DIRECTOR’S NOTE

Growing up, my parents had every one of Jimmy Buffett’s CDs. I still think I have a few that I stole and added to my CD cases. As a kid, Jimmy Buffet always seemed to be playing, along with Green Day, Tom Petty, AC/DC, Journey, and Nirvana. My parents raised me on different types of rock and roll. I read somewhere recently that at the beginning of his career Jimmy Buffet never really knew which music genre he was under. In the song Come Monday he has the line, “I guess I never was meant for glitter rock and roll.” Instead of being shoe-horned into one genre, Buffett welcomed them all. In the song One Particular Harbor there are the Tahitian lines “Ia ora te natura, E mea arofa teie ao nei” which roughly translates to “life to nature, love the Earth.” Buffett was all about love. His songs seem like they could cure any bad day. His genre of music never really mattered to him because at the end of the day he knew he was creating something that was special to him and his fans. I feel that way directing this show. The genre doesn’t really matter. Who would have thought you could make a jukebox musical out of Buffett songs? But, really, it’s not about that. This show really is about the love of theatre and the celebration of life. 

One of my favorite memories of my dad was when I came home from college one summer and I went to the backyard and saw him floating around the pool listening to Buffett with a rum and coke in his hand (we called him the Rum Bum because his drink of choice was always Captain and Coke). He just looked at me and said, “put on some trunks and get in.” Well, I couldn’t refuse and did just that. The two of us floated around in our inner tubes listening to Buffet and enjoying our drinks. We talked for hours about everything and nothing that day. My dad passed away in 2013, but every time I order a rum and coke, or Buffet comes on the radio, I always think about that moment. That’s the thing with Jimmy Buffet’s music, any time it’s playing you just forget about life for a while and enjoy what you have in the now. 

-Benjamin Keegan Arnold

CAST

Gideon Ethridge (TULLY) is thrilled to be making a return to The Firehouse Theatre! He was last seen here in “The Drowsy Chaperone.” His recent credits include JESUS in “Godspell” at Millbrook Playhouse, MARCELLUS in “The Music Man” at Garland Summer Musicals, DAVID in “Beloved King” at MusicalWriters.com, and DANNY in “Grease” at Fort Salem Theatre. He would like to  thank the wonderful cast and creative team, as well as his family for their love and support!! Instagram: @gideon_ethridge TikTok: @gonetheartist

Laila Jalil (RACHEL) is very excited to make her debut at The Firehouse Theatre. She is a recent graduate from The University of Central Oklahoma where she received her Bachelor’s in Music for Musical Theatre. Some of Laila’s most recent performances include Bonnie Parker in Bonnie & Clyde and Enid Hoopes in Legally Blonde. She would like to thank the cast and crew for making her first experience with this theatre a memorable one, and she hopes to work with them again in the future.

Kaleigh Huser (TAMMY)  is excited to be making her Firehouse debut! She is a graduate of Oklahoma City University’s school of music.  Recent credits include 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 (Shay shay from Port A), Nina, Connor, and her Texas theatre fam, both old and new!

Austin Bender (BRICK) is a proud University of Texas at Arlington alumnus! He was last seen on the Firehouse stage in The Boyfriend as Pierre back in 2019. Other favorite credits include Little Shop of Horrors as Orin (Granbury Theatre Company), Black Comedy as Brindsley (Lakeside Community Theatre), and Company as Robert (UTA). He would like to thank his wife for her support and love.

Jayden Russell (MARLEY) is so excited for their debut at The Firehouse! Jayden was most recently seen in the Ensemble of Lyric Stage’s production of Sweeney Todd. Additional experiences that Jayden holds near & dear include Amneris in Aida (Lyric Stage), Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors (Theater Coppell), Marcy in 25th…Spelling Bee (Theatre Arlington), St Jimmy in American Idiot (Lakeside Community Theater), and Levora in Disaster (Runway Theater). “Special thanks to the creative team, the cast, & everyone at Firehouse for this opportunity! Much love to my family, friends, & support system! Love ya, Bombas!” @jayjayjetplanex

Alex Rain (JD) is excited to be performing at The Firehouse Theatre for the first time. He most recently appeared as Flan in Theatre Frisco’s production of Six Degrees of Separation. Other favorite roles include Nostradamus in Something Rotten (Theatre Frisco), the titular character of Macbeth (LCT), Dr. Mortimore in It Runs in the Family (Theatre Frisco), Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (GLCT), Sam in Mamma Mia (NTPA), and Henry Keys in the TV movie Danger in the Spotlight (Lifetime). When not doing theatre, Alex is a professional photographer and full-time voice actor/voiceover coach. You can learn more about Alex at his website  www.alexrain.com and on Instagram @alexrainphoto

Shane Morgan (JAMAL) is thrilled to be back on stage at The Firehouse Theatre. After doing their production of SpongeBob SquarePants the musical AND being an enthusiastic audience member for whatever show they put on, he truly feels at home. Shane started his theatre career over a decade ago only doing comedic and dramatic plays but he found the musical theatre bug to be quite contagious and he is eternally grateful for the opportunities that have come with the switch. Shane would like to thank the production crew and everyone working at Firehouse for their incredible hospitality and collaborative nature. He would also like to thank his cast and crew for their positivity and their professionalism.

Mario Aguirre IV (ENSEMBLE) Firehouse Debut! Other roles include Dracula –  A Melodrama (Jonathan), Captain Phantasm vs. The Nefarious Dr. Noir (Johnny), and I hate Hamlet (Andrew), all at Pocket Sandwich Theatre, and Death Express! (The Conductor) with Pegasus Theatre. He’s looking to get more camera work under his belt, and a big step in that direction is soon to come in Richland Heights S2 with Kingdom Salvation Films. When chilling at home, Mario likes to play videogames, one such title being Elden Ring, or the periodic 1-2 week binge of ESV: Skyrim. He also recently got into baking, which is currently confounding him. When possible, Mario loves to spend time with friends, listening to all the mayhem of everyday life.

Nathan Benson (ENSEMBLE) is excited to return for his fourth show with The Firehouse Theatre, having been in Hello, Dolly! (Rudolph/Ensemble), The Spongebob Musical (Perch Perkins/Ensemble), and Legally Blonde (Kyle/Ensemble). During the holidays, he also sings with the Goode Time Carolers at various events around DFW. As always, he would like to thank his parents for their continued love and support.

Kat Dennis she/her (ENSEMBLE) is stoked to be working with The Firehouse for the first time! Just a few years here in the DFW area, you may not have seen her in much, but she promises she was super funny in Disaster! at Runway Theatre in 2023. She did a lot of stuff in Palm Desert, CA for many years and then a lot of stuff in Chicago, IL for many years and now she hopes to continue The Stuff here for (you guessed it) many years. When Kat’s not tappa tappa tappin you may find her at Disney World or training for some self-inflicted effort of torture like a marathon. She’d like to thank her husband, Conor, for being her biggest fan and supporting her Disney/torture/theatrical adventures; and thanks to the production team members who are SO RAD to work with. Cheers, ya’ll!

Jordan Gibson (ENSEMBLE) is so excited to be returning to Firehouse for the 3rd time! Jordan’s recent/favorite credits include Pippin (Theatre Frisco); Heathers: The Musical, Urinetown, The Producers (NTPA Rep); Godspell, Beauty and the Beast (CORP); Trust Fund Baby (Art Center Theater); Evil Dead: The Musical, Cabaret (Ohlook Performing Arts); Hello, Dolly!, A Christmas Carol (The Firehouse Theater). Jordan would like to thank her friends and family for their support in all her endeavors.

Geoff Lutz (ENSEMBLE/DANCE CAPTAIN) is excited to be returning to the Firehouse stage after previously appearing as the lovable cross dresser, Robin, in Something Rotten! earlier this season. Locally, he has also appeared as Munkustrap in Cats and as 2nd Officer Charles Lightoller in Titanic, both with Repertory Company Theatre. A recent transplant to the Dallas area, Geoff has an extensive career as an actor and educator, which you can learn more about at: https://sites.google.com/view/geofflutz He extends his warmest gratitude to the artistic and production staff of the Firehouse for always making him feel welcome. Cheers!

SAVANNAH LLOYD she/her (ENSEMBLE) is thrilled to be making her Firehouse debut with these heartfelt and fun-loving artists! Previous DFW acting credits include Sally Perks and Others in Puffs (Garland Civic Theatre), Lenny in Crimes of the Heart (Garland Civic Theatre), Dawn in Lobby Hero (Rover Dramawerks), Rosalind in As You Like It (Plague Mask Players), and Jackie in Packing (A Light in Dark Places). She proudly serves as a Board Member and Head of Education for Plague Mask Players. Much love to her family, friends, and fiancé, Jake! For more, visit www.savannahlloyd.com.

Audrey Reidling (ENSEMBLE) is a voice teacher, and choreographer located in Plano, TX. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from West Texas A&M. Her professional credits include TEXAS Outdoor Musical (Sadie, Elsie U/S), and Cosi fan Tutti (Dorabella). Her most recent DFW credits include Red Cross Nurse//Queen of Hearts in Alice by Heart (Lakeside Community Theatre), Bombalurina in CATS at (Repertory Company Theatre), & Betty in “White Christmas” (Allen Contemporary Theatre). She is an active choreographer in the Collin County Area, & co-choreographed SIX: Teen Edition this year; which ended up winning Best Musical at the Broadway Dallas HS Theatre Awards. She thanks her amazing parents for their support of her. This is her FIRST Firehouse show & she has loved the experience and is so excited for you to waste away in Margaritaville!!

Delaney Wenger she/her (ENSEMBLE/RACHEL UNDERSTUDY) is a local actor and instructor in the DFW area, and is thrilled to be back on the Firehouse stage where she was last seen in The Addams Family as Wednesday Addams. Some of her favorite credits include: Lizzie: The Musical (Lizzie Borden), Grease (Sandy), Legally Blonde (Vivianne Kensington), and [title of show] (Heidi). As an instructor, Delaney has worked with several theatres including Granbury Theatre Company and Casa Mañana as well as serving on creative teams for many children’s productions. She will continue her passion for working in children’s theatre by music directing The Firehouse’s upcoming production of Peter Pan JR! She holds a BFA in Theatre Performance con. Musical Theatre from Baylor University. She would like to thank each of you for supporting live local theatre and encourages you to keep bringing your families to support the arts in DFW and beyond!

Dayton Wilson (ENSEMBLE/TULLY UNDERSTUDY) is so excited to be making his Firehouse debut! Dayton has been involved in community theatre for 3 years and counting. Past roles include Angel in Rent, Lewis in Pippin’, Max in Cabaret, and ensemble roles in American Idiot and Something Rotten at various theaters in DFW. Dayton enjoys performing on stage, whether it’s singing his own songs with a guitar in hand or doing choreo while playing a complete buffoon. He currently plays guitar locally in a band called ‘Most Elusive Fish’, and hopes to start releasing his own music soon! “I’d like to thank my friends and family for their support, as well as those who helped make this show what it is! Hope y’all enjoy!”

CREATIVE TEAM

Benjamin Keegan Arnold (DIRECTOR) has directed shows in the DFW area since 2009 and is the Theatre Director at McKinney North High School, where he teaches technical theatre and performance. This past year he directed The Lieutenant of Inishmore at Lakeside Community theatre and last year directed their production of Misery. Some of his favorite musicals he’s directed in the past include, Evil Dead: The Musical, The Rocky Horror Show, The Toxic Avenger, and American Idiot. He was also previously seen on The Firehouse Theatre’s stage as Plankton in their 2022 production of The SpongeBob Musical. This show is dedicated to his parents, where his love of all things Buffet started. Cheers to the Rum Bum!

Carlos Strudwick (CHOREOGRAPHER) is a DFW based performer, musician, and choreographer. Regional credits include Adult Ensemble in The Prom, Don Kerr in A Chorus Line, and multiple productions of Broadway Our Way (Uptown Players); Ensemble in Evita (Lyric Stage); Tap Soloist/Ensemble in Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Greater Lewisville Community Theatre); Mike Nulty/Ensemble/Phil US in White Christmas (The Firehouse Theatre); Ensemble/Desi US in The Cuban and the Redhead (Pegasus Theatre); Gaston in Beauty and the Beast, Kenicke in Grease, and Charles Bingley in Pride and Prejudice (Repertory Company Theatre); Martin Harrison/Ensemble in Chicago (MainStage Irving-Las Colinas); Ulbrecht/Ensemble in Spring Awakening (Runway Theatre); and George in The Wedding Singer (Music Theatre of Denton).

Bryce Biffle He/Him/His (MUSIC DIRECTOR) is thrilled to be “wasting away again” with such a stellar cast and crew at The Firehouse Theater, after previous music directorships here including Little Shop of Horrors (2017), A Christmas Carol (2017), The Music Man (2018), and The SpongeBob Musical (2022). Apart from his theatre-related work as a music director, accompanist, and freelance multi-instrumentalist, Bryce also teaches general music (PK-5th Grade) at Stephens Elementary School in Garland ISD (Rowlett) where he serves as staff accompanist for the Garland Children’s Chorus. On weekends, he serves as Director of Music at East Dallas Christian Church and plays accordion with Baba Yaga Orkestar/the Oompa Daddies, DFW’s premier Balkan brass band. He holds a B.M. in Music Composition from Stephen F. Austin State University and an M.M. in Musicology from Texas Tech University. Upcoming projects include the WORLD PREMIER of Brian Christensen’s Lend Me a Chainsaw at Lakeside Community Theater, October 2024. IG: @Bifflesaurus

Christina Kudlicki (she/her) (ASSISTANT DIRECTOR) has been choreographing, teaching, performing, judging, directing, and reviewing dance and theatre in the DFW area for the past 20 years. Previous Firehouse production credits include Choreographer for SPONGEBOB, CATS, PIPPIN, THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. Other recent production credits include Assistant Director and Choreographer AMERICAN IDIOT (LCT), Choreographer DISASTER!, SPRING AWAKENING, FALSETTOS (Runway Theater), BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS (Lewisville Playhouse), ROCKY HORROR (NTPA). Kudlicki is currently a board member for Lakeside Community Theatre in The Colony and is preparing for her next production adventure with KHAN!!! THE MUSICAL! A Parody TREK-tacular taking place at Texas Wesleyan University this October. Kudlicki would like to dedicate this show to her beloved Cruise Crew and Graig, at whichever port he may be sipping Margaritas in today!

Andrew Bullard (STAGE MANAGER) is very happy to be back at The Firehouse Theatre. He holds his BFA in Theatre from Abilene Christian University and is currently the musical theatre teacher at Arlington Heights High School. Past roles include Patchy the Pirate/Ensemble in Spongebob The Musical (The Firehouse Theatre), Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast (Granbury Theatre Company), Greg in Hands on a Hardbody (Granbury Theatre Company) and Emmett in Legally Blonde (Grand Prairie Arts Council). He has also been on stage with Kids Who Care, Stolen Shakespeare Guild, Lyric Stage, and Shakespeare Dallas. He is eternally grateful for this incredible creative team (Keegan, Bryce, Chirsti and Carlos) for such a fun process, and he would like to thank his beautiful wife, Rachel, for her constant love and support.

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. 

Mia Lindemann (she/her/hers) (LIGHTING DESIGNER) is feeling like a cheeseburger in paradise to join the creative team and Firehouse Theatre for Escape to Margaritaville!  After graduating from Stephen F. Austin State University with a B.A. in Theatre and a Minor in Photography, Mia has since worked with local theatres such as MainStage Irving-Las Colinas, Plague Mask Players, Upright Theatre, Outcry Theatre, Junior Players, and Lakeside Community Theatre.  Recent lighting design credits include The Pillowman, The Taming of the Shrew: Presented in Living Black and White™, Into the Woods, Shrek the Musical, The Lieutenant of Inishmore, Bonnie & Clyde, Descendants: The Musical, and Much Ado About Nothing.  In her free time, she enjoys board game nights and running table-top role-playing game sessions for her friends.  Mia would like to thank her partner, Ashton, and their cats, Jean-Louis and Theodora, for their continued support of her artistic endeavors.

Elizabeth Ross (she/her) (ASSISTANT LIGHTING DESIGNER) is an alumnus from Stephen F. Austin State University with a Bachelor’s in Theatre.  She recently made her professional debut as a lighting designer with MainStage Irving Las-Colinas’ production of On Golden Pond, and has been working in the theatre industry for 13 years. Other recent theatrical work of hers include The Moors, Shadowbox, and Lord of the Flies. She is ready to waste away in Margaritaville for her first production as an assistant lighting designer in DFW!

Michael Marbry (SOUND DESIGNER) is excited to be returning to The Firehouse Theatre. Previous shows he’s worked on include Newsies, Saturday Night Fever, Catch Me If You Can, The SpongeBob Musical, Bright Star, Once on this Island, Oswald, and Cats. He studied theatre technical design at the University of North Texas graduated in Spring of 2022. He would like to thank Owen Beans for giving him the opportunity to work this production.

Neera Jackson (LIGHT BOARD OP) is delighted to be lighting up The Firehouse Theatre stage for this show! The joy of working with this bright group of brilliant people is an incredible thrill and she is very grateful to Owen Beans for inviting her to shine a light on the party. Recent productions include THE 39 STEPS (MainStage), TIGERS BE STILL (MainStage 222), THE CAKE (Lewisville Playhouse), ADA AND THE ENGINE (MainStage), and SHERWOOD (MainStage). A glowing thank you goes to her husband for lighting up her life and supporting her enthusiasm with this exhilarating hobby that keeps her beaming.

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.