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Christmasby Laurie Brooks
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Special Thanks Lisa Stockton, Edina Bobrek, Lynn Smith, Lauren Houston, Katie Alley, Bearden HS Theatre Dept., Jason & Christy Fogarty, Clarence Brown Theatre, Designs by De Wayne, Jeff Delaney, Jonathan Goldstein, Jim & Celia Montgomery, Laura Campbell &
present...
A Laura Ingalls Wilder
Christmasby Laurie Brooks
“Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way” Original music by John thomas Oaks Copyright Caliora Music Publishing, ASCAP
Pa’s Curtain Call Copyright John thomas Oaks Caliora Music Publishing, ASCAP
Produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock Illinois. Director’s Notes By Terry Weber Laura Ingalls Wilder was born on Feb. 7, 1867, meaning that 2017 marks the 150th anniversary of her birth. The first of the seven books in her “Little House” series – Little House in the Big Woods – was published in 1932. In the 85 years since then, the series has been translated into more than 40 languages and, depending on which internet source you choose to believe, has sold somewhere between 34 and 60 million copies worldwide. Many of us remember the “Little House on the Prairie” TV series that began in 1974 and ran until 1982. It was said to have been Ronald Reagan’s favorite program. Wilder’s stories are based on actual events and people in her family’s history in the 1870s and 1880s. What has made them so enduringly popular? Perhaps it is because they espouse universal themes: the value of family unity; individual struggle and hard work for the sake of loved ones; courage and faith in the face of adversity; the sense that some things are simply right and others simply wrong. There was one brief period of her childhood about which Ms. Wilder chose not to write. After the death in infancy of her brother, Freddy, the family spent some time working and living in a small hotel/tavern in Burr Oak, Iowa. That is the period in which playwright Laurie Brooks sets A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas, imagining what might have been some of the experiences for the family there. She is able to reveal the characters we already recognize from the books, even lifting some lines of dialogue directly from them, and weave a touching story that we can easily believe might have happened to the Ingalls family during that challenging time. The WordPlayers, in grateful collaboration with The Arts at Pellissippi State, is joyful to offer this story to the Knoxville community, hoping that all of us may live in such a way as to “always be mindful of others.” As Pa says, “You rest easy for the long haul when you’re mindful of what’s right.” Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Terry Weber Cast Laura Ingalls– Alyssa Vogt Pa Ingalls – Matthew Lloyd Carrie Ingalls – Elena Rowe Mary Ingalls – Tarrin Chambers Ma Ingalls – Jessica Cross Johnny Steadman – Jack Lloyd Mrs. Starr – Robbin Paige Sharp
Production Team Director: Terry Weber Stage Manager: Delaynie Rizer Assistant Stage Manager: Emma Rowe Costume Coordinator: April Cyr Lighting Designer: Jon Chemay Composer/Sound Designer: John thomas Oaks Deck Crew – Caroline Bradley Wigs – Sandra Herrera The Artists Tarrin Chambers (Mary Ingalls) is a junior at Bearden High School. She began performing at her middle school with productions likeThe Music Man and Cinderella where she played the role of Queen Constantina. This year she started performing at Knoxville Children’s Theatre where she was in Beauty and the Beast Jr. in the ensemble and Pride and Prejudice as Charlotte Lucas. Tarrin is excited to begin her journey with The WordPlayers and perform with such an amazing group of people.
Jessica Cross (Ma Ingalls) is excited to be joining The WordPlayers in another show. Some of her favorite WordPlayers’ productions and characters include the White Witch/Queen Jadis in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and The Magician’s Nephew, Grace Bradley in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Caroline (Ma) Ingalls in A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas, Lucille in Junie B. Jingle Bells, Batman Smells, Mrs. Kirk in Little Women, and the cast of John, His Story. She is also a member of The WordPlayers’ Playback Theatre Troupe. She would like to thank her husband Darrin and daughter Hayley for allowing her the time to be in this production. As always, this is for Cole who is always in her heart!
Jack Lloyd (Johnny Steadman) is excited to be doing another production with The WordPlayers. Some of his past productions include Anthony Pye in Anne of Avonlea, Ollie Herdman in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and Charlie in Jam Jar Sonnets. Other than acting, he loves to train for American Ninja Warrior as the “Nuclear Ninja.” He would love to thank his family for encouragement and the opportunities.
Matthew Lloyd (Pa Ingalls) is happy to be reprising this role from three years ago. Matthew is a frequent WordPlayers contributor. In recent years, he has been alternating between acting (Big River, On a Hill Far Away), stage managing (Little Women, Walking Across Egypt, The Secret Garden) and directing See( Rock City, The Last Train to Nibroc, The Spitfire Grill). He would like to thank Terry and The WordPlayers for many, many wonderful opportunities, his wife and kids for the many hours they allow him to spend pursuing this passion, and God for everything. Elena Rowe (Carrie Ingalls). This is Elena’s debut on the stage with The WordPlayers. She is in her 4th year with Sonshine Company, a children’s drama troupe at Erin Presbyterian Church. She is a 9 year old 4th grader who is homeschooled. In addition to her time on stage, Elena enjoys gymnastics, Legos, swimming, reading , writing stories, playing piano, singing , riding her bike, hiking , climbing trees, watching movies, and playing with her mom, dad and sisters! Elena would like to thank Terry, Delaynie, and the entire cast for making this such a wonderful experience and show!
Robbin Paige Sharp (Mrs. Starr) returns to The WordPlayers after last appearing as Alora Swanson in Walking Across Egypt. Other recent credits include Urinetown (Josephine “Ma” Strong), All Shook Up (Mayor Matilda Hyde), And Then There Were None (Emily Brent), Blithe Spirit (Madame Arcati), and Nunsense (Mother Superior). Robbin resides in Maryville with her cats, Marlee, Tilly, and Josie. She holds an MFA in Theatre Performance, recently retired from teaching, and is a private tutor for all subjects. Robbin dedicates this show to Madie, Reece, and Riley.
Alyssa Vogt (Laura Ingalls) is thrilled to join The WordPlayers in this wonderful Christmas show. She is an 8th grade student at Farragut Middle School and attends Concord United Methodist Church. Although musical theater is her passion, Alyssa also enjoys tap dancing and playing the viola. Favorite roles include the Cat in Seussical, Willy Wonka in Willy Wonka, and Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray. Best of luck to the awesome cast and many thanks to Terry Weber and The WordPlayers for this great opportunity.
Terry Weber (Director) is the Artistic Director for The WordPlayers and a Professor of Theatre at the University of Tennessee. His directing credits for The WordPlayers include Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells (twice); Walk, Don’t Ride; Walking Across Egypt, The Inner Circle; The Magician’s Nephew; and Edith Stein. This is the second time Terry has directed A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas.
Delaynie Rizer (Stage Manager) is a junior at UT, where she is working for a BA in Theatre. She is also an Equity Membership Candidate for stage management. Past SM Internships: Studio Theatre in Washington D.C. and the Nashville Children’s Theatre. Clarence Brown Theatre credits as an Assistant Stage Manager: A Lesson Before Dying, Crucible, A Christmas Carol, Top Girls, and Three Sisters. Love always, to Mom and Dad. For Sophie Scholl.
John thomas Oaks (Sound Design) loves Jesus, people, and music (in that order). He loves writing music for The WordPlayers’ productions. The String Workshop Jonathan Goldstein, S.I.R. 255 Jackson Square, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 Phone/Fax (865)483-8075 toll free 1-877-291-8668
Violin rentals and sales. Expert instrument repairs. Strings are our specialty! Expert restoration and repairs on violins and guitars. Warranty service on Martin, Gibson, Fender and most other brands. Bow repairs and appraisals. Board of Directors President – Shawn Carson Secretary – Leslie Hull Treasurer – Terry Weber Robert Bright Tom Cervone Staff Debby Fox Managing Director – Jeni Lamm Anita Johnson Artistic Director – Terry Weber Jeni Lamm Artistic Associate – Ethan Norman Cheryl Masur Playback Coordinator - Melody Watts Tomi Robb Webmaster – Joe Jaynes Chan Vinson Graphic Designer – Terri Lloyd Sacred Script Continuous reading of scripture December 30, 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM Fellowship Church, Room 400
2017-2018 SEASON See Rock City January 5-7 Tellico Community Playhouse
Walk, Don’t Ride by Peter Manos Black History Touring Show Touring throughout East TN in February Staged Reading Series Spring 2018 April 16, May 21, June 18 @ The Square Room, downtown Knoxville The Refugee King by Ethan Norman Spring Touring Show Jane Eyre, The Musical Summer MainStage Show July 20-22, 2018 @ The Bijou Theatre Playback Theatre Available year round! Playback is a form of improvisational theatre where real life stories are brought to life on the spot. You may find applications for Playback within your various circles of friends, colleagues or clients. The WordPlayers is impacting the greater Knoxville community for the Kingdom of Christ! Your support is needed and greatly appreciated! The WordPlayers is a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) organization. Please send your For more information regarding our season, tax deductible gifts to P.O. Box 53717, Knoxville, TN, 37950-3717. please visit our website: www.wordplayers.org. You can help secure the future of The WordPlayers by supporting our To receive periodic updates, please join our mailing endowment through The East Tennessee Foundation. list and follow us on Facebook (The WordPlayers) Please consider building The WordPlayers endowment through your estate planning and planned giving. Contact Sherri Alley at and Twitter (@wordplayers). East Tennessee Foundation, (865) 524-1223 for more information. We are thankful for the support of our 2017-2018 Season Contributing Players! (Gifts given from August 1, 2017 - December 8, 2017)
ALL WORLD PLAYERS MAJOR PLAYERS Bill & Dotty Vinson ($1000+) ($100-$249) Dave & Barbara Wasil Jennifer Banner Anonymous Mark & Sheri Weaver Greg & Elaine Anderson John & Janie Wendelken Shawn & Alice Carson Dorothy Winfrey Jim & Leann Dickson Linda Behrend Dale & Mary Beth Berry Caroline Buckner UTILITY PLAYERS MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS John & Patti Frazier ($20-$99) ($500-$999) Derrell Frye Virginia Acker Alan & Linda Guy Joe & Karen Carson Tom Cervone & Susan Creswell Mike & Pam Davis Barbara Darce Stan & Rosalie Hadley Bobby Harber Francis Dotterweich David & Lindsey Harrell Don & Carolyn Harrell Patricia Earl Gregor & Jennifer Smee Mark Hedrick Russ & Tracey Ford Kelly & Karin Vogt Chris & LeAnn Hilemon Kathryn Freeman Terry Weber & Jeni Lamm Lee & Jim Hysmith Chandra Harris-McCray David & Faye Irwin Tricia Jones ALL STAR PLAYERS Joe & Kim Jaynes Lou & Kim Kiernan Steve & Anne Jones Lester Knight ($250-$499) Linda Judge-McRae Kevin & Kimberly Proffitt Ben & Missy Blalock Terri King Nancy Schowalter Dorothy Bryson Jack & Marjorie Lloyd Amanda Stair Richard & Lee Graham Violet Martin Bernard Starner Leslie Matthews Bill & Carolyn McConnell Shirlee Washam Dan & Libby McCammon Mark & Doris Moreland Jack & Patricia Watson Buddy & Janet McLean Cynthia Morris Brian & Tina Weston Jim & Celia Montgomery Frank & CeCe Morris Sandy Presley Jerry & Jean Mullis OTHER SUPPORT Ernie Roberts Loretta Murphree Central Baptist Bearden Lisa Stockton John thomas Oaks The L.A.M.P. Foundation John & Anita Randle Roach & Reed, CPA’s, P.C. Annamae Weber Ron & Alva Shipe Joyce Wyatt Martha Smith Standing Stones Foundation Leontyne Stone TJ Development Dave & Sadie Stroud
The WordPlayers is impacting the greater Knoxville community for the Kingdom of Christ! Your support is needed and greatly appreciated! The WordPlayers is a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) organization. Please send your tax deductible gifts to P.O. Box 53717, Knoxville, TN, 37950-3717. You can help secure the future of The WordPlayers by supporting our endowment through The East Tennessee Foundation. Please consider building The WordPlayers endowment through your estate planning and planned giving. Contact Sherri Alley at East Tennessee Foundation, (865) 524-1223 for more information. You can homeschool. We can help!
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