News - From Glamour to Grit: Arkansas Farmer's Whirlwind Tony Awards Adventure

In a night filled with accolades and celebration, Arkansas natives Jake Bell and Holly Payne stood out at the Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall, New York. Jake Bell, a seasoned Broadway stage manager and production manager, was honored with a prestigious Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre. However, another Arkansan, Holly Payne, shared the spotlight. For over 25 years, Holly Payne has been a force in costume design at the American Players Theatre in Spring Green, Wisconsin. As they clinched the 2026 Regional Theatre Tony Award, Payne found herself amidst the theatrical elite at the Tony Awards ceremony on June 6. 'It was a fantastic experience,' Payne reminisced, comparing the energetic vibe of the awards to a lively concert. Pink hosted the evening, filling commercial breaks with engaging performances and narratives. The star-studded atmosphere was palpable, boasting a blend of movie-star, TV-show, and Broadway fame. Despite the glitz and honor of being part of such a significant event, Payne returned to her roots at Porch Swing Farms in Bigelow, Arkansas, immediately after. In stark contrast to the glamour, she was aboard a plane back to Arkansas at 5 a.m., ready to return to farm life alongside her husband, Aaron Baldwin. A Berryville native, Payne, who boasts academic credentials from Lyon College and the University of Arkansas, initially crossed paths with Baldwin—a biochemist from Little Rock—while working in Milwaukee. Their mutual interest in education led them back to Arkansas where they eventually ventured into agriculture. Porch Swing Farms, the product of their shared vision, became their primary focus in 2019. Fueled by the pandemic, what was planned as a gradual journey turned into a rapid transformation focusing on raising pigs, poultry, and offering unique farm products like glazed pecans. Still passionate about theater, Payne indulges in her love for costume design part-time, dedicating around six weeks annually to productions at the American Players Theatre. Her latest project involved working on 'Uncle Vanya' just before the Tony Awards. That weekend, Payne juggled costume work in Spring Green with the excitement of flying to New York alongside her theater colleagues. Reflecting on the experience, Payne expressed sheer joy amidst the whirlwind adventure. 'Going to the Tonys and then back to the farm was a whirlwind but incredibly fun,' she said, indicating the seamless blend of her theatrical engagements and life on the farm—a unique balance she continues to cherish.