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Meet the Cast of HOORAY FOR HOLIDAYS

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

 


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

Meet the Production Team of HOORAY FOR HOLIDAYS

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


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


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


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


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


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


RYAN SIMON (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!

Meet the Cast of BILOXI BLUES

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


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


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


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


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

Meet the Production Team of BILOXI BLUES

LARRY W. CURE (Director) is happy to return to direct at Theatre Arlington after having directed Miracle on 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!


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

Meet the Cast of BLACK COMEDY

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


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


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


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


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


KELLEY GARLAND (Georg Bamberger) is very excited to be returning to Theatre Arlington in this production of Black Comedy. He has also performed as Julius Alexander Randolph in A Few Good Men at Theatre Arlington. Last seen in Sweat with Aiming Up in Mansfield. Some of his past credits include Miracle on 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 in When Pigs Fly and Pageant. Aside from being a professional goober, he also serves as the Fine Arts Coordinator of Theatre & Dance for Arlington ISD. Micah sure hopes you have a fabulous time tonight, and that you’ll plan another visit to Theatre Arlington.


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

Meet the Production Team of BLACK COMEDY

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


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


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


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


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


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

Meet the Cast of THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE


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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Meet the Band of THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE


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



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



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



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

Meet the Crew of THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE


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


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



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



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



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


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



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



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



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



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

Meet the Cast of THE PIANO LESSON

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


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


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



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


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


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


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


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

Meet the THE PIANO LESSON Production Team

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

*Appearing through an Agreement between Theatre Arlington and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.