THE ARTISTIC TEAM
DIRECTOR
Brett Evans
PRODUCTION/SHOW COORDINATOR
Linnea Evans
MUSICAL ACCOMPANIMENT
Josh Gothra
SET BUILDING
Eugene Skryabnev
Gary Reinking
Steve Talbott
Eric Frymier
Davoud Zahedi
Buddy Crider
SET/PROP DESIGN
Jula Crider
Megan Crider
DeAnna Fuller
Chrisi Hoffman
Annaka Zachery
Liz Zahedi
COSTUMING
Kathy Turner
DeAnna Fuller
Liz Zahedi
Jamie Ball
STAGE MANAGER
Jodie Fielden
STAGE ASSISTANTS
Nikki Newby
Chesela Smith
STAGEHANDS
Chandler Ball
Shane McClellan
Kevin Peterson
Philip Talbott
A/V
Jenna Elkins
LIGHTING
Cameron Reynolds
Emma Reynolds
Jackson Riley
SOUND
Elliot Ball
Melissa Hege
PHOTOGRAPHY
Tracy Stephenson Photography
Emma Reynolds
ART/GRAPHIC DESIGN
Isaiah Comer
CHILDREN’S HELPERS
Michaela Spangler
Brycen Spangler
Sarah Whipple
Annaka Zachery
SPECIAL THANKS
We would like to say thank you to the Pastoral Team for allowing us to go into uncharted waters during this wonderful (and hectic) Holiday Season. Our hope is that you see a true representation of the birth of Christ and what it means for each one of us as we celebrate this Christmas. Thank you for taking a leap of faith and believing in us!
SENIOR PASTOR
Rev. & Mrs. Matthew Ball
ADMINISTRATIVE PASTOR
Josh Wilson
DISCIPLESHIP PASTOR
Wes Comer
SECRETARY
Shelly Wilson
BIBLE QUIZZING DIRECTOR
Brooke Comer
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
Brett R. Evans
Thank you for joining us in this premier of Make Room an original Christmas musical. We hope you and your family are inspired to make room for Christ in your home this holiday season!
DONATIONS
As many of you know, a production of this caliber is not without expenses. We wanted the tickets to be free so anyone could come; however, if you would like to donate to this production, we would greatly appreciate it! Just click the link and make sure it says “Give to: Christmas Program.”
SCENES
ACT ONE
SCENE 1
Bethlehem News
No One Ever Stays
SCENE 2
Jotham Receives the News
Void
SCENE 3
Vagabonds in the Wilderness
SCENE 4
A Dirty Stable
Hope Around the Corner
SCENE 5
The Shepherd’s Story
He Shall Come
SCENE 6
Visitors Arrive
You Are One of Us
SCENE 7
Children Investigate
SCENE 8
Special Visitors Arrive
INTERMISSION
ACT TWO
SCENE 9
Making the Guests Comfortable
Hope Around the Corner (Reprise)
SCENE 10
Mission Impossible
SCENE 11
Heavenly Announcement
Nothing Else Matters
SCENE 12
Secret Revealed
Welcome Jesus
SCENE 13
Make Room
Make Room
THE CAST
EVA
Macy Gaar
JOTHAM
Brett Evans
TALLIYA
Mindy Brown
JETHRO
Mike Tillery
ZARA
Moriah Evans
SADIE
Cozette Evans
PAEBEL
Mike Brown
YAMM
Wes Comer
RUTH
Kenadi Wilson
JOESEPH
Ian Jennings
MARY
Emma Comer
ROMAN OFFICIAL
Frank Jennings
TOWNSPERSON #1
Linnea Evans
TOWNSPERSON #2
Deniqua Donaldson-Jennings
TOWNSPERSON #3
DeAnna Fuller
TOWNSPERSON #4
Billie Riley
TOWNSPERSON #5
Audrey Riley
TOWNSPERSON #6
Joel Comer
UNDERSTUDY
Leah Wirkkala
VISITOR #1
Ashley Coffey
VISITOR #2
Brooke Comer
KID #1
Adele Comer
KID #2
Bella Lau
KID #3
Serenity Lau
KID #4
Sydney Newby
KID #5
Lauren Bocek
KID #6
Ethan Jennings
TOWNSPEOPLE CHORUS
Chloe Ball
Aliyah Barnes
Toby Barnes
Megan Crider
Chrisi Hofmann
Jaadyn Mcclellan
Lilllian Talbott
Jonathan Whipple
Shelly Wilson
Daniel Wirkkala
Davoud Zahedi
CHILDREN’S CHORUS
Eleanor Brown
Waverly Brown
Emily Coffey
Olivia Coffey
Eliza Comer
Phineas Comer
Dior Evans
Jude Evans
Harmony Miller
Luther Miller
Victor Miller
Lincoln Newby
MEET THE CAST
SPEAKING CAST
LAUREN BOCEK
Lauren is 7-years old and is participating in her first theatrical performance, Make Room. She has participated in church Sunday school choirs and loves signing. She also loves animals, crafting, and spending time with friends. When she grows up, she would like to be a veterinarian.
MIKE BROWN
Mike is simply ecstatic to be involved in his theatrical debut at FAC! After studying two semesters at Juilliard, and holding out for the perfect role, he is proud to finally put his education to good use! Mike and his villainous wife serve as the Directors of the Children’s Department at FAC and he aspires to sing on the Praise Team one day.
MINDY BROWN
Mindy is so excited to be returning to the stage, even if it is to play the bad guy! Mindy dabbled in Community Theater about 10 years ago, her favorite role being a wicked stepsister in a production of Cinderella. Mindy has been a member of FAC for over 24 years and currently serves in the Children’s Department and on the Praise Team.
ADELE COMER
Adele Comer was born for drama. This is her onstage debut as “Kid #1.”
BROOKE COMER
Brooke Comer has played a number of characters since high school, including “crowd member #42,” “woman at fire,” and Potiphar’s wife. She is honored to make her appearance here as “Visitor #2.”
EMMA COMER
Emma Comer has enjoyed many Christmas Sunday School productions, but has never played Mary. Until now.
JOEL COMER
Joel Comer, playing Townsperson #6, has served in numerous roles throughout his childhood. This is the culmination of his dramatic aspirations.
WES COMER
Wes Comer has participated in many dramatic productions over the years, including Easter dramas and other biblical dramas with Eagle Bend Apostolic Church in Clinton, TN, and others with Oak Ridge Playhouse, namely James and the Giant Peach and 12 Angry Men. He is the Discipleship Pastor of FAC Carmel, and is playing the part of Yamm.
ASHLEY COFFEY
Ashley is a Labor and Delivery Nurse and a mother of three! Ashley has been a member of Faith Apostolic Church her entire life and in the past has served in music and children’s ministries. This is Ashley’s first musical production and she hopes you enjoy the show!
DENIQUA DONALDSON-JENNINGS
Deniqua Donaldson-Jennings is an independent gospel artist, kindergarten teacher, wife and mother of two boys.
BRETT EVANS
Brett is a professional salesman and has been a member of FAC for over 10 years. Brett was the founding leader of Stitches, a sketch comedy troupe, and has performed in comedy shows, plays, and musicals including Emile de Becque in South Pacific and Curly in Oklahoma. He was excited to write and share his first musical. Brett would like to thank everyone involved in making Make Room.
COZETTE EVANS
Cozette is seven years old and is thrilled to be performing in her first musical. Cozette loves ballet, gymnastics, and basketball and loves to make people laugh. She is a 1st-grader at Heritage Christian School in Indianapolis.
LINNEA EVANS
Linnea is a stay-at-home mom of four and has been a member of FAC for over 10 years. She was part of the sketch comedy troupe, Stitches, where she traveled across the country performing. She has also traveled the country doing comedy shows with her husband Brett. Linnea has been involved in many plays and musicals as a director, actor, and producer. Thank you all for coming to Make Room; I pray this musical brings hope and joy to you this Christmas!
MORIAH EVANS
Moriah is nine years old and is excited to be a part of the Make Room cast. Moriah is a member of the Christian Youth Theatre company in Carmel, IN, and has recently performed in a stage play variation of Pirates of Penzance called Pirates. She is a 3rd-grader at Heritage Christian School in Indianapolis. When she’s not acting, she loves basketball and all things science.
DEANNA FULLER
“My name is DeAnna Fuller. My husband and I participated in dinner theater/live productions for many years (Apostolic Faith Players, Brownsburg, IN) which sparked our interest in theater as a means to share the Good News and Love of Jesus. We thank Brett/Linnea Evans for their creative genius and FAC for the opportunity to be involved in this Great Message.”
MACY GAAR
Macy is a singer/songwriter who recently moved back to Carmel, IN to further her career in property management. In January, Macy released her first original on all digital streaming platforms and is currently working on her goal of producing an album. Macy has enjoyed being a part of Make Room and hopes it leaves the audience changed.
ETHAN JENNINGS
Ethan is a third-grade student at New Britton Elementary and the fourth member of the Jennings family. He likes basketball and recently celebrated his 9th birthday.
FRANK JENNINGS
Frank is a financial services professional who resides in Fishers, IN with his wife and two sons.
IAN JENNINGS
Ian is a running back at Fishers High School. He is in his junior year and is headed to a promising future.
BELLA LAU
Bella is 12 years old and in the 7th grade. She enjoys reading, making slime, swimming, singing, running track/cross country, and making scrubbies for her business. Acting is something Bella enjoys. She has participated in two Jr. Drama plays with her homeschool group including Annie & The Nutcracker. Make Room for Jesus and remember HE is the reason for the season.
SERENITY LAU
Serenity is 10 years old and in the 5th grade. Her passions include playing the piano, gymnastics, drawing, and spending time with her friends & family. She enjoys acting and has participated in two Jr. Drama plays with her homeschool group including Annie & The Nutcracker. Being part of the Make Room cast has been fun. Thanks for coming!
SYDNEY NEWBY
Sydney is 8 years old and is participating in Make Room, which is her first ever stage performance. She’s in 2nd grade and enjoys art, music, and hiking. Sydney hopes that the production helps people see the real meaning of Christmas, and loves everyone she’s working with.
AUDREY RILEY
Audrey is a senior at Westfield High School and is so excited to be a part of Make Room! She’s been involved in school choir since the very beginning of middle school and hopes to become a music educator in the future. She’s so glad to be putting on this production for God with her favorite people!
BILLIE RILEY
Billie is an Executive Assistant and Office Manager. She and her husband Brad have 3 young adult children. FAC has been home to her family for more than 36 years. Billie was involved in choir and musicals in high school and has sung in the church most of her life. She’s so grateful to be a part of Make Room.
MIKE TILLERY
Mike has been a member of FAC for 7 years. While practicing dentistry for the past 42 years, this first theatrical production just might open some doors! What a privilege to participate in this musical with such fine artists! May you “make room” in your home for the Lord… enjoy.
KENADI WILSON
Kenadi is very excited to make her acting debut in Faith Apostolic’s Make Room musical. She loves being part of FAITH Kids and has enjoyed this new challenge of acting. Some of her favorite things to do is play soccer, run, hang out with friends and spend time with her family. Thank you FAC for allowing her this opportunity!
LEAH WIRKKALA
Leah is a part of the FAC staff and also helps out with the Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ. She has attended FAC since she was just 2 years old! She enjoys spending time with her family and singing. She doesn’t have much experience in theater but is having fun learning about what all goes in to making a production a success.
TOWNSPEOPLE CHORUS
ALPHABETICAL ORDER
Chloe Ball
Aliyah Barnes
Toby Barnes
Joel Comer
Ashley Coffey
Megan Crider
Deniqua Donaldson-Jennings
DeAnna Fuller
Chrisi Hofmann
Jaadyn McClellan
Audrey Riley
Lillian Talbott
Jonathan Whipple
Shelly Wilson
Leah Wirkkala
Daniel Wirkkala
Davoud Zahedi
CHLOE BALL
Chloe has been a member of FAC for all of her life. She is the Sunday school teacher for the 3 & 4 year old class, and also works in the music department. She works at Primrose schools and is currently in college pursuing a degree in elementary education. She is so excited to participate in Make Room!
LILLIAN TALBOTT
Lillian is 13 and a 7th grader at Western Boone Jr High. Lily is a member of the Boone Co 4H program where she shows horses, dogs and goats. She is a member of the Boone Co horse and Pony club and is on the Western Boone Volleyball and Swim Teams. Lily is involved in her school choir program and this is her 2nd theatrical production.
DANIEL WIRKKALA
Daniel is a 14-year UPS driver and has been a member of FAC for 14 years too. He is husband to Leah and father to Jackson. He enjoys serving at FAC and playing golf. He does not have experience in theater but is excited and honored to be part of this wonderful Christmas production!
DAVOUD ZAHEDI
Davoud is a mild-mannered public servant by day and in his free time loves to doodle, cook, read, travel and be outdoors with his family. He feels like he is on stage often (with a tough crowd) as a Sunday School teacher with his wife. He and his family love attending FAC. Davoud is looking forward to sharing the gospel through Make Room!
CHILDREN’S CHORUS
ALPHABETICAL ORDER
Lauren Boceck
Eleanor Brown
Waverly Brown
Emily Coffey
Olivia Coffey
Eliza Comer
Phineas Comer
Cozette Evans
Dior Evans
Jude Evans
Moriah Evans
Ethan Jennings
Bella Lau
Serenity Lau
Harmony Miller
Luther Miller
Victor Miller
Lincoln Newby
Sydney Newby
Kenadi Wilson
ELENOR BROWN
Eleanor is 6 3/4 years old and is in the first grade at Hamilton Heights Elementary. She enjoys cheerleading, ballet, and candy. This is her first time in a production and, although a little nervous, she is excited to try something new and fun with her family!
WAVERLY BROWN
Waverly is 5 years old and is in the Little Huskies Pre-K at Hamilton Heights Elementary. She loves to sing and play make believe all the time. Waverly was born for the stage and she is more than excited to be sharing this experience with all of you!
DIOR EVANS
Dior is 4 years old and is the youngest twin and fourth in the birth order behind her two older sisters and her older (by one minute) twin brother. She loves to dress up, sing and take charge in any situation. This is her acting debut and has already expressed an interest in performing!
JUDE EVANS
Jude is 4 years old and is the oldest twin and third in the birth order behind his two older sisters, and this is his acting debut! He loves monster trucks and can dance like you wouldn’t believe.
LINCOLN NEWBY
Lincoln is 5 years old, and participating as a choir singer for Make Room. Lincoln is in prekindergarten and loves bugs, dinosaurs, and Transformers. Lincoln loves singing, so being in the kids chorus is something he has enjoyed doing.
THE STAGE MANAGER
JODIE FIELDEN
Jodie is a project accountant and has been an active member of FAC since 1997. She has served in various roles around FAC, such as church secretary, Sunday school teacher & administrator, janitor and currently, she is our Multimedia director. This is Jodie’s first time as a stage manager for any production and she has found a new love for theatre life….at least behind the scenes!
THE SONG LYRICS
NO ONE EVER STAYS
Lyrics & Music by Brett R. Evans
Oh, little town of Bethlehem
Forgotten hilltop place
Your streets are quiet; your buildings oh, so quaint
People pass by everyday
Never stopping to say “Hi”
(spoken) But we understand, it’s nothing really great
We haven’t got much to offer
We have seen our better days
Over time our wells have dried up
Everybody moved away
But for us who still take cover
In this boring town we roam
Even though it hasn’t got much
We still call it home
Bethlehem
The City of David
The House of Bread
Apart from that it’s pretty dead
Bethlehem
Runt of the Tribe of Judah
It’s a great place to be from but no one ever stays
There isn’t much to do
There isn’t much to see
The only thing we got is a little history
But even though we’re small we make the best of it
And we all hope that one day people will visit
We haven’t got much to offer
We have seen our better days
Over time our wells have dried up
Everybody moved away
But for us who still take cover
In this boring town we roam
Even though it hasn’t got much
We still call it home
Bethlehem
The City of David
The House of Bread
Apart from that it’s pretty dead
Bethlehem
Runt of the Tribe of Judah
It’s a great place to be from
But no one ever stays
VOID
Lyrics & Music by Brett R. Evans
What have I done
Look what I’ve become
How did it get this way?
I tried to provide
With the skills that You, God, gave me
But my efforts just yielded this pain
I look all around and I see
Remnants of memories from days preferred
And though I fall to my knees
My supplications go unanswered
I did my best to be who You wanted
Righteous and upright in all ways
Yet despite my best efforts I’ve fallen short
And for these sins I know I must pay
But I cry out to You once again
Hoping this time You will finally hear me
I’ve poured out my heart and my soul
And I lie before You, empty
I’m hollow
Robbed of the joy that You gave me so long ago and I know
I don’t deserve it
But I’m asking again
Could you please fill this void?
This room once had laughter and singing
But that has all faded away
It’s been replaced by the echoes of sorrow
Once muted by the love that abode in this place
When the earth was in darkness
You spoke to the chaos and filled it with light
Will you to do it again?
Fill the void in my heart like only you can
I’m hollow
Robbed of the joy that You gave me so long ago and I know
I don’t deserve it
But I’m asking again
Could You please fill this void?
I was holding out hope that one day You would see me but now I’m just wasting away
I’m hollow
Robbed of the joy that You gave me so long ago and I know
I don’t deserve it
But I’m asking again
Could You please fill this void?
HOPE AROUND THE CORNER
Lyrics & Music by Brett R. Evans
So many days
All filled with sadness
Papa’s still grieving and so are we
We longed for the days
When we all can be back together
But as each day passed
Our hope kept slipping away
So I cried out to God
I know He can hear me
And though there is silence
I know He’s still moving
Like the leaves of a tree
Dancing as the wind blows
My soul begins to quiver
As His spirit breathes on me
My heart would long for joy
But it would never come
My hope began to fade
Like a dying flame extinguished by a sandstorm
I’d rush ’round every corner in my neighborhood
Expecting hope would be there, but it never would
But now I feel a stirring shaking deep within
I know this time is different
There is hope again
Like the sight of a rain cloud over dry and arid plains
Like the sound of a shofar during jubilee parades
Like the smell of a silo after harvesting the grain
There is hope around the corner again
I cried out to the Lord
And He heard my cry
And His answers always come at the perfect time
I know He uses darkness
To make His stars shine bright
He cocoons the wings of butterflies to strengthen them for flight
I know He can use this desolation
To do a work in me
So I will prepare my heart to welcome His masterpiece
Like the sight of a rain cloud over dry and arid plains
Like the sound of a shofar during jubilee parades
Like the smell of a silo after harvesting the grain
There is hope around the corner again
Like the taste of a wine
Newly pressed from ripened grapes
Like the touch of a loved one
And their comforting embrace
Like the feeling that you feel
When you think on better days
There is hope around the corner again
There is hope
Hope
Hope around the corner
Hope around the corner
There is hope
Hope
Hope around the corner
Hope around the corner again
I know my God, He has a plan
And if I look closely, I’ll see His hand
So with my head I bowed
He rides on swift clouds
There is hope
Hope
Hope around the corner
Hope around the corner again
There is hope
Hope
Hope around the corner
Hope around the corner again
HE SHALL COME
Lyrics & Music by Brett R. Evans
Deceitful heart
You are cluttered by the sin
That was passed down through the generations since the Fall in the Garden
There’s no vacancy
For the Spirit of the Lord
And though we try to clear it with our virtuous deeds
Our hearts we can’t restore
And He shall come
As one of these
Spotless lambs
Born a sacrifice
And He shall come
To die for all
And with his blood He will cleanse us from our sins
Empty heart
Nothing fills the space within
Though we try to fill it with our plans and creations there’s no satisfaction
We are creation
If the vacancy is filled
By our great Creator, the King forever we shall be fulfilled
And He shall come
Our King of Kings
His Name shall be called
The Prince of Peace
And He shall come
Our Mighty God
And He will reign on His Throne forevermore
And He will reign on His Throne forevermore
YOU ARE ONE OF US
Lyrics & Music by Brett R. Evans
You look at us with such disdain
As one who watches hyenas
Swarming the carcass of a dead antelope
But it’s only because you don’t see us
Open your eyes, we’re doing what’s natural
Those dogs – they’ve gotta eat
And honey, you’re hungry, and your heart’s just as ugly
And you’ve already eaten the meat
You are one of us
You lie, you steal, you cower
You think that you’re better, but you’re a slave and a debtor
You are one of us
You are one of us
You’re selfish and afraid
You look down your nose, but clearly it shows that you are one of us
Now look at all this empty space
It is void of laughter and song
You try to fill it with your stone handiwork
But the pain it only prolongs
Jotham, listen to me; your prayer has been answered
These four walls have life once more
Drop the good guy facade, and chase treasure with our squad
You can’t pretend anymore
You are one one of us
You’re greedy and dependent
You want to be great, but that isn’t your fate because you are one of us
You are one of us
You wish it wasn’t true
But if you want to be cheery, give in to the eerie you are one of us
You are one of us
You are one of us
You are one of us
You are one of us
NOTHING ELSE MATTERS
Lyrics & Music by Brett R. Evans
Nothing else matters but Him
Earthly possessions and plans that I’ve made
Messiah has come to rescue all men
And He’s all that matters
Nothing else matters
Nothing else matters but Him
WELCOME JESUS
Lyrics & Music by Brett R. Evans
Jesus
Jesus
Welcome in
We adore You, Lord
Jesus
Jesus
God with us
Savior of the world
MAKE ROOM
Lyrics & Music by Brett R. Evans
Clear out the clutter clear out a space
Let us welcome in
The Christ to this place
These four walls
Are filled to the brim
So get rid of it all
To make room for Him
Grab the finest of linens
Get the softest of wool
Make a permanent pallet for our King by the hearth
Let us open our door
And invite Him to stay
Let’s make room in our home for the Savior today
Make room for Him
Make room
For the One who came to redeem us
Invite Him in
And place Him
At the center of everything
We fill our lives
With various things
hoping that something will give us our wings
But we soon realize
It all weighs us down
And our flight to the clouds cannot be found
But they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength
They shall run and not be weary they shall walk and not faint
And if you make Him Lord of your heart and let Him reside
He’ll give you wings like an eagle and you’ll soar through the sky
Make room for Him
Make room
For the one who came to redeem you
Invite Him in
And place Him
At the center of everything
I will make room for You
He’s here
Make room for the King
Welcome Him in