The Light Was Born
The gifted artists and dedicated team bringing the story of the Nativity to life on stage.
Leads
Joseph
Gabriel Yafet
CatholicGabriel Yafet is a Texas-based tenor with roots in Monterrey, Mexico. He began singing professionally at age nine as a boy soprano with the Compañía de Ópera Metropolitana under Eric Steinman, performing in works such as Amahl and the Night Visitors and Chip and His Dog. His singing career has taken him from opera stages and sacred spaces to televised galas, civic ceremonies, stadium events, the Hollywood Bowl, Teatro de la Ciudad, Arena Monterrey, and international festivals.
A celebrated interpreter of Mexico's National Anthem, Gabriel has performed it more than 200 times for major events and dignitaries, including mayors, governors, and the President of Mexico. Trained by teachers including Susan Young, Gilda Cruz Romo, and Manuel Acosta, Gabriel brings a rich background in classical, sacred, folkloric, and contemporary music to his work.
Gabriel previously portrayed Angel Gabriel in The Flame of Hope. In The Light Was Born, he continues his mission of using music to inspire, uplift, and draw hearts toward God through beauty, storytelling, and sacred song.
Mary
Sonia Sebert
CatholicSonia is a vocalist whose voice brings warmth, tenderness, and sincerity to every performance. Originally from France, she has a natural gift for expressive singing and a gentle stage presence that draws audiences into the heart of the music.
She previously portrayed Angel Sonia in The Flame of Hope, where her performance helped bring a sense of wonder, peace, and spiritual beauty to the production. In The Light Was Born, Sonia continues sharing her love for sacred music through a deeply personal and prayerful interpretation of the Christmas story.
Her singing reflects the mission of the ministry: to lift hearts toward God and share the light of Christ through beauty, emotion, and sacred song.
Supporting Roles
Ian Lopez
CatholicAt just 13 years old, Ian Lopez is a remarkably gifted mariachi singer whose passion and vocal talent have earned him top honors in local competitions and placed him among the premier young mariachi vocalists in the country. Known for delivering every song with power and heart, Ian's dedication to traditional Mexican music shines through in every performance. Beyond the stage, Ian is recognized by friends and family for his generous spirit, warm heart, and deep love for his family, who remain his biggest inspiration.
Jason Dunlap
Baritone Jason Dunlap has enjoyed a richly diverse musical journey, performing everywhere from country music bars to classical and operatic stages. His vocal training includes mentorship from Dr. Eldon Black, Richard Miller, and Dr. John Van Cura. He has opened for Kenny Chesney, Neil McCoy, and more, and performed major classical works by Handel, Brahms, Verdi, and others — including debuting the role of Noxis in Gabriel Yafet's The Flame of Hope.
Regina Fox
BaptistA versatile performer with over 15 years of dance training, Regina has built a career spanning musical theatre, singing, professional dance, and choreography. Her theatre credits include portraying Bonnie Parker in Bonnie & Clyde and Denise in Smoke on the Mountain. She danced professionally with Disney and performed with the Spurs Dance Team while attending Hardin-Simmons University. A national champion dancer, Regina now shares her love of the performing arts as a dance instructor at Midland College.
Gerardo Rocha Ovando
CatholicGerardo Rocha Ovando is a tenor and conductor holding a Bachelor's degree in Music and Voice, a Master's degree in Business Administration, and currently pursuing a Doctorate in Orchestral Conducting. His artistic career encompasses opera and sacred music performances across Mexico and abroad. He is the founder and president of the Monterrey International Sacred Music Festival, where he promotes the performance, education, and preservation of the Church's sacred musical heritage.
Carmina Aguilar
CatholicBorn and raised in Midland, Texas, Carmina Aguilar has been passionate about music and theater from an early age. She began singing alongside her father in the choir at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church and later continued at St. Stephen's and St. Ann's Catholic Churches. Since 2009, she has been an active performer with Midland Community Theatre and the Globe Theatre in Odessa. When she's not on stage, she teaches high school English at Greenwood High School.
Ryan Griffin
CatholicBorn and raised in Abilene, TX, Ryan Griffin's favorite opportunity to sing was in Đà Lạt, Vietnam where he served as a Salesian Lay Missionary teaching English and performing at various church celebrations singing songs in Vietnamese and dancing with the youth at English Speaking Camp. During his college years at Franciscan University of Steubenville, he played the roles of Caiphas and Annas for two years at the annual passion play. Now he is teaching English at Holy Cross Catholic High School.
Javier Lopez Morales
CatholicJavier Lopez Morales was born and raised in Chihuahua, Mexico, and now calls the Permian Basin home, where, like many in our community, he works in the oilfield. Javier is also currently a candidate for ordination to the Permanent Diaconate for the Diocese of San Angelo. The Light Was Born marks his first experience participating in a theatrical production, something he says makes him both especially happy and a little nervous. He is grateful for the opportunity to step outside his comfort zone, share this experience with the cast, and help bring the story of Christ's birth to life.
Ensemble cast to be announced. Check back soon.
Behind the Scenes
Director
Gabriel Yafet
Catholic
Gabriel Yafet is a Texas-based tenor with roots in Monterrey, Mexico. He began singing professionally at age nine as a boy soprano with the Compañía de Ópera Metropolitana under Eric Steinman, performing in works such as Amahl and the Night Visitors and Chip and His Dog. His singing career has taken him from opera stages and sacred spaces to televised galas, civic ceremonies, stadium events, the Hollywood Bowl, Teatro de la Ciudad, Arena Monterrey, and international festivals.
A celebrated interpreter of Mexico's National Anthem, Gabriel has performed it more than 200 times for major events and dignitaries, including mayors, governors, and the President of Mexico. Trained by teachers including Susan Young, Gilda Cruz Romo, and Manuel Acosta, Gabriel brings a rich background in classical, sacred, folkloric, and contemporary music to his work.
Gabriel previously portrayed Angel Gabriel in The Flame of Hope. In The Light Was Born, he steps behind the scenes as Director, continuing his mission of using music to inspire, uplift, and draw hearts toward God through beauty, storytelling, and sacred song.
Assistant Director
Miguel Bustilloz
Catholic
Miguel Bustilloz is a retired educator, having taught for 38 years with Midland ISD and one year at the American International High School in The Netherlands. He has been married to his wife Linda for 55 years; they have a daughter working as an executive in Los Angeles and a son who is a lawyer in Austin.
In retirement, Miguel pursues numerous hobbies. A multi-talented musician, he plays jazz guitar, keyboard for his granddaughter Ellie, and bass for the St. Ann's Choir. He is also an accomplished tennis player, having won the singles championship of The Hague and competed in three national tournaments. He enjoys landscaping, cooking, and gardening, as well as reading and writing poetry and songs. Miguel is active in the community, performing in drama and musical theatre on the Midland Community stage and volunteering at the Wagner Noel Performance Art Center.
Choreographer
Regina Fox
Baptist
A versatile performer with over 15 years of dance training, Regina has built a career spanning musical theatre, singing, professional dance, and choreography. Her theatre credits include portraying Bonnie Parker in Bonnie & Clyde and Denise in Smoke on the Mountain. She danced professionally with Disney and performed with the Spurs Dance Team while attending Hardin-Simmons University. A national champion dancer, Regina now shares her love of the performing arts as a dance instructor at Midland College.
Stage Designer
Anthony Powers
Christian
Anthony Powers is the owner of Cyclone Signs, a creative arts company based in Dallas, Texas, specializing in fabricating fun and unique scenery, photo ops, and props for the entertainment industry. His artistic works have graced the stages and grounds of Six Flags, Newfields Art Museum, Kennywood Amusement Park, and Dollywood Theme Park — encompassing full-sized facades, foam carvings, theatrical sets, and creative signs. Anthony has always had a passion for creativity, prop fabrication, and exploring all forms of art to create immersive environments and displays, and he brings that vision to the cinematic world of The Light Was Born.
Costume Designer
Roxanne Nestler
Christian Non-denominational
Based in McKinney, Texas, Roxanne Nestler is the owner and designer of Roxy's Nest, which she founded in 2021. What began as a passion for sewing has grown into a calling to create historically inspired biblical costumes that deepen audiences' engagement with Scripture.
Since founding Roxy's Nest, Roxanne has designed and handcrafted more than 700 costumes for film, theater, and individual clients. She combines historical research with thoughtful design to create costumes that support both visual storytelling and biblical authenticity. She is a proud member of the American Sewing Guild and her work has appeared throughout all seven seasons of The Chosen, with many of her designs selected for key scenes by creator and director Dallas Jenkins.
Her work has reached 542 cities across 12 countries, a testament to the opportunities God has provided. Roxanne views each garment as an opportunity to serve others and to help bring the people and stories of Scripture to life.
Friday, December 11, 2026 · 7:00 PM
Ector Theatre · Odessa, Texas