The Best Nativity Musical Ever

The Herdman Kids
RALPH – The oldest and coolest. He’s the enforcer, age 13.
IMOGENE – Leader of the Herdmans. She’s loud, bossy and crafty, age 12.
LEROY – Ralph’s backup. Very confident in the muscle department, age 11.
CLAUDE – Scrappy and smart, age 10.
OLLIE – A bit of a naïve urchin who follows the older boys’ leads, age 9.
GLADYS – Little but fierce. Nothing scares Gladys, age 8.

The Bradleys
GRACE – Sweet, good-humored, slightly frazzled mom, 35-40ish.
BOB – Easygoing dad, wry sense of humor, 35-40ish.
CHARLIE – Typical kid brother, says what he thinks, age 10.
BETH – Charlie’s older and wiser sister. She’s honest and kind, age 11.

Church People
HELEN ARMSTRONG – Organized steamroller. She’s always in charge, 40-50ish.
REVEREND HOPKINS – Occasionally befuddled, always well-meaning, 40-50ish.

Church Ladies
LUANNE – Sassy, tells it like it is, 35-40ish.
BETTY – Sweet southerner, calls everyone “honey,” 30-40ish.
CONNIE – Direct, no-nonsense type, 30-40ish.

Kids
ALICE WENDLEKEN – Know-it-all. She thinks she’s perfect, age 11.
ELMER HOPKINS – Preacher’s kid, which means he needs to behave and be nice, age 10.
TEDDY SHOEMAKER – Wimpy kid with glasses, asks too many questions, age 9.
IVY REED – Beth’s earnest friend who is sometimes a goody-goody, 11.

Additional cast needs include various kids to play angels and shepherds in the pageant and possibly other kids in lunchroom.

There are 19 principal roles, but casting can easily be expanded to 30 actors and beyond.

There are 19 principal roles, but casting can easily be expanded to 30 actors or beyond.