DIRECTOR’S NOTE

Audrey Hepburn once said, “I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it is the thing I like most, to laugh. It cures a multitude of ills.” 

Growing up, I was woken up countless times by the sounds of my dad’s laughter. I come from a family of loud laughers. I suspect that’s why I love comedy so much.

Young Frankenstein is classic Mel Brooks – hilarious, albeit inappropriate, with fun, zany characters. If you’ve ever listened to either the Broadway or London cast recordings, you can’t help but be in a good mood. The script and score are fun on their own, but this wonderfully talented cast brings them alive in ways that will have you in stitches. I am also very fortunate to have a fantastic production team to turn the images in my head to reality, and often even better than I imagined. So grab a snack, settle in, and share a laugh with us. It cures what ails you!

-Jill Lightfoot, Director

CAST

Preston Isham (Dr. Frederick Frankenstein) is positively electrified to be back on stage at The Firehouse Theatre for his 12th production! Preston has appeared on stages across DFW including Casa Mañana, Lyric Stage, Grand Prairie Arts Council, Jubilee Theatre, MainStage Irving-Las Colinas, Hip Pocket Theatre, 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 – you’re the huge bolt of lightning that wakes my heart.

Hunter Lewis (THE MONSTER) is thrilled to be Puttin’ on the Ritz each night with this wonderful cast and production team. Selected credits include Jekyll & Hyde (Utterson), Newsies, Music Man, Desert Song, Quanah Workshop starring Larry Gatlin (Lyric Stage); Bonnie and Clyde (Watertower); Titanic: The Musical, Alexander’s House, The Full Monty (Uptown Players); The Addams Family, Catch Me If You Can, The Drowsy Chaperone (2020/2025), Bright Star, Saturday Night Fever (The Firehouse Theatre). Special thanks to the FSC, FHRT, my Duffee + Eitzen work family, my family, Jill, Rebekah, Ally and Owen, Sam, and this wonderful cast! When not in the courtroom or on stage, catch Hunter wearing his Excellence hat at one of his favorite spots, Red Stix, or planning the 2026 Firehouse Season Reveal Gala, where everyone can see what exciting plans FHT has for next season. 

AJ Martinez (IGOR) is beyond excited to be a part of YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN! This is his first production with The Firehouse Theatre and he hopes you enjoy the show! Previous credits include “Lord Savage” in JEKYLL & HYDE, “Mission Band/US Nicely Nicely” in GUYS & DOLLS, “Preacher” in BONNIE & CLYDE, “Roger De Bris” in THE PRODUCERS, “Man 1” in SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD” and “Dr. Blind” in DIE FLEDERMAUS. He would like to extend a HUGE thank you to Katherine & John, and his amazing circle of friends – you’ll never know how much it means. UTA MT ’18.

Caroline Pluscht (INGA) is exhilarated to be making her Firehouse Theatre debut Rolling in Ze Hay with an amazing and talented group of people! Recently, her favorite roles include; Kathy in SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN, Ella in R&H CINDERELLA,  Sibella in A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER, Portia in SOMETHING ROTTEN, and Marian Paroo in THE MUSIC MAN. She’s unbelievably excited to tell such a fun story of mischief, laughter, and love with such a magnificent team. She would like to thank her Mom, Lydia, Julian, and Grandma Donna for being her biggest supporters and inspirations. @sweet_caroline_1111

Caitlin Martelle (ELIZABETH BENNING) is always delighted to make her appearance on and around The Firehouse stage! 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. Other favorite 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 (like building a gravity defying Bride of Frankenstein wig). “Beware, for I am fearless, and therefore powerful.”—Mary Shelley

Amy Parsons (FRAU BLÜCHER) is excited to be back at The Firehouse, having directed Godspell this past spring and playing Margaret/US Violet in last season’s 9 to 5.  Chapter 2 of Amy’s life (Chapter 1 was birth, learning to read and developing an obsession for Charlie’s Angels & game shows) found her teaching dance & musical theater, then owning a studio, Footlights, for over 20 years.  Post studio life, she discovered how much she missed theater and is having fun living out Chapter 3! Most recently, Amy had a blast as Carmen in ACT’s Curtains!  Other favorite roles include Morticia in Addams Family,  Hannigan in Annie, the Witch in Into the Woods and Mary in Jesus Christ, Superstar.   She loves adjudicating for Broadway Dallas HSMTA and singing in the 80s/90s rock band, Steel Rose, with her fabulous hubby, aka The Hermit! (and doesn’t he look great in gold heels, folks?!)  Love to Bella and Jillian – thanks for not being TOO embarrassed by your Mom & Dad!

Patrick Persons (INSPECTOR KEMP) is so happy to be “Together Again…” for the fifth time at the wonderful Firehouse Theatre! His last role on this stage was General Waverly in White Christmas back in 2018. Other past favorite roles were Herbie in Gypsy at MainStage Irving and Mr. Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors at four different theatres! Thank you to Jill & Rebekah for all the work they put into this show & thanks to my wife for letting me skip our travel adventures for a few months to be on stage again. 

Dave Parsons (HERMIT) Perhaps you’ve seen Dave before. If you saw Kenneth Branagh play Hamlet at Stratford upon Avon in 1992, Dave was sitting in the balcony; row D, seat 9. If you weren’t there, you now have the opportunity to see him at his best.  Dave got his theater start (and some dance training) by being coerced to participate in various shows and dances as a dance studio owner’s husband and decided this theater thing was pretty fun. Favorite roles include Gallahad/Black Knight/Father in Spamalot, Rooster in Annie, Von Trapp in Sound of Music and in his rock tenor years, Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar. Dave is an AP physics teacher by day and a board game ambassador by night. He believes laughter is absolutely essential to life  – especially nowadays – and hopes you walk away today with sore smile muscles.

Tony Barone (ENSEMBLE) is so excited to have the opportunity to work at The Firehouse Theatre again with such an amazing group of performers! Recently you may have seen him in Hairspray as Brad and The Wedding Singer as The Bum/Ensemble. He has also performed at Starlight Mountain Theatre in Sound of Music, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Newsies, Scarlet Pimpernel, and Little Shop of Horrors. He graduated from Hardin-Simmons University with a BFA Musical Theatre degree and was a part of such amazing productions such as [Title of Show], Into the Woods, Sweet Charity, Working: A Musical, The Night of January 16th. “I could not be here without the support of my family, especially my mom, dad, and sisters! Love y’all so much!”

Jessica Deskewies (ENSEMBLE) is a choreographer/performer who is thrilled to be back at The Firehouse Theatre. 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 (Firehouse Theatre). She was recently seen this year in Rock Of Ages (Firehouse) and Rent (GPAC). She thanks her mother for always being her biggest supporter on and off stage. She’s beyond grateful for this experience and opportunity.

Breanna Duchatellier (ENSEMBLE) is thrilled to make her adult musical theatre debut at The Firehouse Theatre. Breanna has been performing for 22 years. She has performed as a Dallas Stars Ice Girl for 2 seasons and currently is an Urban Company member at Live Arts Conservatory. Previously, she performed in West Side Story, Chicago, and Thoroughly Modern Millie in NY as a teen/young adult. Breanna would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her in this journey!She’s excited to bring her passion for dance to the stage and be part of this monstrously fun production Young Frankenstein.

Hailey Hatfield (She/Her) (ENSEMBLE) is thrilled to return to the Firehouse Stage to bring one of her favorite movies to life! (If you know Hailey, this being a favorite totally tracks.) A Dallas-based vocalist, dancer, performer, director, and educator, Hailey holds a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre from the University of Central Oklahoma, where she performed in numerous operas and musicals. When not performing, Hailey shares her passion for the arts through teaching. She serves as a musical theatre and private voice instructor at Music Place Mansfield Conservatory and teaches theatre at Arts Fifth Avenue. Recent performance credits include Whispers Beyond Bars (Film; Maya), Rent with GPAC (Maureen), Alice By Heart with Melpo Theatre Co. (Alice Spencer), Lend Me a Chainsaw with LCT (Jo; World Premiere), Guys and Dolls with Stolen Shakespeare Guild (Sarah Brown), and SpongeBob: The Musical with Plaza Theatre Company (Pearl Krabs). Hailey sends heartfelt thanks to her family, castmates, and close friends for putting up with not just her wild schedule, but her wild personality, too!

Lucas Haupert (ENSEMBLE)  is thrilled to be back on the Firehouse stage! Lucas received his BFA in Acting with a minor in Directing from Oklahoma City University and dreams of running his own theatre company someday. Recent Firehouse credits include: Godspell, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, and 9 to 5: The Musical. Lucas would like to thank his family, friends, the Firehouse staff, and the company of Young Frankenstein for all the laughs and “mania” this spooky season. Enjoy the show and welcome to Transylvania! IG: @lucas.vs.theinternet

Milenka Lopez (ENSEMBLE) is ecstatic to make her Firehouse Theatre debut in this fabulous production of Young Frankenstein! Earlier this year,  Milenka Lopez made her directorial debut at the Theatre Denton Annex with Native Gardens. Milenka’s previous acting credits include Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar, Cha Cha in Grease, Frenchie in Cabaret, and ensemble roles in White Christmas, Something Rotten, The Music Man, Elf: The Musical, and Sweeney Todd. She dedicates this show to her husband and best friend, Maximilian, for always supporting her creative endeavors. 

Bryson Morlan (ENSEMBLE) is ecstatic to return to The Firehouse Theatre! Recent performances of his include Telly in Godspell (The Firehouse Theatre), Carl Perkins in Million Dollar Quartet (The Firehouse Theatre), Sparky in Forever Plaid (Lewisville Playhouse), and Young Ben in Follies (Garland Civic Theatre). He would like to thank God, his family, his mentors, and his cast mates for putting on a great show!

Daniel Muka (ENSEMBLE) is thrilled to make his Firehouse debut in Young Frankenstein! He is an aspiring actor and currently attends UTA for his Bachelor in Fine Arts with a concentration in Musical Theatre. His previous credits include Race in Newsies at Stand Performing Arts, TJ in Sister Act at Upright Theatre, Ensemble in The Lightning Thief at GPAC, The Voice of Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors at Haltom High School, and much more. He would like to thank the company for their support, especially Breanna, Ashley, and Milenka for their friendship. He would also like to thank his mentors and his best friends Kristian Duff and Gabriella Johnson for their help and encouragement.

 Zane Syjansky (ENSEMBLE) Zane Ozro Syjansky, is excited to be back on The Firehouse Theatre stage in Young Frankenstein for his fourth show this season. He was recently in Rock of Ages 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. 

Ashley Tone (ENSEMBLE) is so excited to be bringing a terrifyingly humorous horror story to life in The Firehouse Theater’s production of YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN. Ashley has been in love with performing since the age of 10 and has absolutely no plans of stopping! Some of her favorite recent roles include “Sue Snell” in CARRIE, “Phoebe D’Ysquith” in A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER (The Firehouse), and “Alice” in ALICE BY HEART. When not on stage, Ashley enjoys scriptwriting, reading, and scoping out cute coffee shops! She would like to thank her Mom, Siblings, and Gram for always standing by and believing in her. She would also love to thank her wonderful and amazing girlfriend Lauren for being the brightest light in her life and bringing so much joy to her life both on, and off, the stage. She truly hopes you enjoy the show!

MattJohn West (They/Them) (ENSEMBLE) is over the moon and so excited for this show! Working in the DFW area — as an Actor, dancer, choreographer; a few productions you may have seen them in include: In the Heights (Ensemble), La Muapin (Ensemble),  Black Nativity (Razhel), Saturday Night Fever (Double J), and Legally Blonde (Pilar). “Delulu CEO” – IG @MattJohnWest

CREATIVE TEAM

Jill Lightfoot (DIRECTOR/CHOREOGRAPHER) is pleased to work with this wonderfully talented cast, crew, and production team. As well as directing and choreographing, she also performs at various theaters in DFW. Some of her favorite productions include Don Giovanni (The Dallas Opera), A Catered Affair (Theatre Three), Supermodel Super Spies: Mortal Compact (Margo Jones Theatre), You Can’t Take It With You (The Firehouse Theatre), Crazy For You (Garland Summer Musicals), The Fantasticks (Theatre Three), Steel Magnolias (CORP), Bell, Book and Candle (Runway Theatre), The Producers (Garland Summer Musicals), Puffs (Garland Civic Theatre), and The Playmakers (Rover Dramawerks). Enjoy the show!

Rebekah Prim (MUSIC DIRECTOR) is thrilled to be a part of this incredible production team and cast! This show is such a fun exploration of family and community. Previously seen at The Firehouse Theatre in The Wizard of Oz (Ensemble), this is her debut at The Firehouse Theatre on the production side of the table. She is also a performer seen locally in: The Manic Monologues (Music Supervisor, Band Leader, Ensemble, Composer), The Bridges of Madison County (Pit Singer), Hairspray (Prudy), and Don’t Rock the Jukebox (Wendy). As a singer/songwriter, she enjoys performing music around Dallas while also being a piano and voice instructor. Her piano instrumentals “Hello Sun” and “Song For Sleep” are available on all music streaming platforms. She would like to thank Jill, Ruby, Owen, and the Firehouse creative team for this opportunity. Thanks also goes to God, her siblings, and her incredible parents for always supporting her musical endeavors. www.RebekahPrim.com @rebekahprim.music Romans 13:8

Ruby Pullum-Lopez (STAGE MANAGER), a stage manager, director, choreographer, designer, and performer with various certifications, brings a decade of diverse experience to the vibrant arts scene of the DFW area. Ruby feels incredibly thrilled to be finally making her Firehouse Theatre debut and with such a fun show! Their prowess shines through various roles with prominent theaters & collaborations in the DFW area, including Garland Summer Musicals, Echo Theatre, Watering Hole Collective, Bishop Arts Theatre, Grand Prairie Arts Council, Soul Rep Theatre, Dallas Theater Center, NTPA Repertory, Plague Mask Players, AT&T Elevator Project, Garland Civic Theatre, and Allagray Area Productions. Thank you Jill, Rebekah, Owen, Dayna, and the entire Young Frankenstein company for once again making work during my month of birth, exciting! To mi esposo Paris & his unwavering support for my dreams, gracias mi amor. As Maya Angelou wisely said, “The desire to reach for the stars is ambitious. The desire to reach hearts is wise.” You can catch their work next at Junior Players with Hadestown Teen Edition!

Finite Hawkins (SOUND DESIGNER)

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.