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

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

Welcome to The Firehouse Theatre JR’s production of Disney’s The Lion King JR! It has been an absolute joy to work with this incredibly talented group of young performers to bring this timeless story to life on stage.

The Lion King holds a special place in many hearts, including mine, and I’ve been consistently amazed by the dedication and passion each member of our cast and crew has brought to this production. Through countless rehearsals, they’ve embraced the spirit of the characters, the depth of the story, and the vibrant culture of the African savanna.

This production is not just about putting on a show—it’s about collaboration, growth, and the power of storytelling. As you watch these young performers bring Simba, Nala, Mufasa, and the rest of the Pride Lands to life, I hope you’ll be inspired by their energy and enthusiasm.

Thank you to our cast, crew, families, and supporters for your unwavering commitment to this production. Your dedication is truly what makes theatre magical.

Enjoy the show!

Jason Philip Solís

CAST

Almaz Clawson (RAFIKI) is a theatre freshman at Booker T Washington High School. Some favorite past roles at Firehouse include Seussical JR (Cat in the Hat), Godspell JR (Jesus), and Matilda (Lavender), as well as Outcry Theatre’s Sunday In The Park with George (Celeste 2/Naomi) and MainStage Irving’s Gypsy (Young Tulsa/Kid Ensemble). Almaz would like to thank her parents, teachers, and vocal coach for all they have helped her with. Extremely special thank you to the most fabulous director and music director Mr. Jason. Almaz sends her love to all her amazing friends in the cast and hopes YOU enjoy the show!!

Stephen Nobles (SIMBA) is thrilled to be in his first show at The Firehouse Theatre! Stephen has been in 12 shows! His favorite roles were Eric in Matilda, Adam in Freaky Friday, and Ancestor in The Addams Family. Outside of theatre, Stephen likes to play baseball, go swimming, and hangout with friends! Stephen is really excited for this show!

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

Anthony Maggio (MUFASA) is delighted to appear as Mufasa in The Lion King JR. Anthony was previously seen as Marlin in Finding Nemo JR and Cinderella’s Prince in Into the Woods JR. Anthony keeps busy reading, playing basketball, baseball, chess, piano, and performing card tricks. A shout out to fellow castmates…it’s been great getting to know you!

Miles Potraza (SCAR) is thrilled to make his community theatre debut in The Lion King JR at The Firehouse Theatre. He has participated in choir and theater through school for some time which has led to a love of musical theatre in particular. Miles has a broad range of interests and enjoys scouting, basketball, swimming and knitting to name a few. He would like to thank his family for always supporting him!

Caroline Black (TIMON) is thrilled to be playing the part of Timon! You may have seen her on The Firehouse Theatre stage in Miracle on 34th St., Finding Nemo JR (Coral/Anchor), and Into the Woods JR (Lucinda). One of her favorite roles was playing Jojo in Suessical JR. When she is not onstage, you can find Caroline studying music and playing the cello with the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra (YPO). She wants to thank her parents, grandparents, and friends for always supporting her passions.

Shelby Logan (PUMBAA) is so excited to be back at The Firehouse after last being seen this fall as Professor Ray/Bloat in Disney’s Finding Nemo JR. As a 7th grader at Blalack Middle School, Shelby is involved in choir, band, dance, and Kind Club. She is an active member of her church, First Baptist Church at the Fields, attending youth group and participating in the music ministry.  She’d like to thank Ms. Cass and Dad for getting her to and from rehearsal every night, and her friend Evelyn for introducing her to The Firehouse Theatre!

Skylar Johnson (YOUNG SIMBA), age 12, is a 6th grader at Barbara Bush MS and is excited to return to The Firehouse Theatre! He was last seen here as Mike Teavee in Willy Wonka JR, Mysterious Man in Into the Woods JR, and Mr. Mayor in Seussical JR. Other favorite roles include Tiny Tim (2022) and Peter Cratchit (2023) in A Christmas Carol (Dallas Theater Center) and Child in Into the Woods (Dallas Theater Center). Skylar would like to thank Mr. Jason, Miss Christian, Mr. Lucas, his parents, grandmas, Miss Sam, and all of the supportive friends and family encouraging him along the way.

Noa Sophia Burch (YOUNG NALA) is ecstatic to be a part of The Lion King JR as Young Nala! She is in third grade at Dallas International School. Noa Sophia loves to crochet and play violin. She was previously seen in The Firehouse’s production of Miracle On 34th Street. She is thankful to her family that supports all of her creative pursuits. 

Evelyn Hatfield (ZAZU) is excited to provide comedy in the Lion King JR. Most recently, Evelyn was in Firehouse’s Production of Finding Nemo JR. A couple of her favorite roles at Firehouse have been Chip the Teacup in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and the Sour Kangaroo in Seussical JR. Evelyn is a 6th grader at Blalack Middle School in CFBISD where she enjoys dance and theater. She wants to thank Mr. Logan for being her after rehearsal chauffeur so her mom can go to bed early and her mom and Ms. Logan for also providing endless taxi service.  

Margherita Hester (SARABI) is proud to be returning to The Firehouse Theater! Rita has previously appeared in Finding Nemo JR (Gurgle/Pearls Mom) and Into the Woods JR (Jack’s Mom) at The Firehouse. In addition, Rita has played roles at various regional theaters. She appeared in the chorus in The Sound of Music at Artisan Center, as Kathy Selden in Singin’ in the Rain!, Edith in Pirates of Penzance, and in the chorus of HMS Pinafore with St. Paul Institute. You may have also seen her as Gus-Gus in Cinderella, Fairy in Sleeping Beauty, and as Oompa-Loompa in Willy Wonka, Jr. with RBR. Rita is fond of the arts and travel. Rita wishes to thank her parents, brother, and extended family for their love and support. “Sawyer, you’re going out there a chorus girl; but you’ve GOT to come back a star!” -Julian Marsh, 42nd Street

Chiara Maggio (SHENZI) is excited to be back at The Firehouse Theatre for The Lion King JR! She previously appeared in Finding Nemo JR as Dory and Into the Woods JR as Cinderella’s Stepmother. Chiara enjoys singing, playing and teaching piano, and violin. Horses are her passion and at every opportunity she can be found at Marshall Creek Ranch working as a junior wrangler. Enjoy the show!  

Sam Rivas (BANZAI) may just turn out to be a theater kid after all! He is wrapping up his first full year of theater at school and has loved performing in a few shows. He’s been a longtime patron of the Firehouse and enjoys musical theatre, so when this show was announced he was excited to jump in. This has been an amazing experience once again! He is looking forward to being a part of his school’s upcoming musical, The Drowsy Chaperone next month, but he may still have all of the amazing Lion King music still running through his head. Thank you to the Firehouse for an amazing opportunity and to his parents for feeding him before rehearsals. Thank you to Mr. Jason who has been kind and encouraging and is helping Sam to grow his love for theater.

Evangeline Lilly Perez-Martinez (ED) is very happy and thankful to be part of The Lion King JR. She recently appeared in Finding Nemo JR  also at The Firehouse Theater. Lilly is a 6th grader and loves to read, learn, and ride her skateboard.  She wants to thank her teachers and parents for being in her life. 

Savannah Votava (SARAFINA) is thrilled to be in her second production with The Firehouse Theatre. Savannah recently performed the roles of “Tad’s Mother” and “Vacationer” in Finding Nemo JR and was the lead role of “Frog” in the musical A Year with Frog and Toad at Country Place Elementary. Along with acting, she enjoys playing volleyball, crocheting, crafting, and she plays the bassoon. Savannah has fallen in love with the theatre and aspires to be an actress when she grows up. Bravo Savannah! Keep up the fantastic and inspiring work!

Lakin Black (ENSEMBLE) is very excited to be part of her first Firehouse JR production! You may have seen her on stage as part of the children’s cast in Miracle on 34th St. She is a second grader at Withers Elementary. Lakin has been a long-time patron of the theatre, and loves to perform, make people laugh, and study all there is to know about bugs and animals. She wants to thank her big sister for always being there and for helping show her the theatre ropes!

Paul Gannett (ENSEMBLE) is a 7th grader at The Shelton School and is very excited to make his Firehouse Theatre acting debut in the Lion King JR. His previous acting experience features playing Dormouse in “Alice In Wonderland,” Parrot in “Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” and Tiny Tim in “A Christmas Carol” – all Shelton School productions. Paul also participated in The Firehouse Theatre’’s 2023 summer actingOUT Revue Camps. When he’s not in school, you’ll find Paul at Love Field Airport as a cadet airman in the Civil Air Patrol. He wants to thank his Mom, Dad and brother for their support!

Hope Howe (ENSEMBLE) is excited to be back at The Firehouse Theatre, this being her first performance since Into The Woods JR. Hope has starred as Willy Wonka in Willy Wonka (Country Place Elementary) and Anne Shirley in Anne of Green Gables (NTPA). Hope sings in the Varsity Choir and Harmony at Polk Middle School where she also plays volleyball, basketball, and soccer. She wants to thank Mr. Jason, Mr. Lucas, and all the cast and crew for their support and hard work.

Evangeline Pena (Ensemble)  is so excited to be a part of The Firehouse Theatre production of The Lion King JR! She has absolutely fallen in love with performing and wants to thank everyone for coming to watch the show! Evie is a 3rd grade student at Bush Elementary. Outside of school and practice, she likes to spend her time drawing, painting, and playing with her little brother.  

Maggie Rivas (ENSEMBLE) has loved being a part of this production and is gaining a level of comfort and confidence with another Firehouse show under her belt. After finding her love for the stage at Blalack Middle School 2 1/2 years ago she dove in with multiple productions. She loves the theatre; Shakespeare to Matilda! and so much more. Last year she got her first taste of local theater on the Firehouse stage in Willy Wonka JR and Finding Nemo JR. She also completed her first season of UIL competition at school in a One Act play, where she and her peers won first place in the district. She wants to thank her parents for the love and support, and all of her family and friends that have come to see the show.

Helena Rivas (ENSEMBLE) could not be more excited to be a part of another Firehouse production. As the little sister she is always trying to find her spotlight, and she is certain that the Firehouse stage is just the place. She looks forward to being a part of her school productions when she’s older, and hopes to do many more Firehouse shows in the future. She wants to thank her parents and grandparents for coming to her shows and her teachers and friends for being so encouraging. 

Penny Rivas (ENSEMBLE) is the baby of her family, so she is no stranger to being the center of attention. She is thankful to Mr. Jason for being such an encouraging director. Penny wants to thank her big sister, Maggie for helping her learn her way around the stage and always being sweet to her. She also wants to thank her mama and papa for helping her do a great job and for the extra snuggles after late rehearsals.

PRODUCTION TEAM

Jason Philip Solís (DIRECTOR/MUSIC DIRECTOR) earned their Bachelors of Music Education from Southern Methodist University and, for the last 15 years, has music directed/performed all over the metroplex! Some of their favorite roles include: Taxi Driver from Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (MainStage), Dr. FrankNFurter from Rocky Horror (OhLook), Matron Mama Morton from Chicago (OhLook), Bud Davenport from Gutenberg! the Musical (TART), Mr. Applegate from Damn Yankees (TART), Uncle Fester from Addams Family (GPAC) and Ms. Trunchbull from Matilda (GPAC). Their Firehouse stage credits include Once on this Island, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Wizard of Oz, In the Heights, Beauty and the Beast, Spamalot, Addams Family, and Something Rotten! 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. Instagram: @canweduet. 

Christian Houston (CHOREOGRAPHER)

Lucas Haupert (ASSISTANT DIRECTOR/STAGE MANAGER)

Logan Uhtenwoldt (SCENIC DESIGN AND BUILD)

Maggie Sproul(SCENIC DESIGN AND BUILD)

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!

 
 

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.

The Firehouse Theatre gratefully acknowledges major support from:
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