May 6 – 15, 2022
Drama
By August Wilson
| PRODUCTION SPONSORED BY | OPENING NIGHT SPONSORED BY |
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Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 pm
Sundays at 2 pm
Winner 1990 Pulitzer Prize for Drama & Drama Desk Award, Outstanding New Play
It is 1936, and Boy Willie arrives in Pittsburgh from the South in a battered truck loaded with watermelons to sell. He has an opportunity to buy some land down home, but he must come up with the money right quick. He wants to sell an old piano that has been in his family for generations, but he shares ownership with his sister, and it sits in her living room. She has already rejected several offers because the antique piano is covered with incredible carvings detailing the family’s rise from slavery. Boy Willie tries to persuade his stubborn sister that the past is past, but she is more formidable than he anticipated.
Appropriate for ages 10 and up
Tickets: $29 (includes $2 online ticket processing fee)
Discounts available for seniors, students & groups
*Presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
CAST
Wining Boy: David Wendell Boykins
Avery: Sekou Calhoun
Boy Willie: Sean Massey
Grace: Jayden Russell
Berniece: Shaundra Norwood
Maretha: Alyssa Melton
Lymon: Kevin Davis Jr.
Doaker: Jerrold Trice
PRODUCTION TEAM
Director: Natalie King
Stage Manager: Maria Leon Hickox*
Assistant Stage Manager: Victoria Esquibell
Set & Lighting Designer: Bryan Stevenson
Sound Designer: Ryan Simon
Costume Designer: Diana Story
Assistant Costumer Designer: Janice Pennington
Prop Designer: Robin Dotson
Scenic Artist: Angie Glover
*Appearing through an Agreement between Theatre Arlington and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
- No Refunds or Exchanges. All sales are FINAL.
- Tickets are NOT mailed. They will be emailed to you. When you arrive please show the usher your e-ticket, either on your phone or a printed version.
- No lap seats or children under the age of 3 permitted.
- Photography, video or audio recording is strictly forbidden.
- Please turn off all cell phones and noise makers.
- Tickets not redeemed by 5 minutes before show time may be released to those on the waiting list.
- As of April 1, 2022: Masks/Face Coverings are now your choice for this production, per our contract with Actors' Equity Association.
JULIE MURPHY
WILL GANSS
TODD HART
STEVEN D. MORRIS
STACEY ORISTANO
SCOTT HOYING
MITCH GRASSI
KIRSTIN MALDONADO
JORDAN ROSS
JENNIFER STONE
JAMES HEALY
DYLAN CHAMBERS
CAROLINE VANDERGRIFF
B.J. CLEVELAND
ANN PIERRET
AMY GREENE
ALLISON TOLMAN
ALEX HARDAWAY
AKRON WATSON
CONNOR LIDELL
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 25th 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. 
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!
BILLY BETSILL 
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. 
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
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!
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 
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
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. 
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 
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 – 
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!
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.
ODYSSUS PATTERSON Age: 20 Height: 69” Likes: Making art, video games, and long walks on the beach. Dislikes: The State of Maine.
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.
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.
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!
uth 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!
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. 
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.
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.
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. 
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.
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!
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.
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!
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 
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! 
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 
HANNAH ANDERSON (Matron Nurse) is very excited to be in her 
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 
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 
JULIA HELSEL (Ladybug) is proud to be joining another Theatre 
TATUM HOLSOPPLE (Aunt Spiker) is excited to be performing here 
EMBER MCGINTY (Ensemble) is making her Theatre Arlington debut. 
CHASITY MILES (Ensemble) is making her Theatre Arlington debut. 
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 
CHASE NIEKAMP (James) is making his acting debut at Theatre 
NITI PAGARE (Ensemble) is making her Theatre Arlington debut. She 
ACE RAINEY (Ensemble) is thrilled to be back on the Theatre Arlington 
LANA REDDICK (Ensemble) is making her Theatre Arlington debut. 
CHARLIE SANDERS (Centipede) is very excited about her first 
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 
TRINITY TOBIN (Spider) is making her first appearance at Theatre 
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. 
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.” 
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). 
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.
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. 
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! 
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 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.”
LARRY W. CURE (Director) is happy to return to direct at Theatre Arlington after having directed Miracle on 34th 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!
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! 
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! 
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. 
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 25th 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.
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. 
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!
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. 
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 57th 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.
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!”
CHRISTIAN ARRUBLA
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. 
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.
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.
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 
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!
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.
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!
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! 
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. 
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. 
NATALIE KING (Director) 
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. 
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. 
LANDRY BECKLEY (T.J.)
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
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, 
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 
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!” 
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.
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.
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.
DIANE POWELL dedicates her performance to her parents, Don and Terry Powell. She also thanks Donna for her continued support.
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.
MICAH GREEN hopes you are having a wonderful holiday season! Feel free to say hi after the show.
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.
REMA MARTINEZ
DARRET HART 
DAVID COFFEE
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 
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
JAKE KELLY HARRIS 
TIM CRABB
NOLAN SHAVER
SEAN SICARD
LAYNE HILL
ERIC HELSEL
MATTIE LILLIAN DAVIS
TORRE YOUNGHANS 
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 
LISA WARD
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
ROBIN DOTSON
ANGIE GLOVER 
MARK DENNIS MILLER
KAREN MURK POTTER (Costume Designer) 
BRYAN STEVENSON
LAUREN URSO 
GEN DONNELL (Bobo) Gen Donnell is excited and grateful to be a part of this amazing team and to step in the role of Bobo. As an Alumni of KD from the Musical Theatre Program, he has been pursuing that passion for acting for years. This will be Mr. Donnell’s very FIRST performance with Theatre Arlington. He has been in other productions all around DFW such as The Glass Menagerie as Tom Wingfield, Aida as Amonasro, and Once on This Island at the Firehouse Theatre, Avenue Q as Trekkie, Ruined as Jerome Kisembe at Echo Theatre, The Wedding Singer, Man of La Mancha, Sunset Blvd, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas as Mike Nolty At SSG, and The Wild Party as Eddie at Bishop Arts Theatre. Gen Donnell is looking forward to sharing a stage with this ALL-STAR cast and to share this story with all of you.
LAUREN HARRISON (Beneatha Younger) is making her Theatre Arlington debut! She is currently a freshman at the University of Texas at Arlington, earning her BFA in Theatre Performance. Recent roles include Echoes Media’s #Voiced (Shessy Garland), Shakespeare Dallas/Junior Players Dallas’s Much Ado About Nothing (Beatrice), and UTA Theatre and Dance’s The Bald Soprano (Mary). Special thanks to her family, friends, and professors for all of their support! Find Lauren on Instagram (theharrisonchronicles) and Facebook (Lauren Harrison).
LINDA JORDAN (Lena Younger) is making her Theatre Arlington debut. She has been seen at TCC Southeast campus in Raisin in The Sun, Cabaret Theater in Wichita Ks in the musical Beehive, Lady Sings The Blues Review, 4 Divas, A Twisted Christmas and Streaking Thru The 70’s. Also Stage One’s Smokey Joes Cafe, Words & Music featuring songs written by the famous Johnny Mercer and Cole Porter. Linda is a 911 Dispatcher and First Responder for the Fort Worth Police Department.
WILLIAM KLEDAS (Karl Lindner) last appeared in a show (on this very stage) in 2017 portraying 19 different characters in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare: Abridged. Coming back to Theater Arlington after a long absence to be a part of this amazing work is a dream come true. He is humbled to be a part of such tremendous group of actors, stage professionals and friends to bring this story to you tonight. A veteran of the DFW theater community since 2010, Bill has taken the last 3 years to complete his degree in Information Technology, Cybersecurity — having graduated during the rehearsal process for this show. He thanks all of those who have supported him on his long journey.
SHAUNDRA NORWOOD (Ruth Younger) is no stranger to the theatre; however, this is her debut at Theatre Arlington. Her passion is telling the stories! She is super excited to play the role of Ruth Younger; this is one of Shaundra’s favorite plays. Shaundra has left her mark in the theatre realm during the last 10 years. Her credits include works with, WG Ministries, New Life Fellowship church (Director), Jubilee Theatre, Plaza Theatre Co (Cleburne), Carnegie Players (Cleburne), and Bishop Arts Theatre. Shaundra thanks her family, friend, and support system for their words of encouragement, prayers, and accountability. “Without God, I am nothing.”
KING PACKARD (Travis Younger) is very excited to be in the production! King is twelve years old and has been dreaming of being an actor. King has performed in some school plays like Roll of Thunder as Little Man, Winnie the Pooh as Christopher Robin, and Commedia Dell Arte. King loves to play basketball, roleplay, and hang with his friends in spare time!
BRYAN PITTS* (Walter Lee Younger) Theatre Arlington debut. He would like to thank God for this opportunity to tell this story, family (Baldwin and Washington), friends and all arts supporters. He has worked with theaters including Shakespeare Dallas, Ebony Emerald, Kitchen Dog, Second Thought, Lyric State, Theater Fusion, Cara Mia, WaterTower, African-American Rep, Theatre Three, Jubilee Theatre, Trinity Shakespeare, Dallas Theater Center, Stage West and Undermain. Other credits include, BJ’s Restaurant, Eyemakers, American Crime, Dallas and The Good Guys. He studied at Northlake College and the University of North Texas. Bryan is represented by the Kim Dawson Agency.
DURANT SEARCY (George Murchison) makes his return to the Theatre Arlington stage with this production of A Raisin in the Sun”. He was last seen at Theatre Arlington in Rent back in 2012. Durant has performed for several years on different stages in the DFW area such as Jubilee Theatre, Casa Manana, Lyric Stage, Bishop Arts Theatre, Rose Marine, and many other great venues. When he is not performing on the theatre stage, he is writing, producing, and recording original music for himself as well as other local artists.
MEGAN HARATINE (Director) is so grateful to be back at Theatre Arlington after having directed Brighton Beach Memoirs this past summer. It has been a humbling privilege to work alongside this amazing cast, creative team, and the whole TA family to bring this important modern classic to the community. She was most recently seen onstage in Ada & the Engine at Stage West, in Romeo & Juliet at Bass Hall as part of Stage West’s educational program, and in Babette’s Feast last Spring at Amphibian Stage Productions. She has her MFA in Acting from the University of Delaware’s Professional Theatre Training Program and has been an adjunct professor and director at TCC Southeast Campus for the last 9 years. Megan was awarded national recognition from Kennedy Center’s American College Theatre Festival in 2017 for Distinguished Direction of a New Work and now serves as Vice Chair of Texas for KCACTF. Additionally this semester, she is an adjunct instructor of theatre at both TCU and UTA. Megan would like to thank Steve Morris for granting her another opportunity to direct for her beloved hometown theatre & for choosing A Raisin in the Sun as part of the season. Above all, a special thanks goes out to Richie & the boys for their many sacrifices throughout this process & a shout out to Margie (Mom) who frequently comes to our rescue. Much love.
JASMINE SHANDS (Stage Manager) has worked in various roles both on and offstage. She is a sophomore at Tarrant County Community College and pursuing a degree in Theater Education. Some of her most notable roles and positions include Amanda Wingfield in The Glass Menagerie, Regina in Henrik Ibsen’s Ghosts, Stage Manager for Footloose: The Musical, and Stage Manager for Tarrant County College Southeast’s 2019 “Festival of New Plays.” This is her first production with Theatre Arlington and is very proud of all the hard work and talent of the cast and crew.
HOPE COX (Costume Designer) is excited to be back at Theatre Arlington for this production. Some of her favorite costuming credits include Kitchen Witches (ONSTAGE in Bedford), Fairytale Lives of Russian Girls (LCT), Obama-ology (Jubilee Theatre), Pride and Prejudice (MainStage) and Of Mice and Men (Firehouse Theatre). Hope feels so blessed to have the opportunity to work with such a talented cast and crew.
ROBIN DOTSON (Properties Designer) is the proud mother of college freshman Sydney, who discovered the wonderful world of theater through Theatre Arlington ten years ago 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 adult shows such as Calendar Girls, Legally Blonde, Footloose, 9 to 5, and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas at Theatre Arlington the past few seasons. Enjoy the show!
DANIEL HERNANDEZ (Music Director/Stage Manager) 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 9to5: 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.
RYAN SIMÓN (Assistant Music Director) is a Junior at Texas Wesleyan University, studying a BFA in Musical Theatre and a Minor in Music Composition. He has music directed previously for Mr. Burns and The Hostage at Texas Wesleyan, as well as composing for Alice! a New Musical at the Luckenbooth Theatre. Ryan is a member of the Dramatists Guild.
ROBIN DOTSON (Properties Designer) is the proud mother of recent high school graduate Sydney, who discovered the wonderful world of theater through Theatre Arlington ten years ago and is now off to college to major 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 and They’re Playing Our Song at Theatre Arlington the past few seasons. Enjoy the show!
LEO WOODS BLONDIN (Fluffy) is making his stage debut in Hooray For Holidays. He is a foster fail with tzu zoo rescue who has found his happily ever after with his sister Angel, brother Benny and his parents Jayson Blondin and Lori Woods. 
JILLIAN BRADFORD (Julie) is excited to be dancing and acting on Theatre Arlington’s stage for the second time! Nowadays, you can find her studying at TCU or house managing at Theatre Arlington. She wants to thank Steve and Daniel for this fun opportunity and her friends and family for all their love and support.
WILLIE BROWN (Judy) was born in Los Angeles, CA and raised a true-blue Texan. Willie’s love for self-expression through the arts became evident as a child. As a lifetime arts student she studied Acting, Writing, Production, and Business Law at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in West Hollywood and LACC. She is the CEO and Founder of WMK Films. Multi-Lingual and talented she has several projects in development. She spends her time living and working in California and Texas. Her hobbies include writing poetry, traveling, learning new languages and spending time with her family. She is fluent in Spanish and English and is actively learning Chinese and Russian.
LUCY CHAMBERS (Ethel) is thrilled to be back on the Theatre Arlington stage! She made her debut as Susan Walker in Miracle on 34th Street last Christmas, and she has most recently loved being Roo in Winnie the Pooh and Lucille in Junie B. Jones the Musical JR.! Lucy lives in Pantego with her family, and is currently a seventh grade student at Grace Prep. In her spare time, Lucy enjoys reading, tumbling, playing soccer, singing and spending time with her friends. Lucy wants to thank Mr. Morris and Daniel for this fun opportunity, and her parents and 5 siblings for all their support. Jeremiah 29:11
MILLY CHAMBERS (Sutton) is crazy excited to be back on the Theatre Arlington stage with her sisters! She was recently seen as Camille in Junie B. Jones the Musical JR.! Milly is a 10 year old student at Chambers Academy (home-school) and lives in Pantego with her 2 sisters and 3 brothers. You can usually find Milly playing outside, singing, playing piano or volleyball or loving anything with animals and horses. Milly wants to thank Mr. Morris and Daniel for this fun opportunity, and her family for their support. Romans 5:8
RYLEY CHAMBERS (Lizzy) is thrilled to be back on the Theatre Arlington stage! She was most recently seen in the cast of Junie B. Jones the Musical JR.! Off the stage Ryley is a varsity cheerleader and she enjoys reading, baking and playing piano. She is a 9th grader at Grace Prep and lives in Pantego with her family. Ryley wants to thank Mr. Morris and Daniel for this amazing opportunity to be on stage! Isaiah 41:10
ROBBIE CLARK (Blake Devero) is pretty dang happy to be returning to the Theatre Arlington stage. All he really wanted for Christmas was to play the role of Elphaba in a Broadway production of Wicked, but while that seems highly unlikely for numerous reasons, he’s jazzed as heck to now portray the director in the world premiere of a Theatre Arlington original. After earning his BFA in Theatre Performance from UTA in 2010, he was drafted as the fourth string quarterback of the Saint Louis Rams. When that didn’t work out, also for numerous reasons, he returned to the stage, appearing as Sam Weinberg in A Few Good Men, Andrew Rally in I Hate Hamlet, and Eeyore in Winnie The Pooh. He’s glad you’re here, he hopes you enjoy the show, and if anyone’s going by Jack In The Box later, he’d love some tacos. Merry Christmas & God bless us, everyone!…except people who talk during movies and don’t silence their phones during live performances. They can just have an alright Christmas.
CALLIE CUNNINGHAM (Velma) is grateful to be back on the TA stage! Previous Theatre Arlington credits include The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, They’re Playing Our Song, Guys and Dolls and Hello, Dolly! She also was recently seen in Stolen Shakespeare Guild’s production of Anything Goes, where she also performed in the 2019 Shakespeare festival and Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Callie is an actual Aggie (Class of 2013- whoop!) and a speech pathologist in real life. She also teaches dance at Miss Persis Studio and sends her love to the Persii and the most supportive parents a girl could ask for. Romans 8:38-39.
PERSIS ANN FORSTER*(Cora Ann Callahan), a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington with a BA in Radio/TV, has been teaching for over 40 years. She is a professional actress, singer, choreographer and has performed leading roles at Theatre Arlington (most recently as Dolly Levi), Gown Town Theatre, Casa Manana, North Shore Music Theatre outside of Boston, and Lyric Theatre in Oklahoma City. In addition to being the Artistic Director of Dance Theatre of Arlington, she is Past President of Texas Association Teachers of Dancing and a former performer/choreographer for Six Flags Show Productions. Miss Persis Studio is her family business and she lives in Arlington with her husband, Steve Burdick. “Very excited to be at TA as an Actors Equity member as they begin their track to being an Equity theatre!”
BEN GERVASI (Danny) is very excited to be back a Theatre Arlington! He was last seen at Theatre Arlington as Pinocchio in Pinocchio Commedia and School of Rock: Youth Production as Freddy Hamilton. More recently, he was seen on the Martin High School stage as Flute/Thisbe in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Sefelt in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Ben would like to thank his loving family for supporting him and driving him to rehearsal.
MICHAEL GREEN (Michael) Michael Green is thrilled to be making his second appearance with Theatre Arlington. Most recently he was seen at Theatre Arlington as Senator JT Wingwoah in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Favorite past roles include Perchik in Fiddler on the Roof (WCT), Asher/brother in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (WCT), and The Wedding Singer with Stolen Shakespeare Guild. Many thanks to the cast, crew, directors of the show and to all his friends and family for their love and support!!
DONOVAN LAWSON (Maxine) was last seen on the TA stage as Shy in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas! 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 in Footloose, Dorothy in Magical City of Oz, Reno in Anything Goes, Godspell. Special thank you to Morris and Daniel 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.
STEVEN D. MORRIS (Carl Callahan) is always happy to be onstage at Theatre Arlington and is delighted to be performing this show with his friends. Steve loves the simplicity of the message of this show – holidays are fun and meant to be shared with family. Thanks to my Mom and Dwain, my family and friends and Unity of Arlington for helping me enjoy the holidays and know what is really important in life. A reminder for everyone – the holidays are a great time to be kind and show our Christmas spirit but we can do that all year round. This year give the gift of love – Let’s share it everywhere!
JORDAN PRATT (Kirk Callahan) graduated with his BFA in Theatre from SMU in 2006 but has not appeared on stage since his last production here at Theatre Arlington, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Once upon a time, Jordan was heavily involved in the world of theatre, but now Jordan spends his days as the Dean of a High School and with his lovely wife and wonderful daughters. Jordan is so excited to have the chance to come back to the world of theatre with so many friends and loved ones participating in this show. Thank you to everyone involved in the show for their support and love. But the biggest Thank You goes to his wife, Forever and Ever.
ACE RAINEY (Jack) is excited to be in his second performance at Theatre Arlington. Ace lives in Arlington with his family and attends The Montessori Academy. He is in third grade and enjoys martial arts, baseball, and piano. He has been attending acting classes and summer camps at Theatre Arlington for the past 4 years. Some of Ace’s favorite roles include Ensemble in Junie B. Jones the Musical JR., Baloo in The Jungle Book, and Abu in Aladdin the Musical JR. Ace would like to thank his mom and dad for driving him to rehearsals every day. He would also like to thank Mrs. Cindy, Mrs. Maggie, and Mr. Josh for supporting him with his love for musical theatre.
GEORGE SEPULVEDA (Marty) is excited to be back on stage at Theatre Arlington after appearing in Footloose, Hello, Dolly!, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas and Guys and Dolls!. He has also performed various roles with theatres in Mansfield and Plano, Texas. He has directed many musicals and helped with the musical direction of many more. Most of his time and energy is spent on his day job teaching music at Atherton Elementary in Arlington ISD, and he is also the Co-Director of Arlington’s elementary honor choir, the Arlington Children’s Chorus. He received his Bachelor of Music Education from Baylor University.
MAXTON SIMS (Sammy) is thrilled to be back on stage at Theatre Arlington! He made his theater debut as the Owl in Theatre Arlington’s production of Stellaluna. He also had the honor of playing Herb in Junie B. Jones The Musical JR. at Theatre Arlington. Most recently, he appeared as Max the Pirate in the Artisan Children’s Theater production of How I Became a Pirate. When he’s not on stage, Maxton enjoys singing, playing the ukulele and spending time outdoors. He is currently in 6th grade studying Theater at Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy. Maxton would like to thank Steve for this opportunity and his friends and family for all their love and support.
KYLIE REYNOLDS THORNTON (Patty), recently seen as Dawn in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, is thrilled to be returning to the Theatre Arlington stage after a long hiatus. Favorite previous roles include Little Sally in Urinetown, Olivia in Twelfth Night (both at Trinity University) and Kenni in Becky’s New Car (Theatre Arlington). When not performing, Kylie is a Production Scheduler at Alcon and enjoys watching movies with her husband and dog. She is also proud to serve on the Theatre Arlington Board of Directors. Many thanks to Steve, Mark and Lori for this opportunity! Love to my family, Cole and ZoZo.
CALLEIGH WHITE (Madaline) is currently a 5th grade student at Jones Academy of Fine Arts and Dual Language. She has thrived to be on stage since before she was in Kindergarten. She enjoys singing, dancing, and performing. Calleigh loves being at student at Theatre Arlington. She has been in Nate the Great and Miracle on 34th Street at Theatre Arlington. At Jones Academy, she has been in Annie JR. and Shrek the Musical JR. Calleigh would like to thank her Mom and Dad for always supporting her in theatre and her siblings, Nicholas and Kaelynne, for always helping her bring out her best. She would also like to thank her teachers at Jones Academy for helping her find her love of the Fine Arts especially theatre.
HAILEE DYER (Stage Manager) is excited to be back at Theatre Arlington to continue her journey as a stage manager. Hailee began her work in the theatre as an actress. As her love for her craft grew, she realized she wanted to further her knowledge. Hailee believes that being well rounded is important and is joyous to do that here with Ripcord. She hopes you all enjoy the show and get in a good laugh.