Brownwood Lyric Theatre presents
Directed by LEVI PACKER
Welcome to the Brownwood Lyric Theatre!
We are delighted to present "HeeHaw Christmas", a joyous celebration of the season filled with laughter and charm. A special thanks to our director, Levi Packer, who makes his directorial debut for the Lyric with this production. Levi has also collaborated with Gene Deason to craft the script, bringing heart and humor to the stage.
We are immensely grateful to The Wells Team with KW Synergy, Keller Williams Realty, for sponsoring tonight’s performance. It is always a privilege to work alongside Sheri & Brad Wells and their exceptional team.
A heartfelt "thank you" goes to our dedicated volunteer actors. These talented individuals invest hundreds of hours to bring performances like this to life. They are the heartbeat of the Lyric, and we are endlessly thankful for their commitment.
Please take a moment to browse the playbill and watch for our sponsors on the screen. Their support, along with our advertisers, makes our mission possible. If you’re interested in becoming an advertiser, sponsor, or a Personal or Business Patron, we’d love to speak with you about joining our Lyric family. Your support is essential to sustaining this 100+ year-old venue.
As we celebrate ten years of calling this beautiful space home, we also look to the future, continuing our Resource Campaign for 2025. Ticket sales alone cannot cover the costs of maintenance and operations, so every contribution from patrons like you helps keep the magic of live theatre alive.
Thank you for joining us tonight. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!
Eric Evans, Managing Director
Lyric Performing Arts Company Board of Directors
Hank Hunter Chairman
Gene Deason—Vice-Chairman
Dr. Nancy Jo Humfeld Artistic Director
Eric Evans Managing Director
Virginia Bishop Secretary
Shane Britton
Kandice Harris
Dr. Jennifer McNiece
Michael Rodgers
Angie Smith
Ruth Wheelis
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
Dr. Stan & Toni Wright
Exxon Mobil
Girling Health Care, Inc.
Hall Brothers’ Foundation
MC Bank
Morrison Supply
Chorus
Bill & Didi Blagg
Bruce & Janey Smith
Bill & Nancy King
Bo & Sandra Barr
Dub & Deb Wilson
Peter & Yuxian Cai
Strelizia Foundation
Waldrop Construction
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
Wendlee Broadcasting
Business Patrons
Big Country Ford VisitEarlyTexas.com
Ruth Wheelis
Robert & Sally Porter
Valeri & Gene Deason
Betty Martin
Tom & Mary Ann Gray
Chris & Claire Munson
Bill & Didi Blagg
Danny & Lori Perry
Kristi & Carter Sharpe
Lance & Lauren Anderson
Benny Fishback
Jodie & Fred Kelly
Larry Rister
Betty Knapick
Susan & Laro Clark
Anita Fogg
Cassandra Malenck
David & Dorothy Lundy
Aaron Turner
Leslie Reedy
Gary Bledsoe
Jana Duffer
Robin Smith
Cindy Morgan
Ann Baugh
Deanna Bratcher
Nancy Anderson
Terrie Wells
Marsha Shafer
Ann & Tom Allen
Ann & Jimmy Jones
Ervin & Yvone Bates
Craig Allen
Robin Allen
Moore Printing Company
Avalon
Wilson Cleaners
Cristin & Mark Vargas
Steve & Mary Jane Ellis
Jill & Eric Evans
Darrell & Marilyn Haynes
Clinton Broughton
Wynona & Tommy Head
Mark & Gayle McNeill
Ada Glenn Turner
David & June Curry
Ben & Ashley Martin
Crystal Plaster
Julie Gribble
Valerie & Joe Nelson
Keith & Vickie Clark
Jeff & Mitzi Weems
Larry & Sharon Podeweltz
Pennissi & Scot Morris
Sarah Brown
Vita Weehunt
Linda Watson
Davelyn Hood
Vicki Wheeler
Betty Nelson
Mike & Jane Rodgers
Carol Roberts
Brownwood Music
Jane Devery
Beverly Love
Christy Ellis
Kris & Jimmy Henry
Debbie Carroll
Denise Malenck
Heidi Chambers
Fred & Sue Allen
Domonique & Jerry Glaeske
United Supermarkets
KANAR RV Sales
Ann Jones Real Estate
Jerry & Janice Sims
Ben & Jolene Cook
Brad & Ginger Locker
Lahonda & Terry Blevins
Roger & Sheila Pruitt
Chad & Lisa Benton
Charles & Beverly Ross
Ron & Diane Owens
Suellen & Jim Dammann
Katie Parker
Susan King Richardson
Kit & Jay Timmins
Chistine Perkins
Becky & Dennis Maynard
Sherri & Keith Marshall
Bebe & Steve Storm
Carol & David Bullion
Sheri & Brad Wells
Seth Jesko
Karen Franco
Patricia Wilborn
Sheri Pierce
Leona Jerden
Donald Zeringue
Carole Smith
Wanda Furgason
Vicki & Bill Edgar
Robin Henry
Scott Locke
Donna Ulrich
Otto & Georganna Sonneberg
Sandra & Clyde Wurst
Wanda Cox
Robin Henry
TUESDAY-SATURDAY 11-6
Levi Packer (Director) has been performing on stage for close to 30 years. He holds a BFA in Acting from Texas State University, and studied Shakespeare performance, text, and analysis with the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford Upon Avon, England. Levi spent close to 2 decades in Los Angeles, California working professionally in TV, film, voiceover, and commercials. While there, he not only continued his education in acting, but also studied directing closely with Mark Travis, who is world renowned for The Travis Technique. Along with acting and directing, Levi also has experience in stand-up comedy, improv, writing, and producing. Levi has been involved with the Lyric Theatre as an actor since 2020 and is beyond excited to become a part of its regular staff. He is honored to be working with such an amazing group of talented and dedicated artists to bring quality entertainment to Brownwood.
Micah Morrison (Assistant Director) is thrilled to be working with the Lyric Theatre for another show. This will be her tenth show and the second play in which she has been an Assistant Director. 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.
Kris Henry (Stage Manager) is delighted to be part of this cast. A true jack of all trades, she has served as stage manager, prop mistress, set painter, and even occasional actor.
Over the past 12 years, Kris has contributed to more than 15 Lyric productions, with highlights including A Tuna Christmas, The Odd Couple, Oliver!, Mamma Mia!, Shut and Bar the Door, and The Mousetrap. Beyond her work on individual shows, Kris also oversees the "back of house" operations, ensuring the needs of both casts and guests are met with care. She is deeply grateful for and devoted to her Lyric family.
Alisa Hinton (Assistant Stage Manager) has been active with the Lyric since 2017 both onstage and behind the scenes. She helps with hair and makeup as well as helping with set painting and cohosting the Waxing Lyrically Podcast. Her favorite roles are “Flo Owens” in Picnic, “Maude Dunlop,” a Pick-a-Little Lady in The Music Man, and her most recent role, “Margaret” in The Foursome.
Donnie Evetts (Roy Clark) played music professionally from 2009 to 2019 then pursued a career in real estate, eventually landing as a real estate agent for Keller Williams on The Followwell Group. Donnie has always enjoyed the stage from OneAct Play in high school to touring the country playing music; it has always been a passion for him. He is thrilled to join the Lyric for this wonderful play with this impressively talented cast.
Bob Brewer (Buck Owens) is a talented local musician known for his performances across Texas. A skilled guitarist, mandolin player, bassist, and dobro artist, Bob brings a wealth of musical experience to every gig. He performs regularly at venues around Texas, including the Austin Street Opry, and has a popular performance video available on YouTube. Bob is also the writer of the official theme song for Texas Snake Man. He’s excited to be part of HeeHaw Christmas and extends his thanks to the Lyric Theatre and director Levi Packer for the opportunity to be part of his first production at the Lyric.
Jen Evetts
Danny Perry
David Aguirre
Harold Register
Janice Waldrop
Union Presbyterian Church
Special Thanks
Bruner Auto KOXE KPSM
Wendlee Broadcasting
Michelle Troutman
Jane Rodgers
Brownwood Bulletin
St. John’s Church
Tracy Brandon Tucker (Minnie Pearl) is excited to be returning to the Lyric for her ninth production. She has previously been seen in The Foursome, The Music Man, All Shook Up, The Happy Elf, Picnic, The Foreigner, Noises Off and Sister Act. Tracy studied Theatre and Film performance at Texas Christian University and is delighted to be a part of the Lyric family. Tracy is grateful to her three amazing children for all their love and support.
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
Jimmy & Kris Henry
Mary Jayne Lanford
Moore Printing
Alisa Hinton
Linda Barnes
Walker Willy
Stacy Smith
Forrest Blanton (Junior Samples) was born and raised in Brownwood and moved away for a while but he’s glad to be back in Brownwood as Administrator at Oak Ridge Manor. Forrest is excited to be a part of the Brownwood Lyric Theatre again and living in this wonderful community. He has been in a number of shows in the past at the Lyric including The Foursome, South Pacific, Fiddler on the Roof, and Annie where he played “Daddy Warbucks.” Forrest feels grateful and blessed to be a part of this wonderful theatre family and working with such amazingly talented people.
CAST
Roy Clark .....................................................................................Donnie Evetts
Buck Owens.................................................................................... Bob Brewer
Minnie Pearl...................................................................Tracy Brandon Tucker
Junior Samples......................................................................... Forrest Blanton
Grandpa Jones ...............................................................................Doug House
Archie Campbell.........................................................................Patti Kilpatrick
Barbi Benton ......................................................................... Holly Pennington
Grandma Jones .......................................................................... Carene Baslee
Hazel Hagrid....................................................................................Allison Diaz
Hilda Hagrid ...................................................................................... Abby Diaz
Jed ................................................................................................... Nate Olson
Patsy Cline...........................................................................................Jill Evans
Dolly Parton .............................................................................Jennifer Reeves
Grandkids..........................................................Emmerson Evans, Sean Eicher
.......................................................................Greenly Bastardo, Ayden Mason
Cornfield Characters .............................. Holli Blanton, Laira Card, Ava Vargas
.............................................................Jen Evetts, Rickey Jones, Ayden Mason
...........................................................................Sean Eicher, Emmerson Evans
Ensemble Characters ......................................... Jonathan Harvey, Niki Brown
................................ Valerie Nelson, Ava Vargas, Melissa Arano, Daniel Arano ......................Kevin Brown, Jeremy Pennington, Greenly Bastardo, Jen Evetts
Productions Crew
Director/Set Designer ...........................................................Levi Packer
Assistant Director..........................................................Micah Morrison
Technical Director ........................................................... Nicholas Ewen
Stage Manager (Props) .......................................................... Kris Henry
Assistant Stage Manager .................................................... Alisa Hinton
Costumer ............................................................................Shannon Lee
Set Construction...........................................Jimmy Henry, Danny Perry
Media-Sound (effects) ........................................................ Dylon Evans
Media-Lights...................................................................... Jaimee Banks
Act I
Scene 1 ..................................................A HeeHaw Christmas Welcome
Scene 2 ..................................................................................... Cornfield
Scene 3 ........................................................................ Who Invited Jed?
Scene 4 ........................................................... “The Christmas Song-Off”
Scene 5 ........................................................... The 12 Days of Christmas
Scene 6 ................................................................... Archie’s Barbershop
Scene 7 ............................................................................Junior Samples
Scene 8 ...........................................................Special Guest, Patsy Cline
Scene 9 ..................................................................................... Cornfield
Scene 10 .......................................................................... Grandpa Jones
Scene 11 ...................................................................... The Hagrid Twins
Scene 12 ..........................................................................Junior Samples
Scene 13 ...................................................................... Who Invited Jed?
Scene 14 ............................. “Christmas Shopping at the General Store”
Scene 15 .......................................Things Only a Southerner Would Say
Scene 16 ................................................................. Archie’s Barbershop
Scene 17 ......................................................... The 12 Days of Christmas
Scene 18 ................................................................................... Cornfield
Scene 19 ........................................................... Grandma Jones Cooking
INTERMISSION
Act II
Scene 1 .............................................................. “PFFT You, Were Gone”
Scene 2 .............................................................. Archie’s Doctor’s Office
Scene 3 ................................Things You’ll Never Hear a Southerner Say
Scene 4 ............................................................................Junior Samples
Scene 5 ........................................................... The 12 Days of Christmas
Scene 6 ........................................................................ The Hagrid Twins
Scene 7 ..................................................................................... Cornfield
Scene 8 ........................................................................ Who Invited Jed?
Scene 9 ........................................................ Special Guest, Dolly Parton
Scene 10 ......................................................... The 12 Days of Christmas
Scene 11 ....................... Night Before Christmas in Texas, Barbi Benton
Scene 12 ......................................................A HeeHaw Christmas Finale
Doug House (Grandpa Jones) is pastor at Union Presbyterian Church in Brownwood and says, “Thank you for your support of the Lyric!” He was in The Foursome recently and several years ago was “Grandpa Jones” in Yee Haw Holiday. Imagine that!
Holly Pennington (Barbi Benton) hails from Nashville, Tennessee, and grew up singing in church. Her mom was a ballerina so the arts and performing run in her family. Holly has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in education. She is a licensed nursing home administrator and is the administrator at Care, Inc. in Early. For about 12 years after college, Holly worked on cruise ships, dinner theatres, and theme parks. This is Holly’s second production with the Lyric, having been seen as “Natalie” in All Shook Up. She is obsessed with her dog, Moose.
Patti Kilpatrick (Archie Campbell) is thrilled to be working with such a talented group of artists. Patti has appeared in several Lyric Theatre productions over the years and considers the Lyric family to be a second home. She is deeply grateful to her family and friends for their unwavering support and encouragement, both on and off the stage. Patti’s passion for theatre is matched only by her appreciation for the love and community that the Lyric Theatre provides.
Carene Baslee (Grandma Jones) is honored to be working with the talented and fun loving cast of characters in HeeHaw Christmas. She is especially grateful to Levi and Micah for their wonderful direction and support. She would like to thank you for spending time at the Lyric this Christmas season, and hopes we all remember the perfect gift we all received on the very first Christmas. Joy to the world, the Lord has come!
"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
2 Corinthians 9:15
Allison Diaz (Hazel Hagrid) is so excited to be a part of this lighthearted and hilarious show! In the past she has acted and choreographed for the Lyric, most recently creating choreography for “The Little Mermaid, Jr.” It is such a joyful opportunity for Allison to be able to act with her sister under the incredible direction of Levi and Micah! Sit back and have a laugh! Merry Christmas!
Abby Diaz (Hilda Hagrid) is a senior at Early High School and has been doing theatre for many years. She is no stranger to the Lyric stage, with some of her notable performances being “Gabriella” in “High School Musical" and “Ariel” in “The Little Mermaid, Jr.” but she has never done a show quite like this! She would like to thank all her family and friends for their constant support, especially her sister with whom she has gotten to act in many shows. Abby has loved every second of working on this fun and lightheart-
Concessions
(we take cash or credit)
Dill P ckle Popcorn Flavors Whi
MOVIE SASS
Nate Olson (Jed) originally hails from Oregon but relocated in 2015 for a better cost of living and enhanced networking opportunities. He spent 20 years in the professional wrestling industry but is now shifting his focus to storytelling, seeking to lessen the physical toll of wrestling. Nate's debut performance at the Lyric was in The Foursome which premiered in October. He is excited for his second stage play, continuing this new chapter, blending his passion for performance with his love for narrative. "I love the range of characters and emotions, play to play, that theatre offers."
Gummie Bears | Gelato | Dr Pepper | T-Shirts | Bags | Tumbler | Coffee Mugs
Supporting the Performing Arts and the Lyric Theatre!
The Taylor Clinic
Pediatrics of Brownwood
Jill Evans (Patsy Cline) is a familiar performer at the Lyric Theatre, with roles in Nunsense, Steel Magnolias, Always, Patsy Cline, and Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella. Her portrayal of Patsy Cline has been a standout. Outside the stage, Jill works as Marketing Director for AccelHealth and is active in her community, singing in her church choir, teaching Sunday school, and serving on boards in Brown and Comanche counties. A proud grandmother, Jill enjoys spending time outdoors by Lake Brownwood. She’s grateful for the support of her family, especially her husband, and loves “walking after midnight!”
Jennifer Reeves (Dolly Parton) is no stranger to the Lyric stage, this being her 11th show with the Lyric. Some of her Lyric favorite roles are: Oliver (“Nancy”), The Beverly Hillbillies (“Granny”), My Fair Lady (“Eliza Doolittle”), and The Sound of Music (“Maria Von Trapp”). Jennifer has been performing in many different venues for over 20 years. She holds a Master of Music in Vocal Performance and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education. Jennifer is the Brownwood High School Choir Director.
of his second production on the Brownwood Lyric stage, his first show being The Music Man last summer. Ayden is the son of Kathryn & Justin Mason and is also the grandson of another actor in this show, Holli Blanton.
Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, “ Aristocats,” and “The Little Mermaid, Jr.” She is currently dual enrolled in Compass Virtual Academy and Excelsior University pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts. Greenly would like to thank God for her love of theater and her family.
Worship The Lord In The Beauty of Holiness
St. John’s Church at 700 Main Street is in the process of refurbishing our historic stained glass windows. Help us fund this project in the oldest still-in-use church building in Brownwood
Holli Blanton (Cornfield) has been an active member of the Lyric Theatre family since 2008. Over the years, she has brought a variety of memorable characters to life, inAlways, Patsy Cline Rumors. Holli keeps busy with her loving family, some of whom are also part of the Lyric family, and she cherishes every moment spent with them. She would like to offer special thanks to her husband, Craig, for all his support and for always standing by her with love and pride as she continues to pursue her passion for the stage.
Jen Evetts (Cornfield/ Ensemble) celebrates her 10th year of Lyric participation with her 14th show. Having grown up watching classic Haw on TV, playing a 12-string tennis synching as Buck or Roy with her cousin when she was 8 years old, Jen is thrilled to be a part of Hee-Haw ! Thanks to director, Levi Packer. To our audience population she says Salute! And Merry
Laira Card (Cornfield) is a recent graduate of Howard Payne University with a degree in Theatre. Originally from Belton, Laira has been performing since she was three years old and has always had a deep passion for the stage. She is excited to be part of HeeHaw Christmas and would like to thank her fellow castmates and directors for making this production such a fun and rewarding experience. Laira hopes you enjoy the show as much as she has enjoyed being a part of it!
Rickey Jones (Cornfield) has become a regular presence on the Lyric Theatre stage with recent appearances in All Shook Up, The Happy Elf, The Addams Family Musical, Mamma Mia!, Leading Ladies, and Sister Act. He is grateful to the Lyric Board, his family, and especially to his fellow cast, crew, and directors for their support, guidance, and the fun-filled rehearsals that have made this production so memorable. Rickey is excited to be a part of HeeHaw Christmas and hopes you enjoy the show!
Jonathan Harvey (Ensemble) is thrilled to join this amazing cast for his 19th Lyric production! Past favorite Lyric musical roles include:
"Nicely Nicely" in Guys and Dolls, "Bill Sykes" in Oliver, “Jim” in All Shook Up and "Sam" in Mamma Mia!. When off the stage, Jonathan works with Center for Life Resources and volunteers with the Brown County Child Welfare Board. He is thankful for the encouragement of his friends and Lyric family, as well as the love and support he receives from family, his wife and son!
Valerie Nelson (Ensemble) is tickled pink to be back on the Lyric stage. She has been involved in the Lyric since 2017’s A Tuna Christmas and was most recently in The Foursome in October. She thanks everyone for being awesome.
Melissa Arano (Ensemble) is in her second performance with the Lyric, having performed in the ensemble of The Happy Elf as the Angry Womanquite a stretch for this lovely lady! She is excited to share the stage with her son, Daniel, in this production.
Niki Brown (Ensemble) is performing in her 5th production with the Lyric. She has previously been seen in the ensemble of Oliver, as “Gurt” in The Happy Elf, “Mayor Matilda" in All Shook Up, and the ensemble in The Music Man. She has been in productions such as "The Jungle Book," "Flowers for Algernon," "The Interview," "A typical atypical day," and various other one-act plays. While in college, she was in productions of "The Medicine Man," and "Lord Arthur Saville's crime." She sang with the jazz band, madrigal singers, University Singers, sang in vocal competitions, and was in band. Niki is currently a Program Specialist with Texas Juvenile Justice Department, and she is also a kickboxing/Bootcamp fitness instructor. She would like to thank her husband Kevin and all of her friends and family for their amazing support.
Daniel Arano (Ensemble) is a sophomore in high school who has enjoyed being a part of the Lyric in several previous productions. Daniel was seen as “Grimsby” in “The Little Mermaid, Jr.,” “Grandpa George” in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and “Vladikoff” in “Seussical, Jr.”
Kevin Brown (Ensemble) is in his 2nd production at the Lyric after performing in the summer production of The Music Man. He grew up singing in youth choir at First Baptist Abilene. While attending Cooper High, he was in the band and choir. He sang at the Salzburg Cathedral in Austria. In college, he marched in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Cisco Jr. College was where got his feet wet performing in plays. He was in “Medicine Man” and “Lord Arthur Saville’s Crime.” Kevin also performed with the Coggin Baptist Church in concerts and plays. Kevin would like to thank all of his family and friends for their support.
Jeremy Pennington (Ensemble) is a graduate of Bangs High School, though he was born in Brownwood. He retired recently after 20 years in the Air Force as a Special Warfare Sergeant in the Tactical Air Controller Party (TACP) career field with 17 years as a Certified Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC). He has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Jeremy was recently seen in All Shook Up which began his love of being in the theatre!
