Powerstories holiday tradition, Raising Twelve on a Nickel and a Prayer by Fran Taylor Powers and music by Terez Hartman is a story spanning three Christmas seasons beginning in 1950 when Betty reveals to a young sailor Harold her dream of wanting twelve children. The story continues with living on a Navy paycheck, broken promises, an adventure by train cross-country, and the bleak Christmas of 1963 when Betty is raising children alone in a new city while Harold is at sea. Just before their dream is to be realized, they learn that Betty, or baby number twelve may die in childbirth. Christmas of 1966 is one to remember.
This performance is presented in concert version.
A concert version of a musical is a performance focused entirely on the story, live music and vocals, without heavy sets, costumes, or full stage acting. Script in hand.
General Admission Ticket Prices:
Adult – $37
Senior (65+) – $32
Student – $22
Group – (10 or more) – Automatically discounts to group rate with 10+ tickets
Sponsor Ticket Price:
(Includes name in playbill. Extra dollars are gift to theatre to continue to produce important true stories.)
- Powerstories Supporter – $100
Performance Dates and Times:
Wednesday, December 16 – 7pm
Thursday, December 17 – 7pm
Friday, December 18 – 7pm
Saturday, December 19 – 2pm
Saturday, December 19 – 7pm
Sunday, December 20 – 2pm
Cast
(In order of appearance)
Lisa Negrón as Betty Taylor
Omar Negrón as Harold Taylor
Holly Marie Weber as Royale Martingnoni/Elf
Zachary Trenkle as Sailor/Elf
Sophie Fischer as Customer/Neighbor/Elf
Victoria Donaldson as Donna Taylor
Famke Van Vuuren as Mary Taylor
Bella Rose Bonner as Liz Taylor
Rylie Shields as Fran Taylor
Calvin Crespo as David Taylor
Gabriel Church as John Taylor
Lyla Cunningham as Rose Taylor
Ivy Talaski as Judy Taylor
Creative Team
Fran Powers – Playwright/Director
Terez Hartmann – Music /Lyrics
Jamie Lynn Gilliam – Music Director
Bree Brand – Stage Manager
Hillary Brown – Asst Stage Manager
Celeste N. Silsby Mannerud – Lighting Designer
Powerstories Theatre invites the community to a warm and festive Holiday Maker’s Market inspired by our beloved tradition, Raising Twelve on a Nickel and a Prayer. This special event celebrates the creativity of local makers while honoring the play’s heartfelt journey across three Christmas seasons.
We’re inviting local makers and artists of all ages to be part of a festive shopping experience that highlights creativity, community, and the spirit of the season.
Vendors can showcase handmade gifts, seasonal items, baked goods, artwork, jewelry, crafts, and unique creations inspired by holiday traditions. The market will welcome audiences attending Raising Twelve, giving makers a warm and steady flow of shoppers throughout the event.
Registration includes a reserved vendor space, event promotion through Powerstories channels, and access to a supportive community of theatre‑goers and local families. Spaces are limited.
Vendors of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to participate, especially those whose work reflects holiday themes or the nostalgic charm of the play. If you create, craft, bake, or design, we’d love to feature your work at this special holiday event.
HELD Saturday, December 19
Lobby – Hillsborough College Studio Theatre
1411 E. 11th Ave., Tampa 33605
Set-Up 12 PM
Market 1230 PM – 230 PM
Shared 6ft table: $5 Vendor Registration Fee
Single 6ft table: $10 Vendor Registration Fee
Vendors keep all funds from what you sell.
Only 16 spaces available.
CALL FOR ARTWORK
Holiday Gallery – Inspired by Raising Twelve
Powerstories Theatre invites artists of all ages and skill levels to submit artwork celebrating December and January holidays through the lens of our musical Raising Twelve. From Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s, Three Kings Day, Lunar New Year, Yule (Winter Solstice), and other winter-season traditions, we welcome pieces that capture the spirit, memories, and meaning of these holidays.
Your artwork may be featured in three spaces:
- Our virtual website art gallery (24 submissions)
- The studio display online at Powerstories Theatre (up to 12 submissions)
- A potential in‑person exhibit (TBD)
Submission Guidelines
Artists may choose to participate in the studio display and virtual gallery, or virtual gallery only.
Virtual and Studio Digital Gallery
- Any type, size, or medium is welcome.
- Must be received by email by December 2
Exhibit Display (TBD)
- Artwork must be able to be printed on paper no larger than 18×24.
- Must be delivered to Hillsborough College Theatre lobby
- Delivery times arranged individually
