It’s Christmas Eve at the church and the pageant must go on in one hour. Even as parishioners are lining up at the door, the players aren’t prepared, the producer’s big plans are over budget, the directors are engaged in a power struggle, the chorus keeps clucking away, and all the while the pastor’s hopes to raise funds to help the homeless hang on a wing and a prayer.

At a time when holiday spirits are meant to shine like the star of Bethlehem, the pageant cast and crew are showing as much kindness and composure as the angry, off-stage donkey being provoked by an incompetent — and overpaid — wannabe animal handler. Will the show fly in time? Or will it be left grounded like the wingless angel who wants only to reach for the stars?

Just when it seems like peace on Earth and goodwill is way, far away in another manger, the wise words of the worried pastor — and maybe just a hint of divine intervention — help set things straight in this absurd one-act chock-full of stage humor and lessons about what happens when we forget the true reason for the season.

Produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Inc., Englewood, Colorado