DIRECTOR’S NOTE

I first saw Gent’s Guide fresh off its Tony win in the summer of 2014. I was immediately captivated by this show. The script is fast and witty and the music is somehow sweeping, romantic, and comedic all at the same time. I loved how the material felt so fresh and modern all while being set in early 20th Century London and musically sounding much more like Gilbert and Sullivan than say Pasek and Paul. This show manages to do so many things. It’s hilarious. It’s surprising. It’s sexy. And somehow, even though it’s made clear near immediately that Monty has in fact committed these murders, it keeps an air of mystery throughout. Similarly to how this show does so many things…so do these actors you’re about to have the pleasure of seeing (and I’m not just talking about Micah B. Hardt as The D’Ysquith Family)! We were truly blessed to have a massive turnout for auditions. We had over 80 people audition for an only 11 person cast. So what you see from these fearless and talented individuals (and oh my just wait until you hear their voices) is the cream of the crop of what the DFW Metroplex has to offer. And we are lucky enough to get them right here in Farmers Branch. Nine of the eleven cast members in this production also make their Firehouse debut and I am so honored that they chose to spend the past few weeks with us.

 

So go grab a Poison In My Pocket from the concessions stand (and some freshly popped popcorn!) and get ready to enjoy this jaunt to England. And be making plans to join us next month for our Season Revel Gala ONE NIGHT ONLY taking place at Vouv Dallas on November 16 and of course for our holiday production of Annie, running the first 3 weekends of December. 

And I hope you have as much fun watching this show as we had making it for you.

-Owen Beans, Director and The Firehouse Theatre Associate Producer

CAST

Cameron Vargas (MONTY NAVARRO) is absolutely thrilled to be making his debut at The Firehouse Theatre! He is an actor currently based out of the Dallas/Fort Worth area. He was recently a part of the 2023 season at the Utah Shakespeare Festival. He was also a part of the EPR program at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater and he attended school at PCPA . He’s starred in shows such as: THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG, WEST SIDE STORY, DOGFIGHT, LITTLE WOMEN, Neil Simon’s BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS. He’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who got him to this point, especially his family, he wouldn’t be where he is without them.

Lauren Urso Gray (SIBELLA HALLWARD) is thrilled to make her Firehouse Theatre debut with this stellar cast and crew! Select Credits: Alice Russell in Lizzie: The Musical (Theatre Three), Vivian in Legally Blonde (Garland Summer Musicals), Portia in Something Rotten (Garland Civic Theatre), Judy Bernly in 9 to 5 (GSM), Billie Bendix in Nice Work If You Can Get It (GSM), Carrie in Carrie (Brookhaven College), Sherie Christian in Rock of Ages (Lyric Theatre of OK), and Kate in Legally Blonde: In Concert starring Carrie St. Louis (54 Below, NYC). Lauren holds a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre and a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Oklahoma City University. In addition to performing, Lauren is a full-time private voice teacher @your_authentic_voice! Many thanks to Owen, Caitlin, Allie, Molly, Hank, and the whole cast for this joyous and hilarious experience! 

Ashley Tone (PHOEBE D’YSQUITH) is incredibly excited to be making her Firehouse Theatre debut in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder! Ashley has been in love with all things performing arts from the age of 10 and has no plans of stopping! Some of her recent roles include “Alice” in ALICE BY HEART and “Ancestor & Alice u/s” in THE ADDAMS FAMILY. When not on stage, Ashley enjoys scriptwriting, reading, and scoping out cute coffee shops! She would like to thank her Mom, Siblings, and Gram for always standing by and believing in her. She would also love to thank her sweet girlfriend for being the brightest light in her life and inspiring her both on, and off, the stage. Ashley truly hopes you enjoy the show!

Micah B. Hardt (THE D’YSQUITH FAMILY) is over the moon to be bringing the D’Ysquith family to the Firehouse Stage! Gentleman’s Guide will be Micah’s 4th production here, having previously been a part of Legally Blonde (Ensemble); Big Fish (Amos Calloway); and 9 to 5 (Tinsworthy/Assistant Stage Manager). When Micah isn’t jumping from branch to branch in the D’Ysquith Family tree, he works in Corporate Training for CEC Entertainment here in Dallas. Becoming this Family wouldn’t be possible without his own Family, and he is incredibly grateful and fortunate to have such an amazing support system. Enjoy the show; and tell your family (even THOSE family members…) that you love them! 

Jill Baker (MISS SHINGLE) is delighted to embrace her crone era alongside this killer cast in her first production at The Firehouse! She was most recently seen as Mabel in PIRATES OF PENZANCE (Plaza Theatre), Sandra in BIG FISH (Runway), and Quintet/Lovett u/s in SWEENEY TODD (Lakeside). Favorite performances include INTO THE WOODS (Plaza), MAME and SHOW BOAT (Lyric Stage), ASSASSINS (OCU). M.M. Vocal Pedagogy – Texas Woman’s University; B.M. Music Theatre Performance – Oklahoma City University. A “recovering” high school Theatre director, Jill currently teaches private voice lessons in Keller and Arlington ISDs and musical theatre voice at Time 2 Shine studio in Keller, and is entering her sixth Christmas season with the Goode Time Carolers. Thanks to Owen & Molly for letting me be here, and to Caitlin, Alli, and the rest of the cast & crew for making this a wonderful experience!

Melania MacDonald (WOMAN #1) is a DFW-born and raised artist and performer. She was most recently seen onstage as Olivia in Olivia O at She DFW’s inaugural Summer Theatre Festival. Favorite past roles include Meg March in Little Women, Dainty June in Gypsy, and the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods. In addition to fully staged musicals and plays, she also loves the development of new shows and has been seen in Pegasus Theatre’s “Fresh Reads” as well as several readings and showcases with MusicalWriters.com. She is grateful to her friends and family for all their support and love (but thankfully, no murder). IG: @melaniamacd

Jessica Peterson (WOMAN #2) is having a brilliant time in her first production at Firehouse with this delightful cast and crew! Past favorite roles include: Maria Rainer in The Sound of Music, Irene Molloy in Hello, Dolly!, Little Red Ridinghood in Into the Woods (all at Stolen Shakespeare Guild), Gillian Ravenscroft in Ravenscroft (Mainstage Irving-Las Colinas), and as part of the Ensemble in The New Moon (Lyric Stage), as well as choreographing at various theaters and schools throughout DFW. When not onstage, Jessica can be found in her voiceover studio, voicing TV and Radio commercials, kids toys, anime characters, and everything in between. She has a BFA in Musical Theater from The South Carolina School of the Arts at Anderson University. Psalm 139:9-12.

Abigail Head (WOMAN #3) is a recent transplant to the greater DFW area from Virginia. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Georgia and has performed and studied throughout the southeastern United States. Notable roles include Anne Eggerman (A Little Night Music), Despina (Cosi fan tutte), and Cecily Cardew (The Importance of Being Earnest). When not performing, Abigail teaches voice lessons at The Dallas School of Music. In all aspects of her life, Abigail embraces Bach’s motto: Soli Deo Gloria. To God alone be the glory.

Trenton Mosty (MAN #1) is excited to be back at The Firehouse Theatre in their production of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder! Previous credits include: Anastasia, Very Good Eddie, Grease, She Loves Me, The Wizard of Oz, Evita, Side Show, Next to Normal, Falsettos, Sweeney Todd, The Pajama Game, etc. Trent has had the distinct honor of performing a new work (VOX) at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland! Lastly he would like to thank his wonderful family, Mom, Dad, Cameron, Trevor, Laura & his beautiful girlfriend Kylie for always supporting him and raising him to be the young man he is today!

Lucas_Haupert_Headsot

Lucas Haupert (MAN #2) is thrilled to be taking part in his 8th production at Firehouse! Lucas got his BFA in Acting with a minor in Directing from Oklahoma City University, with future intent to either create a new theatre company, or pursue an MFA in Directing (whichever comes first). Recent Firehouse credits include Aladdin: DLE, 9 to 5, and The Lion King JR. Much love to Lucas’s family, friends, dogs, and the “frighteningly talented” cast and creative team of Gentleman’s Guide for their endless passion, kindness, and support. Enjoy the show! IG: @lucas.vs.theinternet

Thomas Schnaible (MAN #3), AKA TENORMAN, is delighted to make his Firehouse Theatre debut with one of his favorite shows of all time! He recently graduated from Texas Tech University with a BFA in Musical Theatre and a BA in Psychology (#lookingforwork) and is now entering the DFW theatre market! Previous shows include Alice By Heart (Alfred), Something Rotten (Nigel), Sweet Charity (Herman/Ensemble), and Fly By Night (Crabble, Narrator U/S). When not performing, you might find him mentoring aspiring actors going through college auditions, playing video games, at the D&D table rolling dice, or biking on the bike he definitely spent too much money on for it not to be used. He wants to thank his phenomenal cast, crew, and creative team (Earl Beans, Countess Robinson, Countess Crabtree, and Countess Isham) for their support and fun attitudes. Lastly, he thanks his amazing siblings, Miles and Grayson, for always supporting his dreams. Look out and enjoy the show! @thomasschnaible 

CREATIVE TEAM

Owen Beans (Director) 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

Molly Robinson (Music Director)

Caitlin Martelle (Assistant Director/Choreographer) is delighted to be back at The Firehouse but this time on a different side of the stage!  Caitlin holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Musical Theatre from the University of Central Oklahoma. Recent roles include: Doralee/9 to 5 (The Firehouse Theatre), The Woman/The 39 Steps (Mainstage Irving-Las Colinas), Jen/The Cake (Lewisville Playhouse), Jerusha Abbott/Daddy Long Legs (The Firehouse Theatre) and Val in A Chorus Line (Mainstage Irving-Las Colinas). Love to my family, who always cheers me on, and to Daddy for always being my wings.

Alli Crabtree (she/her) (Stage Manager) is thrilled to be back at the Firehouse as the stage manager for Gentleman’s Guide! Alli is an actor, singer, teacher, and creative in DFW. A proud UTA MT grad, she was last seen at the Firehouse as the SM and assistant director for Footloose and was most recently seen as Elena in Jet Fuel at Bishop Arts Theatre Center. When not performing or behind the table, Alli is on staff as the assistant to the education director at Theatre Arlington. She would like to thank the team at The Firehouse, her mentors, friends, and family, for their continued love and support. 

Hank Baldree (Sound Design) is a proud graduate of Tarleton State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre with Cum Laude honors. With a passion for the stage and an eye for technical mastery, Hank has had the privilege of working with some of the top theatres in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including Granbury Theatre Company, Garland Summer Musicals, Dallas Young Artists Summer Theatre Camp, Pantagleize Theatre, The Firehouse Theatre, Mainstage Irving-Las Colinas, Garland Civic Theatre, and Theatre Off The Square. He’s taken on a variety of roles—stage manager, lighting designer, scene shop foreman, tech crew, actor, and director—always driven by his love for bringing stories to life. Hank’s dedication to the craft has earned him several accolades, including the 2015 Dr. Mary Jane Mingus Award for Theatre Excellence and the GSM Award for Technical Excellence. Currently the Technical Director at the Granville Performing Arts Center in Garland, TX, Hank is thrilled to return to The Firehouse Theatre for another exciting project! He can’t wait to share this incredible experience with you!

Dayna Rae Dutton (COSTUME DESIGN) has worked at The Firehouse Theater as the Resident Costume Designer since fall 2021. In her time here she has designed; Aladdin, Footloose, 9-5, The Addams Family, Newsies, Saturday Night Fever, Beauty and the Beast, Catch Me If You Can, and Legally Blonde. Also, she has designed for Arise Acting Studio; Cinderella, Willy Wonka, Shrek, and Anastasia. Recently she just did She Loves Me, at Theatre Frisco. Dayna is grateful for the continued love and support of her handsome husband and three amazing children. She thanks her Heavenly Father she gets to do what she loves every day. 

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.