DIRECTOR’S NOTE

I grew up in a small town in West Texas and always dreamed there was something more. Something …I don’t know….Just more….

I think most theater artists are probably dreamers. We dream of making it on Broadway, of winning an Oscar…of just being somebody else for two hours. So naturally, to me, the first thing that jumps off the page about Disney’s Newsies is all of the characters’ hopes and dreams. My own hope is that today, by being here and sharing this experience, you will perhaps be moved and even take a lesson away with you (a teacher can dream too right?). 

The character of Katherine teaches Jack (and me) that it was not enough that he dreamed of a better home. It wasn’t enough that the newsies dreamed of safer working conditions and fair pay. It wasn’t enough that Katherine herself dreamed of being a star reporter. What Katherine knew, and what she taught Jack (and me), is that the difference between dreams and reality is action. If I want my dreams to come true, I must have the courage to take action. Because only then will my dreams become my reality.

So. Tonight, as you take this journey with us, I hope you are also encouraged in your own life to dream… yes… but to also find within yourself, the courage to take action. 

Because if and when you do…then just…. WATCH WHAT HAPPENS!!!

 

-KA

CAST

Max Morgan (JACK KELLY) is thrilled to return to The Firehouse Theatre as Jack Kelly. He received a BFA in Theatre Performance from Baylor University. When Max isn’t performing, he can be found working behind the scenes at Southern Methodist University’s theatre department as a carpenter, props assistant, and electrician. Previous Firehouse credits include Saturday Night Fever (Gus), Hello Dolly! (Barnaby), and Catch Me if You Can (Agent Dollar). Max would like to thank the cast, crew, and creative team for their hard work in making this huge show come to life.

Emily Frerich (KATHERINE) feels so blessed to be back at The Firehouse with a team of incredible people around her as she continues her Katherine journey! Last spring she made her Firehouse debut playing Josephine in Big Fish and since then has enjoyed roles such as Kira in Xanadu back home in Wichita Falls, TX, as well as Jenny Hill in Big Fish and Katherine in Newsies, both at Plaza Theatre Co. When she’s not onstage, you can find her teaching aerial yoga and kids classes, or serving coffee and breakfast at Seven Mile Cafe! She’d like to say thank you to God, her family and friends, her sweet doggy Chloe, and this amazing cast/crew for the endless love and support!

Tyler Halbrooks (CRUTCHIE) is beyond excited to be making his Firehouse debut, especially as a character so dear to him! Tyler first played this role back in 2019, and can’t wait to show you how he’s grown alongside one of Manhattan’s most notorious newsies! He returned home this February after being on the road in his first national tour, Grace for President (Sam), and is fresh off the stage from The Hopeful Theatre Project’s The Music Man (Marcellus Washburn). He’s recently been seen around the DFW metroplex in Artisan’s Tuck Everlasting (Jesse Tuck) and The Secret Garden (Dickon). Tyler is a professional puppeteer and has worked with Lightwire Theater for Dallas Zoo Lights the past two years, and started his puppeteering journey at Jurassic World the Exhibition (Blue)! He would like to thank his friends, family, and beautiful fiancée Lilee for the love and support they continue to give him.

Galileo Segura (DAVEY) is a native of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. He’s currently living in Dallas, working on his associate’s degree in Musical Theatre at KD Conservatory. In Cabo, his work included musical theatre and concert piano performances. He was part of the recently performed “Light in the Piazza” at the Irving Arts Center, and now eager to venture into this new project. This is his first opportunity to work with Kris Allen, and shares his excitement to be working with his crew and cast members. This is his second show in the DFW area. Gali would like to thank his many instructors, both past and current that have helped him shape the pathway to his career.

Lola Chabot (LES) is a freshman in high school and she is so excited to be onstage at the Firehouse again for Newsies! Recently, Lola has had fun playing the Wolf in Into the Woods, and Bridgette in Canopy Theater’s outdoor production of Murder at Aunt Agatha’s. Her most favorite part she has EVER played on stage was at The Firehouse, as Matilda, in the musical Matilda. She is so thankful to be working again with KA, her director, as well as her dear mentor, Ms. Kristal, and she is so excited to have the opportunity to work with Ms. Bethany and Hannah. Lola wants to thank her family and friends for their support.

Beau Dameron (PULITZER) and his lovely wife Charlotte moved to the DFW area in late 2021 when they became empty nesters. Most recently seen at Lakeside Community Theatre as Ben in Detroit. He has performed onstage in Allen, Lawton, OK, Wichita Falls, Midland, and Odessa in such shows as Frankenstein (Creature), Assassins (Booth, Guiteau), Les Miserables (Javert), Escanaba in da Moonlight (Remnar Soady), The Curious Incident of the Dog In The Night-time (Ed), The Gods of Comedy (Aristide/Alexi/Ares), and others.

Taylor D. Williams (MEDDA/NUN) is excited to seize the day with the cast of Newsies in her debut at The Firehouse Theatre. You may have seen her in recent productions around the DFW area, such as SCHOOL OF ROCK the Musical (Ensemble / Patti DiMarco Understudy) at Grand Prairie Arts Council , AIDA (Ensemble) at Lyric Stage, GODSPELL (Uzo) at Mountain View Theater, and THE ODYSSEY(Apollo the Calliope) at Dallas Theatre Center . You can also catch a glimpse of her in television shows like Blue Bloods, The Enemy Within, Search Party and Orange Is The New Black. Taylor would like to thank all of her family and friends who support her. IG : _mkiddo

Andrew Cave (RACE) is thrilled to return to The Firehouse. Andrew will attend UT Arlington in the fall in pursuit of a BFA in Musical Theatre. His most recent performances are being in the Ensemble in The Music Man at Garland, Yonkers/Pasty in Gypsy at Mainstage Irving, and Ensemble for High-School Musical at Casa Mañana. He’d like to thank his mother Amy, Kristal Seid, and Amy’s studio for his training.

Chloe Munson (AL) is excited to be making her Firehouse performance debut! Chloe has interned at The Firehouse for the past two years with Firehouse Jr. Camps. She is originally from Grapevine and is a current Senior completing her BFA in Theatre Education at Abilene Christian University. As a Junior, she was selected to direct Almost Maine on ACU’s stage. Some of her favorite past roles include Rusty in Footloose, Fiona in Shrek, Morticia in The Addams Family, and Cinderella in Into the Woods. She would like to thank the production team for this amazing opportunity and her incredible support system for all their encouragement! Enjoy the show!

Lily Hogge (SPECS/BOWERY BEAUTY) is thrilled to make her The Firehouse Theatre debut!! She’s currently a double major at Oklahoma City University studying vocal performance and acting. Her favorite roles include Fiona in BRIGADOON, Frenchie in GREASE, Fester in ADDAMS FAMILY & Sally Brown in YOU’RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN. Lily would like to thank the directing staff for giving her this opportunity. She’d also like to thank her goodledoodle Loki for his unconditional support.

Maxton Rhys Sims (HENRY) is thrilled to be making his Firehouse debut! You may have seen him recently as Mereb in Lyric Stage’s production of Aida. Other recent credits include Casa Mañana’s productions of A Christmas Carol and Disney’s High School Musical. Maxton would like to thank everyone at The Firehouse for this opportunity, his amazing voice coach, Daniel Hernandez, and his family and friends for all their love and support! IG: @maxton.rhys.sims

Ruby Chabot (FINCH) is a junior in highschool and is excited to return to The Firehouse this summer and share the stage with this talented cast. Recent roles she has played are the Witch (Into the Woods), Amalia Balish (She Loves Me), Rose Bloom (Murder at Aunt Agathas), Kate (Stumped, a new musical), and Sandra/Florence (The Play That Goes Wrong). She would like to thank her director KA, Ms. Kristal, Bethany, Hannah, her dance teachers, and family. Thank you for coming to watch us “Seize the day!”

Dakota Britvich (IKE/SPOT CONLON) is thrilled to be making his Firehouse debut! He is currently a senior at the University of Texas at Dallas pursuing a BA in the school of Arts Humanities and Technologies with emphasis in graphic design and a minor in performing arts. He has most recently been in American Idiot (Theo) at UTD. Dakota also recently worked behind the scenes as the media/projection designer for Garland Civic Theater’s Snapshots. Some of his favorite roles include Telly (Godspell) at GLCT and Lord Pinkleton (Cinderella) at Theater Coppell. He wants to give a huge thank you to his friends and family for continuing to support him in all things theater. (IG: @dakotathewhale_)

Devin Johnson (ROMEO) is a multi-talented powerhouse born and raised in Dallas, Texas. Prior to the pandemic, Devin graduated from Morehouse College with a Bachelors of Art in Music with an emphasis of Vocal Performance. This is his second performance with The Firehouse having last been seen as Bobby in Saturday Night Fever. His credits include “AIDA” at the Majestic Theatre as well as “Carnival” at the Garland Civic Center, and “Theatre of Death” with Mark Brian-Sonna. Devin has not performed in the DFW area, but also in Atlanta. Devin has sung for Jennifer Hudson, John Legend and Common. He also was featured in DFW Center Stage’s Beyond the Bio. Devin would like to thank his directors, cast, family and friends for their unconditional love and support!

Caitlin Martelle (MUSH/NUN) is delighted to return to the Firehouse stage again. Caitlin holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Musical Theatre from the University of Central Oklahoma. Recent roles include: Annette/Saturday Night Fever (The Firehouse Theatre), Jen/The Cake (GLCT), Lady Caroline Bramble/Enchanted April (Mainstage Irving-Las Colinas), Jerusha Abbott/Daddy Long Legs (The Firehouse Theatre), and Val in A Chorus Line (Mainstage Irving-Las Colinas). Much love and thanks to her friends and family for all their support and love. Special thanks to Preston: I love you so much. Thank you for being the best partner on the stage and off. SO’S DA BRONX!

Danielle Smith (JOJO/BOWERY BEAUTY) is excited to be back at The Firehouse Theatre after recently appearing in Hello, Dolly! (Ensemble). Danielle graduated summa cum laude from Texas Christian University (go frogs!) with her BFA in Musical Theatre. Favorite credits include; Dainty June in Gypsy! at Mainstage Irving/Las Colinas, Kitty in The Drowsy Chaperone at The Hopeful Theatre Project, and Elf the Musical (Ensemble / Tap Corps) at the Lakewood Theatre Center, in her hometown Lake Oswego, Oregon.

Larry Macklin (SPLASHER) is making his second The Firehouse Theatre appearance. He’s been seen as Travis in Theatre Arlington’s Footloose The Musical, Onstage Bedford’s The Greatest Dance Show, at Main Stage-Las Colinas in Sister Act, Stolen Shakespeare Guild’s Grease as Teen Angel/ Roger, and Playhouse on the Square’s Troy Bolton in High School Musical. Larry Macklin is a teacher and private vocal coach. He received his BM in Music/Vocal Performance.

Abbey Copeland (BUTTONS/DANCE CAPTAIN) is excited to be back at The Firehouse Theater for this production of Newsies! Some of her previous work includes The Music Man at Garland Summer Musicals (Ensemble), Beauty and the Beast (Enchantress/Dance Captain) at The Firehouse Theater and Something Rotten at Theatre Frisco (Ensemble/Dance Captain). She would like to thank her friends and family for all the support along the way and hopes you enjoy the show!

Preston Isham (MORRIS DELANCEY/BILL) is absolutely thrilled to be back on the The Firehouse Theatre stage. He last appeared on the Firehouse stage as Monty in SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER. Favorite roles he’s performed include Jerry Lukowski in THE FULL MONTY and Mike Costa in A CHORUS LINE at MainStage Irving-Las Colinas. A special and sincere thanks goes out to my wife, Caitlin Martelle. You’re the front page headline in the newspaper of my heart.

Tyler “T” Lang (OSCAR DELANCEY/DARCY) is an African-American actor, musician, and playwright based in Dallas, Texas. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, and moved to Texas at 13. He attended Collin College and is transferring to Howard University this fall to study Drama at The Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts. T has been involved with various theater companies such as Cara Mia Theatre Co., Junior Players, Shakespeare Dallas, Collin Theatre Center, Echo Theatre, and Soul Rep Theatre Company. He was a playwright finalist in PUP Fest 2021 with his play “CHANGES”. His most recent roles have been in “I and You” as Anthony, “Travisville ” as Zeke Phillips, “Lost Girl” as Peter Pan, and “Luchadora!” as Leopold. T also has a new album released on Spotify and Apple Music called “The Calm Before” by T The Phenomenal. If you liked what you saw from him today, go check it out! “The struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose.”- Chadwick A. Boseman

Doug Fowler (BUNSEN/JACOBI/ENSEMBLE) is excited to be back onstage at The Firehouse. Previous Firehouse shows include The Drowsy Chaperone (1st Firehouse production and Drowsy 2.0), The Music Man, and Legally Blonde. Other favorite shows he’s performed in include “Me and Jezebel” as Bette Davis with Mainstage Irving/Las Colinas, “Disaster” with Onstage in Bedford and Runway Theatre, “Sordid Lives” with Theatre Denton, “An Act of God” with Stage West, and “Light Up the Sky” with Theatre Three. Thank you to Owen and K.A. for thinking of me. Love to Mom, Dad, Gayla, Ashley and Camilla.

Lucas Haupert (SEITZ/SNYDER/ENSEMBLE) is thrilled to be back at Firehouse! Lucas got his BFA in Acting with a minor in Directing from Oklahoma City University, with plans to pursue his MFA in Directing in the future. Previous performance credits include The Music Man, Saturday Night Fever, and Spamalot. Lucas would like to thank his loved ones, the Idarahea Clan, as well as the cast and creative team of Newsies for all their support, passion, and love throughout this process. “Newsies forever!” IG: @lucas.vs.theinternet

Grant Hollowell (WIESEL/STAGE MANAGER/MAYOR/ENSEMBLE) is a proud Red Raider, and currently works as a landscape designer around the metroplex. He is also a founding member of improvised musical comedy teams at Stomping Ground and Dallas Comedy Club. Previous roles he has portrayed at The Firehouse include Catch Me If You Can (Hanratty) and Spamalot (King Arthur). Grant would like to thank The Fancy Supper Club and Mango for their constant support, and also his parents for gifting him with his dimples and great head of hair.

Bill Lewis (NUNZIO/GOVERNOR ROOSEVELT/ENSEMBLE) Bill Lewis – Bill is excited to be making his debut with The Firehouse Theatre! Some of his favorite past performances include Mr Wormwood in Matilda with Granbury Theatre Co, Ensemble in Ragtime with Plaza Co, Underling in The Drowsy Chaperone with Hopeful Theatre Project, and Aslan in The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe with MainStage Classic Theatre. Bill would like to thank his wife and kids for their love and support, and also the cast and crew of this marvelous show.

Bridget L. Hopewell (HANNAH/ENSEMBLE) is delighted to return to The Firehouse Theatre in this production of Newsies, one of her favorite childhood movies. She is so grateful they welcomed her back after a very long hiatus from the stage to be in Beauty and the Beast last holiday season. Favorite credits include Hermione in The Winter’s Tale, Lady Macduff in Macbeth, and Dierdre in I Hate Hamlet. By day, she is honored to support all vocal professionals as a laryngologist at the Baylor Scott & White Voice Center.

PRODUCTION TEAM

Kris Allen (DIRECTOR) Newsies is the first production KA has had the pleasure to direct at The Firehouse. He has been seen ON the stage in Matilda, The Wizard of Oz, Gypsy, The Music Man, Honk!, Seussical, Bye Bye Birdie, and Billy Elliot. KA received a Column Award nomination for his portrayal of Sam Carmichael in Brick Road Theatre’s production of Mamma Mia. The past two years took KA to Denison High School, but he is excited to return to Frisco ISD this fall as Head of Theatre at Liberty High School. Thanks ever so much to his long suffering wife Hilary for her constant reassurance when I so often doubted myself!

Kristal Seid (MUSIC DIRECTOR) is excited to be back at The Firehouse, this time as the Music Director of Newsies. Previously you might have seen her as Mrs. Potts, Grizabella, or the Bird Lady. She has 20 years of experience directing, music directing, performing, and teaching voice and acting in her private studio (KristalSeidStudio.com) and at Amy’s Studio of Performing Arts and Casa Manana. Kristal holds a BFA from Southwestern University and is certified in Somatic VoiceworkTM. “Thank you, Willie, for making all my dreams come true!” Romans 8:3 

BETHANY LORENTZEN (CHOREOGRAPHER) is a performer, music director, choreographer, and voice teacher based in Dallas. She was last seen on the theatrical stage as Daisy in The Firehouse Theatre’s production of Side Show. Bethany is currently a frontline singer and choreographer for DFW’s #1 party band, the Emerald City Band. She is so grateful to have the opportunity to be back choreographing at her home theatre, The Firehouse Theatre. Professional Credits: A Chorus Line (Diana) – Uptown Players; Les Miserables (Fantine u/s), Spring Awakening (Thea), Hairspray (Tammy) – Phoenix Theatre; Miracle on 34th Street – Arizona Broadway Theatre. Other favorite credits: Gypsy (Dainty June), Oklahoma! (Laurey), Company (Kathy), Wizard of Oz (Dorothy), Into the Woods (Cinderella). Choreography: Music Man, Seussical (Firehouse), 13! (Centerstage Youth), 25th Annual…Spelling Bee (NTPA Rep), Shrek, Cinderella, Guys and Dolls, Seussical, and Bye Bye Birdie (Educational). Music Dir: The Drowsy Chaperone, Daddy Long Legs, The Boyfriend, Grease (Firehouse), Beauty and the Beast, West Side Story (NTPA Rep), Addams Family (CORP). www.bethanylorentzen.com

Isaiah Christopher-Lord Harris (ASSISTANT CHOREOGRAPHER) is excited to be back at The Firehouse and is looking forward to passing on his knowledge to the next generation of Dallas performers. He is a New Orleans Native who began teaching at the age of 11. During his years as a performer, Isaiah has trained in a multitude of styles. More recently Isaiah studied at the International College Of Musical Theater in London. As a dance teacher/choreographer, Isaiah feels that it is most important for his students to feel accepted, confident, and inspired at all times. “Break legs every night, my Newsies!!!”

Hannah Tolle (STAGE MANAGER) is excited to be back at The Firehouse for Saturday Night Fever! Hannah has previously stage managed The Firehouse Theatre’s productions of Saturday Night Fever, Spamalot, Beauty and the Beast, The Spongebob Musical, Catch Me If You Can, Big Fish, Bright Star: Concert Version, Elf The Musical, and A Year With Frog and Toad. Hannah is a Farmers Branch native and graduate of RL Turner High School where she also stage managed many productions. She has also spent time as a production assistant on many a set in Los Angeles. Thank you to KA, Bethany, Isaiah, and Kristal for being such a great team to work with!  

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, and Elf in 2021, then Anything Goes, Big Fish, Violet, Catch Me If You Can, and Beauty and The Beast in 2022, and this season’s Spamalot, Hello, Dolly!, Into The Woods JR, and Saturday Night Fever. 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!

Garret Deutsch (LIGHTING DESIGNER) is excited about his opportunity to be a part of Newsies. This is his first show as a lighting designer at The Firehouse Theatre. He is currently pursuing an education in lighting at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. He would like to thank his family for the support and The Firehouse Theatre for this opportunity.

Michael Marbry (SOUND DESIGNER) is excited to be returning to The Firehouse Theatre. Previous shows he’s worked on include 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.

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. He has directed The Firehouse’s smash hit production of Catch Me If You Can, 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, Cortland Rep, Casa Manana, 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. Currently/Upcoming: Swing in Into The Woods (Dallas Theater Center), and co-directing 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. @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.