Farce of Habit 2025
Farce of Habit, by Jesse Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten
Directed by Cindy Parks, Assisted by Alden Smith
Audition dates: August 4 & 5, 2025
Performance dates: October 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 2025
Comic fireworks explode in FARCE OF HABIT, an absurdly funny Southern-fried romp that takes us back to the Reel 'Em Inn, the finest little fishing lodge in the Ozarks. The proprietor, D. Gene Wilburn, is looking forward to a peaceful weekend on the lake. But there are only two chances of that happening: slim and none. Why, for example, has his wife, Wanelle, picked these three days to white-knuckle her way through caffeine withdrawal? Why is his son Ty's marriage to Jenna falling apart so fast? Could it have something to do with the French can-can costume Ty is wearing? How on earth would D. Gene's feisty sister, Maxie, allow herself to get caught up in such a bizarre undercover police assignment? And that's just his family. If this isn't enough to thwart D. Gene's weekend plans, he's got a gaggle of nuns who've converged on the Inn, hell-bent on experiencing a nature retreat - which might be tolerable if D. Gene didn't have a chronic fear of anything in a habit. Add to this the presence of Jock McNair, a nationally known relationship guru whose colossal ego threatens everyone's sanity; a shy retiree anxious to cut loose and embrace his "inner caveman".
Throw in the storm of the century that's fast bearing down, an axe murderer on the loose, and a couple of wild women who may or may not be who they claim to be, and you have the gloriously preposterous hilarity that is a Jones Hope Wooten Comedy!
CAST
Wanelle Wilburn ............................................................ Gail Warren
D. Gene Wilburn ....................................................... Stephen Buse
Maxie Wilburn Suggs ...................................... Amberly Hadley
Jock McNair ........................................................ Vaughn Hardman
Ty Wilburn ........................................................................ Tra Neuman
Jenna Sealy Wilburn ................................................... Jess Morris
Huddle Fisk ...................................................................... Kirk Bonner
Sister Myrtle Agnes ................................................... Carol Morris
Barbara Stratton ................................................ Becca Bilz Davis
Huddle Fisk Understudy ............. Tim Couch-Thompson
CREW
Director ............................................................................. Cindy Parks
Assistant Director .................................................... Alden Smith
Stage Manager .................................................... Jennifer Poole
Sound .................................................... Codi Couch-Thompson
Lights ............................Emersyn & Tim Couch-Thompson
Specialty Costumes ......................................... Jennifer Poole
BECCA BILZ DAVIS - Barbara Stratton
Becca has been involved with Lake Whitney Arts nearly since the beginning, and has been in many shows for the past 20 plus years. She is a mostly retired elementary school counselor and lives with her husband, Lee (BC) and their cats and dogs.
KIRK BONNER - Huddle Fisk
Kirk is excited to be back on stage for another hilarious southern-fried comedy. Thanks to Cindy and Alden for allowing him to play (BE) Huddle Fisk! With a great cast like this, it can't miss! Kirk hopes the audience has a blast because he sure has!
STEPHEN BUSE - D. Gene Wilburn
Stephen is honored to be in this LWA production. This role is one of his favorites and fun to perform. He recently directed Hallelujah Girls and has been in numerous LWA productions. He would like to thank the cast, directors, technical team and especially his lovely wife Susie.
AMBERLY HADLEY - Maxie Wilburn Suggs
Amberly has been an active member in Lake Whitney Arts since 2015 with THE RED VELVET CAKE WAR. Past shows include THE OLD FAITH....CHARITY, THE MOUSETRAP, STEEL MAGNOLIAS, ALL I REALLY...KINDERGARTEN, THE SUGAR BEAN SISTERS and TWO WITCHES NO WAITING. Amberly is currently on the Lake Whitney Board as Vice-President and supports the volunteer guild.
VAUGHN HARDMAN - Jock McNair
Vaughn is thrilled to be back on stage with Lake Whitney Arts, where he's been a dedicated member for the past two years. His LWA credits include FARCE OF NATURE, MOUSETRAP, AND THE HALLELUJAH GIRLS. Behind the scenes, Vaughn directed the heartfelt production of THE OLD FAITH, HOPE, AND CHARITY, and he loves volunteering his talents in lights, sound, and concessions. Vaughn extends a heartfelt thanks to his loving wife for her unwavering support.
CAROL MORRIS - Sister Myrtle Agnes
Carol is honored to be part of this production. She was most recently seen in THE HALLELUJAH GIRLS, THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, and FARCE OF NATURE. Carol also served as assistant director for THE MOUSETRAP and has contributed her talents backstage, in the booth, and painting sets. She is thankful for the opportunity to create with such a dedicated and supportive community.
JESS MORRIS - Jenna Sealy Wilburn
Jess is delighted to reprise her role as Jenna in this production. She was most recently seen on stage as Sugar Lee in HALLELUJA GIRLS, Mr. Paravacini in THE MOUSETRAP, and Grace Bradley in THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER. In addition to performing, Jess enjoys working behind the scenes both in the booth and backstage. She is deeply grateful to be part of the Lake Whitney Arts family and this wonderful community.
TRĀ NEUMAN - Ty Wilburn
Trā always knew he was a Thespian. From his early youth, there were signs - the occasional eccentric "costume", evening "rehearsals" that conflicted with other "more normal" extracurriculars, etc. His friends said "it's just a phase", but Trā knew...it was forever. What began in middle school has been persistent, with "shows" including: TEN LITTLE INDIANS (WHS), FOUL CASE...PHEASANT (WOODLANDS), A CHRISTMAS CAROL (PLAZA), NEWSIES (PLAZA), SHREK (PLAZA), and many acts of Thespianism in churches thru Texas.
GAIL MORRIS - Wanelle Wilburn
Gail has been with Lake Whitney Arts since 2006. Some of her favorite performances were in ALWAY PATSY CLINE, GODSPELL, THE FOREIGNER, NUNSENSE I & II, THE ODD COUPLE, STEEL MAGNOLIAS, KINDERGARTEN, and many Jones Hope Wooten plays. She would like to thank all the dedicated actors and all behind the scene who put their heart and soul in this production. Thank you Cindy, for your patience with the cast of (thousands). Enjoy the show.
CINDY PARKS - Director
Cindy Parks is devoted theatre nerd. She has been involved with theatre since first grade. Cindy has served as director for shows such as THE DIVINERS, BROTHERS, GREATER TUNA, BLITHE SPIRIT, and many others. In her spare time, she also appears on stage. Cindy would like to thank her wonderfully talented cast and crew for all of their hard work.
ALDEN SMITH - Assistant Director
FARCE OF HABIT represents Alden's first time to serve as an assistant director for LWA. He performed in LWA's spring production of Hope-Jones-Wooten's HALLELUJAH GIRLS and has previously served as a producer and assistant director for a number of ancient comedies and tragedies. He is grateful to the superb FARCE OF HABIT cast and director for this opportunity, as well as to his wife for time-sharing him.
JENNIFER POOLE - Stage Manager
Jennifer has not yet submitted a bio.