Footloose Bios - The Firehouse Theatre

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

Since the release of this iconic movie in 1984, the writer of Footloose the movie and the musical, Dean Pitchford, chose to keep updating the script with each new revival. (You’ll see some 21st-century references in the show today.) Part of me was disappointed that we didn’t get to live in the 80s–I was growing up in Georgia when the movie was released, and much of this story resonates with me. I was a kid who only wanted to be in dance class or on the stage, trying to escape my own frustrations with adolescence. So why update the time period of this story?

Pitchford made his point of view pretty clear–this is a cautionary tale about what happens when people try to hold onto the past and stop growing as a community. Writing off this story as something that happened long ago would be incredibly easy. What modern town would outlaw dancing? But we know that there are still towns all over the country that pass local laws that ban or prohibit things that a small group of folks deem unsuitable for everyone else. The point is that the Bomont local ordinance against music, books, alcohol, and, yes, dancing could exist almost anywhere in the US today. So, when viewing this story through a contemporary lens, updating the setting to the year 2005 starts to make a lot more sense. Replace “dance” with any number of topics in the news, and Footloose is a guide to celebrating life instead of holding onto fear.

The original concept of the movie came to Dean Pitchford after he read a story in the Los Angeles Times about a small town in Oklahoma that had just lifted an 88-year-old ban on public dancing. The senior class fought to have the ban repealed so they could hold a school dance. Pitcford flew to Elmore City, OK, to interview students and residents from this town. Some of the prayer and community meetings found their way into his script. As a cast, we attended a USA Film Festival event in April where Pitchford described his writing process to us first-hand (along with an amazing story about his original rap for Kevin Bacon that was cut last minute from the movie. That experience still haunts him today). It was amazing to see the original film on the big screen and use it to inspire our own version.

We hope you enjoy today’s performance and that it helps us all remember to listen to one another, speak from the heart, and don’t forget to cut loose once in a while. Life is too short to sit on the sidelines. Get out on the floor and dance!

-Austin Eyer

CAST

Andrew Cave (REN MCCORMACK) is happy to be back at The Firehouse taking on a lead role in a full production! At The Firehouse he was most recently see in Disney’s Newsies (Race) and just appeared in UTA’s production of Head Over Heels (Ensemble). He’s proud to get to work with Austin outside of the campus and appreciates everyone in the cast for making the show as fun as it is. He’d like to make a quick shoutout to his family, including his mothers studio (Amy’s Studio of Performing Arts), and his partner, Jacy.

Summer Good (ARIEL) is so excited for her first show at The Firehouse Theatre! Some of her favorite roles include Belle in Beauty and the Beast (In The Wings Co.), Anna Maria in Godspell (GLCT), Cinderella in Into The Woods (Rockwall Summer Musicals), and Heather Chandler in Heathers (Collin College). When she isn’t performing she plays the role of Mom to two amazing boys! She would like to thank Austin, Jason, Alli, and Owen for this incredible opportunity to play a dream role. Her performance is dedicated to all humans of all kinds. “Love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love and love cannot be killed or swept aside.” – Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Max Rose (WILLARD HEWITT) (He/Him) is a DFW-based performer who recently graduated from UT Arlington with a BFA in Musical Theatre, and a minor in dance, and is stoked to be making his Firehouse debut! Recent/Favorite credits include: Ensemble/BONNIE AND CLYDE (Casa Manana), Georg/Musician/SPRING AWAKENING (The Watering Hole Collective), Musidorus/HEAD OVER HEELS, Toby/SWEENEY TODD (UT Arlington). When not performing Max enjoys writing and recording music, along with searching for the best chicken parm. He wants to say thank you to his family, friends, and mentors for their continuous support. www.themaxrose.com

Sarah Jo Adams (RUSTY/ASSOCIATE CHOREOGRAPHER) (she/her) just received her BFA in Musical Theatre, with a minor in dance, from The University of Texas at Arlington. She last took the stage as Gynecia in Head Over Heels at UTA, where she was also the associate choreographer. You might have previously seen her in Saturday Night Fever and The SpongeBob Musical here at The Firehouse Theatre. Along with acting, Sarah Jo has also found a love of choreographing, and she is so excited to have been able to help choreograph this production. She would love to thank her family and her fiancé for all of their love and support. Now get ready to cut loose and enjoy the show!

Kris Allen (REVEREND SHAW MOORE) is pleased to be back home at The Firehouse Theatre! He most recently directed Disney’s Newsies here at The Firehouse. KA is the head of theatre at Liberty HS and directs around 5 productions a year there. As an actor he has been seen on stage here at The Firehouse Theatre, as well as Brick Road Theatre, GLTC and NTPA’s adult theatre. Kris holds an MFA in Acting from Northern Illinois University and completed his undergraduate work at Texas Tech. Many thanks to his supportive loved ones, Hilary and Mia!

Hilary Evitt Allen (VI MOORE) is thrilled to return to the Firehouse stage after appearing last as Alice Beineke in The Addams Family. Other favorite Firehouse roles include Mayor of Bikini Bottom in The SpongeBob Musical, Mrs. Wormwood in Matilda, Kitty in The Drowsy Chaperone (2020 revival), Aunt Em/Glinda in The Wizard of Oz, Tessie Tura in Gypsy, and Hortense in The Boyfriend. Hilary supports her acting habit working at UT Southwestern Medical Center, and can be heard daily as an on-air host for radio stations in Oklahoma and Mississippi. A proud Dallas Stars fan and fur mom to three precious dogs, she sends love and thanks as always to KA. Adopt a shelter pet!

Nicole Giddens (URLEEN) is super excited to make her Firehouse debut in Footloose! She was most recently seen in Bright Star at the University of Texas at Arlington. Nicole would love to thank the cast, crew, and creative team for making this fabulous show possible!

Ambar Acosta (WENDY JO) is ecstatic to make her Firehouse debut! She is a recent graduate from the University of Texas at Arlington with her bachelor’s in Musical Theatre and minor in Dance. She was recently in UTA’s production of Bright Star as Florence and Margo’s understudy. Her other credits include Esmeralda in Hunchback of Notre Dame, Ensemble in Sweeney Todd, Maria in 9 to 5, and Heather Duke in Heathers. She would like to thank her mother for always being her number one fan and for her endless support.

Sid Polezcek (CHUCK CRANSTON) is a performer, director, and educator based in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Sid is originally from South Louisiana and attended Northwestern State University of Louisiana for two years before transferring to The University of Texas at Arlington where he received his BFA in Musical Theatre. Some of his favorite performance credits include Hanschen in Spring Awakening and the Steward in Into the Woods. Sid’s notable directing credits include Jason Robert Brown’s Songs for a New World, the world premiere of Dig by Natalie Gaupp also at UTA, Shrek the Musical by David Lindsay-Abaire, and A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams. Sid currently serves as the Director of Theatre for the Turner Theatre Company at R. L. Turner High School. Sid is thrilled for his debut at The Firehouse Theatre and to be a part of this amazing community of artists.

Bridgette Mc Fall (ETHEL MCCORMACK) is ecstatic for her debut at The Firehouse Theatre! Her most recent work includes Beauty and the Beast (The Hopeful Theatre Project), Little Shop of Horrors (Artisan Center Theatre), 9 to 5 (UTA) etc… Bridgette would like to thank Eli Santana, Ellie Nunemaker, Alexis Martinez, and J. Austin Eyer respectively for their unwavering support. Thank YOU for reading and follow her on socials @bridgettemcfall

Nicholas Harrison (LYLE) is a Senior pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre with a Minor in Dance at The University of Texas at Arlington. His most recents credits include Anthony in Sweeney Todd, Max in Bright Star, and Dance Ensemble in Head Over Heels. He is extremely excited to be making his Firehouse debut in Footloose! He would like to thank his family and friends for their constant love and support. He would like to dedicate this performance and every performance to his brother, Lucas Harrison.

Larry Macklin (TRAVIS) is very excited to be a part of Footloose at The Firehouse Theatre! He recently worked with Firehouse on Newsies as Splasher and at Stolen Shakespeare Guild in Grease as Teen Angel. Larry studied Vocal Performance at Alcorn State University, where he received a BM. For fun, Larry volunteers with the local non-profits as a drama teacher. His writings on working in the theatre can be found at www.larrymacklin.com. He wants to thank his friends and family for always supporting his passions.

MattJohn West (JETER) (He/They) is over the moon and so excited for this show! Working in the DFW area — as an Actor, dancer, choreographer; a few productions you may have seen them in include: Black Nativity (as Razhel), Young Frankenstein (as Hermit), Saturday Night Fever (as Double J), Legally Blonde (as Pilar). “Slayyy boots!! …. xoxo” – IG @MattJohnWest

Ben Ashcraft (GARVIN) is very excited to be in his first ever Firehouse production! He was last seen in UT Arlington’s production of Head Over Heels, and Lyric Stage’s production of The Great American Trailer Park Musical. He would like to thank his cast, production team, and friends for their support through this process. He’d also like to thank his mom and brother. He dedicates this performance to his late father Wes Ashcraft.

Aidan Neely (BICKLE) is excited to be back making his Firehouse debut! Aidan attended college at UNT for Theatre. He has been a part of over 50+ shows and has been performing since he was 10. Aidan would like to dedicate his performance to his biggest supporter, his grandfather whom he loves so much!

Lindsey Yarborough (LULU) is so excited to be back at The Firehouse Theatre! Audiences may remember her from 2018’s The Music Man. Lindsey is a childcare professional who has helped raise 20+ kids over the last 16 years. Her favorite theatre credits include Legally Blonde (Chutney), Shrek the Musical (Fiona), and many many popcorn-tossing Melodramas at the Pocket Sandwich Theatre. She’d like to thank all of her sweet castmates and creative team for making this such a fun experience.

John Marshall (WES) is a DFW based performer who graduated with a BFA in Acting from The University of Texas at Arlington in December of 2023 and is incredibly excited to be making his Firehouse Theatre debut. He has recently been seen performing with Theatre Arlington, MainStage Irving-Las Colinas, and Stolen Shakespeare Guild. Offstage, you may find John teaching theatre to children K-3 At The Montessori Academy of Arlington. John has also recently signed with The Clutts Agency in Dallas. Find out more about John Marshall at john-h-marshall.com.

Caitlyn Acha (BETTY BLAST/ENSEMBLE) (she/her): is so ecstatic to be making her Firehouse debut! She is honored to be a part of such an incredible high energy production. She would like to thank Austin and Jason for this opportunity and extends her forever gratitude to her boyfriend Andrés for always being in her corner. Enjoy the show! IG: @caitlynacha

Karra Paulson (PRINCIPAL) is a rising BFA Musical Theatre sophomore at the University of Arlington at Texas. She was last seen in Dance In Flux at UTA and plans to teach dance to 3-5 year olds over the summer. She would like to thank the whole cast and crew for creating a positive creative environment, but especially Nicole for going out of her way to make her feel welcomed. Cut loose!

Cam Hayes (COACH DUNBAR/ENSEMBLE) Is overly excited to be back at The Firehouse! He recently performed at The Firehouse in Something Rotten! (Tom Snout/Brother Jeremiah u/s), Mainstage’s Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Ensemble), Theatre Frisco’s Pippin (Ensemble), MainStage’s The Light in the Piazza (Priest/Ensemble), directed by the late great Bruce Coleman, Upright Theatre Co.’s The Wedding Singer (Ricky, Mr.T, Ensemble), and MainStage’s Gypsy (Georgie, Driver, Cigar). At KD Conservatory in Dallas he performed in numerous shows including Avenue Q (Singing Box and Ensemble), Servant of Two Masters (Dr. Lombardi), and 12 Angry Jurors (No.12). He wants to thank The Firehouse, the cast, his family, colleagues, DFW Theater peers, and every theatre teacher who gave him a once in a lifetime dream.

Hannah Lovato-Swaim (ELEANOR DUNBAR/ENSEMBLE) (She/Her) is excited to be in her first production at The Firehouse Theatre! She is going into her senior year at UT Arlington and was last seen in UTA’s production of Bright Star. She would like to thank her family and friends for all their support! “Let’s hit the ceiling!

Shane Duckett (COWBOY BOB/ENSEMBLE) This is Shane’s first time performing at The Firehouse Theatre and his second performance in the DFW area! Shane recently graduated from Texas A&M with a Bachelor’s in Mathematics. While attending A&M, he performed in a variety of shows at The Theatre Company of Bryan/College Station. When he’s not performing, you can find Shane playing video games, playing D&D, or getting a sweet treat. He hopes you’re ready to cut loose and enjoy the show!

Reese Olsen (ENSEMBLE) is 16 years old and attends Shelton School in Dallas. Reese has thoroughly enjoyed working with everyone in the cast and crew. Reese was recently seen in White Christmas as Judy Haynes, Bye Bye Birde as Helen, and Little Women as Jo March. Outside of theatre, Reese loves to play her guitar and write music. Reese would like to thank her mom, dad, and Ivan for their continued support in everything that Reese does. Reese hopes you enjoy the show!

Aaliyah Smith (ENSEMBLE) is a Senior BFA Musical Theatre major and dance minor at UTA. Past roles include Ensemble (U/S Mopsa) in Head Over Heels, Frenchie in Cabaret, and Cha Cha Digregorio in Grease. She has also choreographed & danced for the Maverick Dance Company. She would like to thank her mom & brothers for their love and support.

PRODUCTION TEAM

Austin Eyer (DIRECTOR/CHOREOGRAPHER) is thrilled to be back at The Firehouse Theatre after choreographing last year’s production of Saturday Night Fever. He moved to Texas in 2020 to head UTA’s BFA Musical Theatre Program. Before Texas, he was a professor at Penn State and New York University. As a New York-based performer, he was seen on Broadway in Evita, How to Succeed…, Billy Elliot, The Little Mermaid, Curtains, and The Secret Garden. Austin choreographed the long-running Off-Broadway productions of My Big Gay Italian Wedding and Boys Just Wanna Have Fun. He has also choreographed for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Disney World, and Universal Studios. He teaches worldwide with programs like Musiktheater Bavaria and Joop van den Ende Academy in Germany, American Musical Theatre Live! in France, and Showa University in Japan. His book, Broadway Swings: Covering the Ensemble in Musical Theatre, was published in 2015 by Bloomsbury Publishing. Austin holds a BFA in theatre from New York University and an MFA in directing from Penn State.

Jason Philip Solis (MUSIC DIRECTOR) earned their Bachelors of Music Education from Southern Methodist University and, for the last 15 years, has music directed/ performed all over the metroplex! Some of their favorite roles include: Taxi Driver from Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (MainStage), Dr. FrankNFurter from Rocky Horror (OhLook), Matron Mama Morton from Chicago (OhLook), Bud Davenport from Gutenberg! the Musical (TART), Mr. Applegate from Damn Yankees (TART), Uncle Fester from Addams Family (GPAC) and Ms. Trunchbull from Matilda (GPAC). Their Firehouse stage credits include Once on this Island, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Wizard of Oz, In the Heights, Beauty and the Beast, and Spamalot. “Into the Woods Jr.” will be their 5th music directing credit here at The Firehouse Theatre. Catch them performing new works with musicalwriters.com this upcoming year! Instagram: @canweduet.

Alli Crabtree (STAGE MANAGER/ASSISTANT DIRECTOR) (she/her) is excited to be making her stage management and assistant director debut at Firehouse! Alli is a recent graduate of the musical theatre program at The University of Texas at Arlington. She has taken production assistant roles and performed at various theatres across DFW. Alli would like to thank Austin and the team at Firehouse for trusting her with this opportunity, as well as her friends and family for their love and support.

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

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.

Logan Uhtenwoldt (LIGHTING DESIGNER)

Ally Beans (PROPS DESIGNER) is a Director, Producer, and Production Designer, but is perhaps best known as an award-winning Casting Director with credits spanning Broadway, off-Broadway, television, and film. Previous credits at The Firehouse Theatre include 9 to 5 (Director, Props Design), Catch Me If You Can (Co-Director, Props Design), Saturday Night Fever (Co-Director, Props Design), and Miracle on 34th Street (Props Design). A sucker for nostalgia, Ally dabbles as an antique dealer in her free time. If you like any of the props you see, you can probably buy them from her booth at the North Dallas Antique Mall when the show closes. Proud member of Casting Society of America, Film Independent, and Women In Film Dallas. Love and thanks to my family (blood and chosen), Owen Beans, Winston the Dog, Uno Immanivong, Tiffany Derry, J.K. Simmons, and American Airlines. GO STARS!

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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