Staff Editorial

Sunday, June 27 was a night to remember “The Way We Were” as past and present members of Troupe 4105 gave a star-studded send off to mentor, mother and 39-year drama teacher Margie Timmons. 

The event was produced and directed by her son, Brandon Timmons, himself a graduate of the Boston Conservatory and a prior Troupe member. The show was hosted by Michael Dennis who had a new jacket for just about every scene. 

Interspersed between numbers were heartfelt video messages about Timmons’ impact. David Holmes, a 2003 graduate, and now an actor in New York, said he would not be here without Mrs. Timmons. The final production was a tribute to Mrs. Timmons’ dedication to perfection. 

Here is how they pulled it off without her knowledge, in the words of some major co-conspirators. 

Chelsea Reynolds   

Director of BFA Musical Theatre Program, Assistant Professor, Musical Theatre 

School of the Arts, Samford University 

    Brandon knew over a year before it happened (at least!) that he wanted to make sure something special happened for Margie’s retirement. Brandon officially let me know in May of this year it was really happening, that it was a surprise for Margie and that he wanted me to be there and perform in some way. Stephanie Poland, who was both a former student and music director for many competition pieces and productions, took the reins as far as communicating with alumni and organizing who might sing or perform specific pieces from our high school days of varying generations. Once acts were settled upon, Stephanie recorded music tracks so we could rehearse on our own all over the country. The current GBHS Drama Moms created a Facebook group to help coordinate the event, planned the after party, and did so much to make this a successful event.  

   Performers of Troupe 4105, young and old. came together a couple of days before the performance, rehearsed at our old stomping grounds at PSC – (thank you, Rodney Whatley), and had a technical rehearsal at the Saenger Theatre to make certain everything would be up to Margie’s standards. We joked continuously that we might see Margie at any moment hiding back in the back with a stopwatch taking notes of our performances. Thankfully, we were able to keep it a surprise. One of my numbers was the very first in the evening, and I will truly never forget the look on her face when I came out of the wings and the nostalgia and joy I felt performing with my friends I did shows with 15 years ago.  

   Margie left an undeniable impact on my life I will be forever grateful for. She instilled a work ethic, compassion for others, adaptability, confidence, and a love of the craft of storytelling in me. Now, as a university musical theatre faculty member, director, and actor, I pray her legacy lives on even in my own students, as it is important to me to instill these same ideals in my students. Her heart, empathy, honesty, and faith truly lived out has changed countless lives throughout the last 39 years.

Tristan Drusky  

   It all started with the ‘drama mamas’ past and present deciding to give her a big send-off. Obviously, the Saenger was a significant choice of venue because it has been home to the big productions over the years and has become an annual staple on the Saenger calendar. A group of drama student mothers, including the new drama teacher Amy Sellers, and myself all met at Lilo’s every Friday from May to the show date to plan and organize. Brandon came to town specifically to direct the show so he was at the meetings as well. The first step was creating lists of names of important people to Margie’s life, former and current students, and determining the VIP guest list. Contact information was compiled and a variety of responsibilities were divided amongst the planners. From catering, to decorating, to performance selection. I was tasked with creating a Dropbox for former students to submit video messages that would be compiled and played at the event. Looking back, it was quite the undertaking with the sheer number of people that were contacted and the information organized.

Amy Sellers 

   The drama moms (me, Jenny Rushing, Myrt Chestney, Cindy Whitten and many others) began planning months prior to the party. Margie knew we were planning something–she just didn’t know what and she didn’t know how big! We booked the Saenger and started planning and bringing others in to help. We began having weekly meetings at Lilo’s the closer we got to the party, Brandon was still in New York, but we started communicating with him and he began planning the show that was put on for Margie that night, including rewriting the lyrics to a song so that it was all about her. Tristin Drusky was in charge of getting all the videos and dedications to Margie. He put together the slideshow that was shown and made a longer version for her with all of the people who sent in something. Brandon Timmons finally was able to come in town. The moms started gathering decorations. I was in cahoots with Brandon and he helped me sneak some pictures out of Margie’s house. I took all of the trophies out of the trophy case at school, which filled the entire bed of my truck and the inside. We decorated the Saenger the day of the party. Most performers live here, but many flew in the day of, and Brandon ran through the show the day of the party. Dave, her husband, made sure Margie was where she was supposed to be and held her hand the whole way through – just as he’s always done – always by her side. 

   I spent many nights at Margie’s house when I was in high school. She was like a mother to me. She took care of me. She is the reason I fell in love with theater. She is the reason I am doing this job now. Margie is not only my mentor, but also my friend.” 

   Margie Timmons began her career at Gulf Breeze High School in 1982, teaching drama and English. The first show she produced was Heaven Can Wait in the cafeteria and Carousel was the first musical at the Saenger.   She is a resident of Gulf Breeze and a native of Jasper, Alabama. She is married to Dave Timmons and has two sons, Justin and Brandon.  She graduated from the University of Alabama and received her English/Theatre degree and a Master’s in English. 

   Gulf Breeze  High School Principal Danny Brothers, who also attended the event, had this to say:  “Mrs. Timmon’s send off at the Saenger Theater was a fitting end to a remarkable educator’s career.  From English to Drama, Mrs. Timmons provided outstanding direction to her students for over 40 years.  To see many of her former students take time out of their schedules to honor her was a testament to the positive influence she’s made in the lives of those present.  Dancing, singing, acting, flowers, videotaped words of thanks, and emotional speeches, the joyous night had it all!  A perfect closing act for our beloved Mrs. Timmons, Ms. Margie, Momma T.! 

   Mrs. Timmons herself was touched: “I am so thankful for all those who organized, performed and attended my retirement celebration.  I was overwhelmed with so many emotions when I stepped into the theatre. It was an evening that I will never forget and the gratitude I feel cannot be put into words. It was difficult to retire but what an incredible way to leave.”