A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder Cast Bios | The Firehouse Theatre Gent's Guide Cast Bios

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

If I’m being honest, I’ve struggled with how to introduce this show to you all. Partially because it needs no introduction. Partially because I know what this show means to me in 2024 may not be what it means to you.

I was raised by a single mom in the suburbs of San Francisco. Half of my childhood was spent in the home of my musical loving grandmother and my staunch conservative grandfather. I received a VHS of the Disney adaptation of Annie on Christmas morning in 1999. In 2002, I auditioned for my first musical- Annie Jr. I was in two scenes and I have been a theatre kid and Annie apologist ever since.

In 2024, I look at Annie differently. What felt very nearly like an American fairytale now seems strikingly relevant again. Homelessness is rapidly rising. The foster care system is overcrowded and underfunded. There is a cavernous divide between political parties. The wealthiest man in the world has endorsed (and successfully campaigned alongside) the most controversial presidential candidate in my lifetime. I sure could use a rousing anthem of optimism right about now.

And then I am reminded that Annie’s message of hope remains the same. From the Depression-laden streets of New York to the White House- Annie enters communities and changes them by believing louder than anyone else that hope is not lost. Thankfully in Annie’s case, the result is a lot of powerful people finally decide to do something about it. Those most hurting simply decide to make it to tomorrow. Both require immense courage, something Annie has in spades.

I sincerely hope our show has channeled both a spirit of humility and bravery. I hope it serves as a moment of joy for you and the loved ones you’ve chosen to share it with. I hope we may listen to our red-headed heroine’s anthem with fresh ears and consider our part in making a better “Tomorrow”. And I hope the next time we tell this story, it feels more like a fairytale.

With gratitude,

Matthew Silar

CAST

Eliza Chabot (ANNIE) is a homeschooled 6th grader and has followed in the footsteps of her 3 older sisters in her acting, singing, and dancing. She LOVES the theatre! This is one of Eliza’s dream roles so she is so incredibly excited to be able to play this spunky and sweet character! You may have also seen Eliza perform as Slightly, the Lost Boy, in Peter Pan JR this fall and her theatrical debut was as “Lulu” in Waitress at the Dallas Summer Musicals when she was just 4 years old. Eliza wants to thank God for her talents and she is so thankful for the hard work that everyone has put into this show. She is especially thankful for her directors, Matt and Kristal and Hannah, Brian, and choreographers Jordan and Isaiah. She hopes this show sends you home with a smile for Christmas!

Keegan Arnold (OLIVER WARBUCKS)

Briana Berk (GRACE FARRELL) is thrilled to be back at The Firehouse Theatre! She was last seen on the Firehouse stage as Bea Bottom in Something Rotten! Briana is a proud graduate of Texas Christian University, where she received a degree in Church Music. In college, she studied voice and organ, and performed in many operas. Some of Briana’s recent roles include Christine/Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (MainStage Irving-Las Colinas); Marianne/Disaster! (Runway Theatre); Jeannie U.S., Pippi U.S., Pickles 2nd U.S./The Great American Trailer Park Musical (Lyric Stage); Jenny Hill/Big Fish (Runway Theatre); and Margot/Legally Blonde (Grand Prairie Arts Council). Briana was born and raised in North Carolina where she sends all her love and thanks to her family. @brianaberk

Kim Harris (MISS HANNIGAN) is excited to be making her Firehouse debut! Kim was most recently seen at the Granbury Opera House in White Christmas (Martha) and 9 to 5 (Violet). Regional credits include 42nd Street (Dorothy Brock), Oliver! (Nancy), Tenderly-The Rosemary Clooney Musical (Rosemary Clooney), Honky Tonk Laundry (Lana Mae), Annie Get Your Gun (Annie Oakley), Working (Woman #3), The Spitfire Grill (Effy). Kim performed in the off-Broadway production of Room Service (Christine) and has been a featured performer at Dollywood and Walt Disney World. Fan of faith, family, felines, funny films, and FOOD!!

Hazel Chabot (JULY) is a homeschooled 8th grader and so excited to be performing again on the Firehouse stage for Christmas! She has been performing since she could walk and loves to sing and dance. Hazel just recently finished Peter Pan JR and one of her favorite roles is performing as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz earlier this year. She wants to thank her incredible directors Matt and Kristal and everyone in the cast and crew for such a fun show! Merry Christmas!

Sophie Rose Kirkham (PEPPER) is happy to debut on the Firehouse stage! Favorite past credits include Dallas Theater Center’s 2022 & 2023’s A Christmas Carol (Marta), The Little Mermaid (Aquata), and The Sound of Music (Brigita), Garland Summer Musicals’ The Music Man (Teen Ensemble/Dancer), MainStage Irving/Las Colinas’ Gypsy (Baby June), Texas Ballet Theater (TBT)/Ben Stevenson’s Cirque du Ballet and The Nutcracker at Winspear Opera House, YATP/Our Productions Into the Woods (Little Red Ridinghood), You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Snoopy/Sally – Swing), & Dear Edwina (Edwina), and Lyric Stage’s Evita (Children’s Chorus) at the Majestic Theatre. She also enjoys print and film work. A award winning composer (Reflections PTA – State Award of Excellence), playwright, dancer, pianist (Mike Springer Music), and guitarist, she is represented by CORE Talent. She is a proud Dealey International Academy Dragon 8th grader and a member of National Jr. Honor Society. She is a 10 year student of Young Artist Training Program (YATP), an audition based, musical theater pre-professional & college preparatory conservatory program. #yatpstrong She is grateful to her TBT ballet teacher of a decade, Ms. Lyndette, for excusing her from dance class for rehearsals! Love to my family, friends, and to BCK! Thanks to Matthew, Owen, and the entire creative team & cast of Annie for their kindness, and for allowing me to keep bringing stories to life onstage – and to get in one last child/kid role!
Instagram: @SophieRoseKirkham

Sofia DeSena (TESSIE) is thrilled to be making her Firehouse debut in a show she’s been dreaming of doing for over half her life. Most recently she was seen on stage as “Alice” in Dallas Young Artists production of Matilda. However, her favorite role to date is still “Gretl” in The Sound of Music at Dallas Theater Center, playing opposite her mother as Maria. Her DTC debut was in Public Works Dallas’ As You Like It as “Rosalind’s Daughter”. Also on the Wyly stage, she portrayed “The Child” in The Elevator Project’s Lucha Teotl. At just 9 years old, she already has an extensive resume, appearing in numerous regional and national commercials, as well as recording several voice-over spots and appearing in print campaigns. She is represented by Kim Dawson Agency. However, Sofia’s greatest passion is thriving in her studies as part of the Talented and Gifted program at her school.

Almaz Clawson (KATE) is a theatre sophomore at Booker T Washington High School. Some favorite past roles at The Firehouse include Seussical JR (Cat in the Hat), Matilda (Lavender), Willy Wonka JR ( Wonka), Disney’s The Lion King JR (Rafiki), and Disney’s Aladdin: Dual Language Edition (Ensemble), as well as Outcry Theatre’s Sunday In The Park with George (Celeste 2/Naomi) and MainStage Irving’s Gypsy (Young Tulsa/Kid Ensemble). Almaz would like to thank her parents, teachers, and vocal coach for all they have helped her with. Extremely special thank you to the most fabulous director, music director, and choreographers for this incredible show. Almaz sends her love to all her amazing cast and hopes YOU enjoy the show!!

Lola Chabot (DUFFY)

Noa Sophia Birch (MOLLY)

Lily (SANDY) is excited to make another performance as Sandy in Annie at The Firehouse. Lily was found while her owner was volunteering for the Red Cross after the Christmas tornados hit Rowlett/Garland in 2015. Lily was crammed into a kennel with 9 other dogs at the Rowlett shelter because so many families lost their homes. She was skin and bones and well under 45 pounds and no one came looking to claim her. Her owner felt Lily wouldn’t live so she offered a rescue $1,000 to pull her upon getting approval from FEMA. All her owner’s dogs are rescues. “Rescues make the BEST pets!” -Christy Dimon

Jason Craig West (ROOSTER)

Annie Wild (Lily St. Regis) is thrilled to be in her first show at The Firehouse and to be back on stage for the first time in eight years! Since her last time on stage, Annie received a degree from Baylor University and spent two years dancing for the Allen Americans Ice Angels. Annie is grateful to the cast and the entire production team for making this an incredible experience!

Mark Eaglesham (DRAKE/ENSEMBLE) is thrilled to be returning to The Firehouse Theatre for the holiday season! Some of his recent stage credits include Dr. Pierce in Miracle on 34th Street (The Firehouse Theatre), Geoffrey in Six Degrees of Separation (Theatre Frisco), Ram Sweeney in Heathers (Blue Firebox Theatre). Mark would like to give a big thanks to The Firehouse Theatre for the opportunity to be a part of this beloved story of Annie. He would also love to thank his friends, family, and his partner, Tyler, for their constant love and support!

Scott Straus (F.D.R/ENSEMBLE) is excited to return to the Firehouse stage, having started 2024 here as Shylock in Something Rotten!. Scott’s start in theatre, which occurred after retiring in 2022 as an airline captain, was the role of Col. Jessep in A Few Good Men at Garland Civic Theatre. Most recently, he played Otto Frank in The Diary of Anne Frank at Theatre Coppell.

Scott feels so fortunate to share the Annie stage not only with the girls who are little rays of sunshine, but with the rest of the cast, whose collective talent, humor, and positive energy perfectly align with the theme of optimism that is Annie. He sends a particular thank you to Eliza in the title role, for always bringing professionalism, talent, maturity, and an ever-present supportive smile to the scenes he is lucky enough to share with her. Scott also wants to shine the spotlight on our director, Matthew, who – in one word! – is wonderful, together with our Stage Manager, Hannah, as they successfully herd cats, while juggling bowling balls, while playing a creative three-level chess match. And finally, Scott sends his love and appreciation to his wonderful wife of 30 years, Angela, sons Preston and Grant, and the numerous friends and family who support him, and so generously come to see the show.

Kaleigh Huser (STAR TO BE/ENSEMBLE) is excited for her second production with The Firehouse Theatre! She is a graduate of Oklahoma City University’s school of music (Go Stars!). Recent credits include Tammy in ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE (The Firehouse Theatre), Annabeth in LIGHTNING THIEF (Waco Civic Theatre), Veronica in HEATHERS, Sonia in GODSPELL, and Marta in COMPANY (Silent House). Love goes out to her Mom, Nina, Connor, and her Texas theatre fam, both old and new!

Luke Weber (BERT HEALEY/ENSEMBLE) is delighted to be returning to The Firehouse after appearing as Shakespeare in Something Rotten! earlier this season. Other recent DFW credits include A Little Night Music (Mainstage Irving-Las Colinas) and Mary Poppins Jr. (Casa Mañana). Luke has also performed regionally in MY WAY: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra (Theatre By The Sea, Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre), The Full Monty (North Shore Music Theatre), Violet (Actors Theatre of Indiana), and more. He was recently named as a finalist in the National Association of Teachers of Singing 2024 National Musical Theatre Competition. BFA, Texas Tech University. www.luke-weber.com, Instagram: @itslukeweber

April Rose Bourg (ENSEMBLE) is excited to make her debut here at Firehouse! She has recently graduated from Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi with a BA in Theatre and a Minor in Dance. Some of her favorite roles have been Serena in Legally Blonde, Lily in A Monster Calls, and Sissy in A Piece of My Heart. April Rose would also like to thank her family and friends for their love and support!

Ruby Chabot (ENSEMBLE) is a senior in highschool at THEO and will be graduating this coming spring of 2025. After performing in Annie Warbucks the musical as Pepper in The Firehouse Theater’s first onstage production in 2012, this is a full circle moment for her! Outside of theater, Ruby is an avid dancer and Co-Captain on her drill team at FCA. Recent roles she has played are; Fiona (Shrek the Musical, ACT) and Finch (Newsies, The Firehouse Theater). She would like to thank her wonderful Directors, Hannah Tolle, and her family for pushing her to pursue her dreams! Enjoy the show and Merry Christmas!

Ethan Colton (ENSEMBLE) is incredibly excited for his debut at The Firehouse Theater! He would like to thank the directors and all the people who made this show possible. Some previous credits include: Hades (Hadestown) (NTPA), George Banks (Mary Poppins), Max Detweiler (Sound of Music) (Shine Performing Arts), and Dmitry (Anastasia) (The ACT). Enjoy the show!!

Aislynn Standifer (ENSEMBLE) is 19 years old and so excited to be having her Firehouse debut! Her favorite roles include: Bird Woman and featured dance ensemble in Mary Poppins, Carlotta Guidicelli in Phantom of the Opera, and Madame Thenardier in Les Miserables! She would like to thank the cast and crew for all the hard work they put into making this show great and her friends and family for always supporting her! Enjoy the show, and happy holidays!

Devin Johnson (ENSEMBLE) is thrilled to return to The Firehouse Theater for his third performance. For the past two years, he has been showcasing his talents throughout Dallas, gracing the stages of Lyric, NTPA, WaterTower, and The Classic Theater Project. As a proud alumnus of Morehouse College, where he earned a BA in Music with an emphasis on Vocal Performance, Devin embodies the spirit of creativity and dedication. Currently at Dallas Children’s Theater, he finds joy in inspiring young performers while sharing the stage with various artists. His multifaceted talents extend beyond acting, singing, and dancing, as he plays multiple instruments with skill. Devin is committed to spreading love, harmony, peace, and healing to everyone he encounters, making a positive impact through his artistry.

Delaney Wenger (ENSEMBLE) is thrilled to be back at Firehouse for the holiday season! Her previous Firehouse credits include Escape to Margaritaville (Ensemble/US Rachel), The Addams Family (Wednesday Addams), and Catch Me if You Can (Ensemble/US Brenda). Other regional credits include Grease (Sandy), Lizzie: The Musical (Lizzie Borden), Legally Blonde (Vivienne), and Footloose (Urleen). Delaney is most passionate about children’s theatre education and has worked as an instructor for Casa Mañana, Granbury Theatre Company, and Artisan Center Theatre and has worked with The Firehouse Theatre JR as the music director for Disney’s Finding Nemo JR and Peter Pan JR. She holds a BFA in Theatre Performance from Baylor University and is represented by The Clutts Agency. She would love to thank you for bringing your families to support live local theatre, and encourages you to continue doing so!

CREATIVE TEAM

Matthew Silar (DIRECTOR) is a Director and AEA Stage Manager based in Chicago (with a large piece of his heart in DFW!) He’s grateful to be back at The Firehouse Theatre, having previously directed THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL and MATILDA. In Chicagoland, he recently directed Citadel Theatre’s production of SHE LOVES ME and received a Joseph Jefferson nomination for Best Director of a Musical- Midsize. Other directing credits include LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Citadel Theatre), Kate Fodor’s 100 SAINTS YOU SHOULD KNOW, Lee Blessing’s TWO ROOMS (Abilene Christian University), and DADDY LONG LEGS (Awaken Theatre). He holds a BFA in Theatre Directing from Abilene Christian University and is a proud associate member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society. @mattsilar on all socials! www.matthewsilar.com

Kristal Seid (MUSIC DIRECTOR) has decades of experience in directing, music directing, and performing, working at theaters such as Casa Mañana, Music Theatre of Wichita, The Firehouse Theatre, and Theatre Three. Kristal teaches voice and acting at her private studio (www.KristalSeidStudio.com) and at Amy’s Studio of Performing Arts and Casa Mañana School for Musical Theatre. Kristal holds a BFA from Southwestern University and is certified in Somatic Voicework™. She expresses gratitude to her friends and family for their support. “Thank you, Willie, for making all my dreams come true!” (Romans 8:3) Follow @KristalSeidStudio

Isaiah Christopher-Lord Harris (CHOREOGRAPHER) is thrilled to be back choreographing at The Firehouse. His recent/favorite credits behind the table include Newsies (The Firehouse Theatre); Godspell (CORP), and all of his teaching opportunities this year. Acting credits include The Rocky Horror Show (Dallas Theater Center); Newsies, Matilda (Casa Mañana); Isaiah would like to thank his family for all their love and Jordan G. For being the best team partner and friend a guy could ask for.

Jordan Leigh Gibson (CHOREOGRAPHER) is so excited to be returning to Firehouse as a part of the production team. Her choreography credits include Cinderella Youth Edition, Annie Jr., Frozen kids, Matilda Jr., Wizard of Oz, Rent School Edition and Trust Fund Baby. Jordan also performs in various theaters around DFW and her recent credits include Pippin (Theatre Frisco); Heathers: The Musical (NTPA Rep); Escape to Margaritaville & Hello, Dolly! (The Firehouse Theater). Jordan would like to thank the cast for all of their talent and hard work as well as her friends and family for supporting her in all her endeavors.

Hannah Tolle (STAGE MANAGER) is excited to be back at The Firehouse for Annie! Hannah has previously stage managed The Firehouse Theatre’s productions of Peter Pan Jr., Aladdin: Dual Language Edition, Something Rotten, The Addams Family, Newsies, Saturday Night Fever, Spamalot, Beauty and the Beast, The Spongebob Musical, Catch Me If You Can, Big Fish, Bright Star: Concert Version, Elf The Musical, and A Year With Frog and Toad. She has also stage managed Native Gardens (Lewisville Playhouse) and Freakshow (Six Flags Over Texas). Thank you to Owen, David, Shawna, Claire, Logan and Dayna for letting me be a part of the Firehouse Family!

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.

Hank Baldree (LIGHTING DESIGNER)

Tyler Hester (SOUND DESIGNER)

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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