The Best Christmas Pageant Ever First Look: Judy Greer Brings Iconic Holiday Book to Screen (Exclusive)

Christmas comes early this year.

On July 1, Lionsgate shared an exclusive first look at The Best Christmas Pageant Ever with PEOPLE, highlighting stars Judy Greer, Pete Holmes, Elizabeth Tabish and Lauren Graham. The film is adapted from author Barbara Robinson's 1972 book of the same name.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever "centers on the Herdmans — absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world," teases a synopsis. "But this Christmas, they’re taking over their local church Pageant — and they just might unwittingly teach a shocked community the true meaning of Christmas."

Greer tells PEOPLE that making a holiday film "does feel extra special" and points to her work with cast mates Holmes, Tabish and Graham, among others as for what audiences should be excited for.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

"We were so lucky with the cast, and I think that’s what really elevated it. The script was so sweet and funny, of course [director] Dallas [Jenkins] is incredible and has such a vision and so much energy," Greer says.

"But what really took the movie to the next level for me, the experience making it, is our incredible cast. Everyone had so much to give and was so talented and funny. Additionally, all of the kids were really able to open their hearts and be vulnerable when it was needed. I think that’s what really makes the movie special."

The new movie is directed by Dallas Jenkins, a filmmaker known best for the series The Chosen.

"Between my work with disadvantaged kids, my love of Christmas, my love of comedy, and the fact that I can't even talk about this story without crying, I couldn't have survived watching anyone else direct this movie," Jenkins says. "It's the film I was born to make."

Adds Jenkins, "What's so special about it is that it's funny without being slapstick, emotional without being sappy, and you'll get the true meaning of Christmas from a church Christmas pageant without it feeling churchy."

"You'll see a movie that honors the book fully because it's made by someone obsessed with the book," says the director. "I couldn't bear it if I made a movie that didn't live up to the beauty and charm of Barbara's work, and I believe we have."

The Best Christmas Pageant is in theaters Nov. 8.