 35 years. He is also a tenured faculty member of Point Park University's Conservatory of Performing Arts, where he is an Associate Professor of Theater. His credits include recent work with Quantum Theatre as Dr. Herdal in Ibsen's the Master Builder, as well as many productions with Playhouse REP, Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre, Pittsburgh Public Theatre, and St. Vincent Summer Theatre. Philip has recently been seen as Tom in WGN's series Outsiders, and he is featured in the film 478, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Philip holds degrees in English from the University of Pittsburgh and a Masters of Fine Arts from Point Park University. He lives near Pittsburgh with his wife and two daughters.