Something Rotten! Bios - The Firehouse Theatre

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

Ask various members of the production team, and they’ll tell you that I’m a big Shakespeare guy. I’ve got a lot of opinions about the Bard, and I’ve got a lot of opinions about the people who, as Nick Bottom sings early on in the show, “bloviate about Shakespeare.” When Shakespeare was writing, his works were very much popular entertainment, perhaps the modern day equivalent of having pretty accomplished writers take on things like the MCU. With that in mind, I have no doubt that he also would have written a modern musical or two if the form had existed when he was writing. Something Rotten! is a fantastic celebration of both Shakespeare and musical theatre. If you’re a fan of either, there’s a lot to sink your teeth into and references to catch throughout this show. If you’re here for historical accuracy, I have some bad news for you. But if you’re here for a big laugh, fun music, and a night of frivolous entertainment? Then you’re in for a real treat.

-Alex S. Freeman

CAST

Grant Hollowell (NICK BOTTOM) 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 Firehouse productions include Catch Me if You Can (Carl Hanratty), Monty Python’s Spamalot (King Arthur), The Addams Family (Uncle Fester), and Newsies (Weisel). Grant would like to thank Mango and The Repertory for their endless support, as well as his parents for his dimples and great head of hair.

Nicholas Haas (NIGEL BOTTOM) is forever elated to be accompanying the family of Something Rotten! Nicholas is a graduate from Oklahoma City University with a BM in Music Theater. Some recent credits include, Christmas At the Southern Palace (Nick, Six Flag Over Texas), His Story: The Musical (Principal Swing, Broadway Tent), Monty Python’s Spamalot (Prince Herbert/etc, The Firehouse Theatre), The SpongeBob Musical (SpongeBob, The Firehouse Theatre), West Side Story (Tony, Kahilu Theatre), Spring Awakening (Melchior, Kahilu Theater), Romeo/Juliet Dream Event (Romeo, Montana Shakes). He thanks the phenomenal cast and crew for making it a home here at The Firehouse Theater.

Luke Weber (SHAKESPEARE) is excited to be making his Firehouse debut! He was recently named as a finalist in the National Association of Teachers of Singing 2024 National Musical Theatre Competition. Favorite regional credits: MY WAY: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra (Theatre By The Sea), The Full Monty (North Shore Music Theatre), and Violet (Actors Theatre of Indiana). He most recently performed in Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Texas. Luke gives thanks to his family and friends who are here to see the show. BFA, Texas Tech University. www.luke-weber.com @itslukeweber

Briana Berk (BEA) is thrilled to be making her Firehouse Theatre debut! She is a proud graduate of Texas Christian University, where she received a degree in Church Music. In college, she studied voice and organ, and was in many operas. Some of Briana’s recent roles include Christine/Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (MainStage Irving-Las Colinas); Marianne/Disaster! (Runway Theatre); Jeannie U.S., Pippi U.S., Pickles 2nd U.S./The Great American Trailer Park Musical (Lyric Stage); and Margot/Legally Blonde (Grand Prairie Arts Council). Briana was born and raised in North Carolina where she sends all her love and thanks to her family. www.brianaberk.com

Hunter Lewis (NOSTRADAMUS) is excited to return to The Firehouse Theatre with this cast and production team; last being seen in Saturday Night Fever as Frank Manero. After performing in tours, workshops, world premieres, regional premieres, and shows throughout the country, Hunter is thrilled to perform at one of his favorite spaces in Texas! Selected credits include Newsies, Music Man, Desert Song, Quanah Workshop starring Larry Gatlin (Lyric Stage); Bonnie and Clyde (WaterTower); Titanic, Alexander’s House, The Full Monty (Uptown Players). Special thanks to the FSC, my Duffee & Eitzen work family, my family, friends (namely my corn hole team for letting me miss games for the show), Ally, Owen, Alex, Jason, Kelsey, Hannah, and this wonderful cast!

Jason Philip Solís (BROTHER JEREMIAH) 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 The Addams Family (GPAC) and Ms. Trunchbull from Matilda (GPAC). Their Firehouse stage credits include Once on this Island, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Wizard of Oz, In the Heights, Beauty and the Beast, Spamalot, and The Addams Family. Thank you to my family who have been so supportive of me in all of my endeavors, and to the group chat from whom I keep nothing.

Scott Straus (SHYLOCK) is so very excited to be a part of this incredible production, not only because Something Rotten! is his favorite Broadway musical, but also because he has been a patron of The Firehouse Theatre since shortly after it opened. After retiring in 2022 as an airline captain, Scott played Col. Jessep in A Few Good Men, at Garland Civic Theatre. To the SR! cast and crew: when not on stage, he watches every performance from the wings, and marvels at your acting/singing/dancing/backstage talent, hard work, enthusiasm, and energy. Scott sends his thanks and love to his wife and sons – Angela, Preston, and Grant – and all of his friends and family who support him, and so generously come to see the show. In the words of Shylock, “I love it! I love it! I love it!”

Octavian Lewis (MINSTREL/ENSEMBLE) is a multi-talented powerhouse born and raised in Dallas, Texas. Prior to the pandemic, Octavian graduated from Texas College with a Bachelors of Science in Music. His credits include “A Gospel Black Nativity” at Jubilee Theatre, “The Tragedy of Othello” at Bishop Arts Theatre Center, “Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters: An African Tale” at Dallas Children’s Theatre, “The Color Purple” at Jubilee Theatre, “Saturday Night Fever” and “Hello, Dolly!” at The Firehouse Theater, “Black Nativity” at the Bishop Arts Theatre Center, as well as “AIDA” and “Rocky Horror Show” at the Majestic Theatre, portraying the roles of a Phantom and Transylvanian. For his performance in Black Nativity, Octavian was nominated for “Best Actor in a Musical” for the 5th Annual Irma P. Hall Black Theatre Awards. He is also currently nominated 3 times for “Best Featured Actor in a Musical” for the 6th Annual Irma P. Hall Black Theatre Awards for his performance in “Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters: An African Tale,” “The Color Purple,” and “Aida.” Octavian has been featured in DFW Center Stage’s Beyond the Bio after he brought the house down with his performance as Tom Collins in “RENT” at the Willow Bend Theatre (North Texas Performing Arts Rep). Octavian is proud to return to The Firehouse stage and looks forward to fulfilling his dream of becoming a Broadway star.

Dakota Britvich (ENSEMBLE) is overjoyed to be returning to the Firehouse stage! He is in his final semester as a senior at the University of Texas at Dallas pursuing a BA in the school of Arts, Humanities, and Technologies with an emphasis in graphic design and a minor in performing arts. Dakota was most recently seen in Newsies at UT Dallas (Jack Kelly) and also Newsies here at The Firehouse Theater (Spot Conlon/Ike). Other favorite roles include Telly (Godspell) at Lewisville Playhouse and Lord Pinkleton (Cinderella) at Theatre Coppell. He sends all his love to his friends and family for always coming out to support him in all things theater. Enjoy the show! IG: @dakotabritvich

Jessica Deskewies (ENSEMBLE/DANCE CAPTAIN) is absolutely ecstatic to return to The Firehouse stage. Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, she has been performing for over twenty-two years now. Credits include Chicago (Stagedoor, NY), A Chorus Line (Maggie Winslow at Theatre Memphis), Crazy For You, and No No Nanette, along with starring at Six Flags Over Texas for the last five years at Gotham Stage and The Southern Palace Theatre. Her training includes Dallas Ballet Company, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and amazing years with Julie Freeman for vocals. Special thanks to Kathy Caradine for taking her in as a kid and teaching her everything she knows in the dance studio. Growing up on a competitive hip hop and cheer team, she’s a proud dancer with her mother’s vocals. She personally thanks her siblings (Ashley and Austin), her step dad (Rodney), her boyfriend (Kyle), and close friends for their endless support in her career. She dedicates every performance in her life to her mother for always being the biggest light and hope in her life.

Cam Hayes (ENSEMBLE) is beyond excited to be making his Firehouse debut! He recently performed in Mainstage’s Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Ensemble), Theatre Frisco’s Pippin (Ensemble), MainStage’s The Light in the Piazza (Priest/Ensemble), which was directed by the late great Bruce Coleman, Upright Theatre Co.’s The Wedding Singer (Ricky/Mr.T/Ensemble), and MainStage’s Gypsy (Georgie/Driver/Cigar). At KD Conservatory in Dallas he was the House Manager and Show Opener for As You Like It. Other productions include Avenue Q (Singing Box/Ensemble), Servant of Two Masters (Dr. Lombardi), and 12 Angry Jurors (No.12). He wants to thank The Firehouse for great hospitality and warm welcome to the cast, his family, colleagues, Dfw Theater peers, and to this very talented cast.

Geoff Lutz (ENSEMBLE) is thrilled to be making his Firehouse debut and performing in his first show in nearly 13 years! He recently arrived from Los Angeles, where he earned an MEd in Urban Education and worked as an English and Theatre teacher across the city. Prior to his stint in Los Angeles, Geoff was an actor in New York City, where he had the opportunity to perform in a variety of Off-Broadway, touring, and regional productions. Some favorites include: Evita, Camelot, Rock Band Live!, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Zanna Don’t!, Johnny Guitar, Cats, and Chicago. Geoff has a BFA in Musical Theater from Syracuse University and is ecstatic to be putting it back into practice, because there truly is nothing as amazing as a musical. His thanks and gratitude go out to the staff, production team, and cast for such a warm welcome and the gracious opportunity to put his Shakespeare and musical theater nerdiness to perfect use. What, you egg! sites.google.com/view/geofflutz

Rachel Nabarrette (ENSEMBLE) is delighted to return to The Firehouse Theatre stage. She graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a BFA in Acting and Minor in Dance. Some of Rachel’s credits include Vanessa in In The Heights, Chastity in Anything Goes (The Firehouse Theatre), and Vocalist & Dancer with Six Flags Over Texas and The State Fair of Texas. She currently teaches at Dallas Ballet Center and has choreographed for many institutions like UTA, GPAC, and Wow Entertainment. Rachel would like to thank her family, friends, and mentors for the amazing and loving support! www.rachelnabarrete.com

Danielle Smith (ENSEMBLE) is excited to be back at The Firehouse Theatre with this bestie-filled cast! Previous Firehouse credits include The Addams Family (Ancestor/Wednesday u/s performed!), Newsies (Jojo), and Hello, Dolly! (Ensemble). Danielle graduated summa cum laude from Texas Christian University (go frogs!) with her BFA in Musical Theatre. Other 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. Next up this winter: Beauty & the Beast (Silly Girl/Belle u/s) with the Hopeful Theatre Project!

PRODUCTION TEAM

Alex S. Freeman (DIRECTOR) is thrilled to be back at The Firehouse after previously directing Big Fish and Monty Python’s Spamalot in past seasons. As a director, he’s worked across the country, on original pieces, big musicals, and various plays by William Shakespeare. Favorite directing credits include, King Lear (at Ozark Actors Theatre), The Tempest, As You Like It (both Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheater), and Romeo and Juliet (Theatre Ensemble of Nashville). As a voiceover artist, his voice has been heard by millions across more than 150 audiobooks, countless YouTube videos, and a national commercial. You can also hear him every week as the host of the Upflip podcast. You can learn more about Alex at his website, asfreeman.net. A lifelong Detroit Lions fan, he’d like to say that Taylor Decker reported as eligible. Love to his wife, Hollyn, for her endless support. Philippians 4:6

Kelsey Jordan Ward (CHOREOGRAPHER) is so excited to be back at The Firehouse! Her past Firehouse shows include Monty Python’s Spamalot, Catch Me If You Can, and Big Fish. When she is not working behind the scenes, Kelsey also works as an actor in the DFW area. Recent credits include Christmas at the Southern Palace (Six Flags Over Texas), Beauty and the Beast Jr. (Casa Mañana), Cinderella (Lyric Stage), and Head Over Heels (Uptown Players). She would like to thank Alex, Jason, Pam, and Hannah for being the best team to come back to, as well as Owen, David, and the rest of the Firehouse team for their continued trust and support. She also would like to thank her family as she wouldn’t be where she is today without them. Thank you and enjoy the show! @kelseyjoward

Jason Philip Solís (MUSIC DIRECTOR)

Pamela Anglero (ASSISTANT DIRECTOR) was born and raised in Lakeland, Fl. where she studied arts, focusing on Musical Theatre from a very young age. Pamela worked in Central Orlando for over 10+ years, performing in live shows and with the characters at Disney World, Universal Studios, Seaworld, Legoland and most recently, Disney Cruise Line. As a recent Dallas Resident, Pam has had the pleasure of performing as Pickles in Great American Trailer Park at Lyric, Karen the Computer at The Firehouse Theatre (FHT) and Nina In the Heights/ Veronica Sawyer at NTPA REP. She has also had the pleasure of being Director/Assistant Director with The Firehouse Theatre and NTPA REP. Her work includes “Hello Dolly” (FHT), “Legally Blonde” and Evita (NTPA REP). Her upcoming project(s) include: Directing Aladdin: Dual Language Edition with The Firehouse Theatre opening this Summer, “Little Women” at Family Music Theatre (FMT) where she will be portraying Amy March. Finally, Co- Directing Peter Pan with FMT in the Fall!

Hannah Tolle (STAGE MANAGER) is excited to be back at The Firehouse for Something Rotten! Hannah has previously stage managed The Firehouse Theatre’s productions of The Addams Family, Newsies, 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. A huge thank you to the best team ever- Pam, Kelsey, Jason, and Alex “The Lizard King” Freeman.

Dayna Dutton (COSTUME DESIGNER) has worked with The Firehouse Theater as the Resident Costume Designer extraordinaire since fall 2021. In her two years at The Firehouse Theatre, she designed Miracle on 34th Street, The Addams Family, Newsies, Saturday Night Fever, Spamalot, Beauty and the Beast, Catch Me If You Can, and Legally Blonde. To name a few of her favorites. Also, she has designed for Arise Acting Studio; this summer, she did Willy Wonka and Anastasia, which had a cast of 51 amazing kids. Dayna is a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Fine Arts emphasis in costume design. Dayna is grateful for the continued love and support of her husband and three incredible and fantastic children. She is thankful to God, and all friends that have helped her grow in her passion!

Hank Baldree (LIGHTING DESIGNER) is a proud graduate of Tarleton State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre with honors, graduating Cum Laude. His passion for the arts has led him to contribute his talents to various theaters across the DFW metroplex. Notable venues in his repertoire include Granbury Theatre Company, Garland Summer Musicals, Dallas Young Artist Summer Theatre Camp, Pantagleize Theatre, The Firehouse Theatre, Mainstage Irving-LosColinas, Garland Civic Theatre, and Theatre Off The Square. Within these theaters, Hank has donned multiple hats, showcasing his versatility and expertise. He has excelled as a stage manager, lighting designer, scene shop foreman, tech crew member, actor, and director. Hank’s dedication to the craft has garnered him recognition, including prestigious honors such as The 2015 Dr. Mary Jane Mingus Award for Theatre Excellence and the GSM 2015 Award for Technical Excellence. Currently serving as the Technical Director for the Granville Performing Arts Center in Garland, TX, Hank continues to bring his passion and proficiency to the forefront, contributing significantly to the thriving arts community. Hank is ecstatic to be back working with the Firehouse Family!

Dylan Hearn (SOUND DESIGNER) is a graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design with a B.F.A. in Sound Design. He loves working on sound in multiple different mediums like theatre, film, and animation. He has worked all over the metroplex with T3’s Next to Normal, and Junior Players Be More Chill. Dylan has experience as a Re-Recording Mixer, Supervising Sound Editor, Sound Designer, and Audio Engineer. He currently works as the Production Manager of T3. 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) 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

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 with a degree in Theatre and Evolutionary Biology. She has previously stage managed Lizzie: The Rock Musical and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Theatre Three), The Last Flapper (Belle Sauvage), Natural Shocks (Echo), and Women of Troy (Cry Havoc). 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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