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

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

My dad, Johnny Arnold, raised me on rock and roll. Ozzy, Foreigner, and especially Journey filled his CD binder any time we were in the car. That music wasn’t just background noise—it was our bond. Bringing Rock of Ages to life feels like a love letter to him and to those loud  legendary car rides. I think he would’ve loved this show—probably would’ve air-guitared through half of it. 

Rock of Ages is more than just a jukebox musical—it’s a love letter to a sound that refuses to die. It’s big hair, bigger dreams, and the idea that no matter how the world changes, the soul of rock lives on. I think my dad would’ve loved this show. He probably would’ve made fun of the wigs—but he’d have been singing every word under his breath.

In 1985, Dee Snider of Twisted Sister sat in front of Congress in full glam regalia and told a bunch of politicians why rock and roll mattered. He said, “The beauty of literature, poetry, and music is that they leave room for the audience to put its own imagination, experiences, and dreams into the words.” That’s what we’re doing here tonight—telling a wild, ridiculous, heartfelt story and letting you experience it with your own nostalgia, your own dreams, and your own inner rock god.

To the cast, crew, and creative team at The Firehouse Theatre—thank you for pouring your heart, sweat, and eyeliner into every moment of this show. You’ve made this process a joy and I couldn’t be prouder.

To my dad: this one’s for you.

And to you, the audience—sing loud, laugh harder, and never forget: rock isn’t dead. It’s just wearing leather pants.

-Benjamin Keegan Arnold, Director

CAST

Austin Jon Hines (DREW) is excited to be making his Firehouse debut in this production of Rock Of Ages. He would like to give a big shout out to the production team and band for helping this show come to life. Recent theatrical credits – Jack Kelly (US) in Newsies at Grand Prairie Arts Council and Danny Zuko in Grease at NTPA. Other favorite recent roles include JD in Heathers, Old Man Jenkins in SpongeBob, Shrek in Shrek the Musical, Pippin in Pippin and much more. Thank you all for coming out to support us and the arts today at The Firehouse Theatre! LET’S ROCK!

Brooke Matthews (SHERRIE CHRISTIAN) is a Dallas-based actor and model, and is very excited to be back at The Firehouse Theatre having last been seen as Ensemble in Hello Dolly!. Her most recent Dallas theatre credits include Bonnie & Clyde at GPAC (Bonnie Parker) and Shrek the Musical at Upright Theatre (Princess Fiona). She would like to thank her parents, her sister Kaelyn, her wonderful boyfriend Kolson, and her close friends for their continuous love and support. She hopes you enjoy the show as much as she does!

Austin Bender-Davis (LONNY)is a proud University of Texas at Arlington alumnus! He was last seen on the Firehouse stage in Escape to Margaritaville as Brick. Other favorite credits include Little Shop of Horrors as Orin (Granbury Theatre Company), Calendar Girls as Lawrence/Liam (Theatre Arlington), and Company as Robert (UTA). He would like to thank his wife for her support and love. Let’s Rock!!!!

Grant Hollowell (DENNIS DUPREE) is no stranger to the Firehouse stage, having been seen previously in Catch Me If You Can (Hanratty), Spamalot (King Arthur), Addams Family (Fester), and Something Rotten! (Nick Bottom). Grant 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. Grant would like to thank his parents for his dimples and great head of hair, Jason/Ally/Owen even though they should be thanking him, and of course Lauren despite the fact she is funnier than him. 

Dayton Wilson (STACEE JAXX) is thrilled to be bringing the wild, unpredictable energy of Stacee Jaxx to the stage in Rock of Ages. Taking on the role of a self-obsessed rock god with a flair for drama (and tight pants), Dayton is having the time of his life bringing this outrageous character to life. Past credits include Sammy in The Wedding Singer, Lewis in Pippin’, Angel in Rent, and Declan in American Idiot. When not rocking out onstage, Dayton enjoys playing guitar and jamming with friends. Huge thanks to the cast, crew, and creative team for their support — and remember: Don’t Stop Believin’!

Briana_Berk

Briana Berk (REGINA) is thrilled to be back at The Firehouse! She was last seen on the Firehouse stage as Grace Farrell in Annie. Briana is a proud graduate of Texas Christian University, where she received a degree in Church Music. In college, she studied voice and organ, and performed in many operas. Some of Briana’s favorite roles include Sister Mary Downey/Disaster! (GPAC); Bea/Something Rotten! (The Firehouse Theatre); Christine/Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (MainStage Irving-Las Colinas); Marianne/Disaster! (Runway Theatre); Jeannie and Pippi/The Great American Trailer Park Musical (Lyric Stage); and Margot/Legally Blonde (GPAC). Briana was born and raised in North Carolina where she sends all her love and thanks to her family. @brianaberk

Geoff Lutz (HERTZ KLINEMANN) is excited to return to the Firehouse after previously appearing in Escape to Margaritaville and Something Rotten! Other credits in the DFW area include Disaster! with GPAC (Professor Ted Scheider), Xanadu with Uptown Players (Sonny/Danny/Thalia understudy), and Cats (Munkustrap) and Titanic (2nd Officer Charles Lightoller) with Repertory Company Theater. Geoff holds a BFA in Musical Theater from Syracuse University. He thanks the cast and production team for another lovely time, as well as his husband, Khalid, for all of his love and support. www.sites.google.com/view/geofflutz

Trenton Mosty (FRANZ KLINEMANN) is beyond excited to be back at The Firehouse Theatre for his 3rd show! He has most recently been seen as Frank Jr. in Catch Me If You Can at Runway Theatre & IQ/Link understudy in Hairspray at the Stolen Shakespeare Guild. Other favorite credits include Dmitry (Anastasia), Gabe (Next to Normal), Mendel (Falsettos), Eddie (Very Good Eddie) & Scarecrow (The Wizard of Oz). He would like to thank his family and friends for their tremendous support and the sweetest little nephew Nolan for bringing him so much joy. Prepare to have your mind MELTED!

Janette Robinson (JUSTICE CHARLIER) is hyped to make her Firehouse debut! Favorite credits include Armelia in Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Circle Theatre), Uhura in Khan!!! The Musical (MusicalWriters), and most recently BeeGirl in Buzzed (Theatre Three). This show has been a full-out, high-heeled, hair-whipping joy thanks to this fierce and fabulous cast and creative team.  Endless love to her wildly supportive friends for always showing up. Follow the glam and chaos at @itsjustjanette. Slay on, rock out, and tip your bartenders!

Shanespeare Alexander (ENSEMBLE) is thrilled to be back to rock your world in Rock of Ages! You may recognize him from past Firehouse shows such as The Wedding Singer and Escape to Margaritaville, where he left audiences dazzled by his killer vocals and wig-fueled transformations. When not belting high notes or performing spontaneous hair flips, Shane moonlights as a character chameleon—seen in classics such as American Idiot at LCT. His secret weapons? Theatrical hijinks, vocal sparkle, and at least one wig per role (minimum). Buckle up—it’s Morgan madness time!

Aaron Black (ENSEMBLE) is excited to be making his debut at The Firehouse Theatre! He was last seen as Kenickie in the Saginaw HS production of Grease. Since then, he has been pursuing his associates at TCC and getting involved in the theatre department. He’s set to graduate this December and transfer to UNT to continue his acting. Aaron is beyond happy to be back on stage after 13 years to be in a dream show. He’s very thankful to his wife and mother for all of their love and support.

Nicole Carrano (ENSEMBLE) is thrilled to be back on the Firehouse stage! Nicole has performed and choreographed at numerous theaters around DFW and has had choreography from her YouTube channel, DanceByFire featured on the Greatest Showman and Hamilton social media pages. Nicole is thankful every day for her ever-growing DFW theatre family, and thanks her friends and family near and far for their constant support! @nicole_ _jamie 

Jessica Deskewies (ENSEMBLE) is a Memphis based choreographer/performer who is thrilled to be onstage at The Firehouse Theatre, having most recently choreographed this season’s Oklahoma!. Jessica has been performing for 24 years onstage. She has trained with Dallas Ballet Company, DSO,  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 this show to her mother as this musical kept them close during a time of loss and tragedy. Stay tuned to see Jess in “Rent” at Grand Prairie Arts Council. 

Jordan Gibson (ENSEMBLE) is so excited to be returning to the Firehouse for her 5th production! Her choreography credits include Annie, Cinderella Youth Edition, Frozen kids, Matilda Jr., Wizard of Oz, Rent School Edition and Trust Fund Baby. Jordan also performs in various theaters around DFW and her recent credits include Pippin (Theatre Frisco); Urinetown: The Musical & Heathers: The Musical (NTPA Rep); Escape to Margaritaville & Hello, Dolly! (Firehouse Theater). Jordan would like to thank her friends and family for supporting her in all her endeavors. LET’S ROCK AND ROLL!!

Hailey Hatfield (She/Her) (ENSEMBLE) is a Dallas based vocalist, dancer, performer, director and educator, stepping onto the Firehouse stage for the second time! 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! 

Christina Kudlicki (ENSEMBLE/DANCE CAPTAIN) has been choreographing, teaching, performing, judging, directing, and reviewing dance and theatre in the DFW area over the past two decades. Memorable on-stage credits include The Dancer in LIVING THE DREAM (Musical Writers), Wealthy Woman in DISASTER! (GPAC), Fastrada in PIPPIN (Frisco Arts), Angel in BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS (Lewisville Playhouse), Eurydice in POLAROID STORIES, Trisha in FIVE WOMEN WEARING THE SAME DRESS (Lakeside Community Theatre), and Texas in CABARET (Runway Theatre). Kudlicki wants to give a shout out to the rockstar production team and her number one fan-club president, Mike, for all of their love and support! Dedicated to Gina Gershon, Alanna Ubach, and Marilyn Setu for… reasons.

Zane Syjansky (ENSEMBLE) is excited to be back on the Firehouse Theatre stage in Rock of Ages, for his third show this season. He was recently in The Wedding Singer with Firehouse and Oklahoma! Some of Zane’s other credits also include: Max Weinbaum (Goodnight Oscar, Le Petit Theatre) Adam (The Mad Ones, Loyola University), Musidorus (Head Over Heels, Loyola), and Senator Fipp (Urinetown, Loyola). 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.

Brian Vazquez (ENSEMBLE) is beyond excited to take the Firehouse stage once again in this 80’s fueled rock and roll rollercoaster! You might also recognize him from concessions here at our very own theatre. Other productions area productions include: The Old Man & The Old Moon as Captain, The Addams Family as Lucas, Eurydice as Orpheus, The Outsiders as Ponyboy, and his favorite (who could have guessed) as Aladdin in Disney’s Aladdin: Dual Language Edition here at The Firehouse. Brian is currently working full-time for an airline and is immensely grateful everyday to Firehouse for giving him numerous opportunities to express himself on stage and work behind the scenes as an Assistant Stage Manager (The Wedding Singer & Annie)! Brian would like to thank the company for being such hard workers and positive players and Pamela Anglero and Jacqueline Castillo for their encouragement and support. Most importantly, Brian is indescribably thankful for having the most loving and supportive family he could have ever asked for. A Brian le gustaria dedicar esta actuación a su Tio Jorgito Vazquez. If his uncle did not get his Dad into listening to an icon like Peter Frampton (Boston, and AC/DC), then Brian might not have grown up being a wannabe rocker!

CREATIVE TEAM

Benjamin Keegan Arnold (DIRECTOR) has been causing dramatic problems at The Firehouse since 2022, when he first crawled out of the chum bucket as Plankton in The SpongeBob Musical. He was last seen bringing warmth, wealth, and a surprisingly smooth dome to the role of Daddy Warbucks in Annie. Keegan has a soft spot for jukebox musicals (Escape to Margaritaville, American Idiot) but insists he’s still an “artiste,” having also directed the blood-soaked chaos of The Lieutenant of Inishmore and Misery. It’s called range. By day, Keegan runs the theatre program at McKinney North High School, where this summer he led his students to the National Theatre Festival in Indiana with Suite Surrender. That production also featured the breakout star of his household—his dog, Drax, a tiny, snaggle-toothed legend who stole every scene and most of the snacks. This show is dedicated to Drax, who reminds us daily that true theatre kids come in all species.

 

Carlos Strudwick (CHOREOGRAPHER) is thrilled to return to The Firehouse Theatre with more jazz hands than legally allowed in most states. Favorite credits include Ted Hanover in Holiday Inn (Theatre Arlington), Don Kerr in A Chorus Line (Uptown Players), tap soloist in Whorehouse (yes, that one), and being aggressively charming as Gaston (Beauty and the Beast). A proud DFW-based performer, musician, and choreographer, Carlos has graced stages from Evita to Spring Awakening, sprinkling showbiz sparkle wherever he lands. He dedicates this performance to Celsius, Art the Clown, and that one dance belt from 2013 that still haunts his dreams.

 

Bryce Biffle (MUSIC DIRECTOR)  is thrilled to be rocking out with such a stellar cast and crew at the Firehouse Theater, after previous music directorships here, including Little Shop of Horrors (2017), A Christmas Carol (2017), The Music Man (2018), and “SpongeBob” (2022), Escape to Margaritaville (2024), and Million Dollar Quartet (2025). Apart from his theatre-related work as a music director, accompanist, and freelance multi-instrumentalist, Bryce also teaches Pre-K-4th General Music as well as 5th & 6th grade beginning band at Trinity Lakes Elementary in HEBISD. On weekends, he serves as Director of Music at East Dallas Christian Church and plays accordion with Baba Yaga Orkestar/the Oompa Daddies, DFW’s premier Balkan brass band. He holds a B.M. in Music Composition from Stephen F. Austin State University and an M.M. in Musicology from Texas Tech University. Bryce lives in Arlington with his wife Julie and their 17-year-old goblinesque yorkie-mix named Rosie and a feisty axolotl named Mudkip. IG: @Bifflesaurus

 

Samantha Padilla (ASST. DIRECTOR/ASST. STAGE MANAGER) is thrilled to be part of her first full production with The Firehouse Theatre. This is her second time Assistant Directing—the first being Disaster! The Musical at GPAC, which was, thankfully, anything but! On stage, she was most recently seen as Daniela in Theatre Arlington’s production of In the Heights and Professor Lazaro/Vendor in Amphibian Stage’s The Amazing, Fabulous, and Spectacular Untruths of Juan Garcia—coincidentally an alternative title for her one woman cabaret, “I Don’t Date.” Favorite roles include Badass Betty, Paulette, and Magenta: loud ladies with big hair and bigger opinions. Eternal gratitude to Keegan, Carlos, Andrew for this incredible experience and to her delightfully unhinged village for all of their support.

 

Mandy Rausch (INTIMACY DIRECTOR) is a busy North Texas Intimacy Director with over 30 credits spanning stage and screen. Educated and trained by Theatrical Intimacy Education and the Society of American Fight Directors (unarmed), she specializes in consent choreography and the enforcement of emotional safety under extreme theatrical conditions. Mandy works with casts and creative teams to ensure that all moments of intimacy are responsibly staged and risk-aware. She holds credentials in Youth Mental Health First Aid and Bystander Intervention. This fall, she will serve as Guest Lecturer at DePauw University, where she will teach workshops on best practices and serve as intimacy director for their fall musical. Huge thanks Keegan for bringing her on board to work with this amazing cast and crew, and all the love and gratitude to her people at home.

 

Andrew Bullard (STAGE MANAGER) is a director, educator, and theatre artist who somehow convinced teenagers to stage Hadestown—and got 8 Broadway Dallas HSMTA noms for it! He’s the Performing Arts Chair at Arlington Heights High School and has directed everything from Pippin to tick, tick…Boom! to Shakespeare (because balance). Regionally, he’s worked with The Firehouse Theatre, First Colleyville, and more, occasionally trading the director’s chair for the spotlight. Andrew holds a B.F.A. in Theatre from Abilene Christian University and specializes in organized chaos, collaborative magic, and keeping theatre kids on beat (mostly). He thanks his wife Rachel for being his rock and the best partner. 

Mia Lindemann (LIGHTING DESIGNER)

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

Dayna Rae Dutton (COSTUME DESIGNER) has worked with The Firehouse Theatre as the Resident Costume Designer since fall 2021. In her time there she has designed The Wedding Singer, Million Dollar Quartet, Annie, Footloose, 9-5, The Addams Family, Newsies, Saturday Night Fever, Spamalot, Beauty and the Beast, Catch Me If You Can, Legally Blonde, and most recently Godspell. Also she has designed for Arise Acting Studio; Cinderella, Willy Wonka, Shrek, and Anastasia. Dayna is grateful for the continued love and support of God, her husband and three amazing children.

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.