This year’s Playtime Poppy explores into the true meaning of Christmas with the show the Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

This show is directed by Steven Tolly, language arts and speech teacher. This is Tolly’s fifth year at Kennedy and his fourth time directing Playtime Poppy. Tolly is also in charge of building the sets and doing the lighting and sounds for other school performances.

Playtime Poppy produces community shows that play throughout Cedar Rapids high schools. “Saying that this show is a children’s show isn’t fair. The show teaches life lessons and family values that teenagers need to know too,” said Megha Puranam, sr. Puranam is the student director for the show. Puranam described the show as giving not only the characters in the play, but the audience the Christmas experience.

Jason Grobstich, fr., describes the show as being exciting and loud. This is his first show at Kennedy and said that this was a great introduction into the theater department here.

This show is Kylie Hanschman’s, jr., third Playtime Poppy show. “I love to perform for kids. They really get involved with the show which makes you feel great,” Hanschman said. Her favorite part of the show is signing autographs and meeting the kids at the end of the show.

There are performances on Dec. 1 and 2 with shows at 4:30 and 7 and two shows on Dec. 3 at 2 and 4:30. The ticket cost is $3 for all ages.

“Any age would enjoy this show; kids, adults, everyone should come see it,” Grobstich said.