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 P A G E A N T S T O R I E S
Each year, nearly 50,000 make the Fort Lauderdale Christmas Pageant part of their holiday festivities. We'd love to hear YOUR story. Maybe you'd like to tell us:
+ the first time you attended Pageant
+ your own Pageant family traditions
+ how many times you've joined us for Pageant
+ how your life has changed since you understood the message of the Pageant
+ personal connections with our cast, choir and crew
+ how you've used the Pageant to make a difference in the lives of others
Whatever your story might be, we'd love to hear it! Please e-mail us below and let us know what you think about the Fort Lauderdale Christmas Pageant
S O M E S T O R I E S W E ' V E R E C E I V E D . . .
We give thanks to God for so many of you who have written to share your Pageant experience. As one of our Pageant songs proclaims, all praise rises from our hearts joined with yours to Jesus, whose Life we celebrate this season and all seasons.
Some of the experiences we've received e-mails about:
I saw the show last night and it was THE most amazing Christmas show I have ever seen in my life!! It was truly as good as any Broadway production I have ever seen. The talent was beyond belief and the actual production was huge. I just sat there in amazement throughout the entire show -- I would actually like to see it again so now I can just enjoy it calmly and not so "Oh my God" through the entire show. I never knew where to look first!!
And on another note, I am Jewish so to see the second part of the show and how well it was portrayed was wonderful.
Just beyond fabulous.... I wish it was still on this week as I have told everyone I know about it. I can't wait to see it next year!
Thanks for taking the time to offer such a wonderful show to the community. I can only imagine the amount of work that went into putting it together.
Best holiday wishes,
Robin Caracciolo
Just wanting to tell you our pageant story.... Last year I took my parents...it was my third time attending. My parents were so moved my mother was crying. It touched us all so much that when we told my sister in Michigan about it she said she wanted to attend. Her 25th wedding anniversary is on December 10th and they are flying into Fort Lauderdale to attend the Christmas pageant on her anniversary. It will be a very special night for all of us. Thank you for giving us such a special place to celebrate.
Lisa Shrontz
What a blessing your program has been to us that past couple of years. This year, we brought a couple of our daughter’s teenage friends. One of them was moved to the point of nonstop tears. I don’t know if you are the pastor who spoke to us and prayed with us after the service, but I can tell you that it will be a time in her life that she will never forget. She plans on being baptized on Christmas Eve at our church in the Miami Springs area. If ever she had any doubts, the Christmas Pageant helped to seal her decision.
With love and prayers,
C.P.
I moved to Fort Lauderdale earlier this year. I began attending a Presbyterian and a Lutheran Church. As the holiday season began to approach I heard several people tell me I should attend First Baptist of Fort Lauderdale and if at all possible I should go to their Christmas Pageant, if I could even get tickets.
As it turned out a coworker of my husband had four tickets for opening night and asked us to join them. I told my husband I had heard it was really good and we accepted the invitation. We still had no idea what a treat we were in store for. It far surpassed both our expectations. I especially appreciated the message. Today so much of the real meaning of Christmas is lost. This Pageant pulls down the blinders and puts the real meaning of Christmas front and center in a beautiful and dramatic way.
Thank you,
Jan Beasley
What a blessing for our Saturday morning! Our family here in Atlanta just watched your show on television and we were just so moved by what is the best production we have ever seen (we are veterans of the First Baptist Atlanta Passion Play ourselves). Have a wonderful Christmas. We will watch your web-site for more about your ministry.
The Very Blessed, Ted, Krista, Connor, Lacy and Evan King
Once again you have done an outstanding job of starting our Christmas season off on the right foot.
My wife's sister lives in North Lauderdale and had told us about going to your pageant. About six years ago on a Christmas morning, I came across a televised version here in the Chicago area and we watched what was left. We decided that the next year we'd see if we could arrange to come down to see it in person.
The live performances make the televised version pale by comparison. I cannot think of any event, performance, or other church service that moves us as much each year as the Pageant. My wife and her sister always make sure that they have enough tissues before we leave for the Pageant (and they do know how the story ends). As for me, since old guys don't cry, I make sure that I have a clean handkerchief along for when my contacts start causing me a problem (I don't wear contacts).
I also appreciate how you change the Pageant enough each year to make it even more interesting. I did miss "Light a Christmas Candle" this year, but, once home, listening to it a couple of times on the CD and watching is a few times on videos made everything alright.
We now make the Pageant the yearly start to the Christmas season. As soon as we get our tickets, we make our flight reservations, and begin counting the days. (Thanks for getting the tickets out early, it makes the flights a lot more affordable!)
You'll be pleased to know that the commitment to see your pageant has allowed us to see great-nieces and nephews far earlier than we would have normally and, in general, brought us even closer to my wife's sister's family.
I certainly realize that putting on a production like this requires a tremendous amount of work and dedication. I'm sure that it could not happen without God's help. Believe me when I say that I will pray that God continues to give you that support so that we can continue to come to Fort Lauderdale and let you begin our Christmas focused on the right things.
Thank you and Merry Christmas!!!!!!!
R.L.
Chicago, IL
I came to Fort Lauderdale to visit my friends was given tickets to see the pageant on Sunday afternoon. It was totally awesome.
Having been a member of FBC since 1978, I was a member of FBC choir and was in the first pageant of 1984 at the War Memorial and the following ones in 1985 and 1986 before moving to New Hampshire in 1987. I saw people in the choir I still knew (Mike Quigley, Choir President and Connie Walker). Please say hello to them for me as I didn't get a chance to see them.
The pageant was the BEST I have ever seen or participated in. Part two was wonderful and I really enjoyed seeing the same man play Jesus that I have seen play him for several years. I was moved to tears in many places, especiallwhere Jesus washed the feet of the disciples, where he was crucified and then rose again. I found myself singing the tenor part to "Behold the Lamb" like I had never left!
Thanks and it was
terrific! Blessings,
D.F.
Amazing show. Loved every minute of it. Will not miss future performances.
M.G.
Over 12 years ago, I first attended my first Christmas Pageant – I was awestruck – I had never seen anything like it. Like many people I was involved in my daily life and did not always acknowledge the Lord as I should. The pageant “wakes you up” – it reminds you that your life without God is meaningless – I am not as involved as I should be even today but I’m trying. Those many years ago I made a deal with the Lord that I would find as many people a year that I could who had never seen the Pageant and send them. I have bought tickets every year since and have gone myself and sent many people for their first time experience of this event. I cannot describe the feeling I get when they come find me to tell me about their experience. We talk about what the saw and heard and this year one woman who was able to take her husband and two kids had never known about the Pageant came up to me the next day in tears. She told me how the Pageant reminded her of the great sacrifice the Lord had given for all of us. Reminded her – as if any of us should have to ever be reminded – but we do need to be reminded and that is one of the great benefits that the pageant gives us. People go to the Pageant and see and are reminded and then talk to others – all in a positive way about what God has given us. This year the analogy with the shopping cart was perfect – I would like to thank you all for what you have done for me and I will continue to work on improving myself and help others at the same time – it’s never difficult to do things for others when it feels right – with God's help I will continue.
Well my story was at the Pageant two year ago, and my sister was there with her husband. This year she bought me a ticket, and said I had to be there. So I went, and I was amazed at how big of a production it really was. I also was impressed with all the very friendly faces that greeted me when I first arrived. I was enjoying the show when before I knew it was time for intermission. Many people went out front for hot chocolate, but I slipped a way for a Hot Toddy down the street.
This is when the most magical thing happened. I was about two minutes late getting back, and the doors were closed. So I ran over to the same exit door I left from. I will never forget knocking on the glass door, and calling over one of the very friendly ushers. There were many of them near the door that night, and one came over to the door to answer me. He said “we're closed” & I said “GOD NEVER CLOSES.” You should have seen his face as he opened the door, and called to the other ushers, "Did you here what that man just said? "He said God is never closed!"
I hurried on my way towards the stairs, and I could still hear them talking about it. It really hit me on my walk back to my seat. What had just flowed out of my mouth so easily brought a smile to my face and more than one tear of joy as well.
Some people say that they don’t know the power of God, and his ability to affect our daily lives. Well let me tell you. He affected more than just me that night, and I will never forget how such a brief encounter with an usher would affect so many lives. God still speaks to us. You just have to listen!
J. Marc Taylor
My wife and I attended the pageant last night for the first time. WOW, what an incredible performance. We're already looking forward to next year's show.
Thank you for brightening our holiday. My mother passed away last week, and the pageant lifted our spirits more than you can imagine. Thanks again, and keep up the good work. See you next year.
Chuck & Sandy Bold
Sunrise, Florida
Our group of 100 attended Sunday. We were truly surprised by the whole event. We thought it was even better than the Christmas Spectacular in New York at Radio City. Your group is to be commended.
We look forward to attending again next year.
Holiday blessings.
L.L.
Port St. Lucie, FL
Just saw the Pageant yesterday PM and as always, it was the best ever...and I have seen them for about 10 years...I never cease to be amazed at the incredible talent and organization of your show...It is AWESOME!!!!
Your Pageant is truly the spiritual lift I always need and receive about this time of year... Thank you all!!!! Peace+++
carpe diem,
R.J.
I happened to be flipping the channels on the television this morning just looking for something interesting to watch. My husband was still asleep and the house was very quiet. It was 9:00 and I just happened to stop on a channel that was showing your Christmas Program. I almost turned it but I was "hooked" from the very first moment. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. This couldn't be a "church" putting on such a program.......surely it was "Broadway". I was SO impressed. The costumes, the incredible talent, the powerful message......I could go on and on. Thank you so much for putting this program on television. I have thought about it all day and have told several people about it. I feel like I have already received the very best gift I could possibly receive for Christmas and Christmas isn't even here yet. Thank you SO much to EACH and EVERYONE who had a part in this production. It was just absoulutely WONDERFUL. The little girl that sang "Happy Birthday Jesus" was simply precious. I don't know if it will be on television again but I would love to hear back from someone if it is so that I can invite some friends over to watch it. God bless each and every single person who had a part in this program. Your hard work was NOT in vain!
E.D.
I thank the cast member, a woman, who spoke with her and brought you or one of the other Pastors to speak with her. May God continue to use you and pour out His blessings upon you and all who take part in the program.
Posted on Tue, Nov. 25, 2008
Fort Lauderdale church pageant brings Christmas story to life
Click here to access the original story with photos and video
BY JENNIFER MOONEY PIEDRA
It started with just three shows, a makeshift set and a rented auditorium.
Actors scurried from trailer to trailer putting on costumes and makeup, while barnyard animals -- including goats, horses and chickens -- waited in a parking lot corral until their cue to head onstage.
The Fort Lauderdale Christmas Pageant, a spectacle with Broadway-style musical performances and a biblical portrayal of the life of Jesus, wowed crowds when it had its debut in 1984.
And it's an even bigger hit 24 years later.
''Each year it's just a little bit better,'' said Sandy Casteel, the pageant's longtime coordinator, who now makes costumes for the show. ``One thing that has never changed is that it's still a gift to the community as to what the real Christmas is.''
The extravaganza, put on by First Baptist Church of Fort Lauderdale, draws about 50,000 people each season, airs in 41 countries and is shown to U.S. military personnel overseas. This year's 25th edition pageant opens Friday and runs through Dec. 14.
The show kicks off with traditional Christmas carols performed by a choir and orchestra, with couples dancing the swing, the waltz, and high-energy musical theater numbers.
A group of small children also have their chance to sing onstage and are followed by teens breaking it down with step moves as they chant a message about Jesus' life to thumping hip-hop beats.
Then the stage is transformed into Bethlehem for a musical drama about the Nativity and the life of Jesus -- complete with live animals, including camels, lambs and goats.
''The pageant offers something for everyone -- old traditions and new surprises,'' said the Rev. Mike Jeffries, whose roles in past shows include Santa Claus, a shepherd and a toy maker. ``For a lot of people, this is the event that rings in the Christmas season.''
LIFE-CHANGING
Mac McConnell plays the disciple Simon Peter and narrates the story of Jesus -- from his birth to the Last Supper, his crucifixion and resurrection.
McConnell, 63, first became involved in the production in 1989, when he was asked to be an understudy for the pageant's narrator.
Within a few years, he landed the role permanently.
McConnell loved acting so much that he sold his successful picture-framing studio in Fort Lauderdale and began traveling to churches worldwide, teaching biblical lessons through drama.
''Everything I am right now I owe to the pageant,'' he said. ``It has changed my life.''
When the pageant premiered 25 years ago, it was a modest production at the War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale's Holiday Park.
Just days before opening night, tractor-trailers delivered the set and volunteers scrambled to get everything done in time.
With no place inside for actors to get ready, they scurried through a back lot, running from trailer to trailer putting on their costumes and makeup.
When it rained, the actors had to cover themselves with garbage bags as they ran into the auditorium.
Child performers, dressed in character, were bused in from the church just minutes before showtime.
Behind the auditorium were food tents and corrals for the animal actors, including camels and goats used in biblical scenes.
The production, which was put on by hundreds of church members who volunteered their talents and brawn, featured laser lights, an orchestra and flying angels.
Over the years, the number of shows increased, tickets sold out and the pageant became a holiday tradition for many South Florida families.
''When people see the level of excellence, they are impressed,'' said Pastor Larry Thompson of First Baptist. ``It's not only about the entertainment value but also about the message.''
In 1990, the pageant got a new home -- a $25 million sanctuary inside the church at 301 E. Broward Blvd.
The sanctuary, where worship services are conducted, was built with the pageant in mind.
Broadway stage designers helped with building plans, which included making side doors into the worship center tall enough for camels to walk through, hidden backstage tunnels and a top-of-the-line lighting system.
The show is put on by church members who volunteer their talents -- some backstage, others on stage -- and rehearse for months before the show. Performers include police officers, financial executives, teachers, doctors, photographers and engineers.
The show's combination of theatrics and surprises, such as this year's snowfall over the entire audience and a ballerina dancing in the air, often wows the 2,500-person audience.
INSPIRING
Addie O'Connor knows from experience.
A decade ago, O'Connor was singing at an Irish pub in Fort Lauderdale when a church minister in the audience noticed her talent and invited her to the pageant.
She was so inspired by the show that she saw it six times that year.
O'Connor later joined the church and volunteered for the pageant -- helping apply makeup on the child actors.
Then, in 2002, she auditioned for a singing role and has been a soloist since then.
This year, she'll be singing Do You Hear What I Hear?
''This is my favorite time of year, and it's because of this show,'' said O'Connor, 33, of Fort Lauderdale. ``It's a gift from God.''
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