Leslie Hopton-Jones -

Hannah Bell Bio

Hannah Bell (MFA in Performance and Pedagogy from Texas Tech University) is the Sales and Marketing Director for Theatre Arlington, after beginning as Front of House Manager in 2022. She has performed in numerous productions at Theatre Arlington and beyond, with favorite roles including Miss Furnival in Black Comedy (Theatre Arlington), Annie in The Play That Goes Wrong (Stage West and Watertower Theatre), and Denise in Bright Ideas (ONSTAGE in Bedford). She has also directed locally with Theatre Off the Square, ONSTAGE in Bedford, and Theatre Arlington, and enjoys costuming in her spare time, having worked with multiple theatres and the Fort Worth Opera. She can usually be found in the pink office, possibly accompanied by one of her adorable dogs: Prissy or Gribble.

Meet Ehleshea Anderson

EHLESHEA ANDERSON is a certified Theatre Educator who has earned her BFA in Musical Theatre from Texas Christian University. This is her 15th year in the classroom and she is thrilled to be joining the Theatre Arlington education team, and performing with Theatre Arlington’s Show in a Box Tour. She’s passionate about coaching young artists to accomplish what they didn’t think possible, and leading kids to find their voice, their hidden talents, and self confidence!

Straton Rushing

Straton Rushing is a playwright originally from Sonora, Texas. Recent honors include the 2022 Bela Kiralyfalvi National Playwriting Award, the 2022 Hear Me Out Golden Ear Award, finalist in the 2023 ATHE Judith Royer Excellence in Playwriting Award and an Honorable Mention in the 2022 William Faulkner Literary Competition. His plays have been featured at the Drama Desk-Nominated Emerging Artist’s Theatre, Phoenix Theatre Company, Capital Repertory Theatre, Orpheus Theatre Company, SceneShop, The University of Houston, Scribe Stages, TheatreWorks New Milford, Focal Theatre Lab, Festival De La Bête Noire and other companies around the US and internationally. His works for radio have been produced by Gather by the Ghostlight, Between Acts, Garden of Voices and other. Recent publications include plays in the Silk Road Review, Apricity Magazine, the Ponder Review and with Smith & Kraus. Straton holds degrees in Theatre and Philosophy from the University of Texas at Arlington. He received his MFA in Dramatic Writing at Arizona State University where he was recognized as an Outstanding Graduate for Excellence and Innovation in Creative Practice. Straton is a proud member of the Dramatists Guild of America. StratonThePlaywright.com

Rob Bosquez

Rob Bosquez is a Fort Worth native, a writer/director/actor and the creative writing/acting/improv instructor for Artes de la Rosa’s Artes Academy @ the Rose Marine Cultural Center, with whom he has created over 70 original productions for young audiences. Rob has also spent the last decade teaching for Ft. Worth’s Stage West Theatre, with whom he has co-founded The Summer Conservatory, The neighborhood Play Contest & The Festival of the Kid. Rob has written for Ft. Worth’s SceneShop for several years. Rob is a published author with several short stories published in literary journals throughout Texas. His original play, “The Breeze Through The Cherry Fields,” was recently published by the Langdon Review. An original play, “Of Marigolds & Mariposas,” was recently performed by Artes Academy @ The Rose Marine Theater. His most recent works are “Maripos Skyway,” produced by Hip Pocket Theatre in the summer of 2024, and “Cuentos Fantasticos Vol.1” produced by a Artes de la Rosa in November of 2024. Rob has recently collaborated in creating an original Opera for Fort Worth Opera’s outreach program and has had his plays produced in several theaters both locally and nationwide.

Natalie Gaupp

As a member of the Dramatists Guild of America, Natalie Gaupp has developed her plays with the Association for Theatre in Higher Education’s New Play Development Workshop (Chicago, Denver, New Orleans, NYC, Toronto), Inner Space Theatre (NYC), Pelican Theatre (Miami, FL), University of Texas at Arlington, Amarillo Little Theatre (TX), FronteraFest (Austin, TX), Backdoor Theatre (Wichita Falls, TX), WaterTower Theatre New Works Festival and Out of the Loop Fringe Festival (Addison, TX), Arts Fort Worth Original Works Series (TX), and La MaMa Umbria International (Spoleto, Italy). She has received grant funding for her work from The Hillcrest Foundation, Variety Club of North Texas, and the Japan-America Society Sun & Star Festival, and her plays have been published by the Langdon Review of the Arts in Texas and the Association of Theatre in Higher Education. Among her writing honors, Gaupp has received the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences George Kernodle New Play Award for LOTS OF GREED AND AVARICE GOING DOWN and the Wichita State University Bela Kiralyfalvi National Playwriting Award for SHOULD OLD ACQUAINTANCE. Additionally, Gaupp is a longtime artistic associate with SceneShop (Fort Worth, TX), which has produced and developed original new plays, and fostered opportunities for professional and emerging theatre artists, for over 28 years. As a scholar of Lewis Carroll (Charles Lutwidge Dodgson), Gaupp authored the play 100 BRAINS (a contemporary retelling of Carroll’s ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND, produced by the Maverick Theatre Company), and is a member of the Lewis Carroll Society of the United Kingdom and the Lewis Carroll Society of North America. Gaupp holds a Ph.D. in Humanities from the University of Texas at Dallas, and has taught Theatre Arts and English coursework in higher education for over two decades. She is a recipient of the Theatre Arts Educator Award of the Live Theatre League (TX) and the Oscar G. Brockett Theatre History Award from the Southwest Theatre & Film Association.

Meet Leslie Jones

LESLIE JONES has over 30 years experience in teaching dance, vocal performance and theater. She has taught in private dance studios, public and private education , and master classes for students as well as teachers. She has written curriculum for theater & dance programs for several districts. Leslie studied musical theater at Oklahoma City University and earned her BFA from Texas Wesleyan University . Her performing background includes stage productions, vocal studio recording, singing with bands, corporate industrials, theme park shows, and tv/film. She has directed and choreographed for theater companies, college productions and schools all over Texas.

Meet Hayden Casey

HAYDEN CASEY is very excited to begin teaching this semester with Theatre Arlington. Hayden graduated in 2022 from Abilene Christian University with BFAs in Theatre: Acting and Theatre: Directing, and currently works as the Technical Director at Birdville High School. He has performed around the metroplex in numerous productions, such as Twelfth Night at Upright Theatre Co., Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap with Luminosity Theatre Center, The Addams Family with STAND Performing Arts Ministry, and West Side Story at Artisan Center Theater. This is going to be a fantastic semester, and he looks forward to working with each and every talented student in his class.

Meet Kaylee Killingsworth

KAYLEE KILLINGSWORTH is a local theatre artist and teacher. She is certified by the state of Texas to teach theatre and speech. She teaches classes and private voice lessons in arts organizations across DFW including Plano Independent School District, The NTPA Academy and Conservatory, Greenhill School, Prince of Peace, and in a variety of after school theatre programs in DISD. Kaylee studied and trained in musical theatre at Collin College, and finished out her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Theatre Studies at the University of Texas in Arlington, with focused training in dramaturgy, playwriting, technical theatre and directing. Kaylee has continued to work in many different arenas of theatre since she graduated college, directing youth theatre productions, and working as a playwright and librettist (Beyond Perfection The Musical). She also works as Therapeutic Clown “Dr. Hashtag” with The Laughter League at Cook Children’s Hospital, and is a cast member of Cook Children’s Telly-award winning TV Show “On The Nose”. She’s performed at many DFW theaters including Jubilee Theatre, Firehouse Theatre and most recently, in Dallas Theatre Center’s The Odyssey. Kaylee additionally teaches private voice, acting, and audition prep lessons- and has trained in classical, musical theatre and pop/jazz vocal stylings.

Meet John Marshall

JOHN MARSHALL is a DFW based actor who has appeared on stages all across the metroplex. He received a BFA in theatre with a concentration in acting from The University of Texas at Arlington. He is trained in numerous techniques and style including Shakespeare, improv, stage combat/weaponry, red nose clown, and more. John continues to work in the theatrical education field and has taught students between the ages of 5-16 while helping them put up shows of their own. Additionally, he is a member of Theatre Arlington’s Show In A Box Troupe where he is fortunate enough to travel to AISD Elementary Schools to perform children shows as well as teach workshops.

Meet Maddie Leichnam

MADDIE LEICHNAM has been involved with Theatre Arlington for 9 years, and is so thrilled to be a teaching artist this fall semester! Maddie has a dual-certificate in general and special education, and works full time as a Blended Pre-K teacher. She received her Bachelor’s of Education at UTA (Mav up!), and is an Arlington native. She is so excited to return to her roots in theatre and play pretend with your little ones!

Meet Raquel Wands

RAQUEL WANDS is a passionate theatre educator with nearly a decade of dedicated teaching experience spanning high school, middle school, and elementary levels. Graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre. Committed to nurturing creativity, fostering a love for the performing arts, and inspiring the next generation of actors and artists.

Meet Landry Beckley

LANDRY BECKLEY is honored to be be a part of the Theatre Arlington team serving as one of the Teaching Artists as well as being a part their Adult Professional Touring Company, Show in a Box. Landry is the Assistant Theatre Teacher/Director at Grace Preparatory Academy in Arlington, Texas. He is also a local performer in the DFW metroplex that’s been seen at venues such as Six Flags Over Texas, Theatre Frisco, Runway Theatre, Grand Prairie Arts Council, and Theatre Arlington.

JULIE MURPHY
New York Times Bestselling Author

Julie Murphy is the #1 New York Times best-selling author (and pizza enthusiast) of the young adult novels, Dumplin’, Puddin’, Ramona Blue and Side Effects May Vary. Dear Sweet Pea was her debut middle grade novel. She also was chosen to write Disney’s If The Shoe Fits (her first adult novel), which is a modern day romcom retelling of Cinderella and the first book in the series of Disney’s “Meant to Be” retellings of fairy tales. Her second adult novel is another romance called A Merry Little Meet Cute, which she wrote with her writing partner, Sierra Simone. Julie’s young adult novel Dumplin’ was made into a NetFlix movie starring Jennifer Anniston with original music written by Dolly Parton. Dumplin’ was also named one of the best young adult books of all time by Time magazine. Her middle grade book, Dear Sweet Pea, has been optioned by the Disney Channel for an original movie. Julie has been featured on Good Morning America and in The New York Times and Teen Vogue. While at Theatre Arlington as a student, Julie added to her story-telling skills by being in youth productions and Standing Room Only, the theater’s youth performing troupe. She also worked on main stage productions as part of the production crew.

MAJOR ATTAWAY
Broadway Actor

Major Attaway is a Broadway, TV, film and voice actor best known for making his Broadway debut as the Genie in Disney’s Aladdin. He was the first Genie to take the role after it was performed by its originator, Tony Award-winner James Monroe Iglehart. Major performed the role for three years, making him the longest running Broadway Genie with more than 1,500 performances. Major also played Fatty Arbuckle in the New York City Center Encores production of Mack and Mabel and was part of the Off-Broadway cast of Little Shop of Horrors as standby for the voice of Audrey II. As a voice actor, he’s voiced more than 30 characters in anime, video games, museum exhibits, narrations and teaching materials. Major’s voice characters have included characters in Borderlands 3, One Piece, Pokemon, Fairy Tail, Smite, Bread Barbershop, Dragonball Z Kai, Dragon Ball: Xenoverse, Pathfinder: Kingmaker, Battleborn, Snack World, Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, and Space Dandy. He also can be seen in the final season of the Netflix original series Orange is the New Black and the film Carter High. In the Metroplex, Major has performed as a soloist with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and appeared in regional theater roles that include Ragtime (Coalhouse Walker Jr.), The Mikado (Hot Mikado), Hands on a Hardbody (Ronald McCowan), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Ken), Rent (Tom Collins), Stagger Lee (T-Bone) and Frosty the Snowman (Frosty). Theatre Arlington audiences may remember his performances as the voice of Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors in the 2007/08 season and as Big Jim in Big River in the 2009/10 season.

WILL GANSS
ABC News & Emmy Winner

Will Ganss is an Emmy Award-winning reporter, writer, producer and live-stream host at ABC News, where he has appeared on-air for Good Morning America, World News Now, and several digital and social platforms across the network. Will reports regularly for World News Now, doing a segment called “Two Truths and a Why,” which highlights the week’s best feel-good stories. In his reporting, he has traveled up New York’s East River on a fishing trip, ghost-busted at a spook-tacular museum in search of Halloween’s creepiest characters and swapped his reporter’s notebook for an apron to cook up burgers for the popular series, Insomniac Kitchen. Will hosts Good Morning America’s live streams on both Twitter and Facebook, which collectively boast 9.75 million followers. On these streams, he’s interviewed celebrities from Mel Gibson to Garth Brooks, danced with the Broadway cast of Cats, jumped in a swimming pool with an Olympic swimmer and covered Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee. Before joining ABC News, Will served as a producer for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Will grew up taking classes and appearing in youth productions at Theatre Arlington. He was part of the youth performing troupe, Standing Room Only. Will made his main stage debut starring with B.J. Cleveland in A Thousand Clowns in the 2003/04 season.

TODD HART
Actor, Director & Teacher

Todd Hart, a tenor, has been singing, dancing and acting since he was 9 when he played the baritone in the quartet of The Music Man. Bitten by the bug in a children’s theater in his hometown of San Jose, Calif., he has been in the entertainment business ever since. Not only is Todd an accomplished singer, dancer and actor, he also produces, directs, music directs, choreographs and stage manages everything from theater to corporate events to choirs and ensemble groups. He has been a session singer for more than 30 years – singing radio/TV ads, jingles, background vocals, corporate tracks and much more. Some of Todd’s favorite performances on stage have been Forever Plaid, Pete ‘N’ Keely, South Pacific, Guys and Dolls and The Drowsy Chaperone. He is the founder and director of Voices Las Vegas, a one-call-does-it-all vocal session recording group available for everything from solos to large groups and backgrounds to parades and spectacles. Todd’s list of credits as an actor and director at Theatre Arlington are too numerous to list. He also taught voice lessons and vocal classes and created the theater’s youth performing troupe, Standing Room Only, which produced several Walk of Fame honorees, including Grammy Award-winners Kirstin Maldonado and Mitch Grassi of Pentatonix.

STEVEN D. MORRIS
Actor, Director, Teacher & Playwright

Steven D. Morris is the executive producer of Theatre Arlington and has been involved in some capacity with the theater since 1981. He has done more than 80 shows at Theatre Arlington as an actor, director and writer before joining the staff in 2018. Steven received his bachelor’s degree in speech and theater from the University of Texas at Arlington and his master’s degree in theater from the University of Houston. He was honored with an Arlington High School Distinguished Alumni Award in 2021. Steven was the theater director at Lamar High School for 27 years, and when he retired, the school’s auditorium was named for him. While at Lamar, he directed more than 125 shows and received numerous awards and recognitions for himself and his students, including Teacher of the Year. In the community, Steven has prepared and served dinner to the residents of Samaritan House (homeless people living with HIV) once a month for 20 years.

STACEY ORISTANO
TV Actor

As a stage and screen actor, Stacey Oristano’s work can be seen all around the world. She graduated from college in London at Rose Bruford School of Speech and Drama. She began her professional career in the West End production of Steel Magnolias as Annelle. After moving to New York City, she toured with Cabaret as Sally Bowles. Her regional theater credits include Urinetown as Hope Cladwell, The Spitfire Grill as Percy Talbot and The Wild Party as Queenie. Stacey is best known for her roles as Mindy Riggins on the critically acclaimed Friday Night Lights and Truly Stone on ABC Family’s Bunheads. She also performed in the Off-Broadway production of Disaster!, Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, NetFlix’s Kaleidoscope, ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy and Showtime’s Shameless. Stacey and her on-camera husband from Friday Night Lights, Derick Phillips, host the rewatch podcast, Clear Eyes, Full Hearts. At Theatre Arlington, Stacey performed in the musical, The Secret Garden, which was named the best theater production in Tarrant County in the 2000/01 season.

SCOTT HOYING
Pentatonix/Grammy Winner

Scott Hoying is a singer, musician and songwriter best known as the baritone of the a cappella group Pentatonix. With the group, he has released 11 studio albums, sold more than 10 million albums and won three Grammy Awards. The group also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Scott and Mitch Grassi met as children cast in a production of Annie at Arlington’s Creative Arts Theatre & School. He met Kirstin Maldonado while at Martin High School, where all three graduated. While at Martin, Mitch, Scott and Kirstin created an a cappella trio that got attention at school for their covers of popular songs. After high school, the three recruited two more singers to audition for NBC’s a cappella competition, The Sing-Off, which they won in the show’s third season. That win was just the beginning. Pentatonix has released 11 studio albums, five compilation albums, six EPs, 34 singles and 58 music videos. They reach more than 13 million YouTube subscribers, have more than 2 billion YouTube views and have toured the world selling out arenas wherever they go. In addition to Pentatonix, Mitch and Scott formed the music duo SuperFruit performing original music and viral videos. SuperFruit’s YouTube channel has more than 2.5 million followers and 500 million views. Scott’s one performance at Theatre Arlington was playing Young George in It’s a Wonderful Life in the 2002/03 season.

MITCH GRASSI
Pentatonix/Grammy Winner

Mitch Grassi is a singer, songwriter and music arranger best known as the tenor of the a cappella group Pentatonix. With the group, he has released 11 studio albums, sold more than 10 million albums and won three Grammy Awards. The group also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Mitch was born in Arlington and is a graduate of Martin High School. He met Scott Hoying as children cast in a production of Annie at Arlington’s Creative Arts Theatre & School. Mitch and Kirstin Maldonado met when they were both 8 years old taking classes, doing youth productions and performing in Theatre Arlington’s youth performing troupe, Standing Room Only. While at Martin, Mitch, Scott and Kirstin created an a cappella trio that got attention at school for their covers of popular songs. After high school, the three recruited two more singers to audition for NBC’s a cappella competition, The Sing-Off, which they won in the show’s third season. That win was just the beginning. Pentatonix has released 11 studio albums, five compilation albums, six EPs, 34 singles and 58 music videos. They reach more than 13 million YouTube subscribers, have more than 2 billion YouTube views and have toured the world selling out arenas wherever they go. In addition to Pentatonix, Mitch and Scott formed the music duo SuperFruit performing original music and viral videos. SuperFruit’s YouTube channel has more than 2.5 million followers and 500 million views.

KIRSTIN MALDONADO
Pentatonix/Grammy Winner

Kirstin Maldonado is a singer, songwriter and actress best known as the mezzo-soprano of the a cappella group Pentatonix. With the group, she has released 11 studio albums, sold more than 10 million albums and won three Grammy Awards. The group also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Kirstin made her Broadway debut in 2018 as Lauren in the musical Kinky Boots. Kirstin wanted to be a singer since she was 5 and made her public singing debut at her mother’s wedding at age 8. She convinced her mom to enroll her in voice lessons and in theater classes at Theatre Arlington. Through theater classes, youth productions and performing with Standing Room Only, the theater’s youth performing troupe, Kirstin met fellow Martin High School graduate Mitch Grassi. She met Scott Hoying at Martin High school, and the three created an a cappella trio that got attention at school for their covers of popular songs. After high school, the three recruited two more singers to audition for NBC’s a cappella competition, The Sing-Off, which they won in the show’s third season. That win was just the beginning. Pentatonix has released 11 studio albums, five compilation albums, six EPs, 34 singles and 58 music videos. They reach more than 13 million YouTube subscribers, have more than 2 billion YouTube views and have toured the world selling out arenas wherever they go.

JORDAN ROSS
TV Actor

Arlington’s Jordan Ross made his stage debut in regional theater at 6 years old in the role of Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol. By the time he was 16, he had performed in more than 40 professional theater productions in Texas and California as well as several TV shows and films following in his grandfather Barry Corbin’s footsteps. As an adult, he has added screenwriter, podcast host and public speaker to his resume. Jordan’s credits include several independent films, Nickelodeon’s Just Jordan, HBO’s True Blood, Comedy Central’s Reno 911, Taylor Sheridan’s prequel to Yellowstone, 1883; and Little James in The Chosen. Jordan started a podcast called What’s Your Limp that explores what it’s like to be a differently abled actor, athlete or public figure. Jordan has had a noticeable limp during his entire career after being born prematurely with cerebral palsy and scoliosis, which has affected his opportunities as an actor, including roles that have been an excellent fit for his physical characteristics. At Theatre Arlington, Jordan made his debut in Oliver! in the 2003/04 season and performed in many youth productions as well as with the youth performing troupe, Standing Room Only.

JENNIFER STONE
TV & Film Actor

Arlington native Jennifer Stone started doing theater when she was 6. Her favorite place to be was on the stage even at a young age. This quickly transitioned to working in Texas commercials, TV and film work. Her most notable work in Texas was the film Secondhand Lions, starring Michael Caine and Robert Duvall. Once Jennifer made the move to Los Angeles, she played many roles in television and movies. She booked her most notable role as Harper on Disney’s Wizards of Waverly Place. She spent years playing the lovable, loyal and eccentric best friend to Selena Gomez’s Alex Russo. Jennifer made her Theatre Arlington debut as Baby Angel in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever in the 1999/2000 season and also appeared in Schoolhouse Rock Live! and as Patty-Cake in The Homecoming both in the 2001/02 season.

JAMES HEALY
TV Actor

James Healy moved to Arlington with his family in 1968, where his mother worked for former mayor and U.S. Congressman Tom Vandergriff. James began his acting career doing local theater at age 15 and got his first agent. He qualified to join the Screen Actors Guild with his first “one liner” on the “Who Shot JR” episode of Dallas in 1980. In 1983, James moved from acting to working in law enforcement for 32 years before he and his wife, actress Claire Barney-Healy, moved to Los Angeles where he began getting regular work as an actor. His early LA credits include News Radio, Will & Grace, and Judging Amy. Now with a house in Texas and apartments in LA, New York City and Atlanta and agents in each major market, James spends a lot of time on the road. Recent bookings include Dust with Sarah Paulson, Killers of the Flower Moon with Robert De Niro and directed by Martin Scorsese, Law & Order SVU, Billions, East NY, Bull, Manhunt, A Thousand Tomorrows, and the Hulu limited series, Dope Sick. Theatre Arlington audiences may remember James from Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1985/86 season), Biloxi Blues and Rumors (1992/93 season), Dearly Departed and Noises Off (1994/95 season), and How I Learned to Drive (2010/11 season).

DYLAN CHAMBERS
Singer/Songwriter

The pop/funk/R&B/soul singer/songwriter that is Dylan Chambers has journeyed from Arlington to Los Angeles, which the powerhouse vocalist now calls home. Since graduating from Martin High School, Dylan has been the opening act for 1970s classic rock band, Three Dog Night and collaborated with producer John Alagia, producer for John Mayer and Herbie Hancock; critically acclaimed American Idol alum Haley Reinhart and Grammy Award-nominated, multi-platinum jazz artist Dave Koz. He has shared the stage with artists like Brett Young, Tori Kelly, Shawn Hook and J.P. Saxe before they became well known and joined forces with Haley Reinhart again to open for Steven Tyler’s Chicago concert. While performing around LA, Dylan became fast friends with singer/songwriter/guitarist Mark Ballas, a professional dancer on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. Dylan performed live on DWTS and became a featured singer and guitarist on the national DWTS tour in 2014. In 2016, he performed at the Radio Disney Music Awards. In 2016, Dylan started recording his original music. His singles can be heard on Amazon Music, YouTube Music and Apple Music. While at Theatre Arlington, Dylan performed in youth productions, was part of Standing Room Only, the theater’s youth performing troupe; and made his main stage debut as Oliver in Oliver! during the 2003/04 season.

CAROLINE VANDERGRIFF
Broadcast News

Caroline Vandergriff grew up in Arlington. After graduating from Lamar High School, Caroline fell in love with journalism in college. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she double majored in broadcast journalism and political science. She went on to work at news stations in Michigan, North Carolina and Oklahoma before returning to North Texas, first at Fox-4 and then CBS-11. In Charlotte, Caroline reported and anchored for Spectrum News, North Carolina’s 24-hour news channel. She played a major role in covering many high-profile stories, including the fall-out from the state’s controversial “bathroom bill,” the mistrial of a Charlotte police officer charged with manslaughter for killing an unarmed man and the Charleston church massacre. Her work aired frequently throughout the state and on the Spectrum networks in New York City, Texas and Florida. As a reporter at Fox in Oklahoma City, Caroline added storm chasing to her resume and covered the aftermath of devastating tornadoes, floods and wildfires. She also reported on the massive teacher walkout in 2018 and a variety of controversial bills making their way through the legislature. At Theatre Arlington, she was an adorable ZuZu in It’s a Wonderful Life in the 1997/98 season, Susan in Miracle on 34^th Street in the 1998/99 season and Lucy in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in the 2001/02 season while also appearing in numerous youth productions and with the theater’s performance troupe, Standing Room Only.

B.J. CLEVELAND
Actor, Director & Teacher

As Theatre Arlington’s first artistic director, B.J. Cleveland helped put Theatre Arlington on the map. Starting his acting career at the age of 6, he has more than 50 years of experience performing, directing and choreographing and has appeared on almost every stage in the Metroplex. He has directed and acted in numerous regional premieres, earned a long list of area Best Actor, Favorite Actor and DFW Theater Critics Forum accolades, and was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Live Theater League of Tarrant County. His performances at Theatre Arlington are far too numerous to list. As a teacher, B.J. was the first teacher to take Theatre Arlington’s ACTUPS program for at-risk students into AISD schools. An entire generation knows B.J. for his television hosting duties on Cartoon Clubhouse with B.J. & Lester and B.J. & the Super Ones. He also served as host of the Discover Channel’s Route 66 and appeared in one season of The Facts of Life. B.J. was in Robert Altman’s Streamers, the independent movie, Karma Police, and Holiday in the Hamptons, a Hallmark Christmas movie. In 2023, he originated the role of Chuck in the world premiere of Silver Foxes, a play written by James Berg and Stan Zimmerman, who wrote The Golden Girls and several episodes of The Gilmore Girls.

ANN PIERRET
Broadcast News/Emmy Winner

Before she was an award-winning broadcast journalist, Ann Pierret brought her energy and talent to youth productions and Theatre Arlington’s youth performing troupe, Standing Room Only, singing and dancing for events around her hometown. After graduating from Fordham University in the Bronx in New York, Ann moved to Lansing, Mich., where she began her TV news career as a multimedia journalist and fill-in anchor. Two years later, as the Flint water crisis was ongoing, Ann pursued a role at ABC12 News in Flint. During her five years in Michigan, Ann stayed on top of the Flint water criminal investigation and kept the community up to date on the civil settlement process. She also detailed discrepancies on where the state’s money for Flint was dished out in the wake of the water crisis. Ann’s investigative reporting also exposed an absentee landlord which led the city to condemn two apartment complexes, getting more than 70 residents into safer housing. Ann is now part of the KRQE news team covering the entire state of New Mexico. She is an Edward R. Murrow, Michigan Association of Broadcasters and Associated Press award winner as well as a Daytime Emmy winner. As an avid righter-of-wrongs, she is dedicated to providing accessibility and a voice to the community.

AMY GREENE
Producer, Stunt Performer & Fight Choreographer

Amy Greene is an in-demand stunt performer, fight choreographer and stunt coordinator. Her projects include serving as stunt coordinator for the 2021 Academy Award-winning film, Sound of Metal, and the Academy Award-nominated Knives Out. She served as stunt coordinator for the Hulu feature film Mother/Android. Off the set, Amy is a certified personal trainer, a nationally certified emergency medical technician and an award-winning feature film producer. In recent projects, Amy did the stunt coordinating for Alexander Payne’s The Holdovers in Boston, stunt coordinated Ray Romano’s directorial debut, Somewhere in Queens, in New York City, and stunt coordinated and stunt performed an untitled Trey Parker Project in Colorado and Wyoming. She also worked on Don’t Look Up and Only Murders in the Building. Amy’s parents are former Arlington Mayor Richard Greene and Sylvia Greene, who helped found River Legacy Park. At Theatre Arlington, Amy was part of the youth ensemble for Evita in the 1990/91 season.

ALLISON TOLMAN
TV Actor/Emmy Nominee

Allison Tolman, known for her growing list of television roles, has a bachelor’s degree in theater performance. After graduation, she moved to Dallas where she joined fellow Baylor University alums to found Second Thought Theatre while performing on stages throughout the Metroplex. In 2009, she was accepted into Second City’s Conservatory Training Program and left Dallas for Chicago to write and perform sketch comedy and satire with several groups throughout Chicago, most notably, the monthly comedy podcast, The City Life Supplement. She was living in Chicago when she got her big break playing Molly Solverson on the first season of Fargo on FX. That role earned Allison a Critics’ Choice TV Award plus Golden Globe and Emmy nominations. Allison has many TV and film credits, including Gaslit on Starz, Why Women Kill on Paramount+, Emergence on ABC, NBC’s Good Girls and ABC’s Downward Dog plus the role of Natalie on Live in Front of a Studio Audience: The Facts of Life with Jennifer Aniston, Kathryn Hahn, Gabrielle Union and Ann Dowd. Allison was cast as Alex, the nursing supervisor, in the NBC comedy pilot, St. Denis Medical, created by Justin Spitzer, who also created Superstore and American Auto. Allison was in Theatre Arlington’s musical comedy, Das Barbecu, during the 2006/07 season.

ALEX HARDAWAY
TV Actor

A native Texan living in Chicago, Alex Hardaway is a working actor as well as an accomplished musician. He trained to be an actor at The Theatre School at DePaul University. Alex is known for the independent film, My Friend’s Rubber Ducky, TV’s Chicago Fire and the movie, Love in the Time of Irony. Alex combined his acting and music skills performing in Once at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora, Ill. Alex’s parents, Pam and Jack Hardaway, are long-time volunteers at Theatre Arlington and remain on the board of directors. At Theatre Arlington, Alex was a member of the theater’s youth performing troupe, Standing Room Only, performed in several youth productions, was Eddie in Over the Tavern during the 2005/06 season and was the taxi driver in Harvey in the 2008/09 season, which he also stage managed.

AKRON WATSON
Broadway Actor

Akron Watson is an actor and singer who made his Broadway debut in the Tony Award-winning revival of The Color Purple. He returned to Broadway in the Tony Award-winning The Play That Goes Wrong and appeared as Aaron Burr in the Chicago cast of Hamilton. Akron also has performed Off-Broadway in The Fortress of Solitude at the Public Theater and has appeared in regional productions across the country in Boston, Dallas and St. Louis playing lead roles in Dreamgirls, To Kill A Mockingbird and The Royal. He performed in the Kennedy Center’s production of Guys and Dolls. He has appeared on TV as Trevor in NBC’s Chicago Med and in Friday Night Lights and in movies like Seasons of Gray and Spilt Milk. Akron is also the voice of anime character Satoshi on Toonami’s Michiko and Hatchin, Chris in The Walking Dead Video Game and he plays himself in Borderlands, the Presequel, on Playstation and Xbox. Akron also was a golden ticket winner on American Idol, Season 7. At Theatre Arlington, Akron was in Ain’t Misbehavin’ during the 2010/11 season.

CONNOR LIDELL
Opera Singer & Teacher

Arlington native Connor Lidell dominated Theatre Arlington’s Standing Room Only youth performing troupe as a student with his big baritone voice. After graduating from Martin High School, he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music and advanced certification in vocal pedagogy from New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development. As a session singer and performer, Connor has been involved in many unique musical projects. He has performed the world premieres of many stage roles, sung on a professional jazz harmony track, sung in a choir at Carnegie Hall, and performed at Cowboys Stadium. Some of his notable professional roles are Nettuno in Ruggero with Dell’Arte Opera Ensemble, premiering the role of Stephano in Princess Maleine also with Dell’Arte, Swallow in Peter Grimes, and Masetto in Don Giovanni both at Indiana University. Since returning to Texas, Connor has created Lidell Vocology for teaching voice and vocal coaching and joined the University of Texas at Arlington adjunct teaching staff. His students have received professional theater contracts and have been on national tours. At Theatre Arlington, Connor was a mainstay in youth productions and the youth performing troupe and appeared in Oliver! in the 2003/04 season.

Meet the Production Team of NOISES OFF

CHERYL DENSON (Director) is a theatrical director, designer and actress working for major theaters in Dallas and around the country. Ms. Denson has directed Fun Home, The Cake, Angels in America Parts 1 and 2, Hair (2007 Leon Rabin Nominee), Altar Boyz, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Victor/Victoria, The Boy from Oz, Catch Me If You Can, End of the Rainbow, It’s Only a Play, The Full Monty, Titanic, La Cage Aux Folles, A Year With Frog and Toad, Oklahoma, The King and I, Carousel, Master Class, Bye, Bye Birdie, Hello, Dolly!, Fiorello, The Most Happy Fella and The Sound of Music. Past recognition for direction includes After the Fair (1997 Leon Rabin Award), The Most Happy Fella (1998 Leon Rabin Award), Gypsy (1999 Leon Rabin Award), Richard Corey (2000 Leon Rabin Nominee), A Christmas to Remember (2001 Leon Rabin Nominee) and many other shows. Cheryl also has a Rabin award for acting and numerous Dallas Critic forum awards, and other area awards for acting and directing. Cheryl is a member of AEA, SAG/AFTRA. She has worked in television/radio as an on-camera performer and voice talent and behind the scenes as a set/costume designer for over 60 stage shows, television commercials and industrial films. Cheryl holds an M.F.A. from Trinity University and a B.A. from Baylor University.

MARIA LEON HICKOX (Stage and Production Manager) is excited to continue with Theatre Arlington as the resident stage and production manager. Maria has recently stage-managed the 2022 season here at Theatre Arlington. Which included great shows like Hooray for the Holidays, The Cake, Biloxi Blues, Black Comedy, The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Piano Lesson and Sister Act. Maria’s other works have included stage manager for Always,s Patsy Cline and Greater Tuna with Bright Star Productions, production manager at Casa Mañana for the 2017-2020 seasons and props designer at Casa Mañana for the 2016 -2017 seasons. Maria would like to thank her friends and family for their support, especially her husband Josh Hickox. Love you!

MICHAEL GREEN (Assistant Stage Manager) is once again at home at Theatre Arlington. While this time he is working behind the scenes he was last seen on the TA stage as Rodger in Hooray for Holidays. Former Theatre Arlington roles include Monsignor O’Hara in Sister Act, Senator JT Wingwoah in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Roger in Hooray for Holidays 2019. Favorite past shows include The Wedding Singer (Stolen Shakespeare Guild), Perchik in Fiddler on the roof (WCT) and Asher in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (WCT). When not on the stage Michael enjoys working behind the scenes and has been a part of many Theatre Arlington projects this year including Spelling Bee and The Comedy Club series. Many thanks to the cast, crew, and directors of the show!

KEVIN BROWN (Set Designer) is extremely grateful to Steven and the entire Theatre Arlington (TA) Family. His previous shows at TA have been Blithe Spirit(Stony Award), Footloose (Stony Award), Brighton Beach Memoirs, Biloxi Blues and The Cake. Kevin is an award winning set designer and interior designer who owns Studio Brown Designs. His work has been on various stages across the DFW area. Uptown Players, Stage West, OnStage in Bedford, MainStage Irving, Runway Theatre and Firehouse Theatre to name a few. Kevin’s favorite shows have been The Nance, It’s Only a Play, The Tribute Artist, Disaster the Musical, The View Upstairs, Cabaret(Column Award), Spring Awakening(Column Award), Xanadu, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, Peter and the Starcatcher(Column Award), Seussical(Column Award) and Billy Elliot(Best Set Design Broadway World). Kevin just finished a world premier play,Silver Foxes,by the writers of the Golden Girls and director Michael Urie. Kevin gives thanks to his friend Charla for her consistent encouragement. www.facebook.com/StudioBrownDesigns

WENDY SEARCY-WOODE (Scenic Artist) is an award winning scenic designer, builder and painter. She has been working in and around the DFW theater community for more than 15 years. She has contributed to more than 220 shows, some of her favorites have included Mamma Mia (Grandbury Opera House), Gypsy (Firehouse Theatre) and Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (MainStage Irving). There are many more. This is her first time working with Theatre Arlington. She is incredibly grateful to Kevin Brown for inviting her to take part in this project.

BRYAN STEVENSON (Lighting Designer) holds a B.F.A. in theater from Texas Wesleyan University and an M.F.A. in design from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. He has designed at many local theater companies including Fort Worth Shakespeare in the Park, Stage West, Jubilee and Circle. Nationally, Bryan designs for the Boy Scouts of America National Conferences and Shows. Bryan is an active participant in the United Institute of Theatre Technology, where he has served on panels on lighting and scenic design. He is also a member of Stagehands Union, IATSE Local 126.

RYAN SIMON (Sound Designer) is a sound designer, composer and playwright from Fort Worth, Texas. He is graduated of Texas Wesleyan University where he earned his B.F.A. in musical theater. Ryan has previously worked as sound designer for Theatre Arlington on Gypsy, Hooray for Holidays, The Cake, Black Comedy, Spelling Bee, The Piano Lesson and Sister Act. Recent sound design credits include Fabulation, Lil & Satchmo, If Pretty Hurts and Moon Man Walk (Jubilee Theatre); Guards at the Taj and On the Exhale (Stage West); and Fences (Circle Theatre). Ryan is a member of the Dramatists Guild.

KAREN POTTER (Costume Designer) has had her work seen in various theaters and film festivals across the country. She is a designer for theater, opera, film and television. She currently works as an Assistant Professor at Texas Wesleyan University. She worked for the California Institute of the Arts as a costume shop manager and adjunct faculty. She lives with her two children and husband in Fort Worth, Texas and works throughout the country and in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.

ROBIN DOTSON (Properties Designer) ) is the proud mother of college senior Sydney, who discovered the wonderful world of theater through Theatre Arlington when she was 9 and is now majoring in musical theater! A newly retired elementary teacher, Robin has worked on props for many TA shows. Some of her favorites from the past few seasons include Calendar Girls, Legally Blonde, Footloose, 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Sister Act and Gypsy. Enjoy the show!

Meet the cast of NOISES OFF

BILLY BETSILL (Frederick Fellowes/Philip Brent) is whimsical about making his Theatre Arlington debut. This will be his second time wrangling sardines. He’s also worked with Theatre Three, IMPRINT Theatreworks, Pocket Sandwich Theatre, Pegasus Theatre, Runway Theatre, Mainstage ILC and others. When he’s not performing scripted works, he stays busy with stand-up comedy, improv comedy and his NEW musical improv group Please Sing Already (IG: pleasesingalready). Come check us out! When not on a stage, he’s busy running his residential remodeling company KS Construction Group. SARDINES!!!

JAKIE CABE (Lloyd) (AEA) is enjoying his second performance at Theatre Arlington, where he was last seen as Col. Melkatt in Black Comedy. But he served as the Director of Education and Outreach from 2000 – 2001, where he directed The Wind in the Willows for the Youth Summer Camp show. Currently an Associate Professor of Theater at Tarrant County College -Northeast, Jakie has been an actor, director, fight choreographer and teacher/ professor in the DFW area for the last 30 years having most recently appeared in the area premiere of Dry Powder by Sarah Burgess at Second Thought Theatre. Before that he performed in the world premiere of Raptured by Matt Lyle at Theatre 3. He was also recognized for critics’ awards for his work in The Big Meal at WaterTower Theatre; Life Sucks, A Streetcar Named Desire, Stones in his Pockets, Around the World in 80 Days at Stage West; Mass Appeal, Chesapeakel at Circle Theatre; and Fiction and Time Stands Still at Amphibian Stage Productions. Television credits include the Fox series Prison Break, Dallas, Barney and numerous commercials and industrials. Voice-over work includes Cartoon Network, IFC and Boomerang including Dragonball Z, Dragonball GT and Yu Yu Hakashu. He is represented for film and television by the Kim Dawson Agency. Jakie has an M.F.A. in acting from Louisiana State Univ. with independent study completed at the National Theatre London and a B.A. in theater and dance from Appalachian State University.

GIGI CERVANTES (Dottie/Mrs. Clackett) is excited to make her Theatre Arlington debut! Recent credits include Imaculada in Man Cave at Kitchen Dog Theater, Amalia in American Mariachi at Cleveland Play House, Alabama Shakespeare Festival and the Goodman Theatre, Mrs. Webb in Our Town at Dallas Theater Center, Mrs. Gibbs in Our Town at Circle Theatre and Inez in The View Upstairs at Uptown Players. Gigi dedicates her performance to her mom, Vera Cervantes, who was her biggest fan and supporter.

MATTIE LILLIAN DAVIS (Brooke Ashton/Vicki) is thrilled to be back doing another show at Theatre Arlington. Most recently, Mattie was seen in Gypsy – A Musical Fable and Sister Act, and she is a member of Theatre Arlington’s Comedy Club. Other DFW theater credits include Holiday Inn (Lila Dixon) at Stolen Shakespeare Guild; No Way to Treat a Lady (Sarah Stone) at Onstage in Bedford, which she also choreographed; The Cuban and the Redhead at Pegasus Theatre; Titanic at Uptown Players; and Beehive (Principal Soloist) at Jubilee Theatre. Other choreography credits include Newsies (director/choreographer), Bring It On, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (director/choreographer) and Anything Goes. When Mattie is not onstage, she is a middle school theater teacher. Mattie holds a B.F.A. in theater with an emphasis in musical theater from TCU and is currently pursuing two masters’ degrees in education for clinical mental health counseling and school counseling also at TCU. Mattie is also a singer-songwriter and has music available on Spotify, iTunes and Apple Music. www.mattielilliandavis.com

DAVID FENLEY (Selsdon Mowbray/Burglar) is very excited to be at Theatre Arlington. David has appeared locally at Lyric Stage, Circle Theatre, Undermain Theatre, Stage West and Theatre Three. David was a member of the resident Acting Company at Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis, MN for 15 years, appearing in over 60 mainstage productions and touring internationally to Moscow and Tokyo. As always, immeasurable thanks and love to Alan.

LEROY HOOD (Roger/Garry) is excited to be making his Theatre Arlington debut. As an actor, Leroy has worked at theaters all over DFW. Some of his favorite roles include Ed in Torch Song (Uptown Players), Hamlet in Hamlet (Stolen Shakespeare Guild), Paul Ames in Werewolves of London (Pocket Sandwich Theatre) and Jack Ross in A Few Good Men (Runway Theatre). As a playwright, Leroy has had productions at colleges across the country, along with various readings and workshops. His newest play, Every Living Thing, will receive a staged reading as part of Theatre Three’s Monday Night Playwright series this April. Leroy would like to thank his family for supporting him through his various iterations.

JOSHUA NERIO (Tim Allgood) is excited to be a part of Theatre Arlington’s 50th season! He was most recently seen as Josh in Theatre Arlington’s production of Hooray for Holidays and is also a member of Theatre Arlington’s yearlong comedy club. He is currently a fourth-year senior at the University of Texas at Arlington, where he is pursuing his BA degree in Theatre Arts. Josh is also a skilled Guitar Hero player and can play the majority of Guitar Hero and Rock Band songs on their highest difficulties.

BRANDY RAPER (Belinda/Favia) is excited to be back at Theatre Arlington for another show! She was most recently seen here at Theatre Arlington as Rose in Gypsy. Previous credits include Rose (u/s)/Ensemble in Gypsy, Diana in Next to Normal and Paulette in Legally Blonde the Musical. She graduated from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi with a B.A. in theater and has since enjoyed choreographing, directing and teaching musical theatre for young people. Thank you to her incredible husband Jake and three boys, Royce, Hayes and Nash for all their love and support. She would also like to thank you, the audience, for supporting local theater!

EMILY TRUELOVE (Poppy) is so excited to be making her TA debut! She is a senior at UT Arlington studying musical theater and minoring in dance. Recent credits include Medium Alison in Fun Home and Broadway Our Way at Uptown Players, Sally in Cabaret at UTA and dancer/choreographer in Dance in Flux with the Maverick Dance Company. Emily is also a theater teacher and playwright, with two short plays produced by UTA. She would like to thank her two cats for their consistent devotion as well as the cast, crew and production team for their dedication! IG: @_emilytruelove

Meet the Production Team of GYPSY-A MUSICAL FABLE

STEVEN D. MORRIS (Director) started performing with Theatre Arlington in 1981 and has done over 75 shows here as an actor, director and writer. Steve is thrilled to be the Executive Producer at Theatre Arlington and to work with such a great staff and board of directors. Check out his weekly Facebook Live Theatre Arlington’s Theatre Thursdays, every Thursday at 1:00 pm. Steve received his Bachelor of Arts in communication (speech and theater) from UTA and Master of Arts (theater) from the University of Houston. Steve was recently honored with an Arlington High School Distinguished Alumni Award for 2021. Mr. Morris was the Director of Theater at Lamar High School for 27 years and when he retired the school’s auditorium was named for him. While at Lamar, Mr. Morris directed over 125 shows and received numerous awards and recognition for himself and his students including Teacher of the Year. Mr. Morris is very active in the community and serves on the board of Downtown Arlington Management Company, is a member of the Mayor’s LBGTQ+ Advisory Council and is the President of the Live Theatre League of Tarrant County. Be sure to follow Steve on Twitter, although he rarely posts and is not that interesting. @thefamousmorris

VONDA K. BOWLING (Music Director / Piano / Conductor) WaterTower Theatre: The Bridges of Madison County, The Ballad of Little Jo, One Addison Concert, Ella’s Swingin’ Christmas. Uptown Players: Kinky Boots, Broadway Our Way 2020. Theatre Three: The Music Man, The Manufactured Myth of Eveline Flynn, Assassins, The Drowsy Chaperone, Crazy for You, A Dog’s Life, Lost in the Stars, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (x3), Blankity-Blank, A Catered Affair. Dallas Theater Center: In The Heights, Public Works Dallas’ As You Like It, Public Works Dallas’ A Winter’s Tale, Hairspray, Hair, Hood: The Robin Hood Musical Adventure, Public Works Dallas’ The Tempest, The Christians, Bella: An American Tall Tale, Dreamgirls, A Christmas Carol (2015-2021), Moonshine: That Hee Haw Musical, The Rocky Horror Show. Lyric Stage: Mamma Mia, Ragtime, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Cabaret; Casa Mañana: Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Bonnie & Clyde, Always…Patsy Cline, Grease, The Wizard of Oz, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, Tuck Everlasting, Frank – N – Friend, Matilda. Much love to Jeffrey, Harrison and Mason. For TD.

NICOLE JAMIE CARRANO (Choreographer) is thrilled to be a part of the Gypsy team! 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 theater family, and thanks her friends and family near and far for their constant support! @nicole_ _jamie

MARIA LEON HICKOX (Stage and Production Manager) is excited to continue with Theatre Arlington as the resident stage and production manager. Maria has recently stage-managed the 2022 season here at Theatre Arlington, which included great shows like Hooray for the Holidays, The Cake, Biloxi Blues, Black Comedy, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Piano Lesson and Sister Act. Maria’s other works have included stage manager for Always Patsy Cline and Greater Tuna with Bright Star Productions, production manager at Casa Mañana for the 2017-2020 seasons and props designer at Casa Mañana for the 2016-2017 seasons. Maria would like to thank her friends and family for their support, especially her husband Josh Hickox. Love you!

BRYAN STEVENSON (Set & Lighting Designer) holds a B.F.A. in theater from Texas Wesleyan University and an M.F.A. in design from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. He has designed at many local theater companies including Fort Worth Shakespeare in the Park, Stage West, Jubilee and Circle. Nationally, Bryan designs for the Boy Scouts of America National Conferences and Shows. Bryan is an active participant in the United Institute of Theatre Technology, where he has served on panels on lighting and scenic design. He is also a member of Stagehands Union, IATSE Local 126.

RYAN SIMÓN (Sound Designer) is a sound designer, composer and playwright from Fort Worth, Texas. He is graduated of Texas Wesleyan University where he earned his B.F.A. in musical theater. Ryan is excited to return to Theatre Arlington after previously working as sound designer on last season’s Hooray for Holidays, The Cake, Black Comedy, Spelling Bee, The Piano Lesson and Sister Act. Recent sound design credits include Fabulation, Lil & Satchmo, If Pretty Hurts and Moon Man Walk (Jubilee Theatre), Guards at the Taj and On the Exhale (Stage West) and Fences (Circle Theatre). Ryan is a member of the Dramatists Guild.

KAREN POTTER (Costume Designer) has had her work seen in various theaters and film festivals across the country. She is a designer for theater, opera, film and television. She currently works as an Assistant Professor at Texas Wesleyan University. She worked for the California Institute of the Arts as a costume shop manager and adjunct faculty. She lives with her two children and husband in Fort Worth, Texas and works throughout the country and in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.

ROBIN DOTSON (Properties Designer) is the proud mother of college senior Sydney, who discovered the wonderful world of theater through Theatre Arlington when she was 9 and is now majoring in musical theater! A newly retired elementary teacher, Robin has worked on props for many TA youth shows, as well as Calendar Girls, Legally Blonde, Footloose, 9 to 5, A Few Good Men, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, A Raisin in the Sun, Sister Act and Biloxi Blues at Theatre Arlington the past few seasons. Enjoy the show!

Meet the Band of GYPSY-A MUSICAL FABLE

CHRISTIAN GONZALEZ (Woodwinds) is happy to be back “in the pit.” He is a DFW-based multi-instrumentalist frequently performing with musical theater. Recent credits include Ragtime, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Lyric Stage) and Kinky Boots (Uptown Players). Other notable credits include West Side Story (AbileneOpera), the first full-length recording of The Golden Apple (PS Classics/ Lyric Stage) and How the Grinch Stole Christmas! National Tour (2021-22).

KAMI LUJAN (Drums) is excited to play for Theatre Arlington for the first time! Kami is a drummer and percussionist based in North Texas where she frequently performs as a musician for theater productions across the DFW Metroplex. Credits of note include Drums/Percussion for Beauty & The Beast on the Disney+ show Encore, Actor/ Musician in Our Town / Nuestro Pueblo at Dallas Theater Center, Drums/Percussion for The Odyssey and Working: A Musical at DTC, Drums for Mamma Mia! at Lyric Stage and Drums/Percussion for both Jesus Christ Superstar and Bridges of Madison County at WaterTower Theatre. All the drummer love to Christian! @kamilujan

MARK MULLINO (Keyboard) is a Dallas based director/musical director/pianist/ painter. Mark has worked extensively throughout the DFW in professional, collegiate and educational theater. He has been on production teams for Garland Summer Musicals, WaterTower Theatre, Uptown Players, Dallas Theatre Center, Firehouse Theatre, Lyric Stage, Theatre Arlington, Flower Mound Performing Arts Theatre and Imprint Theatre. Mark has been staff accompanist and/or musical directed at local colleges such as Collin College, Richland College, University of Texas at Dallas and SMU as well as being a musical theater instructor at KD conservatory. Mark’s passion for youth theater has been seen at Junior Players, Our Productions Young Artist Training Program as well as the organization he co-founded, Dallas Young Artists. In addition to theater, Mark has played many cabaret venues throughout DFW and is a painter of musical paintings.

CARLOS STRUDWICK (Trumpet) is a local DFW musician, performer and choreographer. You have likely heard him playing in many pit orchestras across DFW since he moved to Texas in 2011. Carlos has also appeared on stage in productions with Uptown Players, Lyric Stage, Runway Theatre, Mainstage Irving- Las Colinas, Pegasus Theatre and Firehouse Theatre (to name a few). During his free time, Carlos also co-hosts a scary movie podcast with his best friend! Follow them on Instagram, listen on your favorite podcast platform and join in on the fun! #KCScaryMovies

Meet the Cast of GYPSY-A MUSICAL FABLE

ALY BADALAMENTI (Electra) is elated to be back at Theatre Arlington. Her previous credits include Footloose, 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Hooray for Holidays! She originally hails from her hometown of Portage, Michigan, where she has been performing since age nine. Some of her favorite stage credits include Laurey in Oklahoma!, Yonah in Children of Eden, Amber Von Tussle in Hairspray, Kate Monster in Avenue Q and Ilse in Spring Awakening. She would like to thank her mom, dad, Kait and Tristan for their love and support.

LANDRY BECKLEY (L.A./Georgie) is delighted to be a part of his fifth official production with Theatre Arlington. Landry was last seen here as Sammy in Hooray for Holidays! His recent credits include James Hennesey (Biloxi Blues), Sonny (In the Heights) and TJ (Sister Act). Landry would like to thank his family and loved ones as they’ve shown constant love and support for him throughout his performances. Lastly, Landry would like to thank Steve Morris and the production team for this amazing opportunity to start off the 50th anniversary of Theatre Arlington with a bang! Yuk! Yuk! Good show!

RANGER “L’RANGE” K. BOWLING (Chowsie) is thrilled to be making his stage debut as Chowsie! He lives in Rowlett with his family and his cat siblings, Nina and Sonny.

JEFFREY CARLTON (Newsboy) is excited to make his Theatre Arlington debut. His most recent role was Smee in Peter and the Starcatcher at Gunn JH Fine Arts and Dual Language Academy, for which he won Best Performer at the AISD one-act play competition. He also appeared as Harold Hill in The Music Man at Corey Elementary Fine Arts and Dual Language Academy and was a member of the children’s ensemble in the Martin High performance of The Music Man. A big thanks to Mr. Fitzgerald (Gunn JH) and Mr. Rosales and Ms. Wands from Corey for their support and dedication.

MATTIE LILLIAN DAVIS (Tessie) is thrilled to be back doing another show at Theatre Arlington. Most recently, Mattie was seen in Sister Act, and she is a member of Theatre Arlington’s Comedy Club. Other DFW theater credits include Holiday Inn (Lila Dixon) at Stolen Shakespeare Guild, No Way to Treat a Lady (Sarah Stone) at Onstage in Bedford, which she also choreographed, The Cuban and the Redhead at Pegasus Theatre, Titanic at Uptown Players and Beehive (Principal Soloist) at Jubilee Theatre. Other choreography credits include Newsies (director/choreographer), Bring It On, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (director/choreographer) and Anything Goes. When Mattie is not onstage, she is a middle school theater teacher. Mattie holds a B.F.A. in theater with an emphasis in musical theater from TCU and is currently pursuing two masters’ degrees in education for clinical mental health counseling and school counseling also at TCU. Mattie is also a singer-songwriter and has music available on Spotify, iTunes and Apple Music. www.mattielilliandavis.com

CALEB DE LA TORRE (Tulsa) is excited to return to Theatre Arlington in the role of Tulsa! He recently graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting. Some of his most recent credits include Lysander in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Selridge in Biloxi Blues and Rene in Lydia. Caleb is grateful for the mercy given to him by God and the support of his friends, family and mentors.

PRESLEY DUYCK (Louise) is so excited to be making her Theatre Arlington debut! Presley most recently appeared as Sophie in Lyric Stage’s Mamma Mia! and as Nicola in the regional premiere of Kinky Boots at Uptown Players. She was also nominated for her portrayal of Natalie in Next to Normal at Music Theatre Denton. Other favorite credits in DFW include Elf (Jovie), Cabaret (Sally Bowles standby), Heathers (Heather McNamara) and The Little Mermaid (Ariel). Presley attended Pepperdine University for acting and is about to receive her bachelor’s degree from Berklee College of Music. Presley is also a singer-songwriter/recording artist that can be found on all streaming platforms. All her thanks to this cast/team, her family and friends and her life-changing teachers/mentors. Proud DYA Alum. Always for Chloe. @presley.duyck

TILDA GRACE (Dainty June) is excited to be making her Theatre Arlington debut in Gypsy! Some of her recent credits include Amy in Little Women, Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Wednesday in The Addams Family, and featured dancer/contortionist in Dallas Theatre Center’s The Odyssey. As well as working in film and stage acting Tilda is a trained contortionist, hand balancer and aerialist and has performed circus professionally for over 5 years. She would like to thank her family for all their love and support!

HANNAH HANSEN (Gail/Renee) is from Fairview, Texas, and is thrilled to be working with Theatre Arlington for the first time! She graduated in 2022 from Oklahoma City University with a B.F.A. in acting after completing a two-year conservatory program at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts NYC campus. Some of her favorite credits include Emily Arden in State Fair, Vivian in Wit, Claudia in Enron and Maria in The Sound of Music. She is a member of the Goode Time Carolers and the Starlite Girls. She thanks her parents for their continued support of her career in the arts!

BRIAN HATHAWAY (Herbie) is very happy to be making his Theatre Arlington debut. He was most recently seen as Dametas in Head Over Heels at Uptown Players. He has previously appeared in local productions at Dallas Children’s Theater, WaterTower Theatre, Lyric Stage, Theatre Three and The Table Co\Lab, among others. Favorite past roles include Professor Bhaer in Little Women, Leo Bloom in The Producers, Bela Zangler in Crazy for You and Aldolpho in The Drowsy Chaperone. Brian is also an occasional voice actor for Funimation/Crunchyroll. He would like to send all his love and thanks to Elisa for her constant support.

ERIC HELSEL (Weber/Bourgeron-Cochon) is returning to Theatre Arlington. He has appeared in The Miracle on 34th Street, A Few Good Men and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Eric enjoys being a father to his two children and would like to thank his wife, J’vette for her support and for introducing him to the theater.

JUSTICE HELSEL (Newsboy) is a seventh grader at Bailey Jr. High. He loves playing sports and learning to play percussion. He is happy to be back at Theatre Arlington after making his TA debut in The Miracle on 34th Street in 2018. Justice played Young Van Cliburn in Van Cliburn: An American Hero at Bass Performance Hall in 2019. Justice would like to thank Steve Morris and the TA staff for casting him in the show.

TENLEY HEUGATTER (Baby June) is excited to make her Theatre Arlington debut. Her favorite roles include Winnie Foster in Tuck Everlasting and Mary Lennox in The Secret Garden, both at Artisan Center Theater. Other credits are Young Mary Hatch/ Janie Bailey in Theatre Coppell’s It’s a Wonderful Life, Marta von Trapp in Mainstage Classic Theatre’s The Sound of Music, and singing “Tomorrow” from Annie in Upright Theatre’s All Together Now. She enjoys singing with friends and dancing at Miss Persis Studio. Thanks to the Gypsy cast and crew, friends and family for their support, and Kristin Chenoweth and Sutton Foster for inspiration.

AUDREY LEE (Dolores) is excited to make her Theatre Arlington debut with Gypsy. Some of her latest credits include Lina Lamont in Singin’ in the Rain and Sandra Bloom in Big Fish. She is currently a student at Texas Christian University earning a degree in theater with an emphasis in musical theater. Audrey would like to thank God for her passion for performing, Theatre Arlington, especially Vonda, for this opportunity and her friends and family for their endless support. She hopes you enjoy the show!

JUDE LAINE LEWIS (Agnes) is overjoyed to be back at Theatre Arlington! You may have seen them last at TA as Schwarzy in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Other favorite credits include Anne in The Diary of Anne Frank at Plaza Theatre Company and Winnie in Tuck Everlasting at Casa Mañana (music directed as well by the amazing Vonda K. Bowling!) Jude would like to thank all the cast and crew for their hard work, Steven D. Morris for being an amazing director and a great friend and their mother for always supporting them in everything they do. “Enjoy the show!”

NAHIARA ZOE LOPEZ (Baby Louise) is so excited to be part of a Theatre Arlington production, especially because it is her first. She was recently in Gunn Junior High’s production of Peter and the Starcatcher as Molly. She was also in Corey Academy’s production of Music Man. She is so grateful for all the people supporting, loving and caring for her!

FINN MCGUFFIN (Newsboy) is a 6th grader at Gunn Fine Arts and Dual Language Academy in Arlington ISD. This is his first Theatre Arlington production, but he has done several performances through the great fine arts programs at his school. In addition to his growing love of theater, he plays for the Texas Lightning Soccer Club. He is a voracious reader and lover of video games.

TANNER MOBLEY (Yonkers) is excited to experience his first professional theater show here at Theatre Arlington. He is currently a third-year B.F.A. performance major at the University of Texas Arlington, where he most recently performed as Harry Cooper in Night of the Living Dead. Tanner is also an award-winning filmmaker who recently released a short film that is a spin-off of classic spaghetti westerns titled Il Magnifico E L’eccezionale. You can view the short film by searching the title on YouTube. Tanner is beyond excited and hopeful for the future of his career.

ANDREW NICOLAS (Mr.Goldstone/Cigar) is beyond excited to be back at Theatre Arlington, and get a chance to work with these remarkably talented individuals. Andrew is a current student in the BFA acting program at TCU (Go Frogs). Andrew’s most recent credits include The Gravedigger in Kodachrome (Circle Theatre), Schuppanzigh in Black Comedy (Theatre Arlington), ensemble member and the understudy for Bill in Mamma Mia (Lyric Stage), Vinnie in The Odd Couple (WaterTower Theatre), Priest in Twelfth Night (Shakespeare Dallas), Stanford Adams in Bright Star (Firehouse Theater) and The Great Lonely Roamer in Polar Bear (Echo Theater). Andrew would like to thank the entire creative team for taking a chance on him, and for allowing him to play a part in bringing this wonderful show to life. He would like to thank God, as well as his mom for being there every step of the way. Andrew would like to dedicate his performance to his dad.

ZACHARY NUEVA (Angie) is thrilled and eager to have their first show at Theatre Arlington and glad to have this opportunity to perform on their stage and make new friends. Hopefully this won’t be his only production and will be able to be in many more shows in the future!

SAMANTHA PADILLA (Miss Mazeppa/Miss Cratchitt) is thrilled to make her Theatre Arlington debut! She was most recently seen in the ensemble of Theatre Three’s Young Frankenstein, Lyric Stage’s Mamma Mia as Rosie, in the ensemble of Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown at MainStage and GPAC’s production of In the Heights as Daniela. Some other favorite roles include Paulette/Legally Blonde, Melpomene/ Xanadu, Magenta/The Rocky Horror Show and Linda/The Wedding Singer. She would like to thank her friends and family for their encouragement and support!

GARY PAYNE (Pop/Pastey) is very happy to be back at Theatre Arlington for this wonderful show, with this great creative team and cast, having previously appeared in TA productions of Urinetown (Old Man Strong), The Boys Next Door (Arnold Wiggins – COLUMN Award), Dearly Departed (Junior Turpin) and many others. Most recently Gary appeared as Jacob Marley (and other characters) in A Christmas Carol, Mr. Van Daan in The Diary of Anne Frank, Bank Chairman (and other characters) in Mary Poppins, Mr. Hardcastle in One for the Pot and Isidor Straus in Titanic – all at Plaza Theatre Company. He is represented by Core Talent – http://www.coretalent.biz/Talent/Gary-Payne/.

ACE RAINEY (Newsboy) is thrilled to be back on the Theatre Arlington stage! He recently played Young Charlie in Kinky Boots with Uptown Players. He has been seen in many productions at Theatre Arlington and Texas Music Theatre Company. Ace lives in Fort Worth and attends 6th grade at Trinity Valley School. He has a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo and loves playing the piano. Ace would like to thank Steve for this amazing opportunity. He would also like to thank his mom for driving him to rehearsals, his voice teacher, Daniel, for pushing him out of his comfort zone and to his friends for always coming out to support him.

ALLY RAMSEY (Marjorie May) is making her Theatre Arlington debut, and she could not be more grateful for the opportunity. Ally is currently a sophomore at Texas Christian University where she is pursuing a B.F.A. in musical theater. Some of Ally’s favorite DFW credits include Matilda (Casa Mañana), Annie (Casa Mañana), Carrie the Musical (Casa Mañana) and Sweet Charity (Theatre TCU). She would like to thank her mom, her dad and Hannah for their constant love and support in all that she does. @theallyramsey

BRANDY RAPER (Rose) is thrilled to be making her Theatre Arlington debut in one of her dream roles! Previous credits include Rose (u/s)/Ensemble in Gypsy, Diana in Next to Normal and Paulette in Legally Blonde the Musical. She graduated from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi with a B.A. in theater and has since enjoyed choreographing, directing and teaching musical theater for young people. Thank you to her incredible husband Jake and three boys Royce, Hayes and Nash for all of their love and support. She would also like to thank you, the audience, for supporting local theatre!

GONZO RAPER (Gigolo) is all a twitter to be making his acting debut here at Theatre Arlington. He is a one-year-old blue and gold macaw who enjoys flying around the house, taking showers, riding around on his mom’s shoulder, eating walnuts, making lots of noise and meeting new people. His favorite things to say are “Hello!”, “Oh hiiiii!” and when he wants to be picked up, “Step up!” He would like to thank his family for their love and care and his new flock of friends at Theatre Arlington for giving his acting dreams a chance to take flight. Enjoy the show!

BRADFORD REILLY (Uncle Jocko/Phil) is ecstatic to make his Theatre Arlington debut (and his second show since moving from Indiana!) Gypsy was one of the first live musicals Bradford saw in his youth and has been close to his heart for a long time. DFW credits include Big Fish at Firehouse Theatre. Indianapolis favorites: Sherlock Holmes, The Importance of Being Earnest, The Last Days of Judas Iscariot and many more. Bradford is so excited to share this story with you and sends a special thank you to Randy, Russet and Meow Yin for all their love and support!

HANNAH SLIGAR (Thelma) is thrilled to be returning to musical theater after a long hiatus studying engineering and managing projects. She would love for you to come see her in Theatre Arlington’s Comedy Club series. Some of her early performances were on this stage in Annie Get Your Gun, Bridge to Terabithia and Aladdin, and in Lamar HS productions such as You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Hannah thanks Steve Morris for fostering her love of the arts for over a decade, her partner Hughes, friends and family. She hopes to make her dad laugh in heaven. Instagram: @hannahsligar

TRINITY TOBIN (Balloon Girl) is excited to be back on stage at Theatre Arlington. She was previously seen in James and the Giant Peach Jr. as Spider, along with her past marching show, “Sit Down Stand Up” with the James Martin Warrior Band. She would like to thank her color guard director, Josh Moore, for teaching her confidence.

JALEN XAVIER (Farm Boy) is excited to make his Theatre Arlington debut! He is a TCU sophomore majoring in musical theater. His most recent credits are How the Other Half Loves (Frank Foster) and he was seen as a featured background vocalist for Josh Groban’s National Harmony Tour. Jalen would like to thank God and his family for this opportunity!

Meet the 2023 COMEDY CLUB TROUPE

BEN FORT (Director) is thrilled to make his Theatre Arlington debut! Ben is a graduate of Second City Chicago and has written and directed many sketch revues, plays and fictional podcasts in Fort Worth and Chicago. Favorites include co-writing The Lockout: A Musical, a basketball comedy included in Theatre On The Lake’s 2014 season, and developing Funny Beliefs, a religion-themed sketch show for the 2018 TCU Crossroads Lecture on Faith and Public Life. Ben has taught comedy writing for Four Day Weekend and Amphibian Stage, and he’s really glad you’re here.

FRED Daisy was born in Dallas, Texas on a snowy day in February. She survived the cold and now lives with her best friend, her dog, and her cat. She dreams of one day making shoes and baking cookies in a tree. She would like to thank Shannan Calcutt, Stinky and Bunny, and Ben and Tyler for bearing witness to her musical performances. FRED would also like to thank you for continuing to exist in this reality. YOU MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE. Thank you for being a part of it!

MATTIE LILLIAN DAVIS is thrilled to part of The Comedy Club at Theatre Arlington. Mattie is not a stranger to performing and has been seen in musicals across the DFW area. Some favorite theatre credits include Holiday Inn (Lila Dixon), No Way to Treat a Lady (Sarah Stone) and Beehive (Principle soloist). Mattie was also set to play Lola in Damn Yankees at Theatre Arlington prior to the Covid shutdown. In addition to performing, Mattie also choreographs and is pursuing a M.Ed in both Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. Mattie holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from TCU. Be on the lookout for her single “Wonderboy” available on streaming services March 25, and you can catch her next as a nun in Sister Act at Theatre Arlington. “Humor is just truth, only faster!” -Gilda Radner.

PETER LUBY has written and performed sketch comedy, songs and stories for venues including Four Day Weekend, Oral Fixation and TCU. Fifteen years ago, he used to pull all-nighters to finish his community radio show “One Man Band” on WVEW in Brattleboro, VT, and he still requires a deadline to ever finish anything. Peter grew up in Arlington and lives there again with his wife and kids.

WHITNEY MOATS is making her Theatre Arlington debut. She has previously been a member of several improv house teams at Four Day Weekend in Fort Worth, and has performed with the comedy team L. Society. Whitney’s stage work includes the role of Napoleon Bonaparte in her 4th grade musical, as well as Candy Cane Jane in her 5th grade Christmas pageant. She was educated at Four Day Weekend’s Training Center.

JOSHUA NERIO will be making his second appearance on the Theatre Arlington stage. He is currently pursuing his undergraduate degree in Theatre Arts at the University of Texas at Arlington, and would like to thank his friends and family for their everlasting support.

ODYSSUS PATTERSON Age: 20 Height: 69” Likes: Making art, video games, and long walks on the beach. Dislikes: The State of Maine.

HANNAH SLIGAR is thrilled to be returning to performance after a long hiatus studying engineering at UTA and becoming a Project Manager for Nokia. After years of making jokes in meetings, she realized the part of herself that belongs on stage needed to be set free. She grew up performing at Theatre Arlington in Annie Get Your Gun and Bridge to Terabithia, and in Lamar HS productions as Lucy in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Godspell and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Hannah thanks her mom, brother, friends, yoga moms, sorority sisters, and hopes to make her dad laugh in heaven.

LIZ THRESHER secured a BSW at UNT and unrelatedly took her talents from in front of the bathroom mirror to a real stage. Since then, she sang the national anthem at Wrigley Field, appeared in incalculable live productions (Young Frankenstein, Footloose, Welcome to Arroyo’s, The Vagina Monologues, Bushwhacked at Bronco Bob’s, et al.), created a mini comedy web series and released an album titled A Different Hue, which is available where all streams flow. Liz appreciates the support and inspiration she has received from her family and friends and hopes to pay it forward continually.

Meet Libby Hawkins

LIBBY HAWKINS is an actor and director across the DFW and the southeastern US. She received her MFA in Theatre with a concentration in Acting from the University of South Carolina and her Professional Actor Training Certificate from the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts in Santa Maria, CA. When not directing or onstage as an actor, Libby is a passionate teaching artist. She holds a standard teaching certificate from the State Board of Education in Texas and has served as the Interim Director of Education for the Warehouse Theatre in Greenville, SC. She is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Theatre at the University of Texas – Arlington and the Mississippi University for Women where she specializes in acting, movements, script analysis and voice.

Meet KP Gavit

MISS KP has been performing in the DFW for over 20 years, and teaching children for over a decade! She is represented by The Callidus Agency and works as a voice-over actor for Farlow Media LLC and FUNimation/Crunchyroll Entertainment. She’s a professional Princess, Mermaid, Stilt Walker, Living Statue, Aerialist, Dancer and Murder Mystery performer. She’s a mother of 3 humans and one hamster. “All the world is a stage, and we are merely players.” Let’s PLAY ON!

Meet Maggie Younkin

Maggie Younkin has been teaching at Theatre Arlington since 2005, when she joined the summer camp staff and began our Outreach program, ACT UPS, at Thornton Elementary. Maggie is an accomplished performer, having worked on the Theatre Arlington stage in many productions as well as on stages in Kansas City, where she is originally from. Maggie has two children, Brooklyn and Blaise, who keep her very busy. She is also busy during the day as Theatre Arlington’s Education Manager.

Meet Nik Blocker

A native South Carolinian, Nik Blocker is an Actor, Choreographer, and Theatre Artist living in Arlington, Texas. He received his training in Mass Communications, Theatre, and Dance. Nik has competed in local and state-level competitions in Play-writing, Prose Interpretation, Costume Design, and Acting, and was twice nominated to compete in the National Irene Ryan Scholarship Competition. He’s also competed on State and World level in Marching Band and Winter Guard. His choreography has been seen in both states, and most recently at Runway Theater for The Addams Family. As an actor, his recent performances include Peter and The Starcatcher as Mrs. Bumbrake (Onstage In Bedford), Quanah as Ensemble (Lyric Stage) and Crooks in Of Mice and Men (The Firehouse Theatre). Nik has also taught workshops in Acting and Dance to local and international students and hopes to continue to spread the love of the arts!

Meet Monica Dane

Monica Dane, M.A., received her Bachelor of Music with a concentrate in Musical Theatre from The University of Texas at Arlington and her Master of Arts in Vocal Pedagogy from Texas Woman’s University while studying under Master Pedagogue, now retired Voice Professor (TWU) and former lead performer for the Metropolitan Opera, Joan Wall. Monica enjoys singing many genres of music from Broadway, Pop, Blues, Classical, Gospel and Praise and Worship. Some of her favorite Opera roles with The Regal Opera Company that span over 20 years include Lady Angela in Gilbert & Sullivan’s Patience, Little Red Riding Hood from the children’s opera, Little Red Riding Hood by Barab, Jenny in Down in the Valley, Monica in The Medium, Yum-Yum in The Mikado, Giannetta in The Elixir of Love, Annina in La Traviata, Sally in Die Fledermaus, First Lady in The Magic Flute and First Friend in The Ballad of Baby Doe. She has also performed with The Promise in Glenrose, TX as a feature soloist playing The Woman at the Well. Monica has had the wonderful opportunity to be an “off-stage singer” in Peter Pan with Cathy Rigby at Bass Hall. She has previously performed live on TV for various Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) programs. During the Summer, you can find her at Theatre Arlington musical directing the Summer Theatre Camps for ages 3-16. During the holiday season, you can find her dressed in Victorian attire and performing caroling gigs throughout the DFW Metroplex with Holiday Cheer Entertainment. She also just recently (July 2019) sang the National Anthem at the Ballpark in Arlington with the Regal Opera Chorale. Ms. Dane has taught voice and musical theatre for over 25 years and currently teaches voice at Heritage Middle School, Southlake-Carroll Senior High School and Theatre Arlington. She has previously taught voice at Casa Manana, Lifesong, The Master’s Touch School of Music, Creative Arts Theatre & School, Faith Christian School, L.D. Bell High School, Grapevine High School, Colleyville Middle School and North Richland Middle School. Many of her students have been successful under her instruction including Grammy nominated and 9-time Dove Award nominated (4 of which she won) Singer, Songwriter and Worship Leader, Kari Jobe. Ms. Dane is a current member of TMEA and a former member of NATS and served as Secretary for the DFW NATS Chapter, and a former member of the Regal Opera Board of Directors. Monica has three children, Jake (19 years), Meredith (17 years) and Audra (13 years) a dog, Katie and Max, their cat without a tail.

Meet Cindy Honeycutt

Cindy Honeycutt, Business Manager, holds a BA in Theatre Arts with an emphasis in Acting from St. Edwards University and is a teaching artist specializing in acting, musical theatre and creative dramatics. Cindy has been seen in theatres all over the metroplex and Austin in her over 40 years as a performer, starting as a child actor at Casa Manana and ending with professional credits at Circle Theatre, Stage West, Casa Manana, Theatre Arlington, Austin’s Gilbert and Sullivan Society, Zachary Scott Theatre, Thin Dime Theatre Company and Hip Pocket Theatre. She has also been seen in schools, civic auditoriums and museums all over Texas while performing with touring companies based at Zachary Scott Theatre in Austin, Fort Worth’s Shakespeare in the Park, Stage West, and CATS. Her film and television credits include Fox Kids Club in the Austin market, feature film Dust to Dust with Willie Nelson, independent films Blood is Thicker and The Entrepreneur, and commercials for TCJC, Lil’ Things, Lowe’s and Westinghouse Security Systems. Cindy is the proud wife of Rodney, mom to Nate, and lover of all animals, especially the ones in her own house.

Meet Daniel Hernandez

Daniel Hernandez is a graduate of Texas Wesleyan University where he received his BA in vocal performance studying under Julie McCoy. He taught elementary music for a number of years and worked as the musical director at Nolan Catholic High School. Daniel has found a home at Theatre Arlington working on 5 of 9 shows for the 2018-2019 season, including music directing the Youth Musical, Junie B Jones The Musical Jr. He is excited to be teaching Musical Theatre and private lessons at Theatre Arlington. When not working or in a show, Daniel enjoys spending time with his two nieces Ysabel and Adrianna.

Meet Caroline Cole

CAROLINE TURNER COLE is a graduate of Rice University’s theater program and holds a master’s in theater education from the University of Northern Colorado. A performer for over 20 years and a teaching artist for over a decade, Caroline teaches every student (ages 2-99!) under the assumption that all humans are creative beings who find freedom in fostering creative outlets. She has extensive experience in improvisation, musical theater, choreography and directing youth productions and has worked throughout DFW partnering with Shakespeare Dallas, Dallas Children’s Theater, Arts Mission Oak Cliff, Bishop Arts Theatre Center, Watertower Theatre, Pocket Sandwich Theater, the Dallas Opera, Dallas Theater Center, Junior Players, Stomping Ground Comedy, Imprint, Theatre Arlington (of course!) and others. Arts Education is the answer!

Meet Heather Moore

HEATHER MOORE has been a part of Theatre Arlington since 2001 and hasn’t left since! She attended TA camps and classes, performing on stage and behind the scenes through college. Graduating with a BFA in theater studies from UTA- she has worked as House Manager, Stage Manager, Summer Camp Intern, Substitute and taught Acting One and Teen Acting. She loves to help others discover the joy and magic that live theater brings!

Meet Ashley Tysor

ASHLEY TYSOR is a musical theater performer and choreographer from Austin, TX. She moved to DFW for a BFA in musical theater from UT Arlington with a minor in dance. She has been performing and teaching in various theaters and studios around the area. Ashley’s choreography has recently been seen in Something Rotten with Stolen Shakespeare Guild and Ragtime at Plaza Theatre Company. Her other theater credits include Charlotte in Cinderella (Plaza), Evelyn Nesbit in Ragtime and Kathy in Company (Maverick Theatre Company), Bring It On, The Music Man and H2$ with Summer Stock Austin. Ashley stays busy and also works as a background actor. You may be able to spot her on Walker, 1883 and the upcoming series Love and Death.

Meet Hannah Bell

HANNAH BELL has been a theater educator, actor and director across the globe, some of her favorite experiences taking place in Germany and China. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theater) from Midwestern State University and a Master of Fine Arts (Performance and Pedagogy) from Texas Tech University. She has performed locally and abroad in shows such as See How They Run (Circle Theatre), Black Comedy (Theatre Arlington), Young Frankenstein (Kaiserslautern Theatre) and Tarzan (Chongqing Fantasy Performing Arts Group). In addition to instruction and performance, Hannah also writes and directs her theatre for youth show The Lost Language of Wifflesplatch produced by Texas Tech University. Hannah is thrilled to join Theatre Arlington’s A.C.T.S. programming and looks forward to introducing you all to the personalities of her beloved critters, Gribble and Prissy.

Meet the Cast of HOORAY FOR HOLIDAYS

ALY BADALAMENTI (Judy) is elated to be back at Theatre Arlington. Her previous credits include Footloose, 9 to 5 and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. She originally hails from her hometown of Portage, Michigan, where she has been performing since age nine. Some of her favorite stage credits include Laurey in Oklahoma!, Yonah in Children of Eden, Amber Von Tussle in Hairspray, Kate Monster in Avenue Q and Ilse in Spring Awakening. She would like to thank her mom, dad, Kait and Tristan for their love and support.

LANDRY BECKLEY (Sammy) is feeling jubilant to make another appearance at Theatre Arlington this holiday season. Landry was seen earlier this season with TA as James Hennesey in Biloxi Blues and TJ in Sister Act. His recent credits include Sonny (In the Heights), Paris (Romeo & Juliet) and Jesus (Godspell). Landry would like to thank his family and loved ones as they’ve shown constant love and support for him throughout his performances. Lastly, he would like to wish everyone comfort and joy, and no matter what you celebrate this time of year you are spending it with the ones you love. Yuk! Yuk! Happy Holidays!

HANNAH BELL (Helen Von Vanderbeck) is a Texas native returning to the home stages after the opportunity to direct, perform and build educational theater programming for youth in Germany, Utah, China and California. Her favorite credits include directing Into the Woods (KMC Onstage) and performing in The Little Mermaid, Tarzan (Chongqing Fantasy Performing Arts), A Streetcar Named Desire and Young Frankenstein (KMC Onstage). Since her return, she has performed in Damn Yankees, Hayfever (Tarrant Actors Regional Theatre), The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Theatre Arlington), Blithe Spirit (Graham Regional Theatre) and various virtual productions. Recently she had the privilege of directing Old Enough to Kill for the Original Works Series at the Fort Worth Arts Center.

BECCA BROWN (Bunny) is delighted to be back at TA after appearing in Sister Act earlier this year. An actor and choreographer, Becca teaches dance and musical theater at Miss Persis Studio, where she is also a proud alumnus/teacher for their non- profit, Dance Theatre of Arlington. She received her B.S. in theater from NSULA, and recently completed the conservatory program with Circle in the Square Theatre in NYC. Favorite roles include Gina, Who Will Carry the Word (CITS); Betty Haynes, White Christmas (TA); Ado Annie, Oklahoma (SSG); and Gloria Thorpe, Damn Yankees (LHS) under the direction of the one and only, Steven D. Morris. Love and thanks to Mama, Bubba, Julia, and PA. For Daddy and Big P.

MICHAEL GREEN (Roger) is elated to once again be a part of Christmas at Theatre Arlington in Hooray for Holidays. Former Theatre Arlington roles include Monsignor O’Hara in Sister Act, Senator JT Wingwoah in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Roger in Hooray for Holidays 2019. Favorite past shows include The Wedding Singer (Stolen Shakespeare Guild), Perchik in Fiddler on the Roof (WCT) and Asher in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (WCT). When not on the stage Michael enjoys working behind the scenes and has been a part of many Theatre Arlington projects this year including Spelling Bee and The Comedy Club Series. Many thanks to the cast, crew and directors of the show!

MICAH GREEN (Cooper Callahan) is so excited to wish you a “Merry Christmas” & “Happy Holidays” from the Theatre Arlington stage! Micah has been chomping at the bit to decorate his house with his QVC buys, and the time has finally come! He is no stranger to TA and is honored to be back. Micah sincerely hopes that you have a wonderful holiday season, filled with food, fun and laughter with family & friends.

EMILY-KATE IVEY (Ivy Green) is excited to be back on the Theatre Arlington stage! Some of her credits include Godspell with WaterTower Theatre, Les Miserables (Eponine) and The Drowsy Chaperone (Drowsy Chaperone) with Collin Theatre Center, Footloose (Urleen) and 9 to 5 with Theatre Arlington! She would like to thank Steve, Dawn, George, Becky and Maria for making this happen!

DONOVAN MARIE LAWSON (Maxine) is excited to reprise her role in Hooray for Holidays! Donovan received a BFA in theater for young audiences and a minor in directing from Oklahoma City University. She currently works in the Marketing Team/ Creative Staff at NTPA. Recent credits: Olive in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Miss Honey in Matilda, multiple Cabaret shows (Theatre Arlington), Rusty in Footloose, Dorothy in The Magical City of Oz, Shy in The BLWT, The Addams Family and Beauty and the Beast. A huge thank you to the production team, cast, family and friends for their constant love and support! Happy Holidays!

CAITLIN MARTELLE (Trixie) is delighted to be returning to the Theatre Arlington stage! Caitlin holds a Bachelor of Music degree in musical theater from the University of Central Oklahoma. Recent roles include Cheryl Ann/Catch Me If You Can, Lady Caroline Bramble/Enchanted April at Mainstage Irving-Las Colinas, Sister Mary Martin of Tours/Sister Act at Theatre Arlington, Jerusha Abbott/Daddy Long Legs at The Firehouse Theatre, Val/A Chorus Line at Mainstage Irving-Las Colinas. Much love and thanks to her friends and family for all their support, and to Preston: “I love you so much. Thank you for being the best partner on the stage and off!”

DARIN MARTIN (Dean) is excited to join this year’s Christmas show at Theatre Arlington. He is a graduate of Texas Wesleyan University where he received his BFA in musical theater. Regional theater credits include Theatre Arlington: Ensemble (Sister Act), Leaf Coneybear (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee); Casa Manana: Ensemble (Sweeney Todd); Theatre Wesleyan: Rod (Avenue Q), Ernst (Spring Awakening), B Flat (Second Samuel); and Genesis Children’s Theatre: Tyler (Boy on Billboard). He would like to thank his family and friends for their immeasurable support.

STEVEN D. MORRIS (Karl Callahan) wants to wish everyone happy holidays. This is a time of thanksgiving, and I am so grateful for the many blessings in my life. I hope that as you celebrate your heart is full of joy and that we can all spread some happiness and cheer to others. To my cast and crew, I love you all so much and I am so happy that we got to spend fun times together doing this show and sharing some joy!

JOSHUA NERIO (Josh) is thrilled to make his return to the Theatre Arlington stage! He is currently a fourth-year senior at the University of Texas at Arlington where he is pursuing his BA degree in theater arts. He was most recently seen in Richardson Theatre Centre’s production of A Few Good Men where he played Lance CPL. Harold Dawson. Josh is also a member of Theatre Arlington’s yearlong comedy club and would like to thank his friends and family for their constant support. He would also like to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

JAYDEN RUSSELL (Donna) is so excited to be back at Theatre Arlington! Jayden was most recently seen as Audrey in Theatre Coppell’s Little Shop of Horrors. Additional favorite experiences include Marcy in 25th…Spelling Bee, St. Jimmy in American Idiot, Tina in Sister Act and Simon in Jesus Christ Superstar. “Thank you to my support system. You know who you are. I love you so much!”

GEORGE SEPULVEDA III (Marty/Music Director) is excited to be back on stage at Theatre Arlington after some time! He has performed various roles at Theatre Arlington and with theaters in Mansfield and Plano, Texas. He has directed many musicals and helped with the musical direction of many more, but he is excited to begin music directing for Theatre Arlington! Most of his time and energy is spent on his day job teaching music at Atherton Elementary in Arlington ISD. George is also the Head Director of Arlington’s elementary honor choir, the Arlington Children’s Chorus.

TRUMAN THOMPSON (Uncle Clarence) is making his fourth appearance at Theatre Arlington. He last appeared In Hooray for the Holidays in 2019. He is grateful to Steve Morris for the opportunity to appear again in 2022. Special thanks to my wife Glenda. It’s great to be a part of the return of live theater in Arlington.

KYLIE REYNOLDS THORNTON (Patty) is happy to be returning to the Theatre Arlington stage after last appearing in the first annual Hooray for Holidays. Favorite previous roles include Little Sally in Urinetown, Olivia in Twelfth Night (both at Trinity University) and Dawn in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Theatre Arlington). When not performing, Kylie can be found at Alcon doing her job as Warehouse Manager or at home chasing around her two-year-old son. Many thanks to Steve for another opportunity to celebrate the holiday season on stage with friends! Love to family, Cole, Wyatt and ZoZo.

LEO WOODS (Fluffy) is thrilled to return to Theatre Arlington in Hooray for Holidays. He was last seen as Toto in Lamar High School’s The Wiz. He would like to thank his brother Benny and sister Angel (all rescue dogs from Tzu Zoo Rescue) for all the love and support. www.tzuzoorescue.com

LORI WOODS (Krissy Callhan) has been the head of the Dance Program at Lamar High School for over twenty years. She has an associate degree in musical theater from Mt. View College and a bachelor’s degree in theater from Texas Wesleyan University. She grew up dancing at Miss Persis Studio of Dance and Dance Theatre of Arlington where she also began her teaching career at the age of 15. During her high school and college years she sang and danced in shows at Six Flags Over Texas in the Southern Palace Theatre which led to a great career on the stage performing at local and regional theaters as well as corporate and industrial shows all over the country. She was chosen as Best Actress in a Musical for her performance of Adelaide in Guys and Dolls as well as Fan Favorite here at Theatre Arlington. Other TA credits include Paulette in Legally Blonde, Sonia Walks in They’re Playing Our Song as well as serving as the choreographer for The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Some of her other favorite roles include Charity in Sweet Charity, Bebe in A Chorus Line, Velma in Chicago and Lorraine in 42nd Street. In her extra time she serves as a foster mom for Tzu Zoo Rescue saving the world one lucky dog at a time.

Meet the Production Team of HOORAY FOR HOLIDAYS

STEVEN D. MORRIS (Director) is the Executive Producer of Theatre Arlington. Steve started performing with Theatre Arlington in 1981 and has done over 70 shows here as an actor, director and writer. Steve is thrilled to be the Executive Producer at Theatre Arlington and working with such a great staff and board of directors. Check out his weekly Facebook Live Theatre Arlington’s Theatre Thursdays, every Thursday at 1:00pm. Steve received his Bachelor of Arts in communication (speech and theater) from UTA and Master of Arts (theater) from the University of Houston. Steve was recently honored with an Arlington High School Distinguished Alumni Award for 2021. Mr. Morris was the Director of Theatre at Lamar High School for 27 years and when he retired the school’s auditorium was named for him. While at Lamar Mr. Morris directed over 125 shows and received numerous awards and recognition for himself and his students including Teacher of the Year. Be sure to follow Steve on twitter, although he rarely posts and is not that interesting @thefamousmorris

GEORGE SEPULVEDA III (Marty/Music Director) is excited to be back on stage at Theatre Arlington after some time! He has performed various roles at Theatre Arlington and with theaters in Mansfield and Plano, Texas. He has directed many musicals and helped with the musical direction of many more, but he is excited to begin music directing for Theatre Arlington! Most of his time and energy is spent on his day job teaching music at Atherton Elementary in Arlington ISD. George is also the Head Director of Arlington’s elementary honor choir, the Arlington Children’s Chorus.

DAWN CONLEY PREJEAN (Choreographer) a native Arlingtonite, returns to Theatre Arlington after last choreographing the first Hooray for Holidays way back in 2019! She wants to thank Steven D. Morris, her a.k.a. Al DeLuca, for being the best stage husband she could ever ask for, and for giving her this opportunity to work with a fantastic director, amazing musical director and fabulous cast. As a Miss Persis Studio child, she is thankful for the excellent training and experience she received there (on and off the stage) and for the legacy of Persis Forster. Much love to her husband Allen, her kids Katelyn, Daniel and her favorite Oompa Loompa, Sarah Marie for allowing her to work on the show!

MARIA LEON HICKOX (Stage Manager) is excited to start her first season with Theatre Arlington as the Resident Stage and Production Manager. Maria has recently stage-managed The Cake, Biloxi Blues, Black Comedy, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Piano Lesson and Sister Act here at Theatre Arlington. Maria’s recent works have included being stage manager for Always Patsy Cline and Greater Tuna with Bright Star Productions, stage manager for Frozen Jr. with Shine Theatre, production manager at Casa Mañana for the 2017- 2020 seasons and props designer at Casa Mañana for the 2016 -2017 seasons. Maria would like to thank her friends and family for their support, especially her husband Josh Hickox, who has not noticed that this is the only part of her bio she changes for every show. Love you!

REBECCA RICKEY (Assistant Stage Manager) is excited to be back at Theatre Arlington where she was Stage Manager for The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and 9 to 5: The Musical. She is a proud recipient of a Stony Award for Best Stage Management for TA’s productions of Blithe Spirit and A Few Good Men. Becky received a Bachelor of Arts degree in theater from Oklahoma City University and worked on the technical staff at Oklahoma’s Lyric Theatre. Retired from the “corporate world,” Becky has much more free time to live the dreams life has to offer such as doing community service, theatrical productions and traveling with Dian, her beloved partner in life. Becky wants to thank Steven D. Morris and Theatre Arlington for the opportunity to contribute to this production.

BRYAN STEVENSON (Set & Lighting Designer) holds a B.F.A. in theater from Texas Wesleyan University and an M.F.A. in design from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. He has designed at many local theater companies including Fort Worth Shakespeare in the Park, Stage West, Jubilee and Circle. Nationally, Bryan designs for the Boy Scouts of America National Conferences and Shows. Bryan is an active participant in the United Institute of Theatre Technology, where he has served on panels on lighting and scenic design. He is also a member of Stagehands Union, IATSE Local 126.

RYAN SIMÓN (Sound Designer) is a sound designer, composer and playwright from Fort Worth, Texas. He is a recent graduate of Texas Wesleyan University where he earned his BFA in musical theater. Ryan is excited to return to Theatre Arlington after previously sound designing The Cake, Black Comedy, Spelling Bee, The Piano Lesson and Sister Act. Other sound design credits include If Pretty Hurts, Lil & Satchmo and Fabulation (Jubilee Theatre), Fences (Circle Theatre) and On the Exhale (Stage West). Ryan also worked as the musical dramaturg for Palo Verde at Co.Arts in Norman, Oklahoma and as the music director for his original musical, Bibliophilia, which premiered at Texas Wesleyan University in March of 2021. Ryan is a member of the Dramatists Guild.

KAREN POTTER (Costume Designer) has had her work seen in various theaters and film festivals across the country. She is a designer for theater, opera, film and television. She currently works as an Assistant Professor for Texas Wesleyan University. She worked for the California Institute of the Arts as a costume shop manager and adjunct faculty. She lives with her two children and husband in Fort Worth, Texas and works throughout the country and in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.

ROBIN DOTSON (Properties Designer) is the proud mother of college senior Sydney, who discovered the wonderful world of theater through Theatre Arlington when she was 9 and is now majoring in musical theater! A newly retired elementary teacher, Robin has worked on props for many TA youth shows, as well as Calendar Girls, Legally Blonde, Footloose, 9 to 5, A Few Good Men, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, A Raisin in the Sun, Sister Act, Biloxi Blues and The Cake at Theatre Arlington the past few seasons. Enjoy the show!

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Meet the production team of JAMES & THE GIANT PEACH, JR.

CINDY HONEYCUTT (Director) is excited to be back in the director’s chair with James and the Giant Peach, JR. Cindy holds a BA in theater arts with an emphasis in acting from St. Edwards University and is a teaching artist specializing in acting, musical theater and creative dramatics. She has been seen in theaters all over the metroplex and Austin in her over 40 years as a performer, starting as a child actor at Casa Manana and ending with professional credits at Circle Theatre, Stage West, Casa Manana, Austin’s Gilbert and Sullivan Society, Zachary Scott Theatre, Thin Dime Theatre Company and Hip Pocket Theatre. She has also been seen in schools, civic auditoriums and museums all over Texas while performing with touring companies based at Zachary Scott Theatre in Austin, Fort Worth’s Shakespeare in the Park, Stage West and CATS. Her film and television credits include Fox Kids Club in the Austin market, feature film Dust to Dust with Willie Nelson, independent films Blood is Thicker and The Entrepreneur, and commercials for TCJC, Lil’ Things, Lowe’s and Westinghouse Security Systems. Cindy is the proud wife of Rodney, mom to Nate, and lover of all animals, especially the ones in her own house. Oh, and she can be found most often moving paper and crunching numbers at her desk at TA where she is currently the Business Manager.

DANIEL HERNANDEZ (Music Director) was most recently seen on the TA stage as Governor in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, one of the voices of Vernon Gersch in They’re Playing Our Song, as Drunken Santa/ Mr. Macy in Miracle on 34th Street, the Cowardly Lion in The Magical City of Oz and as Dwayne in 9 to 5: The Musical and was also featured as Riff Raff in Brookhaven’s production of Rocky Horror Picture Show in the summer of 2017. He has appeared in Texas Wesleyan University Opera Workshop productions of Cosi fan Tutte as Ferrando and Manon as Le Chevalier des Grieux. Daniel was the assistant musical director for Nolan Catholic Theater productions of Shrek the Musical and The Addams Family. He has taught elementary music throughout Fort Worth, works as a Lead Drama Instructor for C.A.S.T. in Coppell, and received his B.A. in vocal performance from Texas Wesleyan University.

NIK BLOCKER (Choreographer), a native South Carolinian, is an actor, choreographer and theater artist living in Arlington, Texas. He received his training in mass communications, theater and dance. Nik has competed in local and state-level competitions in playwriting, prose interpretation, costume design and acting, and was twice nominated to compete in the National Irene Ryan Scholarship Competition. He’s also competed on State and World levels in marching band and winter guard. His choreography has been seen in both states, and most recently at Runway Theater for The Addams Family. As an actor, his recent performances include Peter and The Starcatcher as Mrs. Bumbrake (Onstage in Bedford), Quanah as Ensemble (Lyric Stage) and Crooks in Of Mice and Men (The Firehouse Theatre). Nik has also taught g and dance to local and international students and hopes to continue to spread the love of the arts!

RUBY LECROY (Stage Manager) has been doing theater for six years but has loved it for so much longer! She is a sophomore in high school and is glad to be given this opportunity to participate as a stage manager for this show! She has done numerous shows at her middle and high school and luckily Theatre Arlington! She is so honored to be in this position and hopes everyone enjoys the show!

HANNAH BELL (Assistant Director) has been a theater educator, actor and director across the globe, some of her favorite experiences taking place in Germany and China. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theater) from Midwestern State University and a Master of Fine Arts (Performance and Pedagogy) from Texas Tech University. She has performed locally and abroad in shows such as See How They Run (Circle Theatre), Black Comedy (Theatre Arlington), Young Frankenstein (Kaiserslautern Theatre) and Tarzan (Chongqing Fantasy Performing Arts Group). In addition to instruction and performance, Hannah also has written a theater for youth show The Lost Language of Wifflesplatch produced by Texas Tech University. She has directed multiple productions abroad, including Into the Woods and KIndertransport (Kaiserslautern Theatre) for the Army Entertainment awards.

BRYAN STEVENSON (Set & Lighting Designer) holds a B.F.A. in theater from Texas Wesleyan University and an M.F.A. in design from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. He has designed at many local theater companies including Fort Worth Shakespeare in the Park, Stage West, Jubilee and Circle. Nationally, Bryan designs for the Boy Scouts of America National Conferences and Shows. Bryan is an active participant in the United Institute of Theatre Technology, where he has served on panels on lighting and scenic design. He is also a member of Stagehands Union, IATSE Local 126.

RYAN SIMÓN (Sound Designer) is a sound designer, composer and playwright from Fort Worth, Texas. He is a recent graduate of Texas Wesleyan University where he earned his BFA in musical theater. Ryan is excited to return to Theatre Arlington after previously sound designing The Cake, Black Comedy, Spelling Bee, The Piano Lesson and Sister Act. Other sound design credits include If Pretty Hurts, Lil & Satchmo and Fabulation (Jubilee Theatre), Fences (Circle Theatre) and On the Exhale (Stage West). Ryan also worked as the musical dramaturg for Palo Verde at Co.Arts in Norman, Oklahoma and as the music director for his original musical, Bibliophilia, which premiered at Texas Wesleyan University in March of 2021. Ryan is a member of the Dramatists Guild.

HOPE COX (Costume Designer) is excited to be back at Theatre Arlington for this production. You have previously seen her work with Theatre Arlington in the 2020 production of A Raisin in the Sun. She most recently finished her first year as the Artist-in-Residence Costumer for Jubilee Theatre. Some of her favorite costuming credits include State Fair (Grand Prairie Arts Council), Little Mermaid (Greenhill) and Dreamgirls (Jubilee Theatre). Hope feels so blessed to have the opportunity to work with such a talented cast and crew. You can find more information on Hope’s upcoming projects on her website www.hopecox.com

ROBIN DOTSON (Properties Designer) is the proud mother of college senior Sydney, who discovered the wonderful world of theater through Theatre Arlington when she was 9 and is now majoring in musical theater! A newly retired elementary teacher, Robin has worked on props for many TA youth shows, as well as Calendar Girls, Legally Blonde, Footloose, 9 to 5, A Few Good Men, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, A Raisin in the Sun, Biloxi Blues and The Cake at Theatre Arlington the past seasons. Enjoy the show!

Meet the cast of JAMES & THE GIANT PEACH, JR.

HANNAH ANDERSON (Matron Nurse) is very excited to be in her second performance at Theatre Arlington! She has been in multiple productions you may have seen, including The Adventures of Nate the Great and What’s Up Zak? She was also in the 2021 Arlington ISD All-City Choir. She attends Bailey Junior High and especially enjoys her choir and math classes.

GABRIELLE BURWELL (Ensemble) is making her first Theatre Arlington debut. Gabrielle is thrilled to be performing in this year’s production of James and the Giant Peach, JR. Gabrielle is very dedicated to everything she does and has a lot of versatility. Gabrielle is 8 years old and a student at the Kenneth Davis Fine Arts Academy. Gabrielle enjoys singing, dancing, acting and playing sports in her spare time.

EMMA CHANDLER (Sponge) is excited to make her Theatre Arlington debut in this fun musical. Emma is a 9th grader at Lamar High School, an active member of the Harmony Show Choir and is the VP of STCO for the class of 2026. Emma has been in theater for over 5 years. This musical will be her 22nd time being on stage. A few of her favorite roles have been Silly Girl 1 in Beauty and the Beast Jr., Arista in Little Mermaid Jr., Omar in Aladdin Jr. and Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins Jr. She would like to thank Mrs. Cindy for giving her this opportunity to be in this musical. like to thank all her family and friends for always supporting her and to come watch her. She hopes that you all enjoy this musical as much as it!

HAYDEN COLORADO (Ensemble) is enjoying his debut at Theatre Arlington, although this will be his 8th production! His favorite past roles have been Mufasa in The Lion King KIDS at NTPA Plano, Beast in Beauty and the Beast JR. at NTPA Southlake and George in School House Rock Live! Jr. at Oakwood Terrace Elementary.

TALIA CRUSE (Mrs. Trotter, Doreen, Seagull) is making her Theatre Arlington debut. She has participated in many summer theater camps at Casa Manana and Theatre Arlington performing in shows such as Elf, Newsies, Frozen and Suessical. Talia is in 7th grade and is involved in her school’s choir and show choir. She is so excited to be part of James and the Giant Peach, JR. and the Theatre Arlington family!

LINDSAY CURTIS (Ensemble) is excited about her second performance with Theatre Arlington. She debuted in Music Man, Jr. (Shipoopi Kid/Townsperson) in Theatre Arlington’s Musical Theater Camp. She was also seen in Arlington ISD’s Songs of Summer performance of The Ugly Woodpecker (Tanya the Turtle). Lindsay wants to thank her family and friends for their support. She notes her inspiration for the theater came from watching her cousin, Kyra perform. While she loves dancing, singing and acting, when she gets nervous she meditates on Psalm 56:3.

NOAH FLORES (Grasshopper) is making his first official Theatre Arlington debut! This isn’t Noah’s first show, however, as he has starred in Shrek as Shrek, Newsies as Joseph Pulitzer and Into the Woods as The Wolf. As a side, Noah works as a voice actor for many small content creators on the internet. He even hosts a podcast with his friends. Needless to say, it appears Elvis is back!

LYLA HARPER (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her Theatre Arlington Mainstage debut! She has been seen at Grand Prairie Arts Council in Moana as the Chief Ancestor and at Theatre Arlington Camp in Willy Wonka as Veruca Salt. Aside from acting and singing, Lyla likes to read and write in her free time. She would like to thank her amazing director and the James and the Giant Peach, JR. creative team! She would also like to thank her friends and family for supporting her and add a special “thank you” to her vocal coach, Sarah Slaughter Hughes. She hopes you enjoy the show!

SADIE HARVEY (Ensemble), born and raised in Arlington, Texas, is excited to make her theater debut here at Theatre Arlington! Sadie has been a competitive dancer for the last 7 years, dabbled in pageants and commercials but exuberantly decided it was time to make the jump to the stage this year. Sadie would like to thank her friends and family and Theatre Arlington for giving her this opportunity.

JULIA HELSEL (Ladybug) is proud to be joining another Theatre Arlington production. Her acting career began in Charlotte’s Web, at age 8, Introducing her to the wonderful Theatre Arlington team. Since then, she’s been involved in Miracle on 34th Street, a TA show she got to perform alongside her family. She’s also in Arlington High School’s shows, playing roles like Nat from Rabbit Hole and Bonnie from Bob: A Life in Five Acts. She’d like to thank her family for supporting her crazy dreams, as well as Director Cindy Honeycutt and Musical Director Daniel Hernandez for trusting her with this role.

TATUM HOLSOPPLE (Aunt Spiker) is excited to be performing here at Theatre Arlington! She has enjoyed getting to know her fellow cast mates. She began acting in fifth grade when she was in The Lion King Jr. Recently you may have seen Tatum in Frozen Jr. as Hans, The Greatest Christmas Pageant Ever as Ms. Clark or as the Ghost of Christmas Past and Present in A Christmas Chaos.

EMBER MCGINTY (Ensemble) is making her Theatre Arlington debut. She has been seen at Olive Knolls Church in Inventive Minds: Musical of Benjamin Franklin. She has also been seen at Valley Oaks Charter School in The Emperor’s New Clothes: Musical, Camp Stuff and Things: Musical and A Fairy Tale Christmas Carol. When Ember is not acting, she loves to read mysteries, mythology and fairytales. She also enjoys drawing, hiking, swimming and snuggling her cats.

CHASITY MILES (Ensemble) is making her Theatre Arlington debut. She’s been seen at Circle Theatre in the production of Fences. She began her career in 2019-2022 at Texas School of Arts. At the school she was cast in Winter/ Spring concerts, plays, singing and dances. She has been in every Christmas, Easter and Halloween play exhibited at her school. She studies at Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts. She is eight years old at present. At Christ Centered Missionary Baptist Church, she’s been cast in year-round plays, praise dances and youth choir.

BRAYLEN NELSON (Earthworm) is thrilled to make his Theatre Arlington debut. His theater credits include over 25 productions all over DFW including Casa Mañana, The Firehouse Theatre and Texas Music Theatre Company. Some of his favorite roles include Crutchie in Newsies and Lion in The Wizard of Oz. He’d like to thank his friends and family for their support, and Cindy for casting him in such a plump and juicy role! @braylen_nelson

CHASE NIEKAMP (James) is making his acting debut at Theatre Arlington and is very grateful for this wonderful opportunity. Chase is in the fourth grade, is a member of the school choir and is also a member of the Arlington Children’s Chorus. He is a kind-hearted goofball who loves playing baseball and is a gold belt in Taekwondo. He would like to thank his music teacher Mrs. Hale for helping him prepare for his first audition and his family for always supporting him.

NITI PAGARE (Ensemble) is making her Theatre Arlington debut. She has acted in various plays at her school – Universal Academy, Coppell, Texas. As a singer she sang a Million Dreams from the movie The Greatest Showman at the fall festival celebration. She wrote, directed and acted in a comedy skit to celebrate Black History Month in the name of Moe Jameson. She acted (Randolph MacAfee) in the play Bye Bye Birdie in an annual theater event.

ACE RAINEY (Ensemble) is thrilled to be back on the Theatre Arlington stage! He was most recently seen as Jack Kelly in Newsies Jr. He has also been seen in many productions at Texas Music Theatre Company, including Les Miserables and Madagascar Jr. Ace lives in Fort Worth and attends 6th grade at Trinity Valley School. He is a black belt in Taekwondo (testing for 2nd degree in October 2022) and loves playing the piano. Ace would like to thank Cindy for this amazing opportunity to be on stage. He would also like to thank his mom for driving him to rehearsals, his voice teacher, Daniel, for pushing him out of his comfort zone and his friends for always coming out to support him.

LANA REDDICK (Ensemble) is making her Theatre Arlington debut. She’s been seen recently at Summit High School’s theater performance of Ebenezer Scrooge: Musical playing the role of Beth/Fran, University of Dallas student film Importance of Culture & Passion playing the role of Young Sonia, solo performance of O Holy Night at Mansfield ISD Variety Show, and third place winner of International Leadership of Texas’ Talent Show with her solo performance of Into the Unknown. She is currently working on a role for a future film being produced by Strong Foundation Films. She has received her certificate of acting and modeling training through World Class Modeling Talent Studios.

CHARLIE SANDERS (Centipede) is very excited about her first production at Theatre Arlington. She made her theater debut at 6 months old, carried onstage by her Grammy. She is in sixth grade at Fine Arts Academy in WSISD. Some of her favorite roles include Flounder in The Little Mermaid Jr., Owl in Winnie the Pooh Kids and Little Bun in Texas Tails (Graham Regional Theatre). She would like to thank her family for all their support. 143!

KASHVI SHARMA (Ensemble) is making her debut at Theatre Arlington. She has been seen at Universal Academy in Bye Bye Birdie and The Talent Show. She is so happy to be in the play!

MAXTON RHYS SIMS (Ladahlord) is thrilled to be back on the Theatre Arlington stage! You may have seen him recently at Casa Mañana as Private the Penguin in Madagascar the Musical or as the Royal Page in Disney’s Descendants: The Musical. He also appeared as Turkey Boy in Dallas Theater Center’s production of A Christmas Carol. Maxton would like to thank Cindy, Daniel and Nik for this amazing opportunity and his family and friends for their love and support! Come say hi on IG at @maxton.rhys.sims!

TRINITY TOBIN (Spider) is making her first appearance at Theatre Arlington. She was previously seen in the show Sit Down Stand Up by the James Martin Warrior Band. She has also been a part of The Bugs Musical as a Ladybug and the Storybook Play as Little Red Riding Hood.

CALLEIGH WHITE (Ensemble) has been in theater since 1st grade. She began her love of theater at Jones Academy where she participated in Annie Jr. and Shrek Jr. After that she enrolled in Theatre Arlington where she performed in Nate the Great, Miracle on 34th Street and Hooray for the Holidays. She is currently at Gunn Jr. High where she played a Stepsister in their first performance of Into the Woods. She has waited 3
long years to get back into theater at Theatre Arlington. She would like to thank her family for always supporting her in all that she does.

Meet the CAST of THE CAKE

SASHA MAYA ADA (Macy) is making is her Theatre Arlington debut. She received her BFA in Theatre from SMU in 2016 and works as a director, actor and audition coach for young people throughout DFW. Her acting credits include Enemies/People at Second Thought Theatre, All the Way at Dallas Theater Center, The Seagull with Eccentric Bear Co. and Fool for Love. Sasha’s direction includes productions such as Cabaret at Arts Mission Oak Cliff, Pass Over at Second Thought and If Pretty Hurts.. at Jubilee Theatre.

OLIVIA CINQUEPALMI (Jen) is excited to return to the Theatre Arlington stage! She was last seen at TA as Nora in Brighton Beach Memoirs. Other recent credits include Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (The Classics Theatre Project), Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Theatre3), The Last Wide Open (Circle Theatre), Everybody, Romeo and Juliet (Stage West Theatre) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Lily and Joan Theatre Co.). Olivia is a proud Oklahoma City University alum and is represented by the Kim Dawson Agency. All the love to this incredible team and everyone in her corner.

RODNEY HONEYCUTT (Tim) has lived in Fort Worth since his arrival a good many years ago at Harris Hospital. His love for theater started in high school, continued at Tarrant County Junior College (now TCC) and has continued to this very day. He has performed at multiple theaters in the Metroplex area and has always had a love for the good people at Theatre Arlington. Rodney was most recently seen as Dick(!) in TA’s production of 9 to 5 and is very excited to see the wonderful changes that have recently been made to this great organization! His free time is happily spent with his amazing wife Cindy, his incredible son Nathan, and a bevy of furrier family members consisting of a sweet canine named Holly and five (five?) feisty felines named Oliver, Rowan, Martin, Annie and Oakley.

SHANNON J. MCGRANN (Della) last performed at Theatre Arlington approximately thirty years ago! She is so pleased to return to TA’s stage and to the role of Della, which she previously did with Uptown Players in Dallas. Other select regional theater credits include It’s Only a Play (Uptown Players); Raptured! (Theatre Three); Incognito (Second Thought Theatre); Church & State, A Doll’s House, Part 2, A Funny Thing…. (Stage West); Hand to God, Silent Sky, Noises Off (WaterTower Theatre); Gypsy, As Thousands Cheer (Lyric Stage); A Christmas Carol (The Dallas Theater Center); and The Wizard of Oz (Lyric Theatre OKC and Casa Manana). TV/Film work includes Plus/Minus, Love and Death, Rock Me, The Price of Fame: Carrie Fisher, The Good Guys, Lone Star, My Generation, The Marina Oswald Story, and regional and national commercial credits.

THOMAS MAGEE (Voice/George) is excited to be making his debut at Theatre Arlington! He was recently seen as He/Buddy in the world premiere of Sweetpea (Second Thought Theatre), Man/Tristan in in a word (Echo Theatre Dallas) and Donalbain/ Murderer in Macbeth (Fair Assembly). Born and raised in DFW, Thomas graduated from SMU with
his BFA in 2020.

Meet the PRODUCTION TEAM of THE CAKE

STEVEN D. MORRIS (Director) started performing with Theatre Arlington in 1981 and has done over 60 shows here as an actor, director and writer. Steve is thrilled to be the Executive Producer at Theatre Arlington and work with such a great staff and board of directors. When Mr. Morris retired after 27 years of being the Director of Theatre at Lamar High School, the school’s auditorium was named for him. Steve is very active with his church Unity of Arlington. Steve is blessed by great love in his life from his family, friends, his canine companion Elvis and new feline friend Smokey. Be sure to follow Steve @thefamousmorris on Twitter, although he rarely posts and is not that interesting. “I am happy you are here.”

MARIA LEON HICKOX (Stage and Production Manager) is excited to start her first season with Theatre Arlington as the Resident Stage and Production Manager. Maria has recently stage-managed Biloxi Blues, Black Comedy, The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Piano Lesson and Sister Act here at Theatre Arlington. Maria’s recent works have included stage manager for Always Patsy Cline and Greater Tuna with Bright Star Productions, stage manager for Frozen Jr. with Shine Theatre, production manager at Casa Mañana for the 2017-2020 seasons and props designer at Casa Mañana for the 2016 -2017 seasons. Maria would like to thank her friends and family for their support, especially her husband Josh Hickox, who is always supportive even though he is her biggest competition in Fantasy Football. Love you!

REBECCA RICKEY (Assistant Stage Manager) Becky is excited to be back at Theatre Arlington where she was Stage Manager for The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and 9 to 5: The Musical. She is a proud recipient of a Stony Award for Best Stage Management for TA’s productions of Blithe Spirit and A Few Good Men. Becky received a Bachelor of Arts degree in theater from Oklahoma City University and worked on the technical staff at Oklahoma’s Lyric Theatre. Retired from the “corporate world,” Becky has much more free time to live the dreams life has to offer such as doing community service, theatrical productions and traveling with Dian, her beloved partner in life. Becky wants to thank Steven D. Morris and Theatre Arlington for the opportunity to contribute to this production.

ALFREDO TAMAYO (Assistant Director) is making his assistant directing debut. He is thrilled to have worked with this wonderful cast. He would like to thank Steve for the opportunity to be a part of this production. He would like to thank his friends and family for their continued support. He hopes the audience can really see the beauty and message behind this show and hopes everyone enjoys it. Break legs!

KEVIN BROWN (Set Designer) is extremely grateful to Steven and the entire Theatre Arlington (TA) Family. His previous shows at TA have been Blithe Spirit (Stony Award), Footloose (Stony Award), A Few Good Men, They’re Playing Our Song and Brighton Beach Memoirs. Kevin is an award-winning set designer and interior designer who owns Studio Brown Designs. His work includes, but is not limited to, Residential, Commercial, Multi-family Housing, Remodel Consultation, Merchandizing, Holiday Décor and Theatrical Set Design and Dressing. His work has been on various stages across the DFW area. Uptown Players, Stage West, OnStage in Bedford, MainStage Irving, Runway Theatre and Firehouse Theatre to name a few. Kevin’s favorite shows have been The Nance, It’s Only a Play, The Tribute Artist, Disaster the Musical, The View Upstairs, Cabaret (Column Award), Spring Awakening (Column Award), Xanadu, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, Peter and the Starcatcher (Column Award), Seussical (Column Award) and Billy Elliot (Best Set Design Broadway World). Kevin is excited to team up with his friend Angie (his partner in crime). www.facebook.com/StudioBrownDesigns

BRYAN STEVENSON (Lighting Designer) holds a B.F.A. in theater from Texas Wesleyan University and an M.F.A. in design from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. He has designed at many local theatre companies including Fort Worth Shakespeare in the Park, Stage West, Jubilee and Circle. Nationally, Bryan designs for the Boy Scouts of America National Conferences and Shows. Bryan is an active participant in the United Institute of Theatre Technology, where he has served on panels on lighting and scenic design. He is also a member of Stagehands Union, IATSE Local 126.

RYAN SIMÓN (Sound Designer) is a sound designer, composer and playwright from Fort Worth, Texas. He is a graduate of Texas Wesleyan University where he earned his BFA in musical theater. Ryan is excited to return to Theatre Arlington after previously sound designing Black Comedy, Spelling Bee, The Piano Lesson and Sister Act. Other sound design credits include If Pretty Hurts, Lil & Satchmo and Fabulation (Jubilee Theatre), Fences (Circle Theatre) and On the Exhale (Stage West). Ryan also worked as the musical dramaturg for Palo Verde at Co.Arts in Norman, Oklahoma and as the music director for his original musical, Bibliophilia, which premiered at Texas Wesleyan University in March of 2021. Ryan is a member of the Dramatists Guild.

KAREN POTTER (Costume Designer) has had her work seen in various theaters and film festivals across the country. She is a designer for theater, opera, film and television. She currently works as an Assistant Professor for Texas Wesleyan University. She worked for the California Institute of the Arts as a costume shop manager and adjunct faculty. She lives with her two children and husband in Fort Worth, Texas and works throughout the country and in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.

ROBIN DOTSON (Properties Designer) is the proud mother of college senior Sydney, who discovered the wonderful world of theater through Theatre Arlington when she was 9 and is now majoring in musical theater! A newly retired elementary teacher, Robin has worked on props for many T.A. youth shows, as well as Calendar Girls, Legally Blonde, Footloose, 9 to 5, A Few Good Men, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, A Raisin in the Sun, Sister Act and Biloxi Blues at Theatre Arlington the past few seasons. Enjoy the show!

ANGIE GLOVER (Scenic Artist) is a multi-disciplinary artist working primarily in acrylic paint. She enjoys accurate depictions of her subject matter and telling a story through her images. The joy in helping others express their creativity has resulted in the popular and fun event, Painting Party with Angie! held every month at Theatre Arlington. In 2018, Glover became Resident Scenic Artist at Theatre Arlington creating magical and transformative sets and scenic elements. She has also lent her scenic paint skills to The Gaylord Hotel in Grapevine, Texas, The Fort Worth Opera, Kalita Humphreys Theater in Dallas, OnStage! at Bedford Boys Ranch and The Firehouse Theatre in Farmers Branch. During this time, she was also commissioned to paint a 1/32-inch scale replica of the Hotel Settles that now resides at the Museum of American Railroad in Frisco, Texas. Her canvas paintings and murals have been commissioned from Maryland, Georgia and throughout Texas, most notably her accurate renditions of human and pet portraits. Glover is currently living and working in Hurst, Texas.
https://angieglover.myportfolio.com

Meet the CAST & DIRECTOR of FAT PIG

JACOB ODERBERG (Director) is thrilled to be back at Theatre Arlington! He most recently was the assistant director for Biloxi Blues and Black Comedy here. You’ve also seen him at Circle Theater in King O The Moon and Our Town and was the assistant director for Every Brilliant Thing! He graduated in 2018 from Texas Christian University with his BFA in theater with an emphasis in acting. He is excited to continue his directing career! A monumental thanks to Steve and the entire Theatre Arlington staff for their endless support and opportunities. Good show!

HANNAH BELL (Jeannie) is a Texas native returning to the home stages after the opportunity to direct, perform and build educational theater programming for youth in Germany, Utah, China and California. Her favorite credits include directing Into the Woods (KMC Onstage) and performing in The Little Mermaid, Tarzan (Chongqing Fantasy Performing Arts), A Streetcar Named Desire and Young Frankenstein (KMC Onstage). Since her return, she has performed in Damn Yankees, Hayfever (Tarrant Actors Regional Theatre), The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Black Comedy (Theatre Arlington), Blithe Spirit (Graham Regional Theatre) and various virtual productions. Recently she had the privilege of directing Old Enough to Kill for the Original Works Series at the Fort Worth Arts Center.

MICAH JL BROOKS (Tom) performs regularly around DFW and is happy to be back at Theatre Arlington after playing Brindsley Miller in Peter Schaffer’s Black Comedy. He has enjoyed Fat Pig and its author, Neil LaBute, and is grateful to present a reading of this work.

ELLEN EBERHARDT (Helen) who plays the role of Helen, is extremely excited to be performing with Theatre Arlington. Ellen has lived in Dallas, Texas for the past 8 years doing theater around the DFW Area. She graduated from Hardin Simmons University with a BFA in Musical Theater. You might have seen her in Disaster: The Musical at Uptown Players, Men on Boats at Circle theatre and Cherry Muffins at Flexible Grey Theatre.

AARON LEDAY (Eddie) was raised in Winnie, TX. Upon completing his military service in the United States Marine Corps, Aaron continued to follow his passion as an actor earning his Associate degree in Theatre Arts from Tarrant County College in 2018 and is currently enrolled at Texas Wesleyan University pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in the same field. This will be Aaron’s third production with Theatre Arlington, previously taking on the role of Mara in Miracle On 34^th Street and Kendrick in A Few Good Men. Recent productions, in which Aaron had noteworthy roles, include Neil Simon’s The Female Odd Couple (Manolo), Table Manners (Reg), Alice in Wonderland (Tweedle Dee), All My Sons (Joe Keller), Lost In Yonkers (Uncle Louie), Grease (Danny Zuko), The Water Engine (Lawrence Oberman) and Hamlet (Claudius.) “Thank you all for sharing your time with us and allowing us the opportunity to do what we love to do. As a fan and practitioner of the arts, there is no greater commendation.”

Meet the Production Team of BILOXI BLUES

LARRY W. CURE (Director) is happy to return to direct at Theatre Arlington after having directed Miracle on 34^th Street in 2018. Larry retired from the high school theater classroom after 40 years but hasn’t retired from teaching, adjudicating and directing. Before his retirement in 2016, Larry was the theater director at Azle High School for 6 years and then taught at Arlington Martin High School for 34 years. While at Martin, Larry directed/co-directed 34 UIL One-Act Plays and 31 musicals. In UIL, he directed/co-directed 15 6A State advancing plays, with two State Championships and four first runners-up while advancing to the regional contest 22 times during his time at Martin. Larry was a guest director at Tarrant County College-Southeast where he staged both Lost in Yonkers and All My Sons. At TCC-NE he directed All My Sons and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. He directed Lone Star at Texas Wesleyan University where he is currently an adjunct professor of Speech. In 2003, Larry received the Outstanding High School Teacher Award from UT Austin Texas Exes Association. He was recognized as Outstanding Theater Director by the Live Theatre League of Tarrant County in 2007 and named Martin High School Teacher of the Year in 1990. Larry was honored with the UIL Southwestern Bell Award for Sponsor Excellence in 1990 and in 2016 was an Arlington Aware Foundation Outstanding Teacher finalist. During the Spring, Larry serves as an adjudicator for UIL One-Act Plays across the State of Texas. Larry is married to his wife, Terri, and he has two children, Cassie and Cameron, daughter-in-law Arely and Grandson Aaron. He wants to express his gratitude for a marvelous cast and crew. You did Neil Simon proud! Such a loving tribute!

MARIA LEON HICKOX (Stage and Production Manager) is excited to start her first season with Theatre Arlington as the resident stage and production manager. Maria has recently stage-managed Black Comedy, The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Piano Lesson and Sister Act here at Theatre Arlington. Maria’s recent works have included stage manager for Always Patsy Cline and Greater Tuna with Bright Star Productions; stage manager for Frozen Jr. with Shine Theatre; production manager at Casa Mañana for the 2017-2020 seasons’ and props designer at Casa Mañana for the 2016 -2017 seasons. Maria would like to thank her friends and family for their support, especially her husband Josh Hickox, who always makes her smile. Love you!

STEPHANIE METZ (Assistant Stage Manager) is excited to be making her Theatre Arlington debut! She performed in and did tech production for many shows at Creative Arts Theatre and School over the years, as well as some shows at her alma mater, Martin High School. While attending Trinity University, she worked in the theater department with props and scenic painting, as well as running mic changes during Into the Woods. She is thrilled to be involved in theater once more and wishes a good show to the cast and crew!

JACOB ODERBERG (Assistant Director/ Understudy) is thrilled to be back at Theatre Arlington! He was most recently the assistant director for Black Comedy here. You’ve also seen him at Circle Theater in King O The Moon and Our Town and he was the assistant director for Every Brilliant Thing! He graduated in 2018 from Texas Christian University with his BFA in theater with an emphasis in acting. He is excited to continue his directing career! A monumental thanks to Larry Cure for the opportunity to work under him again. Good show!

KEVIN BROWN (Set Designer) is extremely grateful to Steven and the entire Theatre Arlington (TA) Family. This will be his first design in the new remodeled theater! His previous shows at TA have been Blithe Spirit (Stony Award), Footloose (Stony Award), A Few Good Men, They’re Playing Our Song and Brighton Beach Memoirs. Kevin is an award-winning set designer and interior designer who owns Studio Brown Designs. His work includes, but is not limited to, residential, commercial, multi-family housing, remodel consultation, merchandizing, holiday décor and theatrical set design and dressing. His work has been on various stages across the DFW area. Uptown Players, Stage West, OnStage in Bedford, MainStage Irving, Runway Theatre and Firehouse Theatre to name a few. Kevin’s favorite shows have been The Nance, It’s Only a Play, The Tribute Artist, Disaster the Musical, The View Upstairs, Cabaret (Column Award), Spring Awakening (Column Award), Xanadu, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, Peter and the Starcatcher (Column Award), Seussical (Column Award) and Billy Elliot (Best Set Design Broadway World). Kevin is excited to team up with his friend Angie (his partner in crime). After this production, he will be designing The Cake. www.facebook.com/StudioBrownDesigns

BRYAN STEVENSON (Lighting Designer) holds a B.F.A. in theater from Texas Wesleyan University and an M.F.A. in design from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. He has designed at many local theatre companies including Fort Worth Shakespeare in the Park, Stage West, Jubilee and Circle. Nationally, Bryan designs for the Boy Scouts of America National Conferences and Shows. Bryan is an active participant in the United Institute of Theatre Technology, where he has served on panels on lighting and scenic design. He is also a member of Stagehands Union, IATSE Local 126.

VICTORIA ESQUIBELL (Sound Designer) is very excited to be sound designing at Theatre Arlington! She has previously served as a sound designer on shows such as The Wolves, Picnic, Christmas at Pemberley and Mother Courage at Oklahoma City University and has worked at Theatre Arlington as an assistant stage manager for this season’s productions of Piano Lesson and Black Comedy. Congratulations to the cast and crew of Biloxi Blues! Victoria would also like to say a big thank you to her friends and family for all their support of her theatrical endeavors. Break A Leg!

JANICE PENNINGTON (Costume Designer) has loved creating clothing and costumes since childhood. She is a retired teacher who holds a Bachelor of Science degree from TCU and a Master of Liberal Arts degree from ACU. Janice has built costumes for ACU, Lamar High School, TCC and Theatre Arlington. When she isn’t working on costumes, she enjoys gardening, painting and family. She is thankful to Steve Morris for the opportunities to work with the theater and to her husband, Alton, for his constant support.

ROBIN DOTSON (Properties Designer) is the proud mother of college senior Sydney, who discovered the wonderful world of theater through Theatre Arlington when she was 9 and is now majoring in musical theater! A newly retired elementary teacher, Robin has worked on props for many TA youth shows, as well as Calendar Girls, Legally Blonde, Footloose, 9 to 5, A Few Good Men, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, A Raisin in the Sun and Sister Act at Theatre Arlington the past few seasons. Enjoy the show!

Meet the Cast of BILOXI BLUES

LANDRY BECKLEY (James Hennesey) is delighted to make another appearance at Theatre Arlington under the direction of Larry Cure. Landry was seen earlier this season with TA as TJ (Sister Act). His recent credits include Sonny (In the Heights), Paris (Romeo & Juliet) and Jesus (Godspell). Landry would like to thank Mr. Cure for granting him this amazing opportunity along with the incredible Theatre Arlington team. Lastly, he would also like to thank his family and loved ones, who have shown constant love and support for him throughout his performances. Yuk! Yuk! Good Show!

ERIC BERG (Eugene Morris Jerome) is thrilled to return to Theatre Arlington and Eugene after appearing in Brighton Beach Memoirs! Select acting credits: Boy in US/THEM (Echo), Parker in Split Second (Jubilee), Damis in Tartuffe and Sebastian in Twelfth Night (SMU). Eric has directed productions of in a word (Echo), Eurydice and STELLA (SMU) and readings for Kitchen Dog, Echo and IMPRINT Theatreworks. He has served as associate/assistant director at AT&T PAC, DTC, Stage West, Kitchen Dog and Jubilee. Eric is the co-producer of Echo Reads and the co-founder/producer of the Echo Offstage Podcast. He holds a BFA in Theatre from SMU.

CALEB DE LA TORRE (Roy Selridge) is delighted to be making his debut at Theatre Arlington. He is currently a rising senior acquiring his Bachelor of Arts degree in acting from The University at Texas at Arlington. Recent credits include Lysander in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Shakespeare Dallas and Rene in Lydia by Octavio Solis with the UTA Maverick Theatre Company. He recently contributed to The Vanishing, a short film written and directed by Isaiah Navarro and has also trained under renowned playwright Octavio Solis. He is incredibly grateful for the continuous mercy given to him by God and the immense support given by his friends and family. @caleb.delatorre

LAUREN FLOYD (Daisy Hannigan) is thrilled to be making her Theatre Arlington debut. Most recently, she was seen in Kitchen Dog Theater’s 2022 New Works Festival. Some of her past credits include Hilde in The Lady from the Sea (Undermain Theater), Margot Frank in The Diary of Anne Frank, Ophelia and Gertrude in Hamlet, Sasha Berringer in the feature film The Book of Job and Anger Friend in Everything Will Be Fine (Prism Movement Company). Her voice acting credits include the audio drama podcast, Writer Wrong, and she is an SMU graduate with a BFA in theater.

JOHN MARSHALL (Arnold Epstein) is making his Theatre Arlington debut. He is currently a junior at The University of Texas at Arlington and is pursuing his BFA in theater performance. Some of his previous acting work includes portraying Algernon in The Importance of Being Earnest, Harry Walsh in Violet Sharp, Max in Lend Me a Tenor and Tom Donohue in These Shining Lives. He has also been seen in many musicals including The Drowsy Chaperone, Chicago, and Mamma Mia!

SEAN SICARD (Don Carney) is thrilled to be performing at Theatre Arlington again. He was previously seen in A Few Good Men as Pfc. Louden Downey. Sean has most recently performed as a dancer in the American Heart Association’s annual Côtes du Coeur in Dallas. Other roles of his include Jason in Sweat (Farr Best Theatre), Mark Smeaton in Bring Up the Bodies (Stolen Shakespeare Guild) and Mr. Martin in The Bald Soprano (UTA Maverick Theatre). Sean graduated from UTA with a BFA in acting in December 2021. Sean would like to thank his family and friends for supporting him.

MAXIMILIAN SWENSON (Joseph Wykowski) is currently attending UT Arlington for his BFA in performance. He is excited to be working with Theatre Arlington. His favorite roles include Gomez in The Addams Family, Barfee in The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Caldwell B. Cladwell in Urinetown. He would like to thank his family, friends and teachers for constantly pushing him and his pursuit of theater.

MICHAEL PHILLIP THOMAS (Sgt. Toomey) is thrilled to be making his first appearance with Theatre Arlington. He has performed at many regional theaters across the country. He holds his MFA in acting from Wayne State University and studied at the Moscow Art Theatre in Russia.

RHONDA TRIANA (Rowena) is making her Theatre Arlington debut. This is especially exciting given that Theatre Arlington was the site of her first date with her husband Steve. Rhonda is making a comeback to the stage after taking time off to focus on her career and family. She was recently seen as Miss Erickson at Richardson Theatre Centre in Present Laughter. During her time at St. Mary’s University, she performed in various roles including the part of Waitress in The Dancers.

Meet the Production Team of BLACK COMEDY

SHARON KAYE MILLER (Director & Costume Designer) has a bachelor’s degree in Theater Arts and Speech Communications from Howard Payne University and additional theater credits from Texas Christian University and Tarleton State University through five seasons of summer stock work at the Granbury Opera House during its charter years. As a high school theater director Sharon Kaye directed over twenty UIL One-Act Plays advancing to the state level five times throughout her career. She directed and co-directed over sixty plays and musicals, mostly at Martin High School here in Arlington, her hometown. Since retirement, Ms. Miller is a member of TTAO serving as a UIL One-Act Play adjudicator and a One-Act Play clinician helping high schools prepare for One-Act Play contests. Sharon Kaye has also been honored to serve on the board of directors at Theatre Arlington working with her longtime friend and mentor Steve Morris. She served as a costumer and director for Sylvia, Dead Man’s Cell Phone and Ripcord. This year she is incredibly proud to be directing Black Comedy, teaming up once again with her talented friend, set and lights designer, Bryan Stevenson. Mrs. Miller would like to thank her incredibly talented cast and company for their tireless work and creative contributions as they bring Black Comedy to our cherished audiences at Theatre Arlington. She also thanks her wonderfully supportive husband and children for their patience and encouragement throughout the play production.

MARIA LEON HICKOX (Stage and Production Manager) is excited to start her first season with Theatre Arlington as the resident stage and production manager. Maria has recently stage-managed The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Sister Act and The Piano Lesson here at Theatre Arlington. Maria’s recent works have included stage manager for Always Patsy Cline and Greater Tuna with Bright Star Productions, stage manager for Frozen Jr. with Shine Theatre, production manager at Casa Mañana for the 2017-2020 seasons and props designer at Casa Mañana for the 2016 -2017 seasons. Maria would like to thank her friends and family for their support, especially her husband Josh Hickox, who puts up with her crazy antics. Love you!

VICTORIA ESQUIBELL (Assistant Stage Manager) is very excited to be a part of her second show at Theatre Arlington! She has previously served as a sage manager at Creede Repertory Theatre, Great River Shakespeare Festival and Oklahoma City Ballet. Congratulations to the cast and crew of Black Comedy!

JACOB ODERBERG (Assistant Director) is thrilled to be at Theatre Arlington! You may have seen him at Circle Theater in King O The Moon and Our Town, and he was also the assistant director for Every Brilliant Thing! He graduated in 2018 from Texas Christian University with his BFA in theater with an emphasis in acting. He is excited to continue his directing career! A monumental thanks to Sharon Kaye Miller for the opportunity to work with her. Good show!

BRYAN STEVENSON (Set & Lighting Designer) holds a B.F.A. in Theatre from Texas Wesleyan University and an M.F.A. in Design from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. He has designed at many local theatre companies including Fort Worth Shakespeare in the Park, Stage West, Jubilee and Circle. Nationally, Bryan designs for the Boy Scouts of America National Conferences and Shows. Bryan is an active participant in the United Institute of Theatre Technology, where he has served on panels on lighting and scenic design. He is also a member of Stagehands Union, IATSE Local 126.

RYAN SIMÓN (Sound Designer) is a sound designer, composer and playwright from Fort Worth, Texas. He is a recent graduate of Texas Wesleyan University where he earned his BFA in Musical Theatre. Ryan is excited to return to Theatre Arlington after previously designing the sound for Sister Act and The Piano Lesson. He has previously worked as a Sound Designer on Fabulation, Lil & Satchmo, and If Pretty Hurts at Jubilee, On the Exhale at Stage West and as music director for his original musical Bibliophilia, which premiered at Texas Wesleyan University. Ryan is a member of the Dramatists Guild.

ROBIN DOTSON (Properties Designer) is the proud mother of college junior Sydney, who discovered the wonderful world of theater through Theatre Arlington when she was 9 and is now majoring in musical theater! An elementary teacher by day, Robin has worked on props for many T.A. youth shows, as well as Calendar Girls, Legally Blonde, Footloose, 9 to 5, A Few Good Men, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, A Raisin in the Sun and Sister Act at Theatre Arlington the past few seasons. Enjoy the show!

Meet the cast of BLACK COMEDY

JENNA ANDERSON (Clea) is so excited to be returning to the brand-new Theatre Arlington stage after a long theater hiatus. This will be her 6th production with Theatre Arlington. She has previously been seen in A Few Good Men, Dead Man’s Cellphone, Sylvia, Boeing Boeing, and The Nerd. Other DFW credits include One Man, Two Guvnors and A 3D Adventure at Circle Theatre, A Lost Leonardo at Amphibian Stage Productions and Psycho Beach Party, The Liar, Seminar, and Less Than Kind at Theatre Three. Jenna also serves on the Board of Directors at Theatre Arlington. She would like to thank you all for your support of this wonderfully hilarious production. Remember to tip your bartender!

HANNAH BELL (Miss Furnival) is a Texas native who returned to the home stages after the opportunity to direct, perform and build educational theater programming for youth in Germany, Utah, China and California. Her favorite credits include directing Into the Woods (KMC Onstage) and performing in The Little Mermaid, Tarzan (Chongqing Fantasy Performing Arts), A Streetcar Named Desire and Young Frankenstein (KMC Onstage). Since her return, she has performed in Damn Yankees, Hayfever (Tarrant Actors Regional Theatre), The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Theatre Arlington), Blithe Spirit (Graham Regional Theatre) and various virtual productions. Recently she had the privilege of directing Old Enough to Kill for the Original Works Series at the Fort Worth Arts Center.

MICAH JL BROOKS (Brindsley Miller) is making his Theatre Arlington debut. Select recent credits include Fenris Ulf/White Stag in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Jimmy Ray Dobbs in Bright Star, Cedric/Voldy in Puffs, Father Winter/Boreas in Jack Frost, Jud Fry in Oklahoma, and Action in West Side Story. Thank you Theatre Arlington and everyone who is helping create safe live theater right now.

JAKIE CABE (Colonel Melkett) (AEA) is making his first performance at Theatre Arlington, but he served as the Director of Education and Outreach from 2000 – 2001, where he directed The Wind in the Willows for the Youth Summer Camp show. Currently, an Associate Professor of Theater at Tarrant County College -Northeast, Jakie has been an actor, director, fight choreographer and teacher/ professor in the DFW area for the last 30 years having most recently appeared in the area premiere of Dry Powder by Sarah Burgess at Second Thought Theatre. Before that he performed in the world premiere of Raptured by Matt Lyle at Theatre 3. He was also recognized for critics’ awards for his work in The Big Meal at WaterTower Theatre, Life Sucks, A Streetcar Named Desire, Stones in his Pockets, Around the World in 80 Days at Stage West, Mass Appeal, Chesapeake at Circle Theatre and Fiction, Time Stands Still at Amphibian Stage Productions. Television credits include the Fox series Prison Break, Dallas, Barney and numerous commercials and industrials. Voice-over work includes Cartoon Network, IFC and Boomerang including Dragonball Z, Dragonball GT and Yu Yu Hakashu. He is represented for film and television by the Kim Dawson Agency. Jakie has an MFA in Acting from Louisiana State University with independent study completed at the National Theatre London and a B.A. in Theatre & Dance from Appalachian State University.

ALLI FRANKEN (Carol Melkett) is so excited to be making her Theatre Arlington Debut! She has a BFA in Theater with an Acting Emphasis from TCU, where she focused her honors thesis on Musical Theatre Dance and Choreography. Recent credits include Clue (Assistant Director/Female Understudy) and The Sound of Music (Assistant Director/Female Understudy) at Dallas Theater Center, Legally Blonde (Associate Director/Choreographer) and Matilda (Dance Captain, Ensemble) at Firehouse Theatre, Puffs (Sally/Others) at Imprint Theatreworks, Six Flags’ Holiday in the Park (Choreographer) and Grand Prairie Arts Council’s The Wiz (Choreographer). She’s also worked closely with Circle Theatre, Amphibian Stage, Garland Summer Musicals and Prism Movement Theatre. Enjoy the show!

KELLEY GARLAND (Georg Bamberger) is very excited to be returning to Theatre Arlington in this production of Black Comedy. He has also performed as Julius Alexander Randolph in A Few Good Men at Theatre Arlington. Last seen in Sweat with Aiming Up in Mansfield. Some of his past credits include Miracle on 57^th Street and Sorry, Wrong Chimney at Onstage in Bedford as well as The Innkeeper in TARTs Man of La Mancha. Kelley has also performed as a Supernumerary with the Dallas and Fort Worth Operas as well as co-starred in the short film Odd Jobs by KD Studios.

MICAH GREEN (Harold Gorringe) is thrilled to be returning to the Theatre Arlington stage, having recently directed Spelling Bee. TA audiences are used to Micah’s antics from his appearances in previous shows. He has also been seen onstage with Uptown Players over in Dallas (When Pigs Fly and Pageant). Aside from being a professional goober, he also serves as the Fine Arts Coordinator of Theatre & Dance for Arlington ISD. Micah sure hopes you have a fabulous time tonight, and that you’ll plan another visit to Theatre Arlington.

ANDREW NICOLAS (Schuppanzigh) is beyond excited to be making his debut at Theatre Arlington and get a chance to work with these remarkably talented individuals. Andrew is a current student in the BFA Acting program at TCU (Go Frogs). Andrew’s most recent credits include The Odd Couple (WaterTower Theatre), Twelfth Night (Shakespeare Dallas), Bright Star (Firehouse Theater) and The Great Lonely Roamer (Echo Theater). Andrew would like to thank the entire creative team for taking a chance on him, and for allowing him to play a part in bringing this wonderful play to life. He would like to thank God, as well as his mom for being there every step of the way. Andrew would like to dedicate his performance to his dad.

MEET THE CAST & DIRECTOR OF AMERICAN SON

VICTORIA ANGELINA CRUZ (Kendra Ellis-Connor) a Birmingham, Alabama native is finishing her 3rd and final year at SMU as a Graduate Acting Candidate. She was most recently seen in Rage at the Dallas Theatre Center for the Elevator Project, Sublime at Stage West and SMU’s Midsummer Nights Dream, as Bottom. She will be performing in The Tempest at Shakespeare Dallas this summer. When she is not on stage she spends time coaching and providing audition prep for local actors in the DFW area and teaching the Art of Acting on a collegiate level.

RODNEY HONEYCUTT (Scott Connor) was born and bred in Fort Worth Texas and has lived there all of his life. His love for theater started in high school and has continued to this day. He has performed at several theaters in the metroplex and has always had a love for the good people at Theatre Arlington. He is very excited for the journey that this great organization has begun! His free time is spent with his wonderful wife Cindy, his amazing son Nathan, one small dog named Holly and, for some reason, five cats who sometimes answer to Oliver, Rowan & Martin and Annie & Oakley.

TIM CRABB (Officer Paul Larkin) having just closed Sister Act here at Theatre Arlington alongside our director Ken’ja, is pleased to be back so soon. You might have seen him in Bob: A Life in Five Acts (Theatre Off The Square) and he’s a regular player at ONSTAGE in Bedford and Arts 5th Avenue. You may have also seen him in a few commercials as well (if you watch daytime television.) He is an alumni of Theatre Wesleyan as well as a student of The Extra Mile Working Actors Workshop. Thank you, as always, for your time and attention.

SEKOU CALHOUN (Lieutenant John Stokes) began his acting career in his home town of New York City as a spoken word poet. After relocating to Dallas a coworker asked him to audition for a church play and the rest is history. Three years later he has appeared in Greg Ellis’ Juneteenth and Watch Night, and T.B.A.A.L. A Soldier’s Story (Private Smalls). Film/TV credits include: Vindication and Washington’s Armor. Sekou is an Honors graduate from Liberty University and his currently pursuing a M.A. in I/O Psychology. He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and Army.

KEN’JA L. BROWN (Director) is an actress, singer, writer, director, online radio personality and all-around creative. Having brought to life several characters across the stages of DFW, she is so excited to be sitting in the director’s chair and being given this opportunity by Theatre Arlington. She has proven herself to be an extraordinary actress and now she is grabbing hold to the production side. A Chicago born and raised native, Ken’ja has made Texas her second home. “When given the opportunity to perform on stage, it brings me so much joy and now that OPPORTUNITY has spread its wings and I am filled with even more Joy! I thank God, Mom (RIH), my boys, my partner, and family for their love and support. Always remember to dream bigger and keep moving forward in your PURPOSE!”

MEET THE CAST & DIRECTOR OF FADE

CHRISTIAN ARRUBLA (Abel) is thrilled to return to Theatre Arlington where he was previously seen as Lord Farquuad in the 2018 production of Shrek Jr. Other theatre includes Andi Boi (Dallas Children’s Theater), Ride A Story (Kitchen Dog Theatre), 1968 (Teatro Dallas), Much Ado About Nothing (Junior Players), Romeo and Juliet (Junior Players), Lend Me A Tenor (BTWHSPVA) and The Outsiders (D203 Experiment). Christian was selected as a finalist in 2021 for the National YoungArts Foundation for Theatre. He will also be training at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts later this year. Agradecido a mi familia por todo el amor y apoyo.

MARIA LEON HICKOX (Narrator) Maria is beyond excited to be on the stage instead of behind it. Most of her credits involve production work. Maria has recently stage managed The 25^th annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Sister Act and The Piano Lesson here at Theatre Arlington. Maria’s recent works have included stage manager for Always Patsy Cline and Greater Tuna with Bright Star Productions; stage manager for Frozen Jr. with Shine Theatre; production manager at Casa Mañana for the 2017-2020 seasons; Props designer at Casa Mañana for the 2016 -2017 seasons. Maria would like to thank her friends and family for their support, especially her husband Josh Hickox, who puts up with her crazy antics. Love you!

BETHANY MEJORADO (Lucia) is currently a BFA Acting student at The University of Texas at Arlington. Her college acting credits include Ceci in Lydia and Gwendolen Fairfax in an adaptation of The Importance of Being Earnest. Bethany is currently working at Stage West Theatre as an intern/assistant teacher and director for their youth summer camps. She loves the arts and she loves teaching others to love it too. She is so happy to be here at Theatre Arlington and she hopes you enjoy this story!

DIANA FIGUEROA STORY (Director) completed her BFA in Theatre Arts from the University of Texas Arlington, studied costume design at SMU and received her MA in Theater Arts from the University of Houston. Diana has been working in the theater community in the DFW area for over 35 years. Like many theatre professionals, she assumed many roles and responsibilities, but she is particularly pleased to be directing this play reading of Fade for Theatre Arlington. Growing up DIana didn’t see many theater professionals that looked like her – or see stories that reflected the many experiences of the LatinX community. Diana applauds Theatre Arlington for their efforts to break that barrier by providing more opportunities for an underrepresented community.

Meet THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Band

MARK MULLINO (Music Director/Keyboard) is a Dallas-based director/musical director/pianist/painter. Mark has worked extensively throughout DFW in professional, collegiate and educational theater. He has been on production teams for Garland Summer Musicals, WaterTower Theatre, Uptown Players, Dallas Theatre Center, Firehouse Theatre, Lyric Stage, Theatre Arlington, Flower Mound Performing Arts Theatre and Imprint Theatre. Mark has also taught and/or musical directed at local colleges: Collin College, Richland College, KD Conservatory, University of Texas at Dallas and SMU. Mark’s passion for youth theater has been seen at Junior Players, Our Productions Young Artist Training Program as well as the organization he co-founded, Dallas Young Artists. In addition to theater, Mark has played many cabaret venues throughout DFW and is a painter of musical paintings.

MARK ALEWINE (reeds) is a private instructor for the Plano Independent School District and teaches woodwinds at The Hockaday School in Dallas. He is an active woodwind performer and adjudicator throughout Texas and has served as a guest clinician at the Texas Music Educators Association Convention. Mark has performed with the Texas Wind Symphony, Dallas Wind Symphony, Texas Saxophone Quartet, Turtle Creek Chorale, Dallas Street Choir, Contemporary Chorale, Dallas Women’s Chorus, Dallas Theatre Center, Theatre Three, Water Tower Theater and many other musical theatre productions in the DFW area.

JAY MAJERNIK (drums) is a freelance drummer/percussionist based in Dallas. He performs in all genres of music including orchestral, musical theater, jazz, pop/rock and world/ethnic. Musical theater companies with which he has performed include WaterTower Theatre, Theatre Three, Junior Players, Stage West, Dallas Children’s Theatre, Theatre Arlington and many others. He is also an educator who works at Bishop Lynch High School, Booker T. Washington HSPVA, Coram Deo Academy and Gray School of Music. He is an endorser for Evans drumheads, Paiste Cymbals and Pro-Mark drumsticks.

BRIAN SEO (cello) was born in South Korea, but he was raised in the DFW Metroplex. As a kid in Seoul, Brian studied piano, violin, Gugak (traditional Korean music) and participated in Young Astronauts Korea as well as national math competitions. At the age of eleven, he and his family moved to Texas where he discovered his interest in the cello. Brian went on to attend the University of North Texas on a full scholarship where he received his Bachelor of Music degree in cello performance. Brian was the principal cellist of the UNT Symphony and Opera orchestras and was the featured solo cellist for UNT Symphony’s Grammy Award project with the classical saxophonist Eugene Rousseau in Saxophone Espressivo. He also attended South Texas College of Law Houston from 2020 to 2021 as a Dean’s Merit Scholar and during his downtime, Brian enjoys competitive gaming researching, and exercising.

Meet THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Cast

SINCLAIR FREEMAN (Mitch Mahoney) is making his Theatre Arlington debut. He’s been seen at Firehouse Theater in Elf, Flexible Grey/Uptown Players in Cooties and The Rehearsal at Imprint Theaterworks. Up next, Sinclair can be seen in Artstillery’s Fair Park Project.

DONOVAN MARIE LAWSON (Olive Ostrovsky) is thrilled to return to the TA stage for a dream show! She has a BFA in Theater for Young Audiences with a minor in Directing from Oklahoma City University and is part of the marketing team/creative staff at NTPA. Recent credits: Miss Honey in Matilda, multiple Cabaret shows (Theatre Arlington), Rusty in Footloose, Dorothy in Magical City of Oz, Shy in The BLWT, Maxine in Hooray for Holidays!, The Addams Family and Beauty and the Beast. Special thank you to Micah and Mark for this opportunity to portray her dream role. A huge thank you to my fiancé, family and friends for their constant love and support!

JUDE LAINE LEWIS (Schwarzy) is ecstatic to finally be back in the theater they first began performing in at the age of 8! The last time they were on the TA stage was for Shrek Jr. as Teen Fiona and as Summer in The School of Rock. Other credits include Winnie in Tuck Everlasting at Casa Mañana, Miriam in Dear Ruth with Plaza Theatre and Anne in The Diary of Anne Frank which will resume performances this July at Plaza Theatre Company! They are excitedly preparing to attend Columbia College Chicago for a BA in Musical Theatre in the fall. Enjoy the show everyone!

DARIN MARTIN (Leaf Coneybear) is a graduate of Texas Wesleyan University where he received a BFA in Musical Theatre. His regional credits include Theatre Wesleyan: Rod (Avenue Q), Ernst (Spring Awakening), B Flat (Second Samuel); Casa Mañana: Ensemble (Sweeney Todd); and Theatre Arlington: Ensemble (Sister Act). He would like to thank his friends and family for their immeasurable support.

STEVEN D. MORRIS (Panch) started performing with Theatre Arlington in 1981 and has done over 60 shows here as an actor, director and writer. Steve is thrilled to be the Executive Producer at Theatre Arlington and work with such a great staff and Board of Directors. When Mr. Morris retired after 27 years of being the Director of Theater at Lamar High School, the school’s auditorium was named for him. Steve is very active with his church Unity of Arlington. Steve is blessed by great love in his life from his family, friends, his canine companion Elvis and new feline friend Smokey. Be sure to follow Steve @thefamousmorris on Twitter, although he rarely posts and is not that interesting. “I am happy you are here.”

JAYDEN RUSSELL (Marcy Park) is so excited to be back on the Theatre Arlington stage for the third time. Favorite experiences include St Jimmy in American Idiot, Clea in Black Comedy, Tina in Sister Act, Simon in Jesus Christ Superstar and Colombia in The Rocky Horror Show.

MAXIMILIAN SWENSON (Barfee) is currently attending UT Arlington for his BFA in Performance. He is excited to be working with Theatre Arlington, especially in one of his favorite musicals. His favorite roles include Gomez in The Addams Family, Connor in Good Kid, and Caldwell B. Cladwell in Urinetown. He would like to thank his family, friends and teachers for constantly pushing him to do his best and push through his limits as an actor.

BRETT WARNER (Rona Lisa Peretti) is thrilled to make her Theatre Arlington debut in one of her favorite roles! Most recently, she has appeared at Stage West in First Date (Woman 1), Imprint Theatreworks in MurderBallad (Sara) and Casa Mañana in Grease (Miss Lynch). Other favorite DFW appearances include Seussical (Mayzie LaBird), A Charlie Brown Christmas (Lucy Van Pelt), The Nance (Carmen) and Fellowship! The Musical (Pippin). Love to Todd and the dogs. IG:@thebrettandbutter

GARRETT CAELAN WEIR (Chip Tolentino) is delighted to make his Theatre Arlington debut as a performer! Select regional: World premiere of The Supreme Leader (Dallas Theater Center/dir. Kevin Moriarty), Grease, Clue: On Stage!, Ken Ludwig’s The Gods of Comedy and Urinetown (Okoboji Summer Theater). Garrett is a 2021 graduate of Texas Christian University with his BFA in Acting. Most recently, he was Ren McCormack in Footloose as a guest artist with GraceArts LIVE (Lake Havasu City, AZ). In addition to performing, he discovered a new passion when assistant directing Sister Act at Theatre Arlington. Born and raised in San Diego, Garrett enjoys also working as a private acting and audition coach for young performers and substitute teaching. He is eternally grateful to God, his family and friends, his mentors and the entire Theatre Arlington family for another incredible opportunity! garrettweir.com | IG:
@bombsauce

Meet THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Production Team

MICAH GREEN (Director) is super thrilled you are here to watch these talented humans onstage and even more excited for you to experience this newly renovated theater! Micah is the Fine Arts Coordinator of Theatre & Dance for Arlington ISD, and also serves as the Arlington Independent School District liaison to Theatre Arlington. We are proud of our growing partnership with TA in providing opportunities for students within the arts. As an actor, Micah is no stranger to the Theatre Arlington stage, and will be seen in the next play, Black Comedy, as well as the Christmas show in December. Be sure to get tickets to his July 1st cabaret, Micah Green: It’s Today! Enjoy the show!

MARK MULLINO (Music Director) is a Dallas based director/musical director/pianist/painter. Mark has worked extensively throughout DFW in professional, collegiate and educational theater. He has been on production teams for Garland Summer Musicals, WaterTower Theatre, Uptown Players, Dallas Theatre Center, Firehouse Theatre, Lyric Stage, Theatre Arlington, Flower Mound Performing Arts Theatre and Imprint Theatre. Mark has also taught and/or musical directed at local colleges: Collin College, Richland College, KD Conservatory, University of Texas at Dallas and SMU. Mark’s passion for youth theater has been seen at Junior Players, Our Productions Young Artist Training Program as well as the organization he co-founded, Dallas Young Artists. In addition to theater, Mark has played many cabaret venues throughout DFW and is a painter of musical paintings.

LESLIE JONES (Choreographer) grew up near Dallas, Texas where she started performing at a young age. She graduated from Texas Wesleyan University with a BFA in Musical Theatre. Leslie has performed in theme parks, industrial shows, musicals, plays, videos, concert dance and vocal recordings all over the US. Leslie has won several awards for her contribution to dance education and her commitment to the arts. She currently teaches dance, voice and acting. She is thrilled to be making her debut as a choreographer at Theatre Arlington.

MARIA LEON HICKOX (Stage and Production Manager) is excited to start her first season with Theatre Arlington as the resident stage and production manager. Maria has recently stage-managed Sister Act and The Piano Lesson here at Theatre Arlington. Maria’s recent works have included stage manager for Always Patsy Cline and Greater Tuna with Bright Star Productions, stage manager for Frozen Jr. with Shine Theatre, production manager at Casa Mañana for the 2017-2020 seasons and props designer at Casa Mañana for the 2016 -2017 seasons. Maria would like to thank her friends and family for their support, especially her husband Josh Hickox, who has been an amazing partner in life. Love you!

MICHAEL GREEN (Assistant Stage Manager) Michael is happy to once again be a part of the magic at Theatre Arlington. While he is working behind the scenes of Spelling Bee you may have just seen him as Monsignor O’Hara in Sister Act. Other roles at Theatre Arlington include Senator J.T. Wingwoah in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Roger in Hooray for Holidays. Favorite past shows include The Wedding Singer (Stolen Shakespeare Guild), Perchik in Fiddler on the Roof (WCT) and Asher in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (WCT). Many thanks to the cast, crew and directors of the show!

BRYAN STEVENSON (Set & Lighting Designer) holds a B.F.A. in Theatre from Texas Wesleyan University and an M.F.A. in Design from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. He has designed at many local theatre companies including Fort Worth Shakespeare in the Park, Stage West, Jubilee and Circle. Nationally, Bryan designs for the Boy Scouts of America National Conferences and Shows. Bryan is an active participant in the United Institute of Theatre Technology, where he has served on panels on lighting and scenic design. He is also a member of Stagehands Union, IATSE Local 126.

RYAN SIMÓN (Sound Designer) is a sound designer, composer and playwright from Fort Worth, Texas. He is a recent graduate of Texas Wesleyan University where he earned his BFA in Musical Theatre. Ryan is excited to return to Theatre Arlington after previously designing the sound for Sister Act and The Piano Lesson. He has previously worked as a Sound Designer on Fabulation, Lil & Satchmo and If Pretty Hurts at Jubilee, On the Exhale at Stage West and as Music Director for his original musical Bibliophilia, which premiered at Texas Wesleyan University. Ryan is a member of the Dramatists Guild.

JANICE PENNINGTON (Costume Designer) has loved creating clothing and costumes since childhood. She is a retired teacher who holds a Bachelor of Science degree from TCU and a Master of Liberal Arts degree from ACU. Janice has built costumes for ACU, Lamar High School, TCC and Theatre Arlington. When she isn’t working on costumes, she enjoys gardening, painting and family. She is thankful to Steve Morris for the opportunities to work with the theatre and to her husband, Alton, for his constant support.

ROBIN DOTSON (Properties Designer) is the proud mother of college junior Sydney, who discovered the wonderful world of theater through Theatre Arlington when she was 9 and is now majoring in musical theater! An elementary teacher by day, Robin has worked on props for many TA youth shows, as well as Calendar Girls, Legally Blonde, Footloose, 9 to 5, A Few Good Men, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, A Raisin in the Sun and Sister Act at Theatre Arlington the past few seasons. Enjoy the show!

ANGIE GLOVER (Scenic Artist) is a multi-disciplinary artist working primarily in acrylic paint. She enjoys accurate depictions of her subject matter and telling a story through her images. The joy in helping others express their creativity has resulted in the popular and fun event, Painting Party with Angie! held every month at Theatre Arlington. In 2018, Glover became Resident Scenic Artist at Theatre Arlington creating magical and transformative sets and scenic elements. She has also lent her scenic paint skills to The Gaylord Hotel in Grapevine, Texas, The Fort Worth Opera, Kalita Humphreys Theater in Dallas, OnStage! at Bedford Boys Ranch and The Firehouse Theatre in Farmers Branch. During this time, she was also commissioned to paint a 1/32-inch scale replica of the Hotel Settles that now resides at the Museum of American Railroad in Frisco, Texas. Her canvas paintings and murals have been commissioned from Maryland, Georgia and throughout Texas, most notably her accurate renditions of human and pet portraits. Glover is currently living and working in Hurst, Texas. https://angieglover.myportfolio.com

THE PIANO LESSON CAST

DAVID WENDELL BOYKINS (Wining Boy) has been an actor since 1997. He has performed Off-Broadway, on tour, in film and television. He is excited to be here with you and to work with such a talented ensemble. Thank you!

SEKOU CALHOUN (Avery) began his acting career in his home town of New York City as a spoken word poet. After relocating to Dallas a coworker asked him to audition for a church play and the rest is history. Three years later he has appeared in Greg Ellis’ Juneteenth and Watch Night, and T.B.A.A.L. A Soldier’s Story (Private Smalls). Film/TV credits include: Vindication and Washington’s Armor. Sekou is an Honors graduate from Liberty University and his currently pursuing a M.A. in I/O Psychology. He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and Army.

KEVIN DAVIS JR. (Lymon) is very excited to be in his second show at Theatre Arlington. He was most recently seen as an ensemble member in Sister Act, a featured dancer in Kings Concert, Sam in Southern Boys, Richie in A Chorus Line, Nathan in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Pepper in Mamma Mia and Off-Broadway as Dasher in 911 Knome. Other Credits include Ray in Bubbling Brown Sugar, Fox in The Gifted and in ESPN’s Carter 30 for 30. Kevin knows with God all things are possible! For updates go to www.KevinDavisJr.com

SEAN MASSEY (Boy Willie) would like to thank Theatre Arlington for allowing him to share the stage with the wonderful cast under the brilliant direction of Natalie King.

ALYSSA MELTON (Maretha) Alyssa Melton is a 7th-grade student at the Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts. She is both thrilled and honored to be making her Theatre Arlington debut in The Piano Lesson. In the past, she has enjoyed performing with Dallas Theater Center, Casa Mañana, Plaza Jr., Texas Music Theatre Company, Grand Prairie Arts Council, Upright Theatre Company and Artisan Children’s Theatre. She would love to thank her family, friends and mentor for supporting her in her passion for theater.

SHAUNDRA NORWOOD (Bernice) is excited to be blessed with the grand opportunity to work with a group of talented, fun and awesome humans! This is Shaundra’s second show with Theatre Arlington! August Wilson is her favorite playwright, his words are ever relevant. Her experience is extensive but that does not diminish her humility and gratitude. She thanks Calvin for encouraging her and her family for their support. “Without God I am nothing!” – Thank you.

JAYDEN RUSSELL (Grace) is so excited to be back on the Theatre Arlington stage after taking DFW audiences to Heaven in Sister Act! Favorite experiences include St. Jimmy in American Idiot, Holly/Delores in Prime Time For Murder!, Clea in Black Comedy, Claire in Six Flags Over Texas’ 2017 & 2018 production of Arania’s Nightmare as well as the Bride of Frankenstein in the 2021 Fright Fest show, Love at First Fright, Simon in Jesus Christ Superstar and Colombia in The Rocky Horror Show.

JERROLD TRICE (Doaker) comes to us as a native of Rock Island, Illinois, where he was born and raised. He’s accomplished a great deal in the realm of theater, yet he is still motivated by ambition and a desire to learn and improve as an artist. He is currently writing plays and developing a theatre company that tours children’s shows. The Piano Lesson is his first production here at Theatre Arlington and it is one of his favorite works. He was previously featured in Soul Rep’s production of Bourbon at the Border; he played Slow Drag in Jubilee’s productions of August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom; you may also have seen him in A Lesson Before Dying on stage with African American Repertory Theatre and in Playwright’s in the Newsroom – an original work that premiered at Dallas Theatre Center’s Wyly Theatre. Jerrold considers his role as Tico in (a Cara Mia production) a great example of his exploration into diversity as an actor. He received training at Illinois State University where he earned a BFA in acting, and from there, took his theatrical talents to stages in Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis and San Antonio, just to name a few. He is extremely grateful to Director Natalie King, cast, crew and the staff at Theatre Arlington for this opportunity.

THE PIANO LESSON PRODUCTION TEAM

NATALIE KING (Director) is an accomplished actor, director, and educator here in the Dallas-Ft Worth area. She is excited to be directing her first show for Theatre Arlington. After beginning her career as an actor/director, King fell in love with the art of storytelling. She created a performance company called Universal Connection which focused on the children’s stories of African descendants throughout the diaspora. The troupe toured and taught in dozens of elementary schools in the Dallas and Mesquite area. Her gift for storytelling was noticed by a casting director at Walt Disney World and King became the first African American Storytelling character at Walt Disney World in Florida and one of the few performers of color as they experimented with the programming for Walt Disney World’s newest park, the Animal Kingdom. After several months as a Storyteller, King was asked to create a storytelling show to be performed exclusively for Walt Disney World’s American Express Gold Club Members. King returned to Dallas to begin a journey into the field of arts education. She became the theater director at South Oak Cliff High School and is now the theater director at Skyline High School. King never stopped performing and directing professionally, even while running a high school theater program. King believes that there is no better way to speak your truth than the theater and feels blessed to do what she loves. King’s professional directing credits include The Glass Menagerie–Circle Theatre, A Raisin in the Sun–WaterTower Theatre, History Lesson–Deep Ellum Theatre, Universal Connection–Tour, Soweto in ‘76–South Dallas Cultural Center, Sideshow–Deep Ellum Theatre, My Castle’s Rockin’–The Story of Alberta Hunter– Circle Theatre, Sunny South–Soul Rep. Her non-professional credits include, Shipwrecked! An Entertainment, The Pillowman, Sister Act: A Divine Musical, The Story, The Wiz, Insurrection: Holding History, Neighborhood 3: Requisition Of Doom, Little Shop of Horrors, Mudtracks, Joe Turner’s Come And Gone, Reckless, Ruined, Five Women Wearing The Same Dress and Grease. Natalie would like to thank her family and friends for their support.

MARIA LEON HICKOX (Stage and Production Manager) is excited to start her first season with Theatre Arlington as the resident stage and production manager. Maria’s recent works have included stage manager for Always Patsy Cline and Greater Tuna with Bright Star Productions; stage manager for Frozen Jr. with Shine Theatre; production manager at Casa Mañana for the 2017-2020 seasons. Props designer at Casa Mañana for the 2016 -2017 seasons. Maria would like to thank her friends and family for their support, especially her husband Josh Hickox, who has been a never-ending pillar of support and love in all her endeavors.

VICTORIA ESQUIBELL (Assistant Stage Manager) is very excited to be a part of her first show at Theatre Arlington! She has previously served as a Stage Manager at Creede Repertory Theatre, Great River Shakespeare Festival and Oklahoma City Ballet. Congratulations to the cast and crew of The Piano Lesson!

BRYAN STEVENSON (Set & Lighting Designer) holds a B.F.A. in Theatre from Texas Wesleyan University and an M.F.A. in Design from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. He has designed at many local theatre companies including Fort Worth Shakespeare in the Park, Stage West, Jubilee and Circle. Nationally, Bryan designs for the Boy Scouts of America National Conferences and Shows. Bryan is an active participant in the United Institute of Theatre Technology, where he has served on panels on lighting and scenic design. He is also a member of Stagehands Union, IATSE Local 126.

RYAN SIMÓN (Sound Designer) is a sound designer, composer and playwright from Fort Worth, Texas. He is a recent graduate of Texas Wesleyan University where he earned his BFA in Musical Theatre. Ryan is excited to return to Theatre Arlington after previously working as Assistant Music Director/Board Op for Hooray for Holidays. He has previously worked as a Sound Designer on War Words and On the Exhale at Stage West, Fabulation and Lil & Satchmo at Jubilee, and as a Music Director on his original musical Bibliophilia, which premiered at Texas Wesleyan in March of 2021. Ryan is a member of the Dramatist Guild.

DIANA STORY (Costume Designer) enjoyed her first professional costuming job in 1984 creating the costumes for Steve Morris’ Alice in Wonderland at Theatre Arlington. Many years of theater creativity have happened since that time, including an undergraduate and graduate degree in theater, design and costume work for many of DFW’s community and professional theaters, TV /film work and construction for professional costume shops in the area. But the most cherished part of her career was as a high school theater teacher alongside the aforementioned Mr. Morris. She now lives in Houston with her beloved husband and is excited to be asked back to work with this new crop of Theatre Arlington artists.

JANICE PENNINGTON (Costume Design Assistant) has loved creating clothing and costumes since childhood. She is a retired teacher who holds a Bachelor of Science degree from TCU and a Master of Liberal Arts degree from ACU. Janice has built costumes for ACU, Lamar High School, TCC and Theatre Arlington. When she isn’t working on costumes, she enjoys gardening, painting and family. She is thankful to Steve Morris for the opportunities to work with the theatre and to her husband, Alton, for his constant support.

ROBIN DOTSON (Properties Designer) is the proud mother of college junior Sydney, who discovered the wonderful world of theater through Theatre Arlington when she was 9 and is now majoring in musical theater! An elementary teacher by day, Robin has worked on props for many T.A. youth shows, as well as Calendar Girls, Legally Blonde, Footloose, 9 to 5, A Few Good Men, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and A Raisin in the Sun at Theatre Arlington the past few seasons. Enjoy the show!

ANGIE GLOVER (Scenic Artist) is a multi-disciplinary artist working primarily in acrylic paint. She enjoys accurate depictions of her subject matter and telling a story through her images. The joy in helping others express their creativity has resulted in the popular and fun event, Painting Party with Angie! held every month at Theatre Arlington. In 2018, Glover became Resident Scenic Artist at Theatre Arlington creating magical and transformative sets and scenic elements. She has also lent her scenic paint skills to The Gaylord Hotel in Grapevine, Texas, The Fort Worth Opera, Kalita Humphreys Theater in Dallas, OnStage! at Bedford Boys Ranch and The Firehouse Theatre in Farmers Branch. During this time, she was also commissioned to paint a 1/32-inch scale replica of the Hotel Settles that now resides at the Museum of American Railroad in Frisco, Texas. Her canvas paintings and murals have been commissioned from Maryland, Georgia and throughout Texas, most notably her accurate renditions of human and pet portraits. Glover is currently living and working in Hurst, Texas. https://angieglover.myportfolio.com

SISTER ACT Cast

LANDRY BECKLEY (T.J.) is honored to make another appearance at Theatre Arlington. He was last seen here in Cocktails & Kisses, Songs of Praise, Spooky Cabaret and Comedy Tonight. His recent credits include Scarred 4 Life by David Moore, Romeo & Juliet (Paris), Godspell (Jesus) and The Seagull (Medvedenko). Landry would like to thank the people who made this opportunity happen and the loved ones who supported him throughout the duration of performing. Yuk! Yuk! Good Show!

BECCA BROWN (Ensemble) is delighted to be back at TA, having last appeared as Betty Haynes in White Christmas. She teaches dance and musical theatre at Miss Persis Studio, where she is also a proud alumnus/teacher for their non-profit dance company, Dance Theatre of Arlington. Becca received her B.S. in Theatre from NSULA, and recently completed the conservatory program with Circle in the Square Theatre in NYC. Favorite roles include Gina, Who Will Carry the Word (CITS); Ado Annie, Oklahoma (SSG); Sally Chessington, Cash on Delivery (TA); Gloria Thorpe, Damn Yankees, under the direction of the one and only, Steven D. Morris—whom we are all incredibly lucky to have leading TA! Love and thanks to Mama, Bubba, Julia and the Persii. For Daddy.

DEBORAH BROWN (Mother Superior) is thrilled to return to Theatre Arlington, where she most recently appeared in Ripcord. She’s also happy to be “back in the habit,” having played many nuns previously. In the last several decades, she has performed at many DFW theatres, including the
Granbury Opera House, Fort Worth Theater, Bass Performance Hall, Stage West, WaterTower Theatre, Dallas Theater Center and Casa Mañana (where she also spent 15 years as a Resident Company Member). Her most recent appearances include Beauty & the Beast at Dallas Children’s Theater, Man of La Mancha at Lyric Stage and The Kringle Village Holiday Hoedown at Arlington’s Knapp Heritage Park. She is a recipient of the Live Theatre League of Fort Worth’s Lifetime Achievement Award, is a long-time member of Actors’ Equity Association, and is a summa cum laude graduate from Texas Wesleyan University. Thanks to Theatre Arlington and Steve Morris for all their efforts to bring live theater back!

KEN’JA L. BROWN (Sister Mary Lazarus) is an actress, singer, writer, director, online radio personality and all-around creative. She is elated to be making another appearance on Theatre Arlington’s stage. Winner of 2 illustrious Irma P. Hall awards, Ken’ja is no stranger to the stages across the DFW area. (Bishop Arts, Jubilee Theatre, Soul Rep, African American Rep, Urban Arts Theatre Center and more). The film industry has recently accepted her talents in front of the camera. Born and raised a native of Chicago, Ken’ja has made Texas her second home. Being on stage for me is one of the greatest joys I’ve had the opportunity to experience, and OPPORTUNITY keeps spreading her wings. I thank God, my mom (RIH), my boys and my partner for their love and support that has gotten me to this point.” Dream bigger and keep moving forward in your PURPOSE!

OLIVIA CARTWRIGHT (Ensemble) is so excited to be making her Theatre Arlington debut! She is a graduate of Texas Christian University where she received her BFA in theatre with a musical theatre emphasis and is currently pursuing her Master of Higher Education Leadership degree (Go Frogs!). Some past credits include On the Town (Hildy), Bare (Nadia McConnell) and Into the Woods (Baker’s Wife). A special thanks to her amazing friends and family for all the support!

TIM CRABB (Ernie/Ensemble) is no stranger to Theatre Arlington, marching as an ensemble Marine in A Few Good Men. You might have seen him as Bob in Bob: A Life in Five Acts (Theatre off the Square) or in various commercial work (if you watch daytime TV.) He is an alumnus of Texas Wesleyan, a student of The Extra Mile Working Actors Workshop, an avid hunter and a punk rocker. Please enjoy the show, lose yourself in the music, and take a moment to bask in the soul of live theater. Thank you, as always, for your time and attention.

KEVIN DAVIS JR. (Ensemble) is very excited to be making his Theatre Arlington debut! He was most recently seen as a featured dancer in Kings Concert, Sam in Southern Boys, Richie in A Chorus Line, Nathan in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Pepper in Mamma Mia and Off-Broadway as Dasher in 911 Knome. Other Credits include Ray in Bubbling Brown Sugar, Fox in The Gifted and in ESPN’s Carter 30 for 30. Kevin knows with God all things are possible! For updates go to www.KevinDavisJr.com

MATTIE LILLIAN DAVIS (Ensemble) is thrilled to be part of Sister Act at Theatre Arlington. A few other recent roles she has taken on include Lila Dixon in Holiday Inn (Stolen Shakespeare Guild), Sarah Stone in No Way to Treat a Lady (Onstage in Bedford) in which she also choreographed and as a featured dance ensemble in The Cuban and the Redhead (Pegasus Theatre). Additionally, Mattie was set to play Lola in Damn Yankees at Theatre Arlington prior to the covid shutdown. A few of Mattie’s other artistic credits include Anything Goes (choreographer) at Covenant Christian Academy, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at The Acting Studio (director/choreographer) and Into the Woods at HITS Theatre (assistant director/ choreographer). Mattie holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from TCU and is currently pursuing a Master’s in both Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. You can see Mattie in Theatre Arlington’s upcoming Comedy Club or hear her new single “Wonderboy” available on music streaming services. Psalm 23.

NATASSIA DOMINIQUE (Michelle/Ensemble) is an actor, singer and creative based in Dallas. She is thrilled to be making her Theatre Arlington debut! Past credits include Once on This Island (Firehouse), Aida (Firehouse), The Drowsy Chaperone (Collin College), Seussical and Shrek (Dallas Young Artists). Natassia would like to thank all her friends and family for their unyielding support. IG: natassiadominique

MYIESHA J. DUFF (Deloris Van Cartier) is excited to make her Theatre Arlington debut in Sister Act as Deloris Van Cartier! She has performed in several other productions such as Elf, Black Nativity, Memphis, Cuban and the Redhead, The Color Purple, Little Shop of Horrors and Ain’t Misbehavin’. She is married and a mother of three. Myiesha enjoys showing her children that their gifts will make room for them, just as her gift has made room for her!

MICHAEL GREEN (Monsignor O’Hara) is excited to return to the Theatre Arlington Stage and to be a part of the first show in the amazing new space! This is his third show with Theatre Arlington having previously been seen as Senator JT Wingwoah in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Roger in Hooray for Holidays. Favorite past shows include The Wedding Singer (Stolen Shakespeare Guild), Perchik in Fiddler on the Roof (WCT) and Asher in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (WCT). Many thanks to the cast, crew, directors of the show and to all his friends and family for their love and support!

PAYTON HARTWICK (Sister Mary Patrick) is making her Theatre Arlington debut in Sister Act. Her recent performance credits include Sunshine Arden in Forbidden Frontier at Cedar Point and Cool Yule Christmas with RWS Entertainment. She also toured through the US and Canada with Missoula Children’s Theatre as PT Wonder in Jack and the Beanstalk. Payton Graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Musical Theatre from Northwestern State University of Louisiana in 2019 with credits including Into the Woods, Spring Awakening, Young Frankenstein and Honky Tonk Angels.

CAITLIN MARTELLE (Sister Mary Martin of Tours) is very excited to be appearing on the Theatre Arlington stage for the first time. Caitlin holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Musical Theatre from the University of Central Oklahoma. Recent roles include Jerusha Abbott in Daddy Long Legs at The Firehouse Theatre and Val in A Chorus Line at Mainstage Irving-Las Colinas. Much love and thanks to her friends and family for all their support and love. Special thanks to my husband, Preston: “I love you so much. Thank you for being the best partner on the stage and off!”

ALEX KOCH (Joey) is a tenor from Dallas, Texas, and is a recent graduate of Texas Christian University. This is Alex’s first production with Theatre Arlington, and he is excited to perform in one of his favorite musicals! Credits include The Island of Tulipitan, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and The Fantasticks at venues such as Seagle Music Festival, Opera in the Ozarks and Marjorie Lyons Playhouse. Koch’s TCU credits include Midsummer Night Dream, Falstaff, Service Provider, The Island of Tulipitan, Italian Straw Hat and Yeltsin in Texas, just to name a few. (Yeltsin being his favorite performance experience to date!) Alex is excited to perform this summer with Utah Festival Opera as Arpad in She Loves Me, as well as a principal lead in two other shows.

AARON LEDAY (Eddie) was raised in Winnie, TX. Upon completing his military service in the United States Marine Corps, Aaron continued to follow his passion as an actor earning his Associate of Theatre Arts degree from Tarrant County College in 2018 and is currently enrolled at Texas Wesleyan University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the same field. This will be Aaron’s third production with Theatre Arlington, previously taking on the role of Mara in Miracle On 34th Street and Kendrick in A Few Good Men. Recent productions, in which Aaron had noteworthy roles, include Neil Simon’s The Female Odd Couple (Manolo), Table Manners (Reg), Alice in Wonderland (Tweedle Dee), All My Sons (Joe Keller), Lost In Yonkers (Uncle Louie), Grease (Danny Zuko), The Water Engine (Lawrence Oberman) and Hamlet (Claudius.) “Thank you all for sharing your time with us and allowing us the opportunity to do what we love to do. As a fan and practitioner of the arts, there is no greater commendation.”

DARIN MARTIN (Ensemble) is excited to make his Theatre Arlington debut in Sister Act. He is a recent graduate of Texas Wesleyan University where he got his BFA in Musical Theatre. Regional credits include Genesis Children’s Theatre: Tyler (Boy on Billboard), Casa Mañana: Ensemble (Sweeney Todd), Theatre Wesleyan: Rod (Avenue Q), Ernst (Spring Awakening), B Flat (Second Samuel). He would like to thank his family and friends for their immeasurable support.

JOSHUA NERIO (Ensemble) will be making his Theatre Arlington debut. He is a third-year junior at the University of Texas at Arlington where he is pursuing his BA degree in Theatre Arts. He would like to thank his friends and family for their never- ending support.

TARA PARK (Sister Mary Robert) is beyond thrilled to be making her Theatre Arlington debut! Most recently she was in The Firehouse Theatre’s production of Legally Blonde (Pilar). Tara has been slowly making her way into the Dallas theatre community since 2017 and she is so grateful for all the support along the way. She would like to thank her friends and family for their unconditional love. @tarampark

CATHY PRITCHETT (Sister Mary Theresa) has previously performed in 15 Theatre Arlington shows and has worked behind the scenes on 35. She considers TA to be her “home-away-from-home” and could not be happier to be back!! Cathy received a Bachelor of Music/Education degree from U.T Arlington and a Master of Educational Administration degree from Texas A&M University. She recently retired from Texas A&M after working in higher education for over 30 years. She is grateful for the opportunity to “play” once again with the TA family and to be part of this wonderful production!! She would like to thank her incredible family and friends for their awesome love and support!!

JAYDEN RUSSELL (Tina/Ensemble) is so excited to be making their Theatre Arlington debut. Additional favorite past experiences include St. Jimmy in Lakeside Community Theater’s American Idiot, Holly/Delores in Pegasus Theater’s Prime Time for Murder!, Pilar in GPAC’s Legally Blonde, Claire in Six Flags Over Texas’ 2017 & 2018 production of Arania’s Nightmare as well as the Bride of Frankenstein in the 2021 Fright Fest show, Love at First Fright and Colombia in Brookhaven College’s The Rocky Horror Show.

ALFREDO TAMAYO (Pablo) is super excited to be in another show at Theatre Arlington! This will be his second show here and he was previously seen in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. He is excited for everyone in the cast to bring this amazing show to life! He hopes the audience enjoys the show as we are now able to create ART again!

DWIGHT TAYLOR (Curtis) is enamored to be making his Theatre Arlington debut in Sister Act! Other credits include Sparky (Forever Plaid), Mitch Mahoney (The 25th annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) and Bobby Dupree (Memphis). Dwight would like to thank all family and friends for their continuous support!

SISTER ACT Band

REX BOZARTH (Bass), a native of Houston, Texas, received his bachelor’s degree in Music Education and a master’s degree in Music Performance at the University of North Texas in Denton. His performing career covers musical theater, classical, rock and jazz genres. Musical productions include DTC’s Les Mis, Giant, Fly and many regional and national tours at Bass Hall. As a member of the FW Symphony Orchestra, he played electric and acoustic bass for such celebrities as Bob Hope, Ray Charles, Chuck Berry and PDQ Bach. His performances with the Dallas Opera include the inaugural concert for the Winspear Opera House and the world premiere of Jake Heggie’s Moby Dick. For the past 20 years, he has served as house bassist at Casa Mañana Theater in Fort Worth.

BRENT DACUS (Drums) has provided his drum set skills for 45 years to over 80 musical productions. Brent traveled throughout the U.S. for over 25 years with various artists, including Reba McEntire, Betty Buckley and Lacy J. Dalton. He is currently freelancing, adding his drumming talents to popular local bands like Trey and the Tritones. Brent does extensive studio recording and can frequently be found in the orchestra pit at Casa Mañana.

ELAINE DAVIDSON (Music Director / Conductor / Pianist / Composer) has served as conductor-music director, AMD and/or keyboards for the national tours of Phantom of the Opera, Wizard of Oz, Catch Me If You Can, Mamma Mia!, Sound of Music-China, Grease, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Evita, Cats, Bombay Dreams and Jesus Christ Superstar with Carl Anderson. A native Texan, she also performed with the national tours of Mamma Mia!, Legally Blonde, Grease, Fosse, The King and I, Evita and Big River. She has served as music director for Godspell, Washington D.C., Forever Plaid, Norfolk, VA, tlantic City, NJ, St. Cloud, MN and for My Way, Birmingham, Alabama with creator David Grapes. In the DFW area, she has served as music director with Casa Manana, Dallas Summer Musicals, Addison WaterTower Theatre, Theatre Arlington, Garland Summer Musicals and Plano Rep. She has worked with directors Cameron Mackintosh, Hal Prince, Dan Knechtges, Jeffrey Seller, Baayork Lee and Joel Ferrell; with horeographers Andy Blankenbuehler, Larry Fuller, Richard Stafford; with composers Marc Shaiman, Claibe Richardson and Danny Goggin; with music directors Larry Blank, Alex Lacamoire, Kim Grigsby, Eugene Gwozdz; performers Donna McKechnie, Cyd Charisse, JoAnne Worley, Norm Lewis, Carl Anderson, Georgia Engel, Patti Murin, Andrew Rannells and Cathy Rigby.

SISTER ACT Production Team

STEVEN D. MORRIS (Director) started performing with Theatre Arlington in 1981 and has done over 60 shows here as an actor, director and writer. Steve is thrilled to be the Executive Producer at Theatre Arlington and work with such a great staff and board of directors. When Mr. Morris retired after 27 years of being the Director of Theatre at Lamar High School, the school’s auditorium was named for him. Steve is very active with his church Unity of Arlington. Steve is blessed by great love in his life from his family, friends, his canine companion Elvis and new feline friend Smokey. Be sure to follow Steve @thefamousmorris on Twitter, although he rarely posts and is not that interesting. “I am happy you are here.”

ELAINE DAVIDSON (Music Director / Conductor / Pianist / Composer) has served as conductor-music director, AMD and/or keyboards for the national tours of Phantom of the Opera, Wizard of Oz, Catch Me If You Can, Mamma Mia!, Sound of Music-China, Grease, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Evita, Cats, Bombay Dreams and Jesus Christ Superstar with Carl Anderson. A native Texan, she also performed with the national tours of Mamma Mia!, Legally Blonde, Grease, Fosse, The King and I, Evita and Big River. She has served as music director for Godspell, Washington D.C., Forever Plaid, Norfolk, VA, Atlantic City, NJ, St. Cloud, MN and for My Way, Birmingham, Alabama with creator David Grapes. In the DFW area, she has served as music director with Casa Manana, Dallas Summer Musicals, Addison WaterTower Theatre, Theatre Arlington, Garland Summer Musicals and Plano Rep. She has worked with directors Cameron Mackintosh, Hal Prince, Dan Knechtges, Jeffrey Seller, Baayork Lee and Joel Ferrell; with choreographers Andy Blankenbuehler, Larry Fuller, Richard Stafford; with composers Marc Shaiman, Claibe Richardson and Danny Goggin; with music directors Larry Blank, Alex Lacamoire, Kim Grigsby, Eugene Gwozdz; performers Donna McKechnie, Cyd Charisse, Jo Anne Worley, Norm Lewis, Carl Anderson, Georgia Engel, Patti Murin, Andrew Rannells and Cathy Rigby.

NICOLE JAMIE CARRANO (Choreographer) is thrilled to be a part of the Sister Act team! 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

MARIA LEON HICKOX (Stage and Production Manager) is excited to start her first season with Theatre Arlington as the resident stage and production manager. Maria’s recent works have included stage manager for Always Patsy Cline and Greater Tuna with Bright Star Productions; stage manager for Frozen Jr. with Shine Theatre; production manager at Casa Mañana for the 2017-2020 seasons. Props designer at Casa Mañana for the 2016 -2017 seasons. Maria would like to thank her friends and family for their support, especially her husband Josh Hickox, who has been a never-ending pillar of support and love in all her endeavors.

REBECCA RICKEY (Assistant Stage Manager) is excited to be back at Theatre Arlington where she was stage manager for The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and 9 to 5: The Musical. She is a proud recipient of a Stony Award for Stage Management for TA’s productions of Blithe Spirit and A Few Good Men. Becky received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre from Oklahoma City University and worked on the technical staff at Oklahoma’s Lyric Theatre. Retired from the “corporate world,” Becky has much more free time to live the dreams life has to offer such as doing community service, theatrical productions and traveling with Dian, her beloved partner in life. Becky wants to thank Steven D. Morris and Theatre Arlington for the opportunity to contribute to this production. And oh; let’s all be kind to one another. It will change the world.

GARRETT CAELAN WEIR (Assistant Director) is honored to make his professional directing debut with Theatre Arlington! Select regional credits: World premiere of The Supreme Leader (Dallas Theater Center/dir. Kevin Moriarty); Grease, Clue: On Stage!, Ken Ludwig’s The Gods of Comedy, and Urinetown (Okoboji Summer Theater). A 2021 graduate of Texas Christian University with his BFA in Acting, notable Theatre TCU credits include 42nd Street, Pericles, Children of Eden, Batboy and A Streetcar Named Desire. Born and raised in San Diego, Garrett is also passionate about directing, screen acting, music production and relaxing at the beach. He is eternally grateful to God, his family and friends, his mentors and Theatre Arlington for this opportunity. “Thank you for taking me under your wing, Steve!” garrettweir.com | IG: @bombsauce

BRYAN STEVENSON (Set & Lighting Designer) holds a B.F.A. in Theatre from Texas Wesleyan University and an M.F.A. in Design from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. He has designed at many local theatre companies including Fort Worth Shakespeare in the Park, Stage West, Jubilee and Circle. Nationally, Bryan designs for the Boy Scouts of America National Conferences and Shows. Bryan is an active participant in the United Institute of Theatre Technology, where he has served on panels on lighting and scenic design. He is also a member of Stagehands Union, IATSE Local 126.

RYAN SIMÓN (Sound Designer) is a sound designer, composer and playwright from Fort Worth, Texas. He is a recent graduate of Texas Wesleyan University where he earned his BFA in Musical Theatre. Ryan is excited to return to Theatre Arlington after previously working as Assistant Music Director/Board Op for Hooray for Holidays. He has previously worked as a Sound Designer on War Words and On the Exhale at Stage West, Fabulation and Lil & Satchmo at Jubilee, and as a Music Director on his original musical Bibliophilia, which premiered at Texas Wesleyan in March of 2021. Ryan is a member of the Dramatist Guild.

ROBIN DOTSON (Properties Designer) is the proud mother of college junior Sydney, who discovered the wonderful world of theater through Theatre Arlington when she was 9 and is now majoring in musical theater! An elementary teacher by day, Robin has worked on props for many T.A. youth shows, as well as Calendar Girls, Legally Blonde, Footloose, 9 to 5, A Few Good Men, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and A Raisin in the Sun at Theatre Arlington the past few seasons. Enjoy the show!

KAREN POTTER (Costume Designer) Karen’s work has been seen in various theatres and film festivals across the country. She is a designer for theatre, opera, film and television. She currently works as an Assistant Professor for Texas Wesleyan University. She worked for the California Institute of the Arts as a costume shop manager and adjunct faculty. She lives with her two children and husband in Fort Worth, Texas and works throughout the country and in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.

ANGIE GLOVER (Scenic Artist) is a multi-disciplinary artist working primarily in acrylic paint. She enjoys accurate depictions of her subject matter and telling a story through her images. The joy in helping others express their creativity has resulted in the popular and fun event, Painting Party with Angie! held every month at Theatre Arlington. In 2018, Glover became Resident Scenic Artist at Theatre Arlington creating magical and transformative sets and scenic elements. She has also lent her scenic paint skills to The Gaylord Hotel in Grapevine, Texas, The Fort Worth Opera, Kalita Humphreys Theater in Dallas, OnStage! at Bedford Boys Ranch and The Firehouse Theatre in Farmers Branch. During this time, she was also commissioned to paint a 1/32-inch scale replica of the Hotel Settles that now resides at the Museum of American Railroad in Frisco, Texas. Her canvas paintings and murals have been commissioned from Maryland, Georgia and throughout Texas, most notably her accurate renditions of human and pet portraits. Glover is currently living and working in Hurst, Texas. https://angieglover.myportfolio.com

Tyler Thompson

Tyler Thompson is a graduate of The University of Oklahoma where she received a BFA in drama. She had the amazing opportunity of spending her final semester of college in Chicago after being accepted into The Second City’s Comedy Studies program. She is a graduate of The Second City of Chicago’s Conservatory Program as well as The iO Theater Improv Program where she performed with the Harold Team Interrobang. Tyler has studied clowning under Paola Coletto, performed at Chicago Sketchfest, Donny’s Skybox at The Second City, The Women’s Funny Festival, The Del Close Marathon, and is a graduate of Four Day Weekend in DFW. Tyler loves being a teaching artist at Theatre Arlington and encourages everyone to support the arts and arts education.

WHY THEATRE ARLINGTON?

TA Holiday Party CREW

STEVEN D. MORRIS (Director) started performing with Theatre Arlington in 1981 and has done over 60 shows here as an actor, director and writer. Steve is thrilled to be the Executive Producer at Theatre Arlington and working with such a great staff and Board of Directors. When Mr. Morris retired after 27 years of being the Director of Theatre at Lamar High School the school’s auditorium was named for him. Steve is very active with his church Unity of Arlington. Steve is blessed by great love in his life from his family, friends and his canine companions Elvis and Reba. Be sure to follow Steve on Twitter, although he rarely posts and is not that interesting.

ZACK WILSON (Stage Manager) is in his first season with Theatre Arlington. He has recently worked on the Cabaret Series in August while attending UTA pursuing a theater design and technology degree. He is a graduate of Lamar High School where he was in Blue Curtain for 3 years and worked on every show. He wants to thank his family and girlfriend for allowing him to spend so much time up in the booth clicking buttons and Steve for giving him the chance to work here.

BILL EICKENLOFF (Sound Designer) is an adjunct professor and the resident Sound Designer at TCU’s Theatre Department in Fort Worth, as well as the resident Sound Designer for Theatre Arlington. He also works for Casa Mañana, Lyric Stage, Mainstage Irving Las Colinas, Brick Road Theatre, Wishing Star Productions, Prism Theatrics and the Trinity Shakespeare Festival. He is a proud graduate of Texas A&M University. See his complete bio at www.linkedin.com.

TAYLOR LOVE (Sound Board Operator) is currently a senior at Pantego Christian Academy. He is new to Theatre Arlington serving as a part of the tech crew. Taylor has been the student technical director for Pantego for the last two years. He has been the lighting and sound director for the majority of the recent productions and shows at Pantego including Act One, Big Fish, Rise of Robin Hood and Chapels.

COMEDY TONIGHT! Cast

LANDRY BECKLEY is honored to make his Theatre Arlington Debut. Landry has been seen locally in the DFW Metroplex at Six Flags Over Texas as the Witchdoctor from Arania’s Nightmare and Vocalist in Country Young Gunz. Landry’s recent roles include: Paris in Romeo & Juliet, Jesus in Godspell, and Medvedenko in The Seagull. Landry would like to thank the people that granted him this opportunity and to those who have supported him every step of the way. Yuk! Yuk! Good Show!

DONOVAN MARIE LAWSON grew up on the TA stage as a youth in various shows and continues to love performing on this stage as an adult. Donovan is a graduate of Oklahoma City University where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre for Young Audiences with a Directing minor. She started performing at a young age at Miss Persis Studio, around DFW, and working in many children’s theatres. Donovan is the Marketing Associate and a part of the Creative Staff at North Texas Performing Arts. Credits: Rusty in Footloose (Theatre Arlington), Dorothy in Magical City of Oz (Theatre Arlington), Shy in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Theatre Arlington), Kathy in 9to5 (Theatre Arlington), Maxine in Hooray for Holidays! (Theatre Arlington), Broadway in the Burbs (NTPA Repertory), Beauty and the Beast (NTPA Repertory), The Addams Family (NTPA Repertory). Thank you to my family and friends for their constant love and support! Here to make you proud – to infinity and beyond, my angel Tevin.

STEVEN D.MORRIS Steve started performing with Theatre Arlington in 1981 and has done over 70 shows here as an actor, director and writer. Steve is thrilled to be the Executive Producer at Theatre Arlington and working with such a great staff and Board of Directors. Steve received his Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Speech and Theatre) from UTA and Master of Arts (Theatre) from the University of Houston. Most recently Steve acquired his Non-Profit Management Certification. Steve was the Director of Theatre at Lamar High School for 27 years and when he retired the school’s auditorium was named for him. While at Lamar Steve directed over 125 shows and received numerous awards and recognition for himself and his students including Teacher of the Year. Steve is very active with his church Unity of Arlington. He is a Platform Leader and has led a small group for several years. Community service has been important to Steve for most of his adult life. He has prepared and served dinner to the residents of Samaritan House (homeless people living with HIV) once a month for 20 years. He has also volunteered with Arlington Animal Services and The Arlington Life Shelter. Steve is blessed by great love in his life from his family, friends and his canine companions Elvis and Reba. Be sure to follow Steve on twitter, although he rarely posts and is not that interesting @thefamousmorris.

DIANE POWELL dedicates her performance to her parents, Don and Terry Powell. She also thanks Donna for her continued support.

COMEDY TONIGHT! Crew

STEVEN D. MORRIS (Director) started performing with Theatre Arlington in 1981 and has done over 60 shows here as an actor, director and writer. Steve is thrilled to be the Executive Producer at Theatre Arlington and working with such a great staff and Board of Directors. When Mr. Morris retired after 27 years of being the Director of Theatre at Lamar High School the school’s auditorium was named for him. Steve is very active with his church Unity of Arlington. Steve is blessed by great love in his life from his family, friends and his canine companions Elvis and Reba. Be sure to follow Steve on Twitter, although he rarely posts and is not that interesting.

JESSE FRY (Music Director/Pianist) is a native of Findlay, OH but has been a Texan since 2003. He has been involved with roughly 60 different productions at Regional and Community Theatres across DFW as keyboardist and/or music director. Last year’s highlights for him were The Drowsy Chaperone (Firehouse), The Producers (Casa), Annie (Casa), As You Like It (DTC), In the Heights (DTC), and the national tour of Miss Saigon (Bass Hall). Jesse is also the owner of the Music Institute at Carrollton Square, www.micsquare.com, and the co-founder of Trekorda, The Collaborative Musician’s Network, www.trekorda.com. He and his wife Emily, who is a middle school choir director, live in Carrollton and have two children Molly (10) and Max (6). This is his first opportunity to work with Theatre Arlington and he is excited and grateful to be a part of this production!

AMANDA BUENO (Stage Manager) is thrilled to be working in her first production at Theatre Arlington! Her previous credits include Dark of the Moon, Anything Goes, Alice in Wonderland, and Godspell. She would like to thank her mom for her constant support and for encouraging her to get back into the theatre as well her entire family and friends for their love and support.

TAYLOR LOVE (Sound Board Operator) is currently a senior at Pantego Christian Academy. He is new to Theatre Arlington serving as a part of the tech crew. Taylor has been the student technical director for Pantego for the last two years. He has been the lighting and sound director for the majority of the recent productions and shows at Pantego including Act One, Big Fish, Rise of Robin Hood and Chapels.

ZACK WILSON (Light Board Operator) is in his first season with Theatre Arlington. He has recently worked on the Cabaret Series in August while attending UTA pursuing a theater design and technology degree. He is a graduate of Lamar High School where he was in Blue Curtain for 3 years and worked on every show. He wants to thank his family and girlfriend for allowing him to spend so much time up in the booth clicking buttons and Steve for giving him the chance to work here.

TA Holiday Party CAST

MICAH GREEN hopes you are having a wonderful holiday season! Feel free to say hi after the show.

LESLIE HOPTON-JONES grew up near Dallas, Texas where she started performing at a young age. She graduated from Texas Wesleyan University with a BFA in Musical Theatre where she played the role of Eva Peron in Evita. Leslie has performed in theme parks, industrial shows, musicals, plays, videos, and vocal recordings all over the US. She Currently teaches dance, voice and acting.

LORI WOODS BLONDIN was last seen on the Theatre Arlington stage as Sonia Walsk in They’re Playing our Song in addition to Paulette in Legally Blonde and Adelaide in Guys and Dolls. She has been the head of the dance program and Lamar High School in Arlington for twenty years after growing up dancing at Miss Persis Studio of Dance and Dance Theatre of Arlington where she began her teaching career at the age of fifteen. As a choreographer she has worked with many local high school programs, dance studios and companies and Dallas Summer Musicals School of Musical Theatre as well as a resident choreographer for Eclipse Entertainment LLC where she wrote, cast and directed numerous industrial shows across the United States. She has an Associate Degree in Musical Theatre from Mountain View College and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre from Texas Wesleyan University. Upon graduation she began her life upon the stage at Casa Manana, Bass Hall, Circle Theatre, Theatre Three and Fair Park Music Hall to name a few. Some of her favorite roles include Charity in Sweet Charity, Bebe in A Chorus Line, Velma in Chicago and Louise in Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Love to Jayson, Mom, Dad and my amazing ViQueens who allow me to share my love of performing with them every day.

Tiffany Gray

Tiffany Gray has an extensive and diverse dance background resulting in over ten years of experience studying, performing, and teaching dance. She has trained in several dance forms, including: Ballet, Contemporary, Modern, African, Jazz, Hip Hop, Improvisation, Tap, and Musical Theatre dance. Tiffany also attended school at Oral Roberts University and obtained a Minor in Dance. She enjoys using movement for personal expression, artistry, and…..because it is fun! She is committed to bringing this perspective to every class she teaches.

Tiffany believes that music, acting, and dance have the power to transcend language barriers and communicate easily with people across various cultures. She endeavors to use these art forms as a way to for individuals to discover their voice and be able to convey it to others. Tiffany has worked with both children and adults, she enjoys guiding them in the creative process as experienced and expressed through the Arts.

In the summer of 2019, Tiffany directed her first acting scene and began teaching musical theatre dance for Theatre Arlington. She will continue teaching classes such as Creative Play, Creative Dramatics, and Musical Theatre, etc. for Theatre Arlington. Additionally, she teaches dance at the School of the Performing Arts for the Salvation Army of Ellis County. Tiffany is actively teaching dance classes in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

Damn Yankees Cast

REMA MARTINEZ (Meg Boyd) is happy as always to be on the Theatre Arlington stage. TA credits include Mom in Winnie the Pooh, a Voice of Sonia Walsk in They’re Playing Our Song, Vi Moore in Footloose, Maudie Atkinson in To Kill A Mockingbird, and General Cartwright in Guys and Dolls. Other recent DFW roles include Alma Hix (The Music Man) and Rose Lennox (The Secret Garden) with Stolen Shakespeare Guild and the ensemble of Kiss Me, Kate at MainStage Irving-Las Colinas. Rema is married to Alvaro and is the mom of Alec and Evan.

DARRET HART (Joe Boyd) is thrilled to be returning to the Theatre Arlington stage in Damn Yankees. His debut with Theatre Arlington was as Nicely Nicely Johnson in Guys & Dolls. He was most recently seen as Dan Goodman in Musical Theatre of Denton’s production of Next to Normal. Among his favorite roles in the Metroplex have been on the Theatre Frisco stage as Don Quixote in Man of La Mancha and Peron in Evita. Other stage appearances include Motel the Tailor (Fiddler on the Roof), Cornelius Hackl (Hello Dolly), Freddy Eynsford Hill (My Fair Lady). Recent TV and Film Credits include Detective Mike Sheehan (Murder Made Me Famous) Peter Shaver (Feature Film – Triggers) and Dr Ed Cooper (Feature Film – The Jesus Freak). Darret would like to thank his amazing children for their love and support.

DAVID COFFEE (Mr. Applegate) David makes his debut at Theatre Arlington. In a career that spans 52 years, David has been welcomed by audiences from Portland, Oregon to Portsmouth, New Hampshire. After his early training at Casa Manana and earning his BFA and MFA degrees from TCU, David has built a career that encompasses all areas of performance (save Grand Opera and the Circus). He has been called a New England Tradition and the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) for his 26 seasons as Scrooge for the North Shore Music Theatre in Massachusetts. He also received the Elston Brooks Lifetime Achievement Award from the Live Theatre League of Tarrant County. www.DavidCoffee.org

TYLER THOMPSON (Sister) was last seen in Theatre Arlington’s production of Hooray for Holidays asCookie Callahan. She also played Rabbit in Winnie the Pooh and Shellhammer in last season’s Miracle on 34th Street. Tyler received her BFA in drama from The University of Oklahoma. She had the amazing opportunity of spending her final semester of college in Chicago after being accepted into the Comedy Studies program at The Second City. She is a graduate of The Second City Conservatory and iO Theater’s improv program where she performed on one of their Harold teams. Tyler has studied clowning under Paola Coletto and has performed at Chicago Sketchfest, Donny’s Skybox, The Women’s Funny Festival, and The Del Close Marathon. She teaches improv classes at Four Day Weekend and also enjoys teaching acting and private lessons at Theatre Arlington. Tyler is represented by Grit Talent Agency.

ABI ABEL (Doris) is excited to return to Theatre Arlington after making her debut here as Colleen in Ripcord. Her favorite credits include Colleen in Ripcord, Angel in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Bonnie in Anything Goes, Doris in Same Time Next Year, Eileen in Moon Over Buffalo, Velma Kelly in Chicago, Diane Lorimer in 42nd Street, and Azuri in The Desert Song. Thank you to this amazing cast & team and love always to family.

ERIC WRIGHT (Joe Hardy) is making his Theatre Arlington debut as well as his debut into the Theatrical world. A lover of the arts throughout high school, he is excited to finally dive back into it with new life and understanding as an adult.

NATE DAVIS (Vernon) was recently cast as Joseph Asagai in Theatre Arlington’s production of A Raisin in The Sun and is an advocate for the arts. Growing up, his excitement came from music and doing Eddie Murphy and Elvis Presley impressions. This past year Nate quit his job in order to fully focus on actualizing his entertainment career goals. You probably have seen him on Helzberg Diamonds promotional ads, or national commercials for Zaxby’s, and many other companies. Acting is his passion and one thing he learned in life is discovery is not only for the actor playing the role, it’s for the human that’s looking for their purpose. Once you find your purpose, success will find you. He will be graduating this year with a bachelor’s in Entertainment Businesses. His ultimate goal is to present ideas of understanding and love through entertainment.

JAKE KELLY HARRIS (Sohovik) is thrilled to be returning to Theatre Arlington. He was last seen at Irving Main Stage as Al in A Chorus Line. His favorite roles include Phil Davis in White Christmas, Hortensio in Kiss Me Kate, Chuck in Footloose, Harry the Horse in Guys and Dolls and Frank in Seven Brides for Seven Bros. He has s a Bachelor of Arts degree from University of North Texas in Theatre Performance. He would like to thank his friends, family and beautiful new wife, Maegan, for supporting his passion!

LANDRY BECKLEY (Smokey) is honored to make his Theatre Arlington Debut. Landry has been seen locally in the DFW Metroplex at Six Flags Over Texas as the Witchdoctor from Arania’s Nightmare and Vocalist in Country Young Gunz. Landry’s recent roles include: Paris from Romeo & Juliet, Jesus from Godspell, and Medvedenko from The Seagull. Landry would like to thank the people that granted him this opportunity and to those who have supported him every step of the way. Yuk! Yuk! Good Show!

TIM CRABB (Rocky) is up to bat, previously appearing at Theatre Arlington in A Few Good Men. He is a graduate of Texas Wesleyan University and a “Gonzo Artist”, making his stage wherever he can with comedy, music, and other fool-hardy stunts. He also brings to life monsters for haunted attractions such as Dark Hour Haunted House and Knott’s Scary Farm. Previous credits include One Slight Hitch (Harper), The Wizard of Oz (Scarecrow), and films such as Evil for Dinner, After the Festival, and Apollo 10 1/2. Your advocacy of the arts keeps this world weird and wonderful!

NOLAN SHAVER (Benny Van Buren) recently was seen as Anthony Hope in Sweeney Todd at Music Theatre of Denton. Some previous roles include The Baker in Into The Woods, Bob Wallace in White Christmas, Archibald Craven in The Secret Garden (Stolen Shakespeare Guild), Scuttle in The Little Mermaid (Grand Prairie Arts Council) and Artie Green in Sunset Blvd. (Tarrant Actors Regional Theater). His favorite roles are Best Friend to Scott, Best Man both to Josh and to Brent, Big Brother to Jake, and Uncle Nolan to Carter, Caroline and Champ. As always, thanks to his family, who always show up regardless of if he has a spare comp ticket or not. In Memory of Tevin Cates – “You’ll always be my Prince Eric.”

SEAN SICARD (Henry) is ecstatic to return to Theatre Arlington. Sean is a junior at UTA pursuing a BFA Performance degree and a minor in dance. He has previously been seen in Macbeth and Bring Up the Bodies at Stolen Shakespeare Guild, and A Few Good Men at Theatre Arlington last year. Sean would like to thank his family and friends for their support.

LAYNE HILL (Linville) is extremely excited to be a ball player in one of his all-time favorite musicals! Layne was last seen as an Aggie in Theatre Arlington’s production of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Layne has enjoyed Theatre since he was a child and is saddened as this show might be his last. He wants to make the most out of the time he has left as an actor before his snowman melts away! Good show everyone!

DONOVAN MARIE LAWSON (Gloria Thorpe) was last seen on the TA stage as Maxine in Hooray for Holidays! Donovan grew up on the TA stage as a youth in various shows and continues to love performing on this stage as an adult. Donovan is a graduate of Oklahoma City University where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre for Young Audiences with a Directing minor. She started performing at a young age at Miss Persis Studio and around DFW. Favorite credits: Rusty (Footloose), Dorothy (Magical City of Oz), Reno (Anything Goes), Godspell. Special thank you to Morris, Lori, and Mark for this opportunity and thank you to my family for all the support! Here to make you proud – to infinity and beyond, my angel Tevin.

ERIC HELSEL (Welch) is thrilled to be back for a second season with Theatre Arlington. He appeared in The Miracle on 34th Street, A Few Good Men last season and most recently as Mayor Rufus Poindexter in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Eric enjoys being a father to his two children and would like to thank his wife, J’vette for her support and introducing him to the theater.

MATTIE LILLIAN DAVIS (Lola) is overjoyed to be making her Theatre Arlington debut in one of her favorite musicals with such a fantastic group of performers. Mattie has been seen in multiple shows in the DFW area including No Way To Treat A Lady in the role of Sarah Stone (Onstage in Bedford), The Cuban & The Redhead (Pegasus Theatre), Titanic (Uptown Players), Beehive (Jubilee Theatre), Singin’ In The Rain (Stolen Shakespeare Guild), and Jekyll and Hyde (Onstage in Bedford). While living in New York City, Mattie attended dance classes at the Joffrey Ballet School. Upon her return to DFW, she choreographed No Way To Treat a Lady (Onstage in Bedford), and just finished choreographing Anything Goes for Covenant Christian Academy. She looks forward to continuing to build her experience as a choreographer. In addition to performing and choreographing, Mattie also teaches at The Acting Studio and serves delicious Tex-Mex at Blue Goose Cantina. Mattie is a graduate of TCU with a BFA in Musical Theatre. www.mattielillian.com

BRIA HUCKABY (Miss Weston) is elated to be returning to Theatre Arlington. She’s a graduate of Texas Wesleyan University with a BA in Theatre. At Wesleyan her credits include, The Hostage (Meg Dillion), Oklahoma! (Gertie), The Important Hats of the 20th Century (Bev), and Blithe Spirit (Mrs. Bradman). She also starred in Kentucky (Bridesmaid) at the Imprint Theatre, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Eloise) at Theatre Arlington, Neil Simon’s Female Odd Couple (Vera) and Baby the Musical (Pam) at the MPM Studio Theatre, and To Be Young Gifted and Black (Mavis, Pale Hecate, Juno and Candace) at Jubilee Theatre.

TORRE YOUNGHANS (Lynch, Commissioner, Guard) was born and raised in California, so he’s no stranger to the stage, but this is his first time on a Texas stage, and he is honored and thankful that it’s at Theatre Arlington. Some of his favorite roles include McMurphy in Cuckoo’s Nest, Sky in Guys and Dolls, Sparky in Forever Plaid, Tom in Glass Menagerie, Horatio in Hamlet…heck, they’re all faves, and he’d list them all if he could. Biggest thanks and praise to God for putting the acting fire in my heart, and to my beautiful wife Holly, for continuing to fan that flame. Enjoy.

TRUMAN THOMPSON (Postmaster) is making his fourth appearance at Theatre Arlington. He previously appeared in Miracle on 34th Street as Hollaran, A Few Good Men as Cmdr. Walter Stone, and Hooray For The Holidays as Clarence Callahan. He is excited about being involved with this great cast and grateful to Steve Morris for the opportunity to appear at Theatre Arlington. He would like to thank his wife Glenda for her support.

ASHLEY TYSOR (2^nd Girl) is thrilled to be with Theatre Arlington. Her recent credits include Ragtime (Evelyn Nesbit) at UTA, How to Succeed… Trying (Pirate Wickette/Secretary), at Summer Stock Austin, The Music Man at UTA and Summer Stock Austin (Teen Dance Ensemble), and Company (Kathy) at UTA. She is also performed with the Maverick Dance Company at the American College Dance Association. She would like to thank her friends and family for their love and support.

LISA WARD (1^st Girl) Ward is excited to be back on stage at Theatre Arlington. Thank you to Steve and Lori for the opportunity. She was last seen in TCU’s 2018 commencement as MBA Graduate. Need help with retirement planning? See me after the show.

Damn Yankees Crew

STEVEN D. MORRIS (Director) started performing with Theatre Arlington in 1981 and has done over 60 shows here as an actor, director and writer. Steve is thrilled to be the Executive Producer at Theatre Arlington and working with such a great staff and Board of Directors. When Mr. Morris retired after 27 years of being the Director of Theatre at Lamar High School the school’s auditorium was named for him. Steve is very active with his church Unity of Arlington. Steve is blessed by great love in his life from his family, friends and his canine companions Elvis and Reba. Be sure to follow Steve on Twitter, although he rarely posts and is not that interesting.

LORI WOODS BLONDIN (Choreographer) has been the head of the Dance Program at Lamar High School going on twenty years. She has an Associate’s Degree in musical theatre from Mt. View College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre from Texas Wesleyan University. She grew up dancing at Miss Persis Studio of Dance and Dance Theatre of Arlington where she also began her teaching career at the age of 15. During her high school and college years, she sang and danced in shows at Six Flags Over Texas in the Southern Palace Theatre which led to a great career on the stage performing at local and regional theatres as well as corporate and industrial shows all over the country. She was chosen as best actress in a musical for her performance of Adelaide in Guys and Dolls as well as fan favorite here at Theatre Arlington. Other TA credits include Paulette in Legally Blonde, Sonia Walks in They’re Playing Our Song and Chrissy Callahan in Hooray for Holidays. She also recently served as the choreographer for TA’s production of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Some of her other favorite roles include Charity in Sweet Charity, Bebe in A Chorus Line, Velma in Chicago, and Lorraine in 42^nd Street. In their extra time, she and her husband serve as foster parents for Tzu Zoo Rescue saving the world one lucky dog at a time. Love to Steven D. Morris for a lifetime of playing shows together.

KEVIN BROWN (Set Designer) is extremely grateful to Steven and the entire Theatre Arlington (TA) Family. His previous shows at TA have been Blithe Spirit (Stony Award), Footloose (Stony Award), They’re Playing Our Song, Brighton Beach Memoirs (Stony Award) and Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Kevin is an award-winning set designer and interior designer who owns Studio Brown Designs. His work includes, but is not limited to, Residential, Commercial, Multi-family Housing, Remodel Consultation, Merchandizing, Holiday Décor and Theatrical Set Design and Dressing. His work has been on various stages across the DFW area. Uptown Players, Stage West, OnStage in Bedford, MainStage Irving, Runway Theatre and Firehouse Theatre to name a few. Kevin’s favorite shows have been The Nance, It’s Only a Play, The Tribute Artist, Disaster the Musical, The View Upstairs, Cabaret (Column Award), Spring Awakening (Column Award), Xanadu, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, Peter and the Starcatcher (Column Award), Seussical (Column Award) and Billy Elliot (Best Set Design Broadway World). Kevin is excited to team up with his friend Angie (his partner in crime). www.facebook.com/StudioBrownDesigns

ROBIN DOTSON (