DIRECTOR'S NOTE
CAST BIOS
CREATIVE TEAM BIOS
LEADERSHIP TEAM BIOS
2024 SEASON SPONSORS

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

Over seventy-five years after Rodgers and Hammerstein adapted the stage play Green Grow the Lilacs into Oklahoma!, the duo’s first collaboration remains one of their most celebrated productions. Often considered the first modern musical, Oklahoma! reshaped the Broadway landscape and gave the state of Oklahoma national recognition, pride, and a song that continues to resonate worldwide. So much so that on September 5th, 1953 the title song from the show became the official state song, replacing “Oklahoma: A Toast”.

Not only does Oklahoma! hold a special place in the history of musical theatre, but also in my personal theatrical journey. Will Parker was the first major role I ever played and I’ve been blessed to play him twice throughout the years; once in 2004 as a senior in high school and again in 2009 which closed just days before my wedding and led to my late grandfather-in-law to refer to me solely as “Will”. And now, 16 years later and this time in the director’s chair, I am reminded of the immense power of this production. At its heart  it’s a love story, but its foundation is all about community. 

Near the end of the play, Aunt Eller says to Laurey, “…lots of things happen to folks. Sickness, er bein’ pore and hungry even – bein’ old and afeared to die. That’s the way it is – cradle to grave.” And while that’s true, there is also immense joy and sweetness in life, but only if we are tough enough to fight for it. But the fight can be a losing battle when we are alone. We are strongest together.

-Jason Craig West, Director

CAST

Cooper Powell (CURLY MCLAIN) is thrilled to make his Firehouse debut in Oklahoma! His previous credits include Jean Valjean in Les Misérables at Shine Performing Arts, Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof at Coram Deo Academy, and Jack Kelly in Newsies at the Actors’ Conservatory Theatre. Cooper is a Sophomore at Belmont University in Nashville, TN studying Music Business. Cooper would like to thank his castmates and the production team for being so kind, welcoming, and professional. Lots of love to Mom and Allie. IG: @cprpwll

Hannah Lovato-Swaim (LAUREY WILLIAMS) is so excited to be returning to The Firehouse Theatre to play one of her biggest dream roles! She just earned her BFA in Musical Theatre at UT Arlington this past May. She was last seen in UTA’s production of On The Town in the role of Claire De Loone, and in Granbury Theatre Company’s production of Best Little Whorehouse in Texas as Shy. She has also been in productions at theatres in the DFW area, such as Mainstage Las-Colinas and Theatre Arlington. She would like to dedicate her performance to her grandpa, Faustino, who introduced her to Oklahoma! and gave her the love she has for musical theater. 

Evan Christopher Arnold (WILL PARKER) is ecstatic to be making his Firehouse debut in a dream role! He is currently pursuing a BA in Acting at the University of North Texas. Favorite credits include The Sunshine Boys (MainStage Irving), You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Theatre Coppell), Jesus Christ Superstar (NTPA Repertory), Cabaret, Fiddler on the Roof, and Peter and the Starcatcher (UNT). Big love to his family and friends for their unwavering support, his educators for believing in him and a special thank you to Jason for letting him in the rodeo. Acts 19:29

Makenna Ostrom (ADO ANNIE) is excited to for her debut Firehouse performance as Ado Annie. Kenna is a recent graduate from UT Arlington as a BFA Musical Theatre major and Dance minor. Some of her favorite shows have been “On The Town” (Ivy Smith) and “The Sound of Music” (Liesl). She’s loved every moment of this process and wants to thank everyone involved as well as Jason West, Jessica Deskewies, Molly Robison, Pam McLain, her family, and God.  makennaostrom.com

Kim Harris (AUNT ELLER) is thrilled to be back at The Firehouse Theatre after playing Miss Hannigan in ANNIE last season. Kim was most recently seen as Maggie Dalton in INTO THE BREECHES at MainStage Irving, as well as Martha in WHITE CHRISTMAS & Violet in 9 TO 5 at Granbury Opera House. Regional credits include: Dorothy Brock/42nd ST, Nancy/OLIVER!, Rosemary Clooney/TENDERLY: THE ROSEMARY CLOONEY MUSICAL, Lana Mae/HONKY TONK LAUNDRY, Annie Oakley/ANNIE GET YOUR GUN. Off-Broadway: Christine/ROOM SERVICE (SoHo Playhouse). Fan of faith, family, friends, felines, funny films, and FOOD!!

Dylan Aaron (JUD FRY) graduated from Oklahoma State University with his Bachelors in 2022. He has gone on to be in two award winning shows and three first-place wins in the NATS Competition. Some of his previous roles include: Curly McClain in Oklahoma!, Ryan in Theory of Relativity, Dr. Falke in Die Fledermaus and Argante in Oklahoma State University’s 3rd place winning production of Rinaldo. In the summer of 2022, he performed as Woof in the award-winning production of Hair as part of the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival. There, he worked with the esteemed Justin Moniz and Lee Summers. He was also a Guest Artist in Oklahoma State’s production of Into The Woods. More recently, Dylan had the opportunity to be on stage at Runway Theatre in Big Fish, Silent Sky and White Christmas. This is Dylan’s debut at Firehouse Theatre and he can’t wait to share this wonderful show with all of you!

Preston Isham (ALI HAKIM) is happy to be back on stage at The Firehouse Theatre! Preston has appeared on stages across DFW including Casa Mañana, Lyric Stage, Grand Prairie Arts Council, Jubilee Theatre, MainStage Irving-Las Colinas, and more. Favorite past roles include Jervis Pendleton in DADDY LONGLEGS at The Firehouse Theatre, Mike Costa in A CHORUS LINE and Jerry Lukowski in THE FULL MONTY at MainStage Irving-Las Colinas. A special thank you to my wife – Caitlin Martelle – for loving me always.

Alex Rain (ANDREW CARNES) made his Firehouse debut last summer as J.D. in Escape to Margaritaville. Since moving to DFW in 2018, Alex has appeared on stage in a number of plays and musicals. Favorite roles include George in Same Time, Next Year (Theatre Frisco), Nostradamus in Something Rotten (Theatre Frisco), the murderous playwright Sidney Bruhl in Deathtrap (Allen Contemporary Theatre), the titular role of Macbeth (LCT-TheColony),Sheriff Dodd in Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (GLCT), Sam in Mamma Mia (NTPA), and Dr. Mortimer in It Runs in the Family (Theatre Frisco). Screen credits include Henry Keyes in the Lifetime TV movie Danger in the Spotlight, and most recently, Alex appeared as an animal control officer in the indie horror film, Rumpelstiltskin. Offstage, Alex has been a full-time voice actor since 2012 specializing in commercials and online videos for the world’s biggest brands, as well as broadcast narration and character work for anime and videogames. When he’s not in the booth or on stage, Alex is also a professional headshot and event photographer. You can follow his work @alexrainphoto on Instagram or www.alexrain.com 

Emily-Jade Stewart (GERTIE CUMMINGS) is so excited to be a part of her first show at The Firehouse Theatre. She is a recent graduate from UNCo where she earned her BFA in Musical Theatre. Some of her favorite roles include Cinderella(Into the Woods), Penny(Hairspray), Julia(Dr. HH Holmes Freakshow) and Liesl(Sound of Music). She is so grateful for this opportunity and hopes you enjoy the show! @emilyjades_

Elyse Allen (VIRGINIA) is so excited to be returning to The Firehouse Theatre to be in this beautiful show! She is a graduate of Utah Valley University with a BFA in Musical Theatre. Some of her favorite local credits are: Beth in Little Women (Garland Civic Theatre), Shelby in Steel Magnolias (Magnolia Players), Allyson in A Grand Night for Singing (Theatre Frisco) and Silly Girl in Beauty and the Beast (Firehouse Theatre). She would like to thank the creative team, her family, and friends for all of their support, near and far!

Janie Carr (AGGIE) is so excited to be making her Firehouse Theatre debut! She grew up in Kansas City performing in shows at Starlight Theatre, KC Repertory Theatre, Musical Theater Heritage and more. She recently moved to Dallas after graduating from TCU with her BBA in Marketing and now works as a consultant at Mercer. You may have seen her in her first DFW area show this year as Sally in You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown at Theatre Coppell! She would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her and seeing the show!

Mikki Hankins Petersen (ELLEN) is thrilled to make her debut at Firehouse in this classic musical! After being a resident of Southwest Oklahoma for almost 3 years, Mikki is happy to be back home in DFW as a local singer, dancer, director, choreographer, and teaching artist. Favorite past roles include Sophie (Mamma Mia!), Cathy (The Last Five Years), Sally Bowles (Cabaret), Belle (Beauty and the Beast), Sandy (Grease), and most recently, Dorothy (The Wizard of Oz).

Hailey Hatfield (she/her) (VIVIAN) is so excited to FINALLY know all the words to the song Oklahoma! She is a Dallas based vocalist, dancer, performer, director and educator, making her Firehouse debut! She has a bachelors of music in musical theatre from UCO, and has done several operas and musicals in her time there!  When she’s not performing, Hailey teaches musical theatre and private voice at Music Place Mansfield Conservatory. Her most recent credits include Alice By Heart with Melpo Theatre Co. (Alice Spencer), Lend me a Chainsaw with LCT, (Jo: World Premier) ,Guys and Dolls with Stolen Shakespeare Guild (Sarah Brown) andSpongeBob: The Musical with Plaza Theatre Company (Pearl Krabs). She would like to thank her family, her cast mates, and her MPM coworkers for not only dealing with her crazy schedule, but her crazy personality as well!

Lauren Johnson Rivera (KATE) is a rising Sophomore at Otterbein University, pursuing her BFA in Musical Theatre. This is her first show outside of educational theatre  and her first Firehouse show. She’d like to thank her professors back in OH, her parents for their love and support, and her sister. 

Dakota Britvich (Ike Skidmore) is so excited to return to the Firehouse stage for a third show! Other Firehouse credits include SOMETHING ROTTEN! (Ensemble) and NEWSIES (Spot Conlon/Ike). He is a graduate of UT Dallas where he studied art and design. Other recent credits include: ROMEO & JULIET (Balthazar/Tybalt U/S) at Upright Theater Co, PHANTOM: IN CONCERT (Ensemble) at WaterTower Theatre, NEWSIES (Crutchie) at Grand Prairie Performing Arts Council, LEND ME A CHAINSAW (Nick) and ALICE BY HEART (Male Swing/Ensemble) at Lakeside Community Theater. Outside of the theater world, Dakota is a Graphic Designer in Frisco, TX. He wants to thank his friends and family for continuing to support him. Enjoy the show, support live theater and queer artists! IG: @dakotabritvich

Zachary Ressler (CORD ELAM)  is an avid fan of live theater and is absolutely thrilled to get to participate in this classic show with so many talented individuals. Zac participated in theatre during high school and college but stepped away from the stage for many years to focus on his career and his family. Zac only recently returned to the stage for an ensemble role which included Uncle Billy, Sam Wainwright, and several other in It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (Mesquite Community Theater) and a smarmy senator and no-nonsense doctor in Dillon (Classics Theater Project). This will be Zac’s first role with any significant dancing and it has been a challenging and rewarding experience. When not participating in community theater, Zac spends most of his time with his wife and two young children. Zac is also practicing criminal defense attorney for Dunham & Jones, P.C.

Scott Rice (FRED) is happy to be appearing in his first production with The Firehouse Theatre. Scott is currently a student at the University of Oklahoma, hoping to receive a Masters degree in Architecture. His last few main stage appearances were as Nick Bottom in Something Rotten and The Mad Hatter in Alice by Heart, both through CenterStage Theatre. Additionally, he has been seen as a lead performer and music director through OU CAC shows for Beta Upsilon Chi, beginning as head director in the fall. He would like to thank his parents and friends for their support as well as this show for bringing him close to such an amazing group of people!

Zane Ozro Syjansky (SLIM) is excited to be back on the Firehouse Theatre stage in Oklahoma! for his second show this season. He was recently in The Wedding Singer with Firehouse. Zane’s previous credits also include: Max Weinbaum (Goodnight Oscar) Adam (The Mad Ones), Musidorus (Head Over Heels), and Senator Fipp (Urinetown). Zane wants to thank his family and friends that have always been in his unwavering support. Zane will continue with his pursuits within theatre and more importantly in life

CREATIVE TEAM

Jason Craig West (DIRECTOR)  is excited to return to the director’s chair for Rodgers and Hammerstein’s OKLAHOMA! A native of Salt Lake City, Utah, Jason moved to Texas in 2017 to teach theatre for Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep and has since been an active participant in the theatre community, both onstage and off. Additional directorial credits in the DFW area include A Midsummer Night’s Dream (the Classics Theatre Project), Dylan (the Classics Theatre Project), It’s a Wonderful Life: The Live Radio Play (Mesquite Arts Theatre), and Bright Star: Concert Version (the Firehouse Theatre). As a performer, he was last seen as Rooster in Annie (The Firehouse Theatre). Other local roles include: Jim in the Glass Menagerie (the Classics Theatre Project), Reverend John Hale in The Crucible (the Classics Theatre Project), Jack in Into the Woods (Stolen Shakespeare Guild), Orin the Dentist in Little Shop of Horrors (Ennis Public Theatre),Billy Cane in Bright Star (the Firehouse Theatre), the Scarecrow in  The Wizard of Oz (the Firehouse Theatre), Robert Martin in The Drowsy Chaperone (the Firehouse Theatre), Will Bloom in Big Fish (The Firehouse Theatre), Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast ( the Firehouse Theatre), and Harold Hill in the Music Man (Garland Summer Musicals). Jason received a BFA in theatre education from Utah State University and an MFA in acting from Indiana University. He is a Certified Actor Combatant with the Society of American Fight Directors and a Designated Meisner Teacher with the Meisner Institute. He is forever grateful to his wife for her constant love and support. Teaching full time and juggling 4 kids at home, she is the true star.

Jessica Deskewies (CHOREOGRAPHER) is a Memphis based choreographer/performer who is thrilled to be back at The Firehouse Theatre working behind the scenes. Jessica has been performing for 24 years onstage. She has trained with Dallas Ballet Company, Dallas Cowboys Rhythm and Blues dance team and thanks her mentors Julie Freeman/Kathy Caradine for the years of training. For the last six years, she performed and choreographed at Six Flags Over Texas. Some of her favorite productions onstage included Chicago (NY), Crazy For You (Theatre Memphis), A Chorus Line (Theatre Memphis) and Something Rotten (The Firehouse Theatre). She dedicates her hard work that went into this production to Luke Phillips and Wesley Williamson as well as Mr. Otis Smith and Momma D. She thanks her mother for always being her biggest supporter on and off stage. She’s beyond grateful for this experience and opportunity.

Molly Robinson (MUSIC DIRECTOR) is honored to return to The Firehouse Theatre as Music Director for the fourth time, having previously MD’d THE ADDAMS FAMILY, NINE TO FIVE, and A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER. Audience have also seen Molly on stage at The Firehouse as Paula in CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, Judy in NINE TO FIVE and Irene in HELLO DOLLY  Other Dallas roles include Pepa in WOMEN ON THE VERGE (MainStage Irving), Christine in DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS and Irene in CRAZY FOR YOU (Garland Summer Musicals) Gloria in BOEING BOEING (Garland Civic Theatre) and two years as Veda in HOPE IN THE HEARTLAND. Before moving to DFW she enjoyed being an ‘Edutainer’ at the English Village in South Korea. Much love to G and the FHRT! 

Pamela McLain (MUSIC DIRECTOR) has been a music director, pianist, and instructor in the DFW theatre community for almost 25 years and enjoys working at The Firehouse Theatre whenever possible (last mainstage show was Legally Blonde). Other shows and venues include Dallas Children’s Theater (Seussical!, Ella Enchanted), Theatre Three (Memphis, The Fantasticks, Passing Strange, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson), Mainstage Irving-Las Colinas (The Pirates of Penzance, The Full Monty), Theatre Coppell (Assassins, Into the Woods), Garland Civic (All Shook Up, The Mikado) and many others. She is the Music Minister at Community Unitarian Universalist Church in Plano and serves as an adjudicator for Broadway Dallas’ High School Musical Theatre Awards. Pam grew up listening to Oklahoma! (on vinyl) and is honored to be working with Molly, Jason, Owen, Osi, and a wonderful cast on this lovely show.

Osinachi Osuagwu (STAGE MANAGER) is excited to be stage managing for The Firehouse Theatre after being away from the theatre world for a few years. She has previously acted in multiple stage productions at UT Dallas and Dallas Theater Center, and she has worked as a stage manager for UT Dallas, Mountanview College, and J Performing Arts Center. She is also an English teacher for Dallas ISD. She is grateful for the opportunity to work with such a great director, cast, and crew and she is looking forward to showing off everyone’s hard work.

Caitlin Martelle (SCENIC PAINTING) is always delighted to make her appearance on and around The Firehouse stage! This time, for the largest art project she has ever done! She was last seen on the Firehouse stage as Doralee in 9 to 5 and as the assistant director for Million Dollar Quartet and A Gentleman’s Guide To Love & Murder. Caitlin holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Musical Theatre from the University of Central Oklahoma. Other recent 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). Love to my family, who always cheers me on, and to Daddy for always being my wings and for teaching me that I can do anything–prior experience optional 🙂

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

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!

Joanna Chabot (BOX OFFICE & VOLUNTEER MANAGER) was one of the earliest actors and volunteers at Firehouse in 2013, served on the Board from 2015-18, and in 2023 received a “First Responder Award” for foundational and sustainable support. In 2023-24, she directed several Firehouse JR shows, and her children have been very involved as artists. In 2025 she  joined our staff as Box Office & Volunteer Manager, ensuring patrons always have a pleasant experience. She homeschools her six children and operates Chabot Family Arts, a neighborhood backyard theatre company.
 
Dayna Dutton (HOUSE MANAGER) has worked as the theatre’s Resident Costume Designer since the fall of 2021, designing for nearly every MainStage and JR show while also Costume Designing for other area theatres. In 2025, she became our House Manager, handling all front-of-house activities. She has the unique ability to manage multiple projects and deliver high-quality results with a high level of customer satisfaction. She holds a BFA in Costuming from the University of Central Oklahoma, and her three children are also involved in our stage.