It crossed Kevin Downes’ mind that “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” could be the next “Elf” or “Christmas Vacation.”
Audiences watch those films every December as part of their family traditions. Why not Downes’ “Pageant,” based on the beloved 1972 book by Barbara Robinson?
The producer quickly pushed the idea out of his head.
“You’ve got to forget about it,” Downes told The Hollywood in Toto Podcast. “Because if that becomes your driving motivation it’ll be a letdown. But it’s certainly in the back of our minds.”
“Pageant” follows a frazzled mom’s attempt to direct the local institution. The challenge? Live up to past productions while dealing with the show’s irascible stars.
That’s the Herdman clan, the town’s nastiest kids.
Downes, whose impressive resume includes “American Underdog,” “Ordinary Angels” and “Jesus Revolution,” said his team’s goal proved far more important – introduce the Nativity Story to viewers.
Many may not be familiar with that spiritual tale. That describes the young Herdmans, who learn of its spiritual beauty during the story.
“Pageant” isn’t set in 2024. The time period is fuzzy, with a discernible lack of smart phones or TikTok references.
“We wanted this to be accessible to all audiences, whether you’re 80 or eight,” he said. “You’re not really thinking about the time period it’s in. You’re thinking about the story itself. That was all very intentional.”
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The film is faithful to the source material, but the production didn’t let that get in the way of creative inspiration. Stars Greer and Holmes have serious comic chops, and director Dallas Jenkins of “The Chosen” fame let them loose.
“The improv was nonstop with those two,” Downes said. “Often times they would improv to get themselves hyped up and get ready to go. Even if it’s a serious scene or a serious moment, it’s just nonstop improvisation.”
Downes is an integral part of the blossoming faith-based film movement. His resume speaks for itself, dating back to early entries like “Moms’ Night Out” (2014) and “Woodlawn” (2015). What “Pageant” does it bring the Nativity Story to the screen without pushing away secular audiences.
The story comes first. Preaching? That got left off the screen.
Movies like “A Christmas Story,” “Christmas Vacation” and “Elf” are entrenched in western culture. Downes wanted to make a yuletide movie that put the emphasis back on Christ without leaving laughter and tears behind.
“It’s needed. I don’t think it’s been done, at least not in a long time,” he said. “[‘Pageant’] brings back the authenticity, the meaning of Christmas in a way that’s accessible to all audiences, and families won’t be offended. It doesn’t even matter what your religion is … it’s just about small-town America.”
To hear more from Downes, including the deeply personal connection Jenkins brought to “Pageant,” listen to the full episode.
