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DURBIN WAGNER (Bob Wallace) Bing Crosby’s theme song, “When the Blue of the Night,” was a favorite of Durbin’s before he could read or write; and playing this role for which Bing was so well-known is a particular honor to him. Actively involved with LCT since 1990 when he began backstage with Damn Yankees, Durbin was LCT’s Executive Producer for seven consecutive years. Durbin’s lead roles include Captain von Trapp in The Sound of Music, Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady, and Michael in I Do! I Do! Durbin has also appeared at Oyster Mill Playhouse, Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg , and with Sonlight Productions at the Wesleyan United Methodist Church in Marysville. He lives on the square in New Bloomfield with his wife, Yolanda, and six children, Becca, Peggy, Bonnie, Paul, Ezra, and Frankie. Durbin owns and operates Wagner’s Mowing & Landscaping, Ltd., and enjoys collecting rare records, radios and Victrolas, as well as vintage Cadillacs and antique Farmall tractors.
NATHAN K. MOHLER (Phil Davis) Nate has served with LCT since 1985. He has enjoyed playing roles such as “Marcellus Washburn” in Music Man, “Lt Joe Cable” in South Pacific, “Frank Butler” in Annie Get Your Gun, “Billy Bigelow” in Carousel and “Sid Sorokin” in Pajama Game. Nathan lives with his wife Sally and is the stepfather of three children, eight grandchildren and one great- grandchild.
KATHY MILLER (Betty Haynes) White Christmas marks Kathy’s 11th LCT production. Her first principal LCT role was “Julie Gordon” in Carousel. In addition, she has portrayed “Dorcas” in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and “Gladys” in Pajama Game. Kathy admits her most fun so far was playing the dual role of “Lois Lane / Bianca“ in LCT’s production of ‘Kiss Me, Kate.’”
Of performing, Kathy says, “Theater is like a good book. It’s a great way to escape to a different place or time where our everyday cares disappear for an hour or two.
A New Bloomfield resident and elementary librarian at East Pennsboro Elementary School, Kathy is married to David K. Miller, has two sons, Jason and Adam, and two spoiled dogs, Cricket and Maggie. She is also a member of the local singing group, Musically Yours. Kathy enjoys reading, and traveling with husband and friends during the summer months.
Kathy is dedicating this year’s performance to the memory of her friend Cris Stambaugh and her beloved mother Marguerite Brunner.
LINDSAY EWING (Judy Haynes), a West Perry graduate, participated in chorus, show choir, District Choir, and cheerleading while in high school. She also performed in talent shows, and sang the National Anthem for many sporting events. While a student at Clarion University, she earned a minor in Music, was a member of the University Choir, and played guitar and sang for both Greek Week and the annual Dance Concert. She also attended many open-mic nights.
Now in her fifth year of teaching Spanish at West Perry High School, Lindsay coaches cheerleading, advises the Spirit Club, and choreographs the high school musicals. White Christmas is her very first stage production! A newlywed, she lives in Newport with her wonderful husband, Nate, two dogs and two cats! “I feel so blessed and lucky to be playing Judy, and working with such a talented group of people. This is a dream role, as I have idolized Vera Ellen since my childhood!”
CARSON "SPIKE" HOLMAN (General Henry Waverly) Carson is making his debut on the LCT stage. He has had limited acting experience in school and college productions. However, he has directed several high school plays. For almost 35 years he has been on the Executive Committee of the Lions Community Theatre. He is retired from Carson Long Military Institute after 50 years. Spike is very pleased to be playing opposite his wife Martha in White Christmas.
MARTHA HOLMAN (Martha Watson) No stranger to LCT audiences, Martha has been involved in every LCT production since it's beginning in 1971. Some of her favorite roles include "Mary" in Mary, Mary (1974), "Queen Aggravaine" in Once Upon a Mattress (1979), "Aunt Eller" in Oklahoma ( l997), and "Melissa Franke" in State Fair (2000). This year Martha is delighted to be sharing the "agony and the ecstasy" of the LCT stage with her favorite "military-man," her husband, Carson "Spike" Holman. The Holmans have 3 children and 6 grandchildren.
Director’s Message
“White Christmas” in April? What a concept to think that we might enjoy the most cherished season of the year….”all year long”! Many community theaters produce this show as one of their summer offerings and they pack the house! Why you might ask? Well this show contains all the elements of a great production: music with melodies that will stay with you for a long time, characters that are as real as life itself and a storyline that could so easily be reality! Take a two man song and dance team, add an adorable sister act, toss in a stubborn retired general and spice it up with his “even more stubborn” housekeeper and serve it all up in a Christmas setting…..a recipe for an evening of delightful entertainment.
Since 1971, Lions Community Theatre has been serving up such delightful entertainment. Whether it be a comedy, a serious play or a musical, LCT audiences have been treated to great entertainment for the past 39 years and this year’s show will continue that tradition.
Once again it has been great to team up with my good friend and mentor, Baird Collins who covers all of the musical details, and Wanda Beaver, a very dedicated accompanist not only for the show but in the long hours of rehearsal. And what would a show be without the artistic talents of Arlis Krammes and the construction skills of Jim Deimler and Charlie Berrier! Rick Lamb and Audrey Shambaugh are also integral parts of the team that help to make my job as a director a little less stressful. We have also added new members to the team and I appreciate their dedication: Ruta Vaclavic, costumes, Andrea Ortiz-Boyer, choreographer and Jean Rice, props. Many other people behind the scenes, too numerous to mention, have helped to create yet another fine LCT production. They are listed in the program and I hope when you see them out and about that you will tell them how much you appreciated their efforts!
Now sit back and …….enjoy the show!
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General Waverly (Carson E. R. 'Spike' Holman), runs the old rustic inn that is in dire financial straits gets bailed out with a big musical performed by his old army buddies.
General Henry Waverly's Interfering “housekeeper” Martha Watson is played by Martha Holman, her fifth housekeeper role for Lions Community Theatre since 1971.
LCT's Orchestra hopes you are dreaming of (and singing) a White Christmas includes;
