DIRECTOR’S NOTE
Welcome to Rydell High! Whether you‘re a die hard fan of the movie or this is your first experience with Grease, I think you’re in for a real treat. That being said, I think it’s highly unlikely that this is truly anyone’s first experience with Grease. Grease is one of those rare pieces of Broadway, music, and film history that everyone seems to know; one of those shows where if it’s not your favorite, you probably have a mom, aunt, or grandmother whose favorite it is!
I began rehearsals by having the entire cast and creative team go around in a circle and share what their prior connections were to Grease. Mikki Hankins, who plays Sandy, shared with us that her mother used to hold her and rock her to sleep as a baby, while singing “Hopelessly Devoted To You” to her. Mikki’s performance of this song is already heartwrenching enough as is, but even more beautiful and stunning with this context. Cast member Olivia Goodspeed, who plays Jan, shared that Grease was a favorite movie of her mother’s and she is named after, you guessed it, Olivia Newton-John.
Everyone had some memory of either having done the show before in high school, it being a favorite of family movie nights, or, in some cases, they had never seen the movie, but somehow inexplicably knew every song. I concluded this exercise by reminding them that every person who would be coming to see this show (2000+ of them) likely also has some prior memories or connection to the show (albeit maybe not as touching as those of Mikki or Olivia). It was our duty to honor this as well as a privilege to get to add to people’s collective Grease experience. I hope we have accomplished that with our production.
For me, I will always associate Grease with my wife’s pregnancy of our baby girl making her debut this November. She kicked a ton during “Greased Lightning” at our final dress rehearsal. She clearly wanted to dance along, and so will you.
-Owen Beans, Director of Grease and The Firehouse Theatre Artistic Producer
CAST
Nathan Rubens (DANNY) is thrilled to be making his Firehouse debut in GREASE! Nathan has been acting in DFW for fourteen years, some of his previous (and favorite) credits include Alfred Hallam/White Rabbit in ALICE BY HEART, Uncle Fester in THE ADDAMS FAMILY, and Patrick Star in THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL. Nathan would like to thank his friends, his family and his amazing girlfriend Olivia for all of their incredible support. Grease is the word.
Mikki Hankins (SANDY) is thrilled to be back at The Firehouse! Theatre credits include Jesus Christ Superstar and Always, Patsy Cline (WaterTower Theatre), In The Heights and Aggie in The Game’s Afoot (Theatre Arlington), Oklahoma! (The Firehouse Theatre), Sophie in Mamma Mia! and Corie Bratter in Barefoot In The Park (Granbury Theatre Co.), Sandy in Grease (Theatre Denton), Maria in West Side Story and Belle in Beauty and the Beast (Plaza Theatre Co.), Sally Bowles in Cabaret and Cathy Hiatt in The Last Five Years (Lawton Community Theatre), where Broadway World said she is “vocally gifted and sparkles on stage.” Mikki is an actress, singer, dancer, freelance choreographer, and teaching artist in DFW.
Rachel Carter (BETTY RIZZO) is excited to return to The Firehouse Theatre for her second production, taking on the role of Rizzo in Grease. Previous credits include Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Sandra in The Play That Goes Wrong, Deena Jones in Dreamgirls, Eponine in Les Misérables, Carla in In the Heights, Nettie in The Color Purple, and Heather Duke in Heathers. She is grateful for the opportunity to continue performing with The Firehouse Theatre and extends her sincere thanks to the cast, crew, creative team, and everyone who helped bring this production to life. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Zack Matt Miller (KENECKIE) (he/him) is thrilled to be making his Firehouse debut in Grease! He recently graduated from Baylor University with a BA in Theatre Performance and will continue to pursue the arts in any way possible. Previous credits include Lelio (Androcles and the Lion), John Brooke (Little Women), and Pirelli (Sweeney Todd). Zack would like to thank his wonderful friends and family for always supporting him and the Grease production team for making this experience out of this world!
Isaiah Robinson (ROGER) is thrilled to be making his Firehouse debut with a show that is so beloved as Grease. He is soon going into his senior year at Baylor University where he is currently pursuing a BFA in theatre performance with a Musical Theatre concentration, with his most recent credits including The Bishop of Lax(See How They Run) and Angus/Caterpillar 1 (Alice By Heart). Isaiah wants to thank the cast and crew, as well as his family and friends for their support.
Joel Baxter (SONNY) is proud to make his professional debut in Firehouse Theatre’s “Grease”! He is currently a sophomore at Rider University studying for a BFA Musical Theatre degree. Thanks to my family, for always having my back.
Bryson Morlan (DOODY) is ecstatic to return to The Firehouse Theatre! Previous Firehouse performances of his include Springtime Soloist/Leo US in The Producers, Jack Cash/Luther Perkins in Ring of Fire, Telly in Godspell, and Carl Perkins in Million Dollar Quartet. Other recent performances of his include Chip Tolentino in Spelling Bee (Allen Contemporary Theatre), Riff in West Side Story (Rockwall Summer Musicals), Sparky in Forever Plaid (Lewisville Playhouse), and Young Ben in Follies (Garland Civic Theatre). He would like to thank God, his family, his mentors, and his cast mates for putting on a great show!
Jada Jay (MARTY) is a Louisiana born & Texas raised award-winning singer-songwriter, SAG -E multi-award-winning actress, model, influencer & author who began her career opening in concert for artists such as Kirk Franklin and Alison Wonderland. Jada Jay later released her first Pop EP and single “Love To You” which she won Best Director, Best Editor and Best Music Video for at the Texas Indie Filmmakers Awards in 2024. She appeared in Church’s Chicken’s “First Bite Campaign,” NBC’s “Scare Tactics,” a Six Flags commercial aired during the Olympics, modeled for Famous Footwear and 7-Eleven, won the Irma P. Hall Award for Best Featured Actress for her role as “Squeak” in The Color Purple the Musical, won Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film “Ruthless Atonement” at the Global Film Festival Awards, sang the National Anthem for the Texas Rangers on TV, and has worked with huge streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, Lifetime and more. Jada Jay made her Nickelodeon tour debut in the world premiere production of “Paw Patrol Live! Heroes Unite,” toured nationally in the debut production of “Tutti Frutti: The Musical,” and starred in “Thunder Knocking on the Door: The Blues Musical” at Jubilee Theatre. She truly believes that if you keep God first, you can achieve anything! IG: @jadajaymusic TikTok: @jadajaymusic
Brynn Welde (FRENCHY) is so excited to be making her Firehouse debut as Frenchy in “Grease!” Brynn has been performing for as long as she can remember. She has gotten the chance to step into so many iconic characters such as Wonder Woman, Morticia Addams, Elsa, and more. She has performed across the country, getting the chance to do regional theater, theme park entertainment, and stunt shows. However, she is thankful to be doing a show here in DFW where her family is located. She is so grateful for the love and support she has had from her parents, grandparents, and surrounding family in following her dream, and dedicates this performance to them. Grease was one of the first musicals she was ever introduced to, so getting to bring this show to life has been so special for her. Not to mention, when she was younger she always dreamed of having pink hair! She hopes you laugh, sing-along, and enjoy the show! Grease is the word!
Olivia Goodspeed (JAN) is so excited to be returning to The Firehouse Theatre! Olivia is a graduate of Wichita State University with a BFA in Musical Theatre. Her previous credits include “Ensemble” in SHREK, “Katherine Plumber” in NEWSIES, “Maureen Johnson” in RENT, and “Chris Hargensen” in CARRIE THE MUSICAL. Additional credits include ANYTHING GOES, SEUSSICAL, SPELLING BEE and others. Olivia would love to thank Nathan for always supporting her and being there for her, always cheering her on. She also wants to thank her friends, and family for all the continuous support. You can find her @oliviagracegoodspeed on instagram/Tik-Tok!
Jessie Prince (PATTY SIMCOX/ENSEMBLE) is thrilled to make her Firehouse Theatre debut! As a professional performer around DFW she was last seen in Lyric Stage’s Jekyll & Hyde. Favorite past roles include Jane in Mary Poppins at WaterTower Theatre & Janis in Mean Girls. As a Rising Senior at Rockwall High School, she serves as Theatre & Choir President and Choreographer of their nationally recognized a cappella group. Outside of performing, she’s enjoyed choreographing and directing various productions at school. She is so grateful to work and learn alongside such an amazing cast, crew and creative team. @jessieprince08
Max Rudelman (EUGENE/ENSEMBLE) is so excited to be making his Firehouse debut in Grease! Other credits include Fun Home, Torch Song, and A Queer Carol (Uptown Players). Max is currently a sophomore studying Musical Theatre at the University of Southern California. Much love to his family, friends, professors, as well as the whole cast and crew of Grease. Fight on!
Jason Philip Solís (MISS LYNCH/TEEN ANGEL) 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, Spamalot, Addams Family, Something Rotten, and Aladdin: Dual Language! Instagram: @canweduet.
Kenneth Lane (VINCE FONTAINE/ENSEMBLE) is thrilled to be back at school for his seventh production with The Firehouse Theatre! Previous Firehouse credits include Shrek The Musical (Wolf/Thelonius), Sister Act (Joey), Hello, Dolly!(Ambrose Kemper), Beauty & the Beast (Lefou), The SpongeBob Musical (Old Man Jenkins), and Finding Nemo JR. (Stage Manager). A Sam Houston State University B.F.A. Musical Theatre graduate, Kenneth has also performed with Lyric Stage Dallas, Stages Repertory Theatre, Newlook Performing Arts, Theatre Coppell, and NTPA Rep. When not performing you’ll find him directing children’s theatre across DFW. Huge thanks to Mom for introducing him to Grease and watching it with him every single day, as well as to Owen, Caitlin, Jason, Osi, the Firehouse crew & staff, and this rockin’ cast!
Tony Bartke (JOHNNY CASINO/ENSEMBLE) is absolutely thrilled to finally partake in a show at The Firehouse Theatre. Although he has helped with several other responsibilities, including stage managing Newsies JR in the fall of 2025, he is thankful to the directors for allowing him this chance to strut his stuff, and hopes y’all enjoy the show!
April Bourg (CHA CHA DIGREGORRIO/ENSEMBLE) is excited to return to the stage at The 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 shows to be a part of have been The Producers, Annie, Legally Blonde, A Monster Calls, and A Piece of My Heart. This past year, she was having fun at Firehouse with choreographing SpongeBob YA, Newsies Jr, and Co-Choreographing Holiday Inn. April Rose would also like to shout out her home dance studio, Laura’s Dance Dynamics, and to thank her family and friends for their love and support!
Ruby Chabot (ENSEMBLE) is thrilled to be back “home”’onstage at The Firehouse Theatre after finishing her first year at Texas A&M University. This fall, she is headed into her sophomore year as a Kinesiology major! After she graduates she hopes to pursue medical school. Some of Ruby’s favorite past credits have been Fiona (Shrek), Anya (Anastasia), Finch (Newsies), Ensemble/Star to Be (Annie),the Witch (Into the Woods), and Big Kid (Matilda). She wants to thank her family for their love and support, her wonderful cast mates, directors, and stage manager, and God for giving her the talent and time to do what she loves. She hopes you enjoy the show!!
CREATIVE TEAM
Owen Beans (DIRECTOR) is celebrating 5 years with The Firehouse this August, having spent the past two seasons as the theatre’s Artistic Producer. Under Owen’s leadership, The Firehouse has experienced significant growth in their subscriber base with a 25% increase in season ticket holders from 2025 to 2026, and saw nearly 40% of actors cast making their Firehouse debut in 2025. Owen’s directing credits include this season’s Ring of Fire, 2025’s Million Dollar Quartet and The Wedding Singer, as well as prior seasons’ Catch Me If You Can, Saturday Night Fever, and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. 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. He is a certificate holder from the Center for NonProfit Management and formerly served on the City of Farmers Branch Arts & Culture Commission. BFA Abilene Christian University. Love to Ally and to baby girl making her debut this November! @OwenBeans. www.owenbeans.com
Caitlin Martelle (CHOREOGRAPHER/ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR) is always delighted to make her appearance on and around The Firehouse stage! As a Rydell High Alumni from The 2018 Firehouse production of Grease, Caitlin was thrilled to return to halls of Rydell to rule the school. Having recently made her directorial debut this season with The Producers, and taught herself puppet making for Shrek, she has now moved on to her debut as a choreographer! She was last seen ON the Firehouse stage as Gingy/Shrek, Elizabeth Benning/Young Frankenstein, and Doralee/9to 5. Other favorite roles include: Blanche Barrow/Bonnie & Clyde (Grand Prairie Arts Council), The Woman/The 39 Steps (Mainstage Irving-Las Colinas), Jen/The Cake (Lewisville Playhouse), Jerusha Abbott/Daddy Long Legs (The Firehouse Theatre). She has also been the Associate Director for Million Dollar Quartet and A Gentleman’s Guide To Love & Murder. Love to my Mama, who always cheers me on and is my #1 fan, Preston, for being the best dance partner of all and helping me workshop choreo, and to Daddy for always being my wings and for teaching me that I can do anything—I feel you in everything I accomplish.
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, Spamalot, Addams Family, Something Rotten, and Aladdin: Dual Language! Instagram: @canweduet.
Dayna Rae Dutton (COSTUME DESIGNER) This performance of Grease marks the 5th anniversary of Dayna as the resident Costume Designer at The Firehouse Theatre. She is beyond grateful for the opportunity to design and work with all the wonderful directors, incredible design teams, and amazing actors who have performed in that time. In her time here, some of the favorites she has designed are Rock of Ages, Footloose, 9-5, The Addams Family, Spamalot, Beauty and the Beast, Catch Me If You Can, Legally Blonde, Hello Dolly, The Producers, and now Grease. Dayna has designed for Arise Acting Studio: Cinderella, Willy Wonka, Shrek, and Anastasia, as well as Lewisville Playhouse’s production of Ordinary People. Dayna is grateful for the continued love and support of her Heavenly Father, husband, and three amazing children.
Leo Thomas (SOUND DESIGNER) is a queer freelance theatre technician around the DFW area with a specialty in audio engineering and electrical work/lighting. He holds multiple certificates in audio engineering and in general technical theatre work from Collin College and is a member of IATSE 128. Her recent work includes being Sound Designer for Firehouse Theatre’s Shrek the Musical, Assistant Master Electrician for Uptown Players’ Star of Wonder, and frequently works overhire at Dallas Theater Center. He has also worked with Watertower Theatre in Addison for Carpentry and with Rockwall Acting as a Technical Director/Designer. They are currently the resident audio engineer for the Unity of Dallas Church.
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 (ARTISTIC PRODUCER) (he/him) is celebrating 5 years with The Firehouse this August, having spent the past two seasons as the theatre’s Artistic Producer. Under Owen’s leadership, The Firehouse has experienced significant growth in their subscriber base with a 25% increase in season ticket holders from 2025 to 2026, and saw nearly 40% of actors cast making their Firehouse debut in 2025. Owen’s directing credits include this season’s Ring of Fire, 2025’s Million Dollar Quartet and The Wedding Singer, as well as prior seasons’ Catch Me If You Can, Saturday Night Fever, and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. 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. He is a certificate holder from the Center for NonProfit Management and formerly served on the City of Farmers Branch Arts & Culture Commission. BFA Abilene Christian University. Love to Ally and to baby girl making her debut this November! @OwenBeans. www.owenbeans.com
Deb Ward (DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & ADMINISTRATION) brings extensive experience in operations management, financial oversight, and team leadership. She has led daily operations, budgeting, reporting, and process development across multiple industries, partnering with executive leadership to implement strategic initiatives and improve organizational efficiency. She holds a BS in Theology from Liberty University and an AA in Culinary Arts from the Art Institute of California.
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!