The Herdmans take the stage at Flathead High for ‘Best School Year Ever’

Chaos has a name, and it’s "Herdman." The notorious Herdman children are coming to Flathead High School to wreak havoc on Woodrow Wilson Elementary in the hit stage adaptation of Barbara Robinson’s beloved book, "The Best School Year Ever." 

Following the legacy of the classic “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” this hilarious sequel proves that the world’s most notorious siblings might not change, but the way we look at them will.

This fast and fun comedy will be presented by Flathead High School Theatre at 6:27 p.m. May 6 and 7 at the David M. Hashley Theatre at FHS. The show has a runtime of just over 60 minutes. 

Adapted for the stage by Jahnna Beecham and Malcolm Hillgartner, the play follows Beth Bradley as she navigates the most challenging school year of her life. The trouble starts when her teacher, Miss Kemp, assigns a year-long project where every student must find a compliment for each of their classmates. When Beth draws the name of the bossy, troublemaker Imogene Herdman, she is convinced she’s been handed an impossible task. 

The "Best School Year" has already been marked by a string of bizarre incidents that have kept residents talking. Sources close to the school have confirmed several escalating situations involving the Herdman clan, including a tattooed infant, mysteries in the teachers lounge and alleged animal mayhem. 

Despite the property damage and the frequent interventions by the principal’s office, a strange shift in morale has been reported. While the Herdmans haven't necessarily followed the rules, their presence has forced the community to look closer at what defines a "good" kid. 

As the project nears its conclusion, the community is left wondering if Beth Bradley will find her compliment, or if the Herdmans will simply leave the school in a cloud of smoke and laughter. One thing is certain: Woodrow Wilson Elementary will never be the same. 

“At first, the audience can see the students' frustrations with the Herdsman children, but as the show progresses the audience learns more about the Herdmans and gains empathy for the family. By the end the audience is hoping that the rest of the school children also learn this lesson,” said director and Acting 2 teacher, Luke Johnson. 

“The message the cast wants to share is the importance of finding the good in everyone by giving them the benefit of the doubt,” he said. 

The production features a cast of FHS International Baccalaureate Acting 2 students, who use the production process to learn techniques in character development, physical storytelling, vocal dynamics and nonverbal communication. 

The cast includes Trinity Hogard, Conrad Goff, Bronson Willcut, A.J. Mannon, Hunter Mitchel, Taya Cross, Jenny Agin, Andrew Merriman, Makenzie Westphal, Madelynn Danford-Komenda, Jolee Pitts, Myla Johnson, Keelan Moore, Jacob Linden, Boston Jackson, Charlie Adamson, Emma Feeney and Taya Hewitt. 

The technical crew includes Adalcia O’Brian, Matthew Ottman, Colin Lincoln, Vanessa Foultner, Nataile Young, Jacob Linden, Nataile Young, Jolee Pitts, Teegan O’Donnell, Cosmo Deyoung and Maddie Simms. 

Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for children, students and senior citizens. Tickets may be purchased online at GoFan.co, in the FHS main office, Photo Video Plus located at 284 Fourth Ave. W. in Kalispell and at the door. 

Flathead High School is located at 644 Fourth Ave. W., Kalispell.