I'll Be Home for Christmas Program - Lyric Theatre Brownwood

Brownwood Lyric Theatre presents

Mark Girling Performance Hall December | 2022

Directed by Nancy Jo Humfeld Author/Lyricist Deborah Craig-Claar Composer/Arranger Mark Hayes

Welcome!

We are excited about this show and all the joy and hope that comes from telling the story of I’ll Be Home for Christmas. The holiday season is always a challenge coordinating schedules, program, rehearsal with cast members but Nancy Jo Humfeld has pulled off a wonderful show and you will reap the benefits.

Please take a moment to read through the program and express your appreciation to the advertisers, patrons, and individuals that help make the Lyric happen. During the intermission we would love for you to take advantage of our concessions along with some souvenir merchandise. We accept all credit cards.

The 2023 season of shows along with the Dale Wheelis Memorial Concert Series is now available for purchase. We love all that have purchased Patrons in the past — you are a significant part of our support here at the Lyric. The Box Office will be open during the intermission if you would like to purchase your Patron or Concert Season Tickets.

January 10th the Lyric will be hosting the Singing Cadets of Texas A&M here in concert. This is a very popular group and oh so talented group of musicians. This is the first concert in the Dale Wheelis Memorial Concert Series and we are looking forward to a crowd. Tickets are online now for this concert as well.

If you are in need of something or have any questions, please find me in the Lobby.

Lyric Performing Arts Company Board of Directors

Hank Hunter, Chairman Gene Deason, Vice Chairman

Norma Bessent Treasurer

Debbie Cavett Assistant Treasurer

Dr. Nancy Jo Humfeld Artistic Director

Eric Evans Managing Director

Virginia Bishop Secretary

Tommie Bailey

Shane Britton

Keith Clark

Joseph Dennis Kandice Harris

Dr. Jennifer McNiece Priscilla Monson

Paul Underwood

Eric Evans, Lyric Managing Director

Brownwood Lyric Theatre Restoration Donor Recognition Producers

Beal Family Charitable Trust Robert G.W. III and Bettie Girling

Directors

Dr. Stan & Debbie Cavett Diane Graves Owen Foundation Hoblitzell Foundation

Tejon Energy

Stars

3M Company Arts Council of Brownwood Brownwood Municipal Development District Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce Citizens National Bank Doss Foundation Kohler Company Lower Colorado River Authority Stuart & Margaret Coleman Johnny & Karen Dodds Rea Charitable Trust Texas Bank Woodruff Trust

Actors

Bruner Toyota

Dr. & Mrs. Steve Kelly Ruth & Dale Wheelis Early Chamber of Commerce Hank William Hunter

Landmark Life Insurance Company Ben & Jolene Cook

Chorus

Bill & Nancy King Bo & Sandra Barr Dub & Deb Wilson Peter & Yuxian Cai Strelizia Foundation Waldrop Construction

Dr. Stan & Toni Wright

Exxon Mobil Girling Health Care, Inc. Hall Brothers’ Foundation MC Bank Morrison Supply

Bill & Didi Blagg Bruce & Janey Smith Buddy & Donna Reynolds Calvin & Mary Bell Fryar Everett & Bettie McCrum J. Fred & Margaret Perry

John & Lucy Harkey

Richard & Anita Brown Steve & Pam Blake Zac & Cathy Allen

Dr. James & Donna Crow Mrs. Iva Hamilton Wilkinson Trust

Ben and Jolene Cook Debbie & Stan Cavett Jill & Eric Evans

Sally & Robert Porter Jerry & Janice Sims Ruth Wheelis

Brownwood Music

Chad & Lisa Benton

Jacob Bierman

Bill & Didi Blagg

Tommy & Judy Blevins

Rex & Mariann Tackett

Rance & Carol Boren Burl C. Brown

Miriam & Ray Callahan

Keith & Vicki Clark

David & June Curry

Jim & Suellen Dammann

Charley & Linda Davis

Valeri & Gene Deason

Karen & Johnny Dodds

Bryan & Lori Downs

Anita Fogg

Tom & Mary Ann Gray

Julie Gribble

Nancy Anderson

Fred & Sue Allen

Craig Allen Robin Allen

Ann & Tom Allen

Chester Ballard

Ervin & Yvonne Bates

Ann Baugh

Margaret Blagg

Gary Bledsoe

Andrew Boren

Margaret & Joe Clayton

Claire Clayton

Christopher Clayton

Jane Devery

Rebecca Diehl

Jana Duffer

Mark Ferraro

Tommy & Wynona Head

Jodie & Fred Kelly

Bill & Susan King Richardson

Ginger & Brad Locker

Sherri & Keith Marshall

Becky & Dennis Maynard

Mark & Gayle McNeill

Walter & Martha Middleton

Frank & Jessica Middleton

Priscilla & Chris Monson

Robert & Diana Mullins Claire & Chris Munson

Betty Nelson

Valerie & Joe Nelson Ron & Diane Owens Katie Parker Eddy & Christy Parker Norma & Rex Bessent

Darrell & Marilyn Haynes

Kris & Jimmy Henry

Faye Jarvis

Leona Jerden

B L Johnston Ann Jones

Roy Jones Ron Davis

Freida Davis

Lauren & Kevin Kirk

Sandra & Douglas Lloyd Mary & Arden Locke Cindy & Johnny McCaghren

Cindy Morgan

Edna Reid

Carol Roberts Tammy Robinson

Danny & Lori Arp Perry

Larry & Vicki Pullin

Sharron & Larry Podeweltz

Charles & Beverly Ross

Kristi & Carter Sharpe

Suzanne & Lynn Smith

Otto & Georgeanna Sonnenberg Steve & Bebe Storm

Pennissi & Scot Taylor Morris

Laura Tilley

Kit Timmins

Glenn & Ada Turner Jeff & Mitzi Weems J & Laura Wilson

Wayne & Cheryl Winkles Gary & Donna Worley Susan & Laro Clark Jane & Thomas Dillon

Lana Salter

Manon & Mike Slagle

Carole Smith

Robin Smith

Jan Tucker

Aaron Turner

Jill & Paul Underwood

Paul Wade

Christine Wade Terrie Wells

Sheri & Brad Wells

Vicki Wheeler

Patricia Wilborn

Debra & John Woolsey

Sandra & Clyde Wurst, Jr.

Nancy Jo Humfeld (Director) is recently retired from Howard Payne University where she was the head of the theatre department. She holds Bachelors and Masters degrees in Voice, and a Masters degree in Theatre from Texas A&M University Commerce. She has a PhD in Theatre, specializing in musical theatre from Southern Illinois University. She has taught theatre and music at the university level for 33 years and in that time has directed over 100 plays, musicals, and operas. She also continues to perform professionally. Some of her favorite roles are “Sister Amnesia” in Nunsense and Nunsense Jamboree, "M’Lynn" in Steel Magnolias, "Reverend Mother" in The Sound of Music, and “Reba” in The Last Night of Ballyhoo. Dr. Humfeld is also a founding member of the Lyric Performing Arts Company and has directed 30+ productions for LPAC as well as overseeing all other productions as the Artistic Director. She was named 2011 Woman of the Year by the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce and the HPU Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year in 2012.

Danielle Rosborough (Musical Director, Quackenbush Sister, Olivia Orange) is from Brownwood and made her debut on the Lyric stage as “Roz” in 9 to 5 in 2019. Recently, she musically directed Sister Act, and is the new Music Director at Brownwood Lyric Theatre. She is a mezzo soprano and a graduate of Howard Payne University where she received a Bachelor’s of Music in Vocal Performance. Mrs. Rosborough received a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the Townsend School of Music at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. Previous music theatre roles include: “Queen of Fairies” in Iolanthe, the “Witch” in Into the Woods, and “Mrs. Peterson” in Bye, Bye Birdie, and many others on the opera stage. She has performed as chorister for the C. S. Lewis Summer Institute Choir in Oxford and Cambridge, and most recently, performed in Sing Austria in Vienna under the direction of Dr. John Dickson. Many thanks to supportive family and friends, and for this incredible opportunity to direct and collaborate with the amazing performers of Brownwood, Texas!

Wilson Cleaners 907 Fisk Ave

Brownwood, Texas

24 Hour Laundry Drop Off

Same Day Laundry & Dry Cleaning (in by 9am)

Locally Owned & Operated

Supporters of the Lyric since 2015

David Quillin (Howard) retired after 34 years with 3M company. He also taught high school biology and chemistry while coaching basketball and track. David is currently helping at HPU in the chemistry department as a general chemistry laboratory assistant. What he basically does is stand around and tell dad jokes and keep the students from hurting themselves. In addition, for the past several years, he has helped with the Brownwood High School track and field program as a pole vault coach. David has performed at the Lyric as “Pawnee Bill” in Annie Get Your Gun and as “Mr. Hart” in 9 to 5. He has done several plays at Coggin Ave Baptist Church.

Caitlyn Tidwell (Norma) is delighted to be taking part in her 15th show at the Lyric, and even more delighted to be acting alongside her husband, Shade, and son, A.J. Her favorite roles at the Lyric include "Judy" in 9 to 5 and "Shelby" in Steel Magnolias. When she's not at the Lyric, Caitlyn loves her job teaching English and theatre at Early High School, where she has the pleasure of directing her daughter, Andie, as well as other outstanding students. Caitlyn wishes to thank her parents, husband, and kids for their everlasting support, and directors Dr. Humfeld and Danielle Rosborough for another wonderful opportunity to tell a beautiful story.

Mackenzie Langham (Angie) is in her first Lyric show and she is thrilled to be a part of it! Before this opportunity, Mackenzie was involved in three Howard Payne University productions playing “Cinderella” in Prince Street Players' musical Cinderella (2021), “Amy” in Silent Sky (2021), and “Amy March'' in the musical Little Women (2019). Before coming to HPU, Mackenzie performed many times in FBC Brazoria's annual Passion Play. Having graduated with a double major from HPU last May, she currently works at HPU's Baptist Student Ministry as the Campus Missionary Intern.

A. J. Tidwell (Micky) is delighted to be taking the stage at the Lyric for the 6th time in his young life. Previous credits include ensemble for “Fame, Jr.” and “Yee Haw Holiday,” “Shere Khan” in “The Jungle Book, Kids,” “Jeter” in Footloose and “Randy” in A Christmas Story. A.J. says he “enjoys the thrill of live theatre,” and he would like to thank his entire family for their support.

Holli Blanton (Lil) and her family have enjoyed being part of the Lyric for many years. She is well known for playing “Louise” in Always, Patsy Cline. She loves the Christmas spirit this show shares and is excited to perform with such a talented cast, crew, and director (and her granddaughter, Rami).

Doug House (Sid) has been seen at the Lyric most recently as “the worst doctor in the world,” in Leading Ladies, “Septime” in The Three Musketeers, the IRS guy in You Can’t Take It With You, and priest in Mamma Mia. A favorite role was as Colonel Gaylord Merriweather Foxhall, the con man in The Beverly Hillbillies. Doug is pastor at Union Presbyterian Church in Brownwood and says, “Thank you for your support of the Lyric!”

Jacob Lehrer (Danny) is in his 4th Lyric production and first Christmas musical. He has previously been in The Three Musketeers, Leading Ladies, and Sister Act. Jacob is a journalist for Brownwoodnews.com and a graduate of Howard Payne University.

I’ll Be Home for Christmas

Scene and Music Synopsis

Time: 1941 Place: San Francisco, California (The scenes fluctuate between a brownstone apartment living room, a radio studio, and various live broadcast locations in New York City.)

Scene 1: Thursday, November 27, 1941 - 3:00 pm

Broadcast Medley ...................................................................... Cast, Soloists, & Choir Hope is Just Around the Corner, Jingle Bells, Toyland, & Deck the Halls) We Gather Together...............................................................Howard, Family, & Choir Hope is Just Around the Corner, Reprise ...............................................................Choir Olivia Orange Jingle................................................................................. Olivia Orange

Scene 2: Monday, December 1, 1941 5:00 pm

Without You Frankie Donatello I’m Wishing You a Merry, Merry Christmas Quackenbush Sisters Big Band Carol Medley Soloists & Choir (I Saw Three Ships, God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, Joy to the World, O Holy Night, & Foom, Foom, Foom)

Scene 3: Wednesday, December 3, 1941 - 11:00 pm I’ll Be Home for Christmas .....................................................................................Choir Every Time I Turn Around ..............................................Stella Ashton, Norma, & Choir

Intermission

Scene 4: Thursday, December 4, 1941 - 9:00 am Hope is Just Around the Corner, Reprise ...............................................................Choir

Scene 5: Sunday, December 7, 1941 - 1:00 pm

KJOY Radio ID ..........................................................................................KJOY Quartet Hark! the Herald Angels Sing................................................................................Choir Switching Stations .....................................Choir, The Dropettes, & Ricardo Fortsando (Hark! the Herald Angels Sing, Maxwell House Coffee Jingle, & Vesti la guibba)

Scene 6: December 8, 1941 7:00 pm

Finale ................................................................................. Soloists, Family, & Choir (Hope is Just Around the Corner, O Little Town of Bethlehem, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, and Joy to the World)

I’ll

Frank Nelson (Jerry Brainard) is Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Music at Howard Payne University. Prior to teaching at HPU, he taught public school instrumental music for 39 years in Texas, Louisiana, and Colorado. Frank loves to be involved in live theatre. He has participated in civic theatre in Texas and Colorado since the early 1970’s, being a part of over 40 productions as an actor or as part of the musical orchestra. This is his 5th production with the Lyric Theatre having previously been a part of the casts of “Yee Haw Holiday,” The Odd Couple, Get Smart, and Elf, The Musical.

Jake Bowren (SFX, Tonto, Mugsy) is excited to be back on stage at the Lyric. He has been involved with the Lyric in numerous ways. Stage credits include, “TJ” (Sister Act) “Pepper” (Mamma Mia), and “D’Artagnan” (The Three Musketeers). When not on stage Jake does Front of House Managing and Social Media for the Lyric, as well as work at Willie's T’s. He would like to thank his friends and family for their constant support and love. John 16:33

Shade Tidwell (SFX, Tonto, Lamont Cranston) is pleased to be returning to the Lyric stage for his 5th role. Previous credits include “Ike Skidmore” in Oklahoma!, “The Sheriff” in Windows Home, and his favorite, “The Old Man” in 2020’s A Christmas Story. Shade is particularly excited to be sharing the stage with his son, A.J., for the second time. He wishes to thank his family for their support.

Rami Taggart (SFX) is in her 8th Production at the Lyric Theatre. Her favorite production has been “Fame, Jr.” She has grown up doing theatre and she loves it! There is always room for one more! She is 100% sure you will enjoy this show.

Doug Turner (Fibber McGee, Buddy Burfiend, SFX) is excited to be involved in his eighth Lyric production. His previous Lyric experiences include “Paul Sycamore” in You Can’t Take It With You, “Moose Frank” in Leading Ladies, serving as Stage Manager for Elf as well as assistant stage manager in Noises Off. He is also thrilled to finally share the stage with his wife, Shannon. Doug would like to thank Shannon and his sons, Hayden and Aaron (his biggest fan) for their continued support.

Michael Evans (Newscaster, Narrator) is a new resident in Brownwood. He returned to the area during the COVID pandemic to live in the place where his family originally settled in Texas. He works for Waldrop Construction Co. He is also a writer, programmer, and aspiring mathematician who studies category theory. This is his third play. He is grateful to the community of Brownwood and the Lyric Theatre for welcoming the Evans family back.

Stephen Haynes (Frankie Donatello, Choir) has been in many productions at the Lyric. His favorite roles include “George Bailey” in It’s a Wonderful Life, “Harry Bright” in Mamma Mia!, and “Luther Billis” in South Pacific. Stephen has served as Mayor of Brownwood since 2010. He has been married to his college sweetheart, Lori, for twenty seven years and they have four children.

Christopher Rosborough (Ricardo Fortsando) is the Chair of the Music Department and Director of Choral Activities at Howard Payne University in Brownwood, TX, where he teaches early music history, choral conducting, music technology and directs the Concert Choir, Heritage Singers, Chapel Band, and Brownwood Community Chorus. Additionally, he serves as Worship Pastor at Midtown Church. His biggest accomplishments are marrying his wife Danielle, and being “Dad” to Gwendalyn, Brent David and Emery.

Andi Rosenquist (Quackenbush Sister, Helen Foxworth, Choir) returns to the Lyric stage where she first appeared Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Andreahnna graduated from HPU with a degree in vocal performance and is no stranger to the stage. She played the role of Little Women and “Pamina” in The Magic Flute, as well as one of the wards in The Pirates of Penzance. A favorite “Sister Mary Leo” in Nunsense Jamboree. Andreahnna enjoys taking care of animals and loves her family!

Supporting the Performing Arts and the Lyric Theatre!

The Taylor Clinic

Pediatrics of Brownwood

Shannon Turner (Quackenbush Sister, Choir) is appearing in her seventh Lyric production most recently in Elf and Sister Act. This will be her first time to share the stage with both her niece, Skyler, and her husband, Doug. She would like to thank her son Aaron for his enduring support for and love of the Lyric Theatre. Shannon is an instructor at Howard Payne University. She also works with students with disabilities in the Office of Learning Assistance.

Skyler Wells (Trixie, Choir) is a second year psychology and Academy student at Howard Payne University. She has been in numerous performances at Brownwood High School and Coggin Avenue Baptist Church, and several at the Lyric in the last year. This is her second Lyric Christmas performance with her family, and she is happy to carry on this newfound tradition. She would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her and working around her schedule.

Special Thanks

Danny Perry

Coggin Avenue Baptist Church KOXE Radio Wendlee Broadcasting

Ray Baslee JoAnn Jones

Southside Baptist Church BrownwoodNews.com Brownwood Bulletin

Merle Norman Cosmetics

Carene Baslee (Stage Manager) is blessed to be working with such a wonderful group of people at such a happy time of year. An opportunity to celebrate the holidays with her Lyric family is a joyful addition to her Christmas season. She thanks the Lord for sending the Savior to bring us peace.

Micah Morrison (Assistant Stage Manager) first worked with the Lyric this fall as Assistant Stage Manager/Props Mistress Noises Off. She is thrilled to be back in the shadows of the theatre after a long hiatus. She loves working to make others shine and takes pride in collaborating behind the scenes to help build a great production. Micah is grateful for this opportunity and looks forward to working in many more Lyric Theatre productions.

Stan Cavett (Choir) is a newly retired optometrist from the Brownwood community. This is the second Lyric production that he has participated in, but his commitment to the Lyric goes all the way back to the beginning stages of the Theatre’s restoration. Stan and his wife, Debbie, have been singing together in church, school, or community choirs since they were in high school and they are happy to be making music in this production and hope the community enjoys the show.

Sister Act Cast Lunch Sponsor

Megan Yeats (Mollie, Stella Ashton, Choir) is delighted to be making her debut with the Lyric Theatre. Growing up in Brownwood, Megan was a part of many school productions such as Suessical the Musical and High School Musical. She acquired a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education at Howard Payne University. After teaching elementary music and band for 7 years, she is now staying at home with her two young daughters, and is excited to be able to get back on stage.

Ann Allen (Choir) is a B.I.B. (Born in Brownwood) who graduated from Howard Payne in Elementary Ed. and Music Ed. She was the first director of the Weekday Preschool at First Methodist in Brownwood in 1971 then taught 6th grade science for 24 years. The choir at First Methodist has been her home for 47 years. She and her husband, Tom, were members of the “Jordan River Jubilee” ensemble for 28 years. She has been married to Tom for 60 years and they have 3 children and 8 grands. (Back in the day we went to the Lyric for 9 cents!)

Tom Allen (Choir), like his wife, Ann, is a B.I.B. just different towns (Born in Brady, moved to Brownwood at 6 months old). He worked in management for Superior Essex (Cable) and retired after 40 years. A member of the First Methodist Church sanctuary choir for 60+ years, needless to say, Tom enjoys singing for the Lord! He and Ann also sang in the “Jordan River Jubilee” ensemble for 28 years. High school sweethearts, they have been married for 60 years and still counting. They are excited about their first appearance at the Lyric Theatre.

Bailee Berta (Choir) made her debut at the Lyric last summer as a nun in Sister Act. She was formerly in Hardin Simmons University’s production of Amahl and the Night Visitors. She is thankful to her friends and family for their support and love and to the Lyric for creating such an open and encouraging environment.

Brian Blanchard (Choir) is from Rockdale, Texas and is in his first show at the Lyric. He is a recent graduate of Howard Payne University with a degree in piano pedagogy. Music has always been a huge part of his life and he is delighted to share that talent. Brian is the pianist at First Baptist Church in Cross Plains and is also an employee of Chick fil A in Brownwood.

—Luke 2:14

Debbie Cavett (Choir) is a long-time member of the Board of Directors of the Lyric Performing Arts Company and is so proud of the success of the Brownwood Lyric Theatre. She is thrilled to be participating in her second Lyric Christmas production. Debbie and her husband, Stan, enjoyed singing with the Jordan River Jubilee, an outreach of the First United Methodist Church, for 28 years. They have two grown daughters and one grand-

Ron Davis (Choir) grew up in Beaumont, Texas and received his music degree from Lamar University. For over 40 years he served as a minister of music in Texas Baptist churches. After retirement from full-time ministry he and his wife, Freida, moved to Brownwood to be near family. He is currently the choir director of the Worship Choir at Coggin Avenue Baptist Church. This is Ron’s first opportunity to sing with the talented musicians at the Lyric,.

Joseph Dunlap (Rehearsal Pianist, Choir) is an Instructor of Music at Howard Payne University, where he teaches music theory, music composition, and piano. He serves regularly as the rehearsal pianist for musical productions at HPU and the Lyric. Joseph has many years of experience on the stage, acting in many productions throughout high school, HPU, and now at the Lyric. His favorite roles have been “Duncan Trask Book of Liz, “Sid Sawyer” in “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn,” and the “Ugly Duckling Trunk'' by Dr. Nicholas Ewen.

Gary Wheeler (Choir) is a newcomer to the Lyric. He has served as music director in churches in Texas and Arkansas and is a 1981 graduate of Ouachita Baptist University. Gary lives in Early and is currently employed by Acosta Retailers as a Retail Merchandiser in Walmart.

“

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward all!”