People gathered and sang carols following the tree lighting during last year's ceremony.

Get into the holiday spirit Tuesday, Dec. 2, at Tusculum College with a Christmas tree lighting and the annual holiday concert by the College’s Band Program.

The local community is invited to the celebration and concert, which are both free and open to the public.

Festivities will begin at 6 p.m. with the lighting of the tree and caroling in front of the Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Building on campus.  Wassail and cookies will be served in the lobby of the Byrd building following the lighting.

The Christmas Band Concert will follow at 7 p.m., featuring the Concert Band, Jazz Band and Handbell Choir.

The Concert Band and Jazz Band’s repertoire will include Christmas favorites. The Concert Band will be performing “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo,” “Merry Christmas Darling,” “Yes Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus” and “Wonderful Christmastime.” The Jazz Band will be performing “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “Three Guys.”

The Handbell Choir will be performing three traditional carols, “Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day,” “The Ukrainian Carol of the Bells” and “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming.”

The band program began in 2010 with the formation of a pep band and has grown to include a Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Handbell Choir and various small ensembles.

Come enjoy some refreshments between the tree lighting festivities and Band concert.

The College's Concert Band performs during last year's concert.

The Doak House Museum is preparing to celebrate the holidays with a Christmas Open House on Dec. 6 and with its popular children’s program, “Storytelling and Gingerbread” through Dec. 18.

An open house will be held at the museum on the Tusculum College campus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6. Free tours of the museum will be provided along with refreshments, crafts and games for the children, storytelling and specials in the museum’s gift shop with proceeds going toward the museum’s programs. A storyteller will perform at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and tours will offered throughout the event.

The museum, which is the 1830s home of Tusculum College co-founder the Rev. Samuel Witherspoon Doak, will be decorated in a charming 19^th century style, as a home would be during that time period.

“Storytelling and Gingerbread,” the Doak House Museum’s most popular children’s program, will be continuing through Dec. 18. Molly Mouse is the guide for the children as they experience holiday customs that the Doak family enjoyed in the 19^th century. They learn about holiday foods from the period, gift giving and decorating customs as people lived them 200 years ago.

The program is open to public and private school groups as well as home schooled children. The museum is also able to offer Title I schools a discounted admission.

On Friday, Dec. 12, the program will be offered for home school children. One adult per family will be admitted free of charge. The program will begin at 1:30 p.m.

For more information about the Open House, contact Leah Walker at the museum at 423-636-8554 or lwalker@tusculum.edu.

To make a reservation for the “Storytelling and Gingerbread” program, please contact Dollie Boyd at 423-636-8554 or dboyd@tusculum.edu.

The Doak House Museum and the President Andrew Johnson Museum and Library are operated by the Department of Museum Program and Studies of Tusculum College. In addition to the museums, the department is responsible for the College Archives and offers one of the few undergraduate Museum Studies degree programs in the country. The two museums are also part of the National Historic District on the Tusculum College campus. Follow the museums on Facebook and Twitter to learn the latest news and upcoming events or visit its Web site at www.tusculum.edu/museums to learn more about the variety of programs offered at the museums.

Through the Remote Area Medical health care clinic hosted by Tusculum College on the Greeneville campus this weekend, 761 people received professional medical care completely free of charge.

Remote Area Medical is a Knoxville-based organization providing free medical care for the uninsured and underinsured.

“What an experience to be part of this project and see a critical need in our region being met by hundreds of volunteers who worked tirelessly throughout the weekend,” said Dr. Nancy Moody, president of the college.

During the weekend clinic, volunteers provided medical services, dental work and optometry services and glasses on-site free of charge. Health care services provided included comprehensive screening for diabetes and hypertension, procedures such as retinal screening using telemedicine technology, chest x-rays, pulmonary function studies, chiropractic services and some gynecological procedures.

During the Tusculum clinic, $413,494 in medical services were provided free to anyone in need, including $338,102 in dental care, $71,737 in vision care and $3,655 in medical services. Additionally, 319 pairs of prescription eyeglasses were given out. More than 6,700 volunteer hours were dedicated to the event, from more than 500 volunteers, two-thirds of which were professionals in medical-related fields. Volunteers included staff, faculty, alumni and students from Tusculum College, medical students from other colleges and universities and hundreds of volunteers from the community.

Tusculum nursing students were among the volunteers taking vital signs and making notes about patient's medical histories in the "triage" area each visited prior to getting in line for either vision or dental services.

“It was a very humbling experience to see the critical nature of what the RAM organization has adopted as its mission,” said Mark Stokes, Tusculum chaplain and planning committee chairman. “This community responded with such incredible generosity, it is impossible to thank everyone who supported the event.”

Businesses, churches and community organizations responded by donating time and resources at a tremendous level. Food for volunteers, transportation resources and equipment were just a few of the needs met by the local community, according to Stokes.

Students came from Tusculum College, University of Buffalo Dental School, Virginia Southern University, Middle Tennessee State University, East Tennessee State University, the Southern College of Optometry, the University of Tennessee, Lincoln Memorial University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. More than 40 Tusculum College nursing students worked throughout the weekend, alongside their faculty and dean, Dr. Lois Ewen.

Dental students from the University of Buffalo received valuable experience during the clinic performing tooth extractions and fillings.

“Many of these students talked about how the experience had changed their lives, as well as giving them a learning experience that was invaluable,” said Dr. Ewen.

Dr Moody added, “What a sense of real impact was felt by everyone involved in this project. We were aided by many community organizations, including the East Tennessee Foundation, which provided a grant of $12,000 through the Dr. J. G. Hawkins Memorial Fund. I am personally awed by the students, faculty, staff, alumni,  friends and local businesses who dedicated their time, talent and resources to make this happen for those in need.”

Planning Committee members included Stokes, Dr. Moody, Dr. Ewen, Steve Gehret, vice president and chief executive officer; Audrey Brackens, administrative assistant for the School of Nursing, Health Sciences and Psychology; Jennifer Hollowell, Arts Outreach coordinator; Ronda Gentry, director of the Center for Civic Advancement, Jon Gresham, campus safety director; David Martin, director of facilities; Suzanne Richey, director of college communications; Mike Hollowell, executive director of the Greene County YMCA, and Vickie Andrew, vice president for chamber operations at the Greene County Partnership.

Patients seeking vision care were given a thorough exam and those needing new prescription glasses were able to get them at the clinic as well.

Erin Hensley-Schultz (Morticia) and Chris Greene (Gomez) rehearse a scene from the musical, based on the beloved Charles Addams' cartoon characters.

They’re spooky, a bit kooky and they’re coming to the stage soon in Northeast Tennessee.

Theatre-at-Tusculum is presenting “The Addams Family,” the first time the Broadway-award winning musical has been staged in East Tennessee. The musical, based on the beloved Charles Addams’ cartoons, will be presented  at 7 p.m. on Nov. 14-15, 20-22 and 2 p.m. on Nov. 16 and 23 in the auditorium of the Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Building on the Tusculum College campus.

Well known and respected actors from the Northeast Tennessee fill the cast for the musical that finds the weird and wonderful Addams family with an affinity for all things macabre with a developing crisis. Wednesday Addams has fallen in love with nerdy Lucas Beineke, who is from a “normal” family. Meanwhile, well meaning Uncle Fester has been working behind the scenes with the Addams family ancestors, who set about helping the family with its new challenging situation, and the fun ensues for the audience.

Under the direction of Marilyn duBrisk, the talented cast includes Erin Hensley-Schultz, a well-known Johnson City thespian, who is bringing Morticia to life, opposite Chris Greene who is portraying the suave Gomez.  Wednesday Addams is brought to life by Hannah Faith Rader, who has performed in Jonesborough and Johnson City productions, and her love interest, Lucas Beineke, is talented Parker Bunch, who many will remember from his role as Bob Cratchit in Theatre-at-Tusculum’s 2013 production of “A Christmas Carol.”

Undertaking Fester and also acting as assistant director is Brian Ricker, who has become a local favorite through his many roles in the Theatre-at-Tusculum program. A relative newcomer to the local stage, but who is also quickly becoming a favorite, is Audrey Shoemaker, who is being transformed for the show into 102-year-old Granny Adams. Young newcomer Tate Brumit plays obnoxious and cheeky little brother while Mike Willis, who delighted audiences as the Ghost of Christmas Future in “A Christmas Carol,” will bring the memorable Lurch to life. Lucas’ parents, Mal and Alice Beineke will be portrayed by Josh Davis, who has starred in roles in Morristown productions, and Jodi Carter, another veteran of Theatre-at-Tusculum productions.

Hensley-Schultz practices a dance with the Addams Family Ancestors during rehearsal. From left are Angie Willis, Austin Bird, Josh Beddingfield, Hensley-Schultz, Charlene Kight, Laura Berry, Zach Gass (partially hidden) and Toni Bates.

Portraying Gomez has meant lots of practice in using a Spanish accent for Greene. “It has been challenging, but a lot of fun.” Audiences will find lots to love about the show,

Greene says, and he has especially enjoyed the music. “The music in this show is great. It is different from the other musicals – the songs are a lot more in the rock and jazz vein.” Greene is a local favorite, and some of his memorable leads include The Cat in the Hat in “Seussical,” the Scarecrow in “Wizard of Oz” and Sir Toby in “Twelfth Night.”

Hensley-Schultz is returning to the Theatre-at-Tusculum stage as Morticia, a role she has wanted to play since a child. She recalls seeing the Addams Family movies and finding the Morticia to be the “coolest character” because of her dark beauty and graceful movements. Hensley-Schultz was in duBrisk’s productions while in high school and then moved away from the region and recently moved back to the region.  Among her memorable roles are Patsy Cline in “Always Patsy Cline,” Winifred in “Once Upon a Mattress” and Columbia in “Rocky Horror Picture Show.”

Bringing the “very loaded” character of Wednesday to life has been a welcome challenge to Rader. Falling in love has pulled Wednesday in a new direction from the dark world that is her norm. “The Addams Family” is a show that has something for everyone, Rader says. “It has a great message in terms of love,” she said. “Although the Addams family members are weird, they are all about family, they look out for each other.” Rader’s recent work includes Jonesborough Repertory Theatre’s “Hairspray,” and Blue Moon Dinner Theatre’s production of “Rocky Horror Picture Show.” She also appeared in several productions while in college at Carson-Newman University.

Wednesday’s new love, Lucas Beineke, is portrayed by Bunch, who finds himself playing a shy teenager in love, much like the character of Peter in Theatre-at-Tusculum’s production of “Anne Frank,” but unlike his own outgoing personality.  Audiences will find the musical to be funny, with lots of great music and costumes, he says. Bunch has been featured in such plays as “Christmas Carol,” but says he especially enjoyed being part of last spring’s production of “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare.”

The role of Uncle Fester is much like The Cat in the Hat in “Seussical” in moving the action along, said Ricker of the role. Uncle Fester also has some interaction with the audience. “I love that,” he said. “It is sort of like improvisation – it makes you be on your toes and focused.” Ricker is also taking on the additional role of assistant director, which has been a fun challenge. “I can’t say enough about the amazing cast, they are absolutely brilliant,” he said, noting that it will be difficuult for him during the performances to stay focused on his character as he will also be thinking about things that need to be happening backstage and onstage.

Shoemaker says it has fun but challenging to play a 102-year-old. “The lines are awesome,” she said of the part, but the role is also physical as Granny’s body language is as important as the lines. Shoemaker’s past Theatre-at-Tusculum roles in such shows as “Carnival,” “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” and “Seussical,” have all been strong character roles, which has been an enjoyable change. Prior to coming to Theatre-at-Tusculum, she was primarily cast in leading roles, but she said she is more comfortable in playing the character roles such as Granny.

The youngest member of the cast is Brumit, whose portrayal of Pugsley is his first leading role. While the play has been fun, he says, it has also been a lot of work. “Most of my parts are in the first act. It is hard because I go on and off stage several times.” Brumit’s experience in the theater began with a role in “Seussical.” “I really liked it a lot and enjoyed being in it with my friends.”

A veteran of both Morristown and Greeneville theater, Davis has been tasked with playing the much older character of Mal Beineke, Lucas’ father. Returning to work with duBrisk and a talented cast has been the best part of his experience with the Addams Family, Davis says, and invites audiences to come enjoy the fun musical. “The Addams Family are American icons and it is fun to see them brought to life on the stage,” he notes. “There are some things about the show you will not be expecting but there are different things you should expect. It is very funny, and there are lots of surprises.” Audiences have enjoyed Davis in such roles as Lord Farquaad in “Shrek the Musical” and as the lead role in the production of “Sweeney Todd” at Walters State Community College in Morristown.

Portraying Mal’s wife Alice is Carter, who agrees with her stage husband that the best part of the production has been the camaraderie among the cast. A music teacher in the Greene County School System, Carter’s first experiences under the tutelage of duBrisk was as a participant in the GLAWPIGT (Great Literature Alive, Well and Playing in Greeneville, Tennessee) program for students in grades 3-12). She has had lead roles in “Seussical,” “The Wizard of Oz” and “Oliver.”

The production staff includes Angie Clendenon, music director; Chris Beste, accompanist; David Price, percussion, and Kim Berry as the show’s choreographer. Frank Mengel is technical director and set designer; Barbara Holt, costume director; Suzanne Greene and Jim Holt, stage management; Zach Holdich, lighting design; Margo Olmsted and Sandy Neinaber, props management; Trenda Berney, make-up director; and Jennifer Hollowell, house manager in charge of the box office.

Parents are cautioned that while “The Addams Family” is family friendly, it is rated as a “PG” show due to a few instances of rough language.

With  music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and story by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice,  the original show opened in April 2010 with Nathan Lane as Gomez and Bebe Neuwirth as Morticia.  The show won a Broadway.com Audience Award for Favorite New Broadway Musical and played 722 performances before closing on December 31, 2011.  It then went on tour both in the U.S. and Internationally.

Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors 60 and over, and $5 for children 12 and under.  To reserve tickets, please call 423-798-1620 or email jhollowell@tusculum.edu.