9 to 5 Bios - The Firehouse Theatre

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

“I’m so sick of running as fast as I can / wondering if I’d get there quicker if I was a man / and I’m so sick of them coming at me again / Cause if I was a man / Then I’d be the man.

They’d say I hustled / put in the work / they wouldn’t shake their heads and question how much of this I deserve. / What I was wearing / If I was rude / Could all be separated from my good ideas and power moves?”

–The Man, Taylor Swift

The song above was released in 2019. The film, 9 to 5, was released in 1980. Women have only been allowed to open credit cards in their own names since 1974. We’ve barely been voting 100 years.

I know, another millennial ranting about discrimination against women. But how can I not? I have women to thank for everything I’ve ever had.

I am personally in a season of life where I feel like I am fighting battles that involve my womanhood in just about every single sector: my health, my career, my faith, my hometown…it’s exhausting. I’m only 31. I look at this show and think: damn, the ones who came before me have been fighting even longer. So, this show is for you. I hope you have the time of your life. I hope you know that I am in awe of you.

Thank you for choosing live theater in beautiful Farmers Branch – where I grew up, where I choose to live today. Please come visit us at The Firehouse Theatre again. We have a lot of fun here.

XOXO,
Ally

CAST

Rikki Sushaun (VIOLET NEWSTEAD) It’s so fabulous to be a part of such a wonderful show! Thrilled to be working with The Firehouse Theatre for the first time. An amazing experience! Film: Neon Days (2019), Bloody Nickel (2022). DFW local theater: White Christmas, And Then There Were None (RCT), Fox on the Fairway (Rover Dramawerks)

Molly Robinson (JUDY BERNLY/MUSIC DIRECTOR) is honored to return to The Firehouse Stage after performing as Paula in CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, Irene in HELLO DOLLY, and music directing The Addams Family. Dallas audiences may have also seen her as Pepa in WOMEN ON THE VERGE (MainStage Irving) and Christine in DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS (Garland Summer Musicals). She is originally from Phoenix, AZ, and a graduate of the University of Miami (BFA Musical Theatre). Other favorite roles include Nellie/SOUTH PACIFIC, Fraulein Schneider/CABARET, Shulie/SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE (National Tour), and her time spent as an Edutainer at the English Village in South Korea. Thank you to The Firehouse community for making Dallas feel like home <3

Caitlin Martelle (DORALEE RHODES) is delighted to return to the Firehouse stage in one of her ultimate dream roles! Caitlin holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Musical Theatre from the University of Central Oklahoma. Recent roles include:The Woman/The 39 Steps (Mainstage Irving-Las Colinas), Annette/Saturday Night Fever (The Firehouse Theatre), Jen/The Cake (GLCT), Jerusha Abbott/Daddy Long Legs (The Firehouse Theatre) and Val in A Chorus Line (Mainstage Irving-Las Colinas). Mama, thank you for always helping me shine like the sun. Preston, thank you for being the most amazing partner to this backwoods Barbie, on and offstage. And Daddy—thank you for being my wings. Let’s tear the damn dam down, y’all!

Preston Isham (FRANKLIN HART, JR.) is tickled pink to be back on the The Firehouse Theatre stage. He last appeared on the Firehouse stage as Morris Delancey in Newsies. Favorite roles he’s performed include Jervis Pendleton in DADDY LONG LEGS and Phil David in WHITE CHRISTMAS at The Firehouse Theatre, and Jerry Lukowski in THE FULL MONTY and Mike Costa in A CHORUS LINE at MainStage Irving-Las Colinas. A special and sincere thanks goes out to my wife, Caitlin Martelle. This Hart? You really did Change It.

Lisette Sandoval Perez (ROZ KEITH) is absolutely excited to be working with Firehouse again! Lisette is a Dallas native and a Theatre teacher. She graduated from TXST in 2021 with a BFA in Theatre. Some of her TXST credits include: Soledad in Blu and Rosa in Lydia. Lisette’s notable DFW credits include: The Addams Family (Ancestor), Spamalot (Ensemble), Jesus Christ Superstar (Ensemble), The Drowsy Chaperone (Ensemble), Little Shop of Horrors (Chiffon), Rent (Mimi), Othello (Bianca), and Crystal City 1969 (Blanca). She would like to thank Eduardo Castrejon and Diego Guevara for always being so supportive. Thank you to Ally, Owen, Molly and Kelsey for being supportive and giving me this wondrous opportunity.

Lucas Haupert (JOE) is beyond thrilled to be back on the Firehouse stage! Lucas received his BFA in Acting with a minor in Directing from Oklahoma City University, with plans to create his own theatre company in the future (or pursue his Directing MFA, whichever comes first). Previous Firehouse credits include Newsies, Saturday Night Fever, Spamalot, and The Lion King JR. Lucas sends his love to his family, friends, dogs, and the incredible cast and creative team of 9 to 5 for their endless love, support, and dedication to this project. Enjoy the show! IG: @lucas.vs.theinternet

Garrett Holton (DWAYNE/ENSEMBLE) is delighted to be making his return to The Firehouse Theatre stage. Recent/Favorite DFW theatre credits include BONNIE AND CLYDE at THE COURTYARD THEATRE in Plano, SWEENEY TODD in Richardson and YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN in Coppell. He also works as the Senior Videographer for Southern Methodist University, directing and producing content. Garrett would like to thank his family and friends for their continued support throughout all of his on-stage endeavors.

Braylen Nelson (JOSH) is thrilled to return to The Firehouse Theatre! Previous credits include Young Will/Will’s Son in BIG FISH (FIREHOUSE THEATRE), Enjolras in LES MISERABLES (PLAZA THEATRE COMPANY) and Ensemble in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (CASA MAÑANA). He would like to thank the production team for the opportunity, his friends and family for their support, and Daniel Hernandez for being an amazing voice teacher. He can’t wait to “Shine Like the Sun” with this amazing cast and crew! @braylen_nelson

Meghan MacLellan (MISSY/ENSEMBLE) is thrilled to tumble outta bed and stumble into her first production at The Firehouse Theatre. Most recently, she appeared in White Christmas (Judy), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Dance Captain), School of Rock (Dance Captain), The SpongeBob Musical (Dance Captain), State Fair (Vivian/ Margy US), Cinderella (Dance Captain), and Cabaret (Lulu) at The Grand Prairie Arts Council and NTPA’s Legally Blonde (Delta Nu) Other past shows include Hello Dolly, and Shrek, at GPAC as well as Mother Courage, Laundry and Bourbon, The Rhinoceros, and Faust at Benedictine College. She moonlights as an English teacher. Meghan would like to thank her family and friends for their constant support/teasing and sincerely apologize to her neighbors for any and all musical noise disturbances.

Krystal Rodriguez (MARIA DELGADO/ENSEMBLE) is very excited to be making her debut at The Firehouse Theatre with 9 to 5. Her previous roles include Miss Mona in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Fraulein Kost in Cabaret. In her spare time you can find Krystal singing for the elderly (that’s literally her job) and playing with her dogs. Krystal would like to thank her friends and family for their support and hopes you enjoy the show!

Tucker Souther (DICK/ENSEMBLE) The Firehouse Theatre debut! Most recently you would’ve seen Tucker as Richard Hannay in Mainstage Irving’s production of The 39 Steps or in Lewisville Playhouse’s production of Little Women (by Kate Hamill) as John Brooks/Parrot. Other notable roles of his include; Judas (Jesus Christ Superstar), Edna (Hairspray), Baker (Into the Woods), Warner (Legally Blonde), Prof. Bhaer (Little Women), The Cat in the Hat (Seussical), Charlie Davenport (Annie Get Your Gun), Alan (God of Carnage), Thomas Stockmann (An Enemy of the People), Estragon (Waiting for Godot), Stephano (The Tempest), Mr. Harari (Ruined), Mr. Antrobus (The Skin of Our Teeth), and Lord Aster (Peter and the Starcatcher). He owes a big debt of gratitude to his fellow cast and crew mates for inspiring him to reach their level of skill and for simply being a joy to work with. And lastly, a thank you to the audience for supporting the arts that give so many people a reason to keep moving on. Thank you.

Grace Harmon (KATHY/ENSEMBLE) is excited to be back at The Firehouse after the 2023 holiday show, Miracle on 34th Street! She is a recent 2023 graduate of Texas A&M, where received a BA in Performance Studies. When not performing, she works as a costume designer/wardrobe around the DFW theatrical scene, most recently working with Circle Theatre and Stage West. However, when she is working 9 to 5, Grace is substitute teaching at Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts. As a lover of the 70s and owning almost every Dolly Parton vinyl album, she is excited to bring everybody back in time with this wonderful and impactful musical. She would like to thank all of her friends and family who support her throughout all of life’s twists and turns. Most of all she would like to thank her Fiancé, Derek, for being the best partner who inspires her, encourages her, and being her “forever and always.” Reminder from Dolly herself, “Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” @gracekharmon

Amy Parsons (MARGARET) is thrilled to be in her first show at The Firehouse. As a former dance/musical theater teacher, Amy is the founder and original owner of Footlights Dance Studio in Flower Mound. She has enjoyed choreographing for several area schools and theaters, including one column award nomination for Stolen Shakespeare’s Gypsy, and has directed many shows for In the Wings Theater, most recently, “Beauty and the Beast.” Amy has LOVED being an adjudicator for Broadway Dallas HSMTA this year and sings with Steel Rose 80s/90s rock band around the metroplex. Onstage, her favorite roles include Morticia in The Addams Family, Hannigan in Annie, Jellylorum/Griddlebone in Cats, and Mary in Jesus Christ, Superstar. Amy hopes that you enjoy the silly caricature of Margaret but is so crazy proud of her friends and family who have had the courage and strength to “Change It” in their own lives and celebrate sobriety! SO INCREDIBLY PROUD of you and you know who you are!

Efren Paredes (BOB ENRIGHT) is enraptured to be making his debut at Firehouse with this over-stacked cast! Efren’s past performances include, Ensemble/Officer in Cabaret (Theatre Arlington), Usnavi in In The Heights (GPAC) and Misha in Lydia (UTA). He has also written, composed and directed shows at UTAs Theatre Lab. Efren would also like to thank his friends and family, who are the personification of Dolly Parton songs.”

Micah B. Hardt (TINSWORTHY/ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER) is so excited to be back at The Firehouse! He was last seen here in Big Fish as Amos Calloway and before that was a part of the Legally Blonde cast as well. Even though Pepperdine University was where he learned his theatre skills, but his last few years working in corporate culture has provided the Method Acting skills to be fully knowledgeable about “working 9 to 5” . . . but hey, what a way to make a living. Enjoy the show!

Angel Frando (ENSEMBLE) is so excited and grateful to make her debut at The Firehouse Theatre in 9 to 5! Her favorite credits include Vera Claythorne in And Then There Were None, The Son in The Trail to Oregon!, and Race in Newsies. When she’s not on stage, Angel enjoys practicing photography, digital art, and cooking. She would like to thank her family, friends, and the theatre for their unending support throughout this process.

Evan Taiclet (ENSEMBLE) is more Dolly than a Parton to make his debut at The Firehouse Theatre in 9 to 5. A BA graduate in Theatre Performance from the University of North Texas, His most recent performance was on the North Pole Express at the Grapevine Vintage Railroad, and spent the majority of this past year as a resident performer at Six Flags Over Texas. Performances include: Christmas at the Southern Palace (2022), A Jolly Holiday (2022), ¡Viva La Fiesta!, Electro!, Summer Nights, and DJ Dooms Boogeyman Bash.

PRODUCTION TEAM

Ally Beans (DIRECTOR/PROPS DESIGN) is a Director and Producer, but is perhaps best known as an award-winning Casting Director with credits spanning Broadway, off-Broadway, television, and film. Her name was said out loud in an acceptance speech at the Independent Spirit Awards last year and that is a really big deal. Proud member of Casting Society of America and Film Independent. Previous credits at The Firehouse Theatre include Catch Me If You Can (Co-Director, Props Design), Saturday Night Fever (Co-Director, Props Design), Miracle on 34th Street (Props Design). A sucker for nostalgia, Ally dabbles as an antique dealer in her free time. If you like any of the props you see, you can probably buy them from her booth at the North Dallas Antique Mall when the show closes! When she’s not at The Firehouse directing or volunteering, you can find her blowing all of her money on soup dumplings across the street at Red Stix. Love and thanks to my family (blood and chosen), Owen Beans, Winston the Dog, and American Airlines. GO STARS

Kelsey Jordan Ward (CHOREOGRAPHER/SWING) is so excited to be back at The Firehouse Theatre for her second show this season! Her previous shows include Something Rotten, Spamalot, Catch Me If You Can, and Big Fish. When she is not behind the table, she can be seen onstage in many DFW theaters. Recent credits include: Christmas At The Southern Palace (Six Flags Over Texas), Beauty and the Beast (Casa Mañana), Cinderella (Lyric Stage) and Head Over Heels (Uptown Players). Up next, you can catch her in The Prom at Uptown Players. She would like to thank her friends and family for their endless support, the Firehouse team for trusting her with their shows, and her amazing creative team of 9 to 5. Enjoy the show!

Molly Robinson (MUSIC DIRECTOR) is honored to return to The Firehouse Stage after performing as Paula in CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, Irene in HELLO DOLLY, and music directing The Addams Family. Dallas audiences may have also seen her as Pepa in WOMEN ON THE VERGE (MainStage Irving) and Christine in DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS (Garland Summer Musicals). She is originally from Phoenix, AZ, and a graduate of the University of Miami (BFA Musical Theatre). Other favorite roles include Nellie/SOUTH PACIFIC, Fraulein Schneider/CABARET, Shulie/SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE (National Tour), and her time spent as an Edutainer at the English Village in South Korea. Thank you to The Firehouse community for making Dallas feel like home <3

McKenzie Graham (They/Them) (SOUND DESIGNER) is beyond excited to be a part of their first show at The Firehouse Theatre! Their love for theatre began in 6th grade when they landed a role as an extra in their school’s production of Cinderella, sparking a passion that has continued to grow ever since. With five years of experience as a high school theatre teacher, McKenzie brings not only a wealth of knowledge but also a deep understanding of the transformative power of theatre education. Their journey in theatre began in 6th grade when they appeared as an extra in their school’s production of Cinderella. Since then, McKenzie has honed their skills in technical theatre, directing and performance; competing in theatre competitions, participating in community theatre, to even working on touring Broadway shows Something Rotten and Finding Neverland. They are excited to bring their expertise to The Firehouse Theatre and contribute to the magic behind the scenes.

Dayna Dutton (COSTUME DESIGNER) has worked with The Firehouse Theater as the Resident Costume Designer extraordinaire since fall 2021. In her two years at The Firehouse Theatre, she designed The Addams Family, Newsies, Saturday Night Fever, Spamalot, Beauty and the Beast, Catch Me If You Can, and Legally Blonde. To name a few of her favorites. Also, she has designed for Arise Acting Studio; this summer, she did Willy Wonka and Anastasia, which had a cast of 51 amazing kids. Dayna is a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Fine Arts emphasis in costume design. Dayna is grateful for the continued love and support of her husband and three incredible and fantastic children. She is thankful to God, and all friends that have helped her grow in her passion!

LEADERSHIP TEAM

David R. Moore, MBA (EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR) (he/him) David has been Executive Director at The Firehouse Theatre since 2014 assisting with vision, strategy, structure, management, fundraising, and marketing relationships. He serves as an Ex-Officio member of the Board of Directors, as well as on the Strategic Planning, Funds Development, Education, Finance, and Governance Committees. For over 30 years he served as a corporate executive at The Bonneau Company, Fossil, Inc., and Visionworks, and currently provides consulting services to various clients. He also serves on the Arts & Culture and Comprehensive Plan Stakeholder Advisory Committees for the City of Farmers Branch, as well as on the Advisory Board of The Warehouse Ministry in Georgia. He holds a BBA and MBA in Marketing and Management from Dallas Baptist University. David and his wife Cindy have lived in Farmers Branch for over 50 years and are blessed with three children, their spouses, two precious granddaughters and two fabulous grandsons.

Owen Beans (ASSOCIATE PRODUCER) (he/him) is an Actor, Director, and Producer for theater and film. He served on The Firehouse Theatre Advisory Board from 2014-2021 and has been the Associate Producer, overseeing all programming at The Firehouse, since September of ’21. He has directed The Firehouse’s smash hit productions of Catch Me If You Can (2022) and Saturday Night Fever (2023), alongside his wife, Ally and co-directed The Firehouse JR production of Into The Woods JR. As an actor, he’s been seen on stages in New York City, as well as prominent theaters across the country including Surflight Theatre, Totem Pole Playhouse, The Legacy Theatre, and Cortland Rep. Locally he’s appeared with Casa Manana, Dallas Theater Center, Dallas Children’s Theater, and The Firehouse Theatre. Pre-pandemic he appeared as part of the inaugural tour cast of Kinky Boots aboard the Norwegian Encore. Additionally, Owen has worked as a Theatre Educator, Director, Music Director, Wardrobe Supervisor, Casting Assistant, and Dramaturg. He has also served as a producer on the short film Love as well as the upcoming Show Cat. Owen holds a BFA in Theatre from Abilene Christian University and is a member of Actors Equity Association. Love to Ally. @OwenBeans. www.owenbeans.com

Claire Boschert (OPERATIONS & ADMIN MANAGER) (she/her) is a Dallas-based stage manager and theater maker. She is excited to be a part of the Firehouse team! She graduated from Rice University in Houston, Texas with a degree in Theatre and Evolutionary Biology. She has previously stage managed Lizzie: The Rock Musical and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Theatre Three), The Last Flapper (Belle Sauvage), Natural Shocks (Echo), and Women of Troy (Cry Havoc). Claire grew up in Lewisville and loves getting to make theater in her hometown! She would like to thank her family and friends for their love and support.

Shawna Robinson (PATRON SERVICES & VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR) (she/her) Shawna started as a Firehouse volunteer back in 2018, and loved it so much that she joined the team in 2022 as the theatre’s Patron Services and Volunteer Coordinator. She holds a dual degree in Finance and Marketing and has extensive experience in sales, promotions, and investments. She has spent the last eleven years raising and homeschooling her children and working in a volunteer capacity on various event coordinating and children’s theatre projects. Her acting resume includes the important role of Angel #2 in her middle school’s Christmas production. She hopes you will fall in love with this theatre like she did and support its commitment to bringing the arts to our community.

Logan Uhtenwoldt (HEAD OF TECHNICAL THEATRE) (he/him) is a local technical theatre artist. He is an alumni of the University of Miami and Miami University with a background in set design, lighting design, and scenic construction. Before joining Firehouse, Logan was most recently the Technical Production Manager for House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soiree (Meyer2Meyer Production). He is thrilled to be the newest member of the Firehouse staff!

Maggie Sproul (PRODUCTION & TECH ASSISTANT) (she/her) is passionate about helping to create theatre magic! Spring of 2022, during her first show back after college, she fell in love with the art all over again. Maggie has enjoyed learning more about technical theatre as she steps into her leadership role here at The Firehouse Theatre. She uses her creative skills to help bring the director’s vision to life with scenic design and costumes. Maggie grew up acting, costuming, stage managing and scenic designing for a local children’s theatre and could have never imagined the privilege to turn her passion into a career.

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