Into the Woods JR Bios - The Firehouse Theatre

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

Once upon a time, over 20 years ago, my theatre teacher popped in a VHS tape to watch Stephen Sondheim’s Broadway musical, Into the Woods, and out came a girl who had fallen in love with musical theatre. This musical happens to be meaningful to so many people because in between the silliness of Milky White and the selfishness of the wicked Stepmother, we can find ourselves. We can connect with Little Red heading out on a journey on her own, or the Baker and his Wife who are longing for a child, or perhaps Cinderella, who lost those she loved the most, and is looking for a new path. We are reminded that we are not alone when we see these characters going “into the woods” searching for what they desire. Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine seem to understand that we are all hopeful, all flawed and all wandering in the woods, hoping to find our way home as well. Thank you all for coming and supporting The Firehouse Theatre, this incredible cast of young actors, and all those that worked so hard to put on this beautiful production.

-Joanna Chabot

CAST

Almaz Clawson (NARRATOR)is in 8th grade at Dallas Lutheran School and is excited to be a part of Into the Woods JR. Some favorite past roles include The Firehouse Theatre’’s Matilda (Lavender), Outcry Theater’s Sunday in the Park with George (Celeste 2/ Naomi), The Firehouse Theatre’s Seussical Jr (The Cat in the Hat), and Godspell Jr (Jesus). Some other notable roles include MainStage Irving’s Gypsy (Young Tulsa /child ensemble), and Resolute Theater Project’s Stumped the Musical (Young Tiger Lily). Almaz would like to thank her incredible mom, dad, dance teachers, vocal coach, her friends Lola and Corrine, and Ms Joana, Mr. Owen, and Ms Delaney for everything leading to this wonderful experience! Almaz hopes you enjoy the show!

Wyatt Hartz (BAKER) is thrilled to be making his debut at The Firehouse Theater! Wyatt has most recently been seen as Peter Cratchit in Dallas Theater Center’s production of A Christmas Carol. Other favorite past roles include: Friedrich von Trapp in The Sound of Music and Boy Scrooge in A Christmas Carol (Dallas Theater Center); LeFou in Beauty and the Beast Jr. and Les in Newsies Jr. (North Texas Performing Arts); and Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka Jr. and Michael Banks in Mary Poppins (Breitling Performing Arts). Wyatt is in 5th grade at Solar Preparatory School for Boys. He would like to thank Ms. Joanna and Mr. Owen for this opportunity!

Chloé Hernandez (BAKER’S WIFE) is pumped to be in Into the Woods JRl! She is a proud Puerto Rican, with a passion for fine arts. She has participated in Sleeping Beauty in Amy’s Studio, Godspell, A Year with Frog & Toad, Seussical JR. and now Into The Woods JR all at The Firehouse! She is also currently in the theater production at Vivian Field Middle School as an 8th grader. She is always busy, juggling dance, soccer, track, school, and theater. She would like to thank her parents for their love and support.

Ruby Chabot (WITCH) is a sophomore in highschool and is excited to join this talented cast! Recent roles she has played are: Rose Bloom (Murder at Aunt Agatha’s-Canopy Theater), Kate (Stumped a new musical- Resolute Theater Project), Sandra/Florence (The Play That Goes Wrong -Resolute Theater Project). She would like to thank her dance and music teachers, Mrs. Amy Cave & Mrs. Kristal Seid for their continued support, and her own family for giving her the opportunity to pursue the Arts! Finally, she would like to thank her mom for directing this show, as well as Mr. Owen. She wants to thank Mr. Jason for his excellent music direction as well.

Josie Melle (MILKY WHITE) is very excited and thankful to make her acting debut with The Firehouse Theatre as Milky White. She has always been interested in theater, but always nervous to be in a play. The open people at Firehouse made her more confident to be on stage. Josie also enjoys cheering as the mascot for her school’s volleyball and basketball teams, competing in academic competitions, and making jokes. She would like to thank her friend, Caroline Black, for being such a good friend.

Margherita Hester (JACK’S MOM) is proud to be making her Firehouse debut! Rita has previously appeared in the chorus/orphan 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 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

Chloe Cromley (LITTLE RED) is 10 years old and is delighted to be a part of Into the Woods JR. Previously, Chloe played the role of Belinda Cratchit in the Dallas Theater Center production of A Christmas Carol. Her first theatre appearance was in The Odyssey by Dallas Theater Center Public Works last year. Chloe loves everything about the musical arts, painting, traveling, cooking, learning new experiences, and making new friends. Chloe looks forward to playing Little Red and would like to thank The Firehouse Theatre for this wonderful opportunity as well as her family for their love and support. She hopes you enjoy the show! @chloe_marie_cromley

Evelyn Hatfield (GRANNY) is thrilled to be a part of Into the Woods JR. Recently, Evelyn was Chip in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and Templeton the Rat in Charlotte’s Web. Prior to that she was in Godspell JR. and 101 Dalmatians with The Firehouse Theatre, along with Canceling Christmas at her church. Evelyn is in 5th grade at Janie Stark Elementary in CFBISD. When she isn’t on the stage, she enjoys being creative with crafts and cooking. She wants to thank her family for always cheering her on.

Corinne Wade (CINDERELLA) thanks the INTO THE WOODS JR team for this awesome opportunity! She fell in love with musical theatre at the age of 6. She’s now 13 and an 8th grader at North Hills Prep. Favorite roles include Little Simba/THE LION KING, Hortensia/MATILDA, and Lonnie/ROCK OF AGES MIDDLE SCHOOL EDITION. She’s a fan of her dog, face-timing cousins, watching rom coms, playing volleyball, and hanging out with friends. Corinne is grateful to her theater and music teachers (Amy and Kristal) and her family.

Chiara Maggio (CINDERELLA’S STEPMOTHER) is excited to be a part of The Firehouse Theatre’s Into the Woods JR. production. Chiara began acting at the Chabot Canopy Theatre in their productions of Charlotte’s Web (as Mrs. Arabel) and Murder at Aunt Agatha’s (as Willima Cleanyou). This is her debut role at The Firehouse Theatre. Chiara enjoys singing, piano, and violin. She is an avid reader who enjoys fiction, especially fairy tale mix-ups. When not busy caring for her own “mini zoo,” Chiara can be found at Marshall Creek Ranch working as a junior wrangler. A grateful shout out to Mrs. Chabot for inviting her to audition for Into the Woods JR.

Hope Howe (FLORINDA) is excited to be back performing at The Firehouse Theatre where she was in Frozen Jr. in 2019. She has been acting, singing, and dancing at different outlets. Some of her favorite roles include Anne Shirley in Anne of Green Gables at North Texas Performing Arts and Willy Wonka in Willy Wonka at Country Place Elementary School. Hope is in the Choir and Dance Ensemble at Ted Polk Middle School. She enjoys reading, playing piano, and playing with her dog, Zack. She wants to thank the directors and cast for all their hard work and support.

Reese Olsen (RAPUNZEL/CINDERELLA’S MOTHER) is an 8th grade student at the Shelton School and is thrilled to be part of Into the Woods JR. Reese loves performing for The Firehouse Theatre, and has been cast in many of their productions. Reese’s most recent shows were Junie B. Jones The Musical with Shine Theatre, Violet with The Firehouse Theatre, and Matilda Jr. with the Shelton School. Reese would like to thank The Firehouse Theatre for providing opportunities for the youth in our community.

Skylar Johnson (MYSTERIOUS MAN) age 11, is a 5th grader in CFBISD and is excited to return to The Firehouse Theatre! He recently played Tiny Tim in the 2022 production of A Christmas Carol (Dallas Theater Center) and Mr. Mayor in Seussical JR (The Firehouse Theatre). In his spare time, he enjoys video games, coding, and creating art! Skylar would like to thank his parents, grandmas, Miss Sam, and all of the supportive stage aunties and uncles encouraging him along the way. Catch him in Into the Woods at Dallas Theater Center next month!

PRODUCTION TEAM

Joanna Chabot (CO-DIRECTOR) is excited to be back at The Firehouse Theatre, this time in a different role as the director! She has directed many children’s shows, most recently with Canopy Theatre, but this is her debut at The Firehouse and she is honored to have been asked to co-direct with Owen Beans. When not directing plays and musicals, Joanna, a former teacher, homeschools her 6 children 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 with Owen, Jason, and Delaney for the entire course of this show, and in awe of the talents of Dayna, and the entire tech crew. Joanna is dedicating these shows to her favorite director, the late Wheelice (Pete) Wilson, who directed her many years ago when she was “ the Stepmother” in Into the Woods. 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. She sends big kisses to Eliza, Ricky, and Joey who are excited to have her back home at night to tuck them into bed.

Owen Beans (CO-DIRECTOR) Owen 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. Most recently he directed The Firehouse’s smash hit production of Catch Me If You Can, alongside his wife, Ally. 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, Cortland Rep, and Dallas Children’s 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. Upcoming: Neil Sedka/Righteous Brother in Beautiful (Casa Manana) and Saturday Night Fever (The Firehouse). Owen holds a BFA in Theatre from Abilene Christian University and is a member of Actors Equity Association. Love to Ally and Winston. @OwenBeans. www.owenbeans.com

Jason Philip Solís (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 6th music directing credit here at The Firehouse Theatre. Catch them performing new works with musicalwriters.com this upcoming year! Instagram: @canweduet.

Delaney Wenger (STAGE MANAGER) is thrilled and thankful to be serving as the Stage Manager for Into The Woods JR! A proud graduate of Baylor University (BFA ’21), Delaney has worked with children in the DFW area as a Director and Music Director for productions such as Fiddler on the Roof Jr. (Artisan Children’s Theatre), Pirates Past Noon KIDS (Genesis Children’s Theatre), and How I Became A Pirate (Artisan Children’s Theatre). In addition to productions, Delaney has worked with groups of young artists as an instructor at Casa Mañana Studios, Artisan Academy, and Granbury Theatre Academy. She is so proud of each and every one of these cast members for the hard work and passion they’ve displayed while putting together this production, and hopes they continue in their growth as storytellers for years to come! Enjoy the show!

Maggie Sproul (ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER/SCENIC PAINTING) 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.

Dayna Dutton (COSTUME DESIGNER) is excited to continue working with The Firehouse Theater as their resident Costume Designer extraordinaire having costumed Bright Star: Concert Version, Legally Blonde, Elf in 2021. Then Anything Goes, Big Fish, Violet, Catch Me If You Can, and Beauty and The Beast in 2022 and started off 2023 with Spamalot! Also last summer she designed Shrek, and Beauty and the Beast for Acting Studio Productions. A graduate of University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelors of Fine Arts emphasis in costume design, she has enjoyed working with The Firehouse Theatre, as well as Utah Festival Opera. Dayna is grateful for the love and support of her Husband and three children. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Linda Bambina (PROPS DESIGN) was a Secondary Teacher and Librarian for almost 40 years in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD. She was very involved with many local and district committees/activities, including the CFBISD Ambassador Program. Further community service includes being an officer and on the Board for the CFB Retired School Personnel Association, being on the Board for the local Porsche Club of America for over 20 years and is recently a Board member of the local Civic League. She maxed out on terms for the Board of The Firehouse Theater, but continues to be an enthusiastic volunteer. She chaired our “Dream Big” Spring Virtual Gala and has helped with all of the summer camps. Linda also oversees a Neighborhood Network for the Farmers Branch area where she and her husband, Alan have lived for over 40 years. She has a lot of contacts for props!

Logan Uhntenwoldt (LIGHTING DESIGNER) (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!

Dylan Hearn (SOUND DESIGNER) is a graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design with a BFA in Sound Design. He has worked on multiple short films, animations, and theatrical productions. Some including; Le Pagine del Destino, Blast Force Turbo, and Our Side. Dylan has experience as a Re-Recording Mixer, Supervising Sound Editor, Sound Designer, and Audio Engineer. He was the Vice President of 3rd ACT which produced three theatrical productions a year, along with special events that encourage more people to get involved in theatre. His love of both theatre and film pushes him to be a sound designer that blends the two realms of media and creates something new.

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) Owen 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. Most recently he directed The Firehouse’s smash hit production of Catch Me If You Can, alongside his wife, Ally. 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, Cortland Rep, and Dallas Children’s 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. Upcoming: Neil Sedka/Righteous Brother in Beautiful (Casa Manana), and co-directing Into The Woods JR and Saturday Night Fever (The Firehouse). Owen holds a BFA in Theatre from Abilene Christian University and is a member of Actors Equity Association. Love to Ally and Winston. @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 in 2021. She has previously stage managed I Love You, Your Perfect, Now Change (Theatre 3), Women of Troy (Cry Havoc), The Laramie Project and Silent Sky (Rice Players), and The Importance of Being Earnest and As You Like It (Rice Visual and Dramatic Arts Department). 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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