The Christmas tree angel Radio Drama cast (Dec. 2014)

Courtney Brakebill grew up in Ohio performing in hometown musical theater. She was involved in theater at Lee University with main roles in "The Last Night of Ballyhoo" and "Almost, Maine". As a frequent soloist, Courtney can be heard at churches in Tennessee and Ohio. She is grateful to her husband, Wiley, for introducing her to Loudon, and is looking forward to celebrating Christmas with their new daughter, AvaLeigh Blair. — at Lyric Theater.

Marie Fertitta (Director) - Marie’s involvement with community theatre started in Stuart, Florida as part of the choir in the Mikado. Favorite roles include: the mute in the “Fantasticks”; the jester in “Once Upon A Mattress” and Glenda in “100 Lunches”. Favorite crew positions include: stage manager in “Nunsense” and director of “Death And Taxes”. More recently, she was the stage manager for “You Can’t Take It With You” performed at the Lyric Theatre in downtown Loudon. — at Lyric Theater.

Robert Harrison made his acting debut in 2013 as the Ghost of King Hamlet in the Clayton Center production of Hamlet. He played the Stage Manager in the Lyric Theatre Company production of Our Town. He worked on sets and lighting for the LTC productions of The Foreigner and You Can’t Take It with You, He enjoyed being Lane in The Importance of Being Earnest. The Foley presents an interesting challenge. — with Robert Harrison at Lyric Theater.

Felicity Gourley loves to dance. Ballet and tap! She has performed in The Wizard of Oz and Peter Pan ballet with Angela Floyd dance studios. She has been in The Veggie Tales Christmas show at Church. She loves to put on shows with her older brother. You can find Felicity playing with her baby dolls and Barbies most of the time. — with ShrimpandGritskidsrep JulieGourley at Lyric Theater.

Lucas Gourley loves to be the funny little guy and make everyone laugh. He is currently in Kindergarten where he loves Chapel and recess! He plays soccer. He has performed in a few pre-school Christmas choir shows, including The Veggie Tales Christmas Show. He loves to put on shows with his little sister. You can find Lucas playing with trains, superheroes, or Star Wars most of the time. — with ShrimpandGritskidsrep JulieGourley at Lyric Theater.

Bill Landry is the voice, host/narrator, and co-producer of The Heartland Series. A graduate of Trinity University, the Dallas Theatre Center, with a Master of Fine Arts degree, and a BA in literature from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Bill has received two Emmy Awards for directing the Heartland Series episodes, and the Education in Appalachia Award from Carson Newman College. — with Bill Landry at Lyric Theater.

Crystal Lytle first enjoyed theatre in her younger years. Her first experience was with her elementary school performance of Annie. She was also involved with her high school drama club in Naples, FL. After a lengthy hiatus she found the Lyric Theatre Company. She is enjoying being back on stage along with her daughter, Sarah, together to enjoy their mutual passion for acting. — with Crystal Lytle at Lyric Theater.

Elizabeth Malloy Brakebill grew up experiencing theatre in Oak Ridge. She is thrilled to have to theatre here in Loudon. She was the choral director and drama teacher at Loudon High School for 13 years. She portrayed Mrs. Soames in the Lyric's production of Our Town, and now returns to the Lyric as a Jingle Singer. She dedicates her performance to her granddaughter, AvaLeigh's, first Christmas.

Emory P. McDonell is in Kindergarten at Greenback School. She loves to play basketball and play with her sister acting out dances and skits at home. Especially if it will make someone smile. — with Chrissy Gideon McDonell, Tip Sparks Gideon and Greg McDonell at Lyric Theater.

Shay A. McDonell is a third-grader at Greenback School. She plays basketball, softball, and runs cross-country. She has always loved acting out her own skits at home but this is her first-time being on a stage.

Alyssa Miller is excited to be performing for the first time at The Lyric Theater. Alyssa is a second-grader who loves music, dance, and books. She has had a lot of fun dancing and twirling in preparation for her role as a Snowflake.

Gabriel Miller is very excited to be performing at The Lyric Theater in his first production. He is a fourth-grader who loves to read and enjoys learning new things. He has really enjoyed the experience he has had as Tommy.

A local actor, Tommy Parris has appeared in every production of the Lyric Theatre Company. He started acting at Lenoir City High School in 2002 and has been hooked ever since. After graduating in 2004, he moved to Dixon Tennessee where he joined the Renaissance Players. In 2006 he won best actor in a play for his portrayal of Dracula. Aside from acting classes with Gage Talent, Tommy also enjoys singing.

Ieshia Presnell is a fifth-grade student at Greenback school where she sings the National Anthem at sporting events. Ieshia has performed at the Clayton Center with the Maryville College Scotty's chorus. Ieshia enjoys braiding her friends’ hair and playing with her cats. Her future goals are to continue in drama and to become a professional singer. — at Lyric Theater.

Tavius Presnell is a fourth-grade student at Greenback School. He enjoys riding his motorcycle and training for motocross. Tavius also enjoys going with his Dad to car shows and bus conventions. Tavius’s future goals are to become a professional motocross rider and a diesel mechanic.

Zoë Sibley goes to North Middle School. She plays percussion in the school band. She has played the drums since she was four. She has many talents, including art, music, and acting. She plays first and second in band. She has been in many plays with roles ranging from Dasher to being a bluebird. She is the daughter of Tommy J. Parris, which is a really big thing to her. — with Zoë Sibley at Lyric Theater.

Doug Thompson is a native of Ohio, and studied at Kenyon College. He appeared on stage in several productions with Branch River Theatre in New Hampshire, and was in the cast of the film Summer, featuring John Cullum. More recently he lived in the Far East for many years, and was an English teacher in Bangkok. — at Lyric Theater.

Simeon Thress is an eighth-grader at Rivers Edge Christian Academy and pleased to make his debut with Lyric Theater Company. Simeon has performed with Young People’s Theater, the WordPlayers, and in numerous church productions. Simeon is the son of Michelle and Michael Thress of Knoxville.

Sam Venable has written for the Knoxville News Sentinel since 1970, first as outdoors editor and since 1985 as a columnist who specializes in humor. He is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and author of 12 books. Sam is a member of the East Tennessee Writers Hall of Fame and Tennessee Journalism Hall of Fame. In recent years, Sam has become popular as a stand-up comedian, teaming up with Bill Landry, Elizabeth Rose, and Jim Claborn on the “Talk Is Cheap” comedy tour. — with Sam Venable at Lyric Theater.

Jeremiah Wampler has literally been in theatre since birth, as his first role was that of the Baby Jesus in a local church performance. After that he appeared in numerous plays throughout middle and high school. After graduation, he was awarded a drama scholarship from Hiawassee College. After a lengthy hiatus, he has thoroughly enjoyed stepping back onto the stage, and becoming a member of the Lyric Theatre Company. — with Jeremiah Wampler at Lyric Theater.

Sarah Williams has appeared in a couple of plays thus far. Her first was Theseus and the Minotaur in second grade at Three Oaks Elementary School in Bonita Springs, FL. She also appeared in her eighth grade performance of Cinderella at Philadelphia Middle School just last Spring, which showcased at the Lyric Theatre. She is so excited about performing with the Lyric Theatre Company and hopes to again in the future. — at Lyric Theater.