The Nativity Pageant by Neil K. Johnson -- Book Tour Review

About the Book

Would you rather read the nativity story or be a part of it? Using simple stage directions, easy-to-find props, and a script that’s straight from the scriptures, this book helps you act out the familiar story of the first Christmas for your friends and family. Start a new tradition this season with a simple pageant you’ll look forward to performing year after year.

AMAZON

About the Author

Neil K. Johnson taught school for 44 years–first drama, then English–and he loves kids. He was able to teach over 7,000, and as a result, many of them won awards for their writing and drama. He was chosen as the 2010 Utah English Teacher of the Year, and he was president of a state English and two state drama and speech teacher associations. Neil received his bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and his master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin at Superior. He did doctoral work at the University of Utah and the University of Northern Colorado. He wrote The Drama Source Book and compiled three books of plays. Neil and his current wife Sharee both lost their first spouses to cancer. They married and blended their family of 15 kids, and they have 50 grandkids (and counting). Neil is very active in his church, and he loves to see the enactment of the nativity pageant at Christmastime. He knows many of the struggles to make the pageant meaningful, and he has tried to address them in this dramatization.
Author Residence: Lehi, UT

Excerpt

Narrator 1: And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
Narrator 2: And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
(Joseph leads the “donkey” with Mary on its back [or Joseph and Mary walk together] to the stage left side of the room.)
Narrator 1: And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because he was of the house and lineage of David:
(Mary gets off the “donkey,” stretches her painful back, and sits.)
Narrator 2: To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. Narrator 1: And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
(Mary puts “baby” into the cradle and stares at him lovingly.)

Review

Author Neil K. Johnson has put together an enjoyable Nativity Pageant that is simple, fun, and inspirational.  With two narrators and a few other cast members, as well as easy-to-find props, optional hymns, and easy to follow instructions, this nativity pageant is one the entire family can put together and enjoy!  Even young children would be able to assist with this simply put together pageant.  Don’t miss this easy to put together pageant this holiday season!
 
Genre: religion, nativity, Christian
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Publication date: October 10, 2017
Number of pages: 29

A review copy of this book was provided by Cedar Fort. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.