The holiday spirit is alive and well in Stonewall — even in the cinematic realm.
Filming is underway in town for Lionsgate and Kingdom Story Company’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, based on the bestselling novel by Barbara Robinson.
This inspirational comedy follows the rowdy Herdman siblings, who lie, steal, bully — and even hijack the town’s Christmas pageant by forcing themselves into the lead roles. Yet, throughout all their mischief, they might just be the ones to share the true meaning of Christmas.
Dallas Jenkins (director of The Chosen) is directing the film.
The film is produced by Kingdom Story’s Kevin Downes, Daryl Lefever, Andrew Erwin and Jon Erwin, along with Darin McDaniel and Chet Thomas. Jenkins will also executive produce alongside Gerald R. Molen, Mark Kendell and Tony Young.
In Stonewall, filming will take place on Main Street between Centre Avenue and 1st Avenue South. Other film locations include a house on 1st Street East, a house on 2nd Avenue North and at Ecole Bobby Bend School.
Some filming already took place in Stonewall on Dec. 12 and 13. On Dec. 14 and 15, film work will take place around Main Street and Centre Avenue.
As a result, there will be parking removal and street closures on Main Street from Westside Plaza and 1st Avenue South as well as on Centre Avenue from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 14 and from 1 to 11 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 15. Pedestrians will still be able to access all buildings through a stop-and-go basis. Vehicle access will be available to the parking lots at CIBC and Access Credit Union via Centre Avenue.
In Winnipeg, filming is set for a few houses in River Heights, as well as at the University of Manitoba, St. Aidan’s Church, St. Luke’s Church and Earl Grey School.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is planned for a holiday release in 2024.
