DIRECTOR'S NOTE
CAST BIOS
CREATIVE TEAM BIOS
LEADERSHIP TEAM BIOS
2024 SEASON SPONSORS

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

Welcome to our production of Newsies JR!

This show celebrates young people and the power they have because of their determination, resilience, and courage to speak up for justice. Set in turn-of-the century New York City, Newsies reminds us that even in the face of great challenges, unity and hope can change the world.

Directing this amazing cast of student actors has been a joy. These young actors were able to walk in the worn out “shoes” of real life boys and girls from the early 1900s who lived on the streets or worked to help feed their poor families.  Behind the scenes, I had an incredible right hand man… my stage manager, Tony, with me every single day working on staging and music with our actors as well as an equally talented choreographer, April, who patiently ran the choreography with our students for hours at rehearsals. I am deeply grateful for their creativity, dedication and teamwork.  

I am also indebted to our wonderful artistic director, Owen, for his guidance and patience with me and all my questions.  Thanks to Logan for a beautiful set design and Dayna for making my kids look like real live newsies!  I truly love collaborating with you all! One more thank you to my loving husband, Rick, who knows how special theatre is and how it “fills my cup” and to my little guy, Joey, who has memorized every Newsies song and most of the lines and shared them with me daily since we began rehearsals.

The message of Newsies JR is timeless: when we come together and lift our voices, we can make a difference.  My hope is that you leave today’s performance inspired by these incredible young performers, and reminded of the importance of courage, friendship, and standing up for what is right.  

Thank you for joining the Newsies and I as we, Seize the Day!

Joanna Chabot, Director

CAST

Caden Kennedy (JACK KELLY)

Wyatt Hartz (JACK KELLY) is thrilled to be performing again at The Firehouse Theatre! He has previously been seen on the Firehouse stage as Peter Pan (Peter Pan JR), Pugsley (The Addams Family), and The Baker (Into the Woods JR) Other recent roles include JoJo in Seussical the Musical (Dallas Young Artists), Boy Scrooge/Turkey Boy in A Christmas Carol and Friedrich von Trapp in The Sound of Music (Dallas Theater Center), Young Will in Big Fish (Theatre Arlington), Billy Ray in On Golden Pond (MainStage Irving-Las Colinas), and Ensemble in Jekyll & Hyde and Sweeney Todd (Lyric Stage). Wyatt would like to thank The Firehouse Theatre team for this opportunity! 

Jordan Colletti (KATHERINE) is 16 years old and a junior in high school. She is thrilled to be returning to The Firehouse Theatre to play Katherine in Newsies JR! Jordan was most recently seen as ensemble in Seussical, Virginia in Oklahoma!, Jane Bennet in Pride and Prejudice, Mrs. Darling in Peter Pan JR, and Beth in Little Women. When not on stage, Jordan enjoys swimming, hanging out with her friends, and drinking coffee. She would like to thank her directors for this opportunity and this cast for putting together such an amazing show!

Allison Arroyo (KATHERINE) “Allie” is thrilled to play Katherine in Newsies JR! Allie’s favorite roles include Matilda in Matilda (Dallas Young Artists), Wendy in Peter Pan JR (The Firehouse), Young Charlie in Chaplin (WaterTower Theatre), Little Girl in Ragtime (Lyric Stage), Red Fang in Big Fish (Dallas Young Artists), and, most recently, Bird Girl in Seussical (Dallas Young Artists). Credits also include Cabaret (Lyric Stage), Cinderella (Lyric Stage), Bright Star (Dallas Young Artists), and Tuck Everlasting (Dallas Young Artists). She is a proud Bronco in the theater magnet of Richardson West Junior High, and played Kate in last year’s production of Legally Blonde Jr. Allie would like to thank the team at Firehouse for this opportunity, her musical and theater mentors Vonda K. Bowling and Jacob Hemsath, and the village of people who invest in her and what she loves. 


Hazel Chabot (CRUTCHIE) is a freshman in high school and has been performing since she could talk! Hazel loves to play soccer for her team, Storm, when not entertaining!  You may have seen her at The Firehouse theatre last year as an orphan, with her sisters in Annie or as Michael in Peter Pan JR. She sends love to her family and wants to thank everyone who helped make this show a success!

Lilly Perez (CRUTCHIE) is super excited to be part of Newsies JR! She’s previously appeared in SpongeBob Youth Edition as Sandy Cheeks, Peter Pan JR as Tiger Lily, The Lion King JR as Ed, and Finding Nemo JR as Squirt, all at The Firehouse Theatre. Lilly is a current eighth grader that loves theater, watching movies, and spending time with her friends. She would like to thank The Firehouse Theatre staff for helping develop her performance skills and her family for supporting her in her theatrical passion.

Anthony Maggio (DAVEY) is delighted to appear as Davey in Newsies JR. Anthony was previously seen as Squidward in The Spongebob Musical Youth Edition, Mufasa in The Lion King JR, Marlin in Finding Nemo JR, and Cinderella’s Prince in Into the Woods JR. Anthony enjoys reading, playing basketball, lifting weights, playing piano, scouting, drawing, and working as a wrangler at Marshall Creek Ranch. A shout out to fellow castmates and great thanks to our patient directors!

Max Robinson (DAVEY) is a freshman in high school and thrilled to be playing the role of Davey in Newsies JR. He has performed in plays and musicals since the age of six and is delighted to return to The Firehouse Theatre stage. Max enjoys tap dancing and has a unique interest in breeding insects.

Eliza Chabot (LES) is a 7th grader who loves to sing, dance, and act. Performing with her family and friends is one of her favorite things! You may have seen Eliza as Annie during the Christmas season at The Firehouse Theatre. This was a dream role for her!  In her free time, Eliza loves to play many sports and crochet animals for her friends.  She wants to send love to her Dad, Mom, Ruby, and Joey.  She thanks her directors for all their hard work and dedication! 

Noa Sophia Burch (LES) is ecstatic to be back at her favorite place, The Firehouse Theatre. Her favorite recent roles include Pearl in The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition, Molly in Annie, and Young Nala in The Lion King JR. She is in fifth grade at Dallas International School. Noa Sophia loves to read, design jewelry, and play violin. She is thankful to her family that supports all of her creative pursuits.

Margherita Hester (MEDDA) is proud to be returning to The Firehouse Theatre in Newsies JR!  Rita has most recently appeared in Puffs at Canopy Theater. Rita has also appeared in Lion King JR (Sarabi), Finding Nemo JR (Gurgle/Pearl’s Mom), and Into the Woods JR (Jack’s Mom) at Firehouse. In addition, Rita has played roles at various regional theaters. She appeared in the chorus in The Sound of Music at Artisan Center, as Kathy Selden in Singin’ in the Rain!, Edith in Pirates of Penzance, and in the chorus of HMS Pinafore with St. Paul Institute. You may have also seen her as Gus-Gus in Cinderella, Fairy in Sleeping Beauty, and as Oompa-Loompa in Willy Wonka, Jr. with RBR. Rita is fond of the arts and travel. Rita wishes to thank her parents, brother, and extended family for their love and support. “Sawyer, you’re going out there a chorus girl; but you’ve GOT to come back a star!” -Julian Marsh, 42nd Street

Shelby Logan (MEDDA)

Isaac Robinson (PULTIZER) a high-school sophomore, is excited to be playing Pulitzer in Newsies JR here at The Firehouse Theatre. He has been involved in theatre since he was seven, both onstage and behind the scenes as a costume creator, set painter, lighting technician, and assistant stage manager. Outside of theatre, Isaac enjoys drawing, painting, gardening, playing basketball and rugby, and spending time outdoors. He is proud of his continued growth as a performer and is excited to share his work with the audience.

Lola Chabot (WEISEL) is in the 11th grade. She spends her free time immersed in all the arts; singing, dancing, performing, playing piano, and ukulele. Formerly crowned Miss Carrollton’s Teen and then Miss Lewisville’s Teen with the Miss America Organization, she loves to serve in the community.  You may have seen her as Peter Pan in Peter Pan JR last fall or as an orphan in the holiday mainstage of Annie at Christmas.  She is thankful for her directors sharing this incredible story about child labor in the early 1900s.

Ricky Chabot (ROMEO) is a 4th grader who loves to perform with his sisters! He also loves soccer, baseball and basketball. In his spare time, he loves to create and is always working on some type of invention! You may have seen him as the salt shaker in Beauty and the Beast a couple years ago during Christmas.  Ricky sends his love to his 4 sisters and one little brother, Joey.  He thanks his mom and dad for everything and his directors for giving him this special opportunity!

Christian Colletti (MORRIS DELANCEY, et al) is 14 years old and a freshman in high school. He is excited to be returning to The Firehouse Theatre for Newsies JR! Some of his past productions include Peter Pan JR (Nibs), Winnie The Pooh (Tigger), Charlotte’s Web (The Gander), and Moana Jr (Ensemble). Christian enjoys playing rugby and hanging out with his friends. He would like to thank his directors and this cast for such an awesome show!

Siena Colletti (SPECS) is 12 years old and in 7th grade. She is so excited to be returning to The Firehouse Theatre for Newsies JR! Past productions include Peter Pan Jr (Nana/Crocodile) with The Firehouse Theatre, and Cinderella Jr. (Ensemble) and Moana Jr. (Ensemble) with Amy’s Studio of Performing Arts. Siena enjoys playing soccer, reading, and hanging out with her friends. She would like to thank her directors and castmates for such a fun show!

Chloe Cromley (HANNAH, OLIVE, et al) is thrilled to be returning to The Firehouse Theatre, where she previously performed as Little Red in Into the Woods JR. She recently appeared at NTPA Dallas in Six: Teen Edition as Katherine Parr and has performed annually in A Christmas Carol at Dallas Theater Center since 2022. Chloe studies voice, dance, and acting, and is part of the Advanced Theatre program at Killian Middle School. When she’s not on stage, she loves singing, baking, cooking, and exploring all forms of art. She would like to thank her family and friends for always believing in her and supporting her as she pursues her dreams.

Chloe Cuevas (MURIEL) is making her theatrical debut and couldn’t be more excited! She loves exploring the world of acting and can’t wait to share her talents with everyone.  When she’s not on stage, Chloe enjoys reading, singing, watching movies and spending time with her family and friends!

Rocco Cuevas (RACE) is thrilled to be back on stage! When he’s not acting, you can usually find him on the ice playing hockey for Coppell High School. He loved stepping into the spotlight as SpongeBob in The SpongeBob Musical Youth Edition this spring at The Firehouse and is excited to bring even more energy to this show. Off stage and off the ice, Rocco enjoys hanging out with friends, karate, cracking jokes, and playing video games.

Delia Davila (PIGTAILS) is excited to be back at The Firehouse Theatre which has become Delia’s second home! Recently, Delia has been in 3 actingOUT camps this past summer, Gary in The SpongeBob Musical Youth Edition, and a brave girl in Peter Pan JR. When she’s not watching Kpop Demon Hunters, she’s at Goodwill finding her new treasures. Delia would like to thank Mom and Dad.

Georgia Durrett (NEWSIE, et al) loves the stage and is excited to be in her debut Firehouse Theatre performance! A fourth grader here in Farmers Branch, her favorite past role is Mayzie LaBird in Seussical Jr. at Amy’s Studio of Performing Arts. When she’s not at rehearsal, Georgia loves to read, play with her brother Henry, and take care of her hamster Sniffles.

Evelyn Hatfield (ETHEL, DOROTHY, et al)

Zelie Herrera (ADA, DARCY, SPOT CONLON, et al) Zelie Herrera, (Ada, Darcy, Spot Colin’s) Zelie has done musicals in the past Sleeping Beauty, Willy Wonka and more. Busy with dancing Ballet and Folklorico, Zelie’s favorite roles include an oompa loompa in Willie Wonka and ribbon candy in Nutcracker. When Zelies not on stage she is still singing and dancing around the house. Zelie would like to thank her family and friends for their support. “The way you dig sunsets Pony, thats gold.” – Johnny Cade (The Outsiders)

Cora Johnson (NEWSIE, et al) is very excited to be part of Newsies JR at The Firehouse Theatre. She was recently a summer camp attendee and in Finding Nemo JR. She is currently studying Theater at Vivian Field Elementary. She is also training in voice and piano with a private instructor. She would like to thank her mom and dad for support and encouragement, as well as their transportation services.

Reese Johns (JOJO) has been dancing and acting in productions for The Dallas Conservatory since she was 5 and is thrilled to make her The Firehouse Theatre debut in Newsies JR. Reese is currently in 7th grade at The Winston School and when she is not performing she spends her free time writing books, building legos, and hanging with friends and family. She wants to thank her Parents, Quinn, and Elena, for always showing up and supporting her!

Caleb Otiker (BILL, ROOSEVELT, et al) is thrilled to be making his Firehouse debut in Newsies, JR! When he’s not rehearsing, he is a dedicated Boy Scout working towards his First Class rank and a devoted animal lover. He faithfully feeds the chickens every morning (especially his rooster!) and loves to play with his friends and dogs and cat. At home, he can be found tinkering with the gaming PC he built himself or practicing his most dramatic fake cries. He thanks the Firehouse staff for everything they do, his dogs for the snuggles, and his family for always driving him to rehearsal.

Evie Peña (NEWSIE, et al) is very happy to be joining another Firehouse JR production as a Newsie! She has performed in previous Firehouse JR productions such as The SpongeBob Musical Youth Edition, Peter Pan JR, and Lion King JR. She also starred as Aladdin in her school production of Aladdin Jr last year! Evie is a 5th grade student at George Bush Elementary School. She is a member of the Cheerleading and Theatre clubs and also participates in multiple Leadership roles assisting K-2nd graders. She spends her free time caring for her pets (3 fish, 2 dogs, 1 cat), playing with her younger brother, and practicing music and singing with Dad. 

Hattie Rivas (PAT, COP et al)

Maggie Rivas (SEITZ, SNYDER, et al)

Penny Rivas (ENSEMBLE, et al)

Sam Rivas (OSCAR DELANCEY, BUNSEN, et al)

Lily Robinson (NANCY) is in seventh grade and is thrilled to appear in her third Firehouse Theatre production. Newsies is her favorite musical and she loves acting and being on stage. Her hobbies include crochet, tap, Spanish, drawing, spending time with her family, and enjoying the outdoors. She is especially excited to perform in Newsies JR.

Oliver Robinson (ALBERT) is a fifth-grader excited to perform in Newsies JR, his third production at The Firehouse Theatre. He has been acting for six years and has appeared in numerous shows, including Peter Pan JR, also directed by Mrs. Chabot. Oliver has five siblings—four brothers and one sister—and all but the youngest, Benjamin, are part of this production! He has made many friends through theatre and is eager to see what the next junior show will be!

Samuel Robinson (TOMMY BOY) is a third-grader appearing in his second production at The Firehouse Theatre. He enjoys making new friends and is thrilled to be performing in Newsies JR, especially alongside his friends. Samuel has four brothers and one sister and loves speaking Spanish and participating in theatrical productions. His favorite Firehouse show to date has been Peter Pan JR, directed by Mrs. Chabot—his favorite director—who also lives nearby!

Emily Schaad (HAZEL) is ecstatic to be playing a Newsie in Newsies Jr! This is her second production at The Firehouse Theatre. You may have seen her last fall as Tootles in Peter Pan JR here at The Firehouse or this spring as Mrs. Mayor in Seussical Jr at Amy’s Studio of Performing Arts. Other past roles include Munchkin\Oz Guard in The Wizard of Oz, The Wizard in The Wizard of Oz Ballet, and Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast Jr. This summer, Emily also got to direct Tuck Everlasting for Kidworks Festival and The Playhouse Collective. When not acting, you will find Emily crocheting, writing, making jewelry, and hanging out with her friends. Emily would like to thank Ms. Joanna, Tony, Ms. Dayna, Mr. Owen, and everyone who worked on the show for all their hard work! She would also like to thank her family, especially her parents, for always supporting her. Emily hopes that everyone enjoys the show!

River Taylor (WEISEL)

Monica Wargo (BUTTONS) is so thrilled to have her stage debut in Newsies JR at The Firehouse Theatre. A native of Lake Highlands in Dallas, TX, she is a 5th grade homeschool student who loves to sing, dance, act and perform. When she’s not studying or on field trips, you’ll find her tumbling at the gym, managing her dog-walking business, reading, playing games, hanging with friends, painting, and enjoying the great outdoors. Previous to this opportunity, she’s acted in smaller, backyard theater productions. She wants to thank her mom, dad, and two little sisters for supporting her theatrical ambitions.

Jenna West (ENSEMBLE, et al) is excited to be performing in her first Firehouse JR. show. She loves performing and has been seen in other shows such as Finding Nemo Jr (Dory), It’s a Wonderful Life (kid ensemble), Flat Stanley (Cousin Sophie), and The Music Man (ensemble). When she is not on stage, she loves crocheting, art of any kind, and helping her mom in the kitchen. She wants to thank her family and the Duttons for their love and support!

CREATIVE TEAM

Joanna Chabot (DIRECTOR) is excited to be directing again this fall at The Firehouse Theatre. She has previously directed Peter Pan JR and Finding Nemo JR here at The Firehouse. She is honored to have been invited back; thank you Owen!  When not directing plays and musicals, Joanna, a former teacher, homeschools 5 of her children (with the oldest off to college!) and chaperones them to all their extra curricular activities mostly involving singing, dancing, and acting. She is blessed to have a house FULL of theatre lovers and an incredibly supportive husband, Rick. Joanna is thankful to have worked on this show with April, her incredibly talented choreographer and Tony, the BEST stage manager EVER for the entire course of this show, and in awe of the talents of Dayna in costumes, and the entire tech crew. She sends her love and all the “break a legs!” to the sweet, talented, and beautiful cast of young actors that she was blessed to work with! Finally she sends kisses and hugs to her little “boy at home”; Joey who is excited to have her back home at night to tuck him into bed for all the holidays coming up.

April Rose Bourg (CHOREOGRAPHER) is very excited to be back at The Firehouse! She previously appeared in The Firehouse production of Annie, choreographed The SpongeBob Musical Youth Edition, and served as one of the instructors for the 2025 actingOUT Summer Camps. After finding her passion in dance at her home dance studio, Laura’s Dance Dynamics, April Rose started choreographing in theatre while earning a BA in Theatre and a Minor in Dance at Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi. Some of her favorite projects to assist choreograph were Be More Chill and A Monster Calls. Her first solo musical, and most recent, to choreograph was Legally Blonde in Gainesville Texas. April Rose would like to thank her family, friends, and fellow LDD staff members for supporting her throughout her dance and theatre journey. She would also like to thank the production team for the opportunity to work with them as well as the cast for allowing her to be creative and taking on the challenge- you rock!

Tony Bartke (STAGE MANAGER) is ecstatic to have his first stage managing position at The Firehouse Theatre. A seasoned actor at Stand Ministries in Keller, he is happy to be given the chance to be on the other side of the stage. He would like to give special thanks to Mrs. Joanna Chabot for giving him the chance to take part of this wonderful process.

Dayna Rae Dutton (COSTUME DESIGNER) has worked with The Firehouse Theatre as the Resident Costume Designer since fall 2021. In her time there she has designed The Wedding Singer, Million Dollar Quartet, Annie, Footloose, 9-5, The Addams Family, Newsies, Saturday Night Fever, Spamalot, Beauty and the Beast, Catch Me If You Can, Legally Blonde, and most recently Godspell. Also she has designed for Arise Acting Studio; Cinderella, Willy Wonka, Shrek, and Anastasia. Dayna is grateful for the continued love and support of God, her husband and three amazing children.

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

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!

Joanna Chabot (BOX OFFICE & VOLUNTEER MANAGER) was one of the earliest actors and volunteers at Firehouse in 2013, served on the Board from 2015-18, and in 2023 received a “First Responder Award” for foundational and sustainable support. In 2023-24, she directed several Firehouse JR shows, and her children have been very involved as artists. In 2025 she  joined our staff as Box Office & Volunteer Manager, ensuring patrons always have a pleasant experience. She homeschools her six children and operates Chabot Family Arts, a neighborhood backyard theatre company.
 
Dayna Dutton (HOUSE MANAGER) has worked as the theatre’s Resident Costume Designer since the fall of 2021, designing for nearly every MainStage and JR show while also Costume Designing for other area theatres. In 2025, she became our House Manager, handling all front-of-house activities. She has the unique ability to manage multiple projects and deliver high-quality results with a high level of customer satisfaction. She holds a BFA in Costuming from the University of Central Oklahoma, and her three children are also involved in our stage.