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Now that you’ve got a script and music, let’s put it out there.
“You’re never going to see us doing Annie,” stresses Gregory Allen, previous Artistic Director of New Jersey’s 4th Wall Musical Theatre. I was involved with 4th Wall because of what we offered our audiences: something they’re not going to see anywhere else.”
Theatre Under The Stars is a Houston based non-profit institution dedicated to enriching life through the experience of quality musical theatre and positively impacting lives beyond the stage through innovative education and community outreach initiatives.
by Holly Reed
The Village Theatre Festival of New Musicals presents staged readings of new works performed and directed by the region’s foremost theatre artists.
by Holly Reed
Pace New Musicals mission is to nurture the development of new musicals by student, emerging, and established musical theater writers in a safe and encouraging academic environment.
Michael Philip O'Brien, his younger sister, Megan Nicole O'Brien, and his college friend, Steve Pacek, all grew up in towns north of Philadelphia. But, little did they suspect that the lives they envisioned for themselves in the theater would play out in The City of...
In Part 2 of of this series, Eric Sirota, a composer, lyricist, and bookwriter, shares his experiences on the festival scene, including NYMF, the Dream-Up Festival and the Midtown International Theatre Festival.
Once a musical is ready to be heard, many writers consider submitting their show to a theater festival such as NYMF (The New York Musical Theatre Festival) or various Fringe festivals. In Part 1 of of this series, we hear from Matthew Gurren along with Jared and Jessica Field about their experiences in NYMF and the Fresh Fruit Festival.
Use this helpful checklist to evaluate your own musical or analyze your favorite shows.
LAURA GOODENOW (BOOK) is a librettist, lyricist, editor, writer, producer, and distributor with a drive to create and support women-forward work. As co-librettist of cleaVage, she helped round out the show by creating characters, writing scenes, drafting dialogue, and tackling (nearly) every aspect of breast augmentation. Laura’s other musicals address a host of additional hot topics, including immigration (Exposed), reincarnation (Gold Jade Way) and star-crossed lovers (Crost). Laura also developed and produced the award-winning feature film “Year by the Sea”, based on the NYT and international best-selling memoir by Joan Anderson, starring Karen Allen, Yannick Bisson, S. Epatha Merkerson, Michael Cristofer, and Celia Imrie. Her company Real Women Make Waves distributed the movie to more than 100 theaters nationwide. “Year by the Sea” currently is available for rent and purchase on Amazon. Before her career focused on the arts, Laura was an award-winning print journalist, photographer, and newspaper editor, as well as a corporate editor, writer, and marketer. She splits time between Indianapolis, IN and Nashville, TN. She’d like to thank the cast and creative team who worked tirelessly to bring cleaVage to life, MusticalWriters.com for supporting the show since its early development.
RONALD M. FRIEDMAN, M.D. (MUSIC, LYRICS, & BOOK) is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in– you guessed it— breast and body contouring. At age 10, he wanted to be a pianist and songwriter. Then, he got sidetracked doing plastic surgery for a few decades. Along the way, he recorded lots of his music, joined a couple bands and a choir, performed his music live on television and as an introduction for Rudy Giuliani (back in 2003, when Rudy was sane), and raised $10,000 for the American Red Cross with his CD “Illusions”. But no one paid much attention to Friedman’s music until he started writing songs about breasts. Soon, there were articles in D Magazine and Texas Monthly and multiple radio interviews, including NPR. Dr. Friedman would like to thank Rebecca Lowrey, Laura Goodenow, his medical office staff, and the entire cast and creative team of cleaVage for helping to turn his childhood dreams into a reality! (That’s dreams about music, not breasts.) And since this is a musical, the unsung hero is his wife and soulmate, Jin, who has tolerated his “gloriously juvenile” humor for 33 years– and always supports his cleaVage.
LEE WALTER (DEEDEE RICHER) is a proud thespian saved from the fiery pits of hell by a Drag Queen named Knockers! She is one tough titty!!! She’s been flashing audiences throughout the metroplex for over a decade! Whether it be theatre, music, or art, Lee continues to shape her craft and career to her fullest extent. Credits include: Pure Glitter (Uptown Players), The Rocky Horror Show (DTC), Rent (Casa Mañana), What To Send Up When It Goes Down (Stage West), Cinderella (Lyric Theatre OKC), Hit The Wall (WaterTower Theatre), Little Shop of Horrors (Theatre Three), An Intergalactic Spectacle (Hip Pocket Theater), and Head Over Heels (Forestburgh Playhouse). Some of her favorite mammaries are involve the arts and she’d like to thank everyone for supporting her and for supporting LOCAL theatres!
LAUREN URSO GRAY (VOCAL COACH) is a Dallas-based performer, vocal coach, and creative entrepreneur. Last seen as “Glenda” in cleaVage‘s sold-out world premiere last October, she is tit-ilated to be a part of the cleaVage team once again! She is currently an Artist in Residence at Arts Mission Oak Cliff, where she is exploring her relationship to performance, rehearsal, authenticity, audience pressure, and spontaneity, with public performances on November 13 and 14, 2026. Select Credits: “Sibella” in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder (The Firehouse Theatre), “Alice Russell” in Lizzie: The Musical (Theatre Three), “Vivian” in Legally Blonde (Garland Summer Musicals), “Portia” in Something Rotten! (Garland Civic Theatre), “Judy Bernly” in 9 to 5 (GSM), “Billie Bendix” in Nice Work If You Can Get It (GSM), “Carrie” in Carrie (Brookhaven College), “Sherie Christian” in Rock of Ages (Lyric Theatre of OK), and “Kate” in Legally Blonde: In Concert starring Carrie St. Louis (54 Below, NYC). Lauren holds a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre and a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Oklahoma City University. In addition to performing, Lauren is the founder of @your_authentic_voice, where she helps artists and creative entrepreneurs put their work into the world and make meaningful impact by being unapologetically themselves. Many thanks to the cleaVage fam, especially Rebecca, Dr. Ron, Laura, and YOU for supporting new works.
MIA KATE (LIGHTING DESIGNER) is ready to keep it bra-ssy jumping back into cleaVage! A creative professional previously based out of DFW, she has recently relocated to Phoenix, Arizona and is thrilled to return for this chest-tacular musical. After graduating from Stephen F. Austin State University with a B.A. in Theatre and a Minor in Photography, Mia has since worked with several schools and companies in the DFW metroplex. Previous design credits include Mamma Mia! and Hadestown: Teen Edition with Carroll Senior High School, Rock of Ages and Escape to Margaritaville with The Firehouse Theatre, Star If Wonder: A Carrol Ann Christmas (world premiere) and Imagine with Uptown Players, A Little Night Music and The Sunshine Boys with Mainstage-Irving Las Colinas, The Pillowman with Outcry Theatre, The Lieutenant of Inishmore with Lakeside Community Theatre, Amityville ’74 (regional premiere) with Upright Theatre Co., and ‘Alice’ A Variation… with Plague Mask Players. In her free time, she enjoys board game nights and running table-top role-playing game sessions for her friends. Mia would like to thank her partner, Ashton, and their cats, Jean-Louis and Theodora, for their continued support of her artistic endeavors.
LOGAN COLEY BROKER (ASSISTANT COSTUME/WIG DESIGNER) is pumped to be a part of this incredible production team. Logan studied Cosmetology at North Central Texas College, and Associates in Technical Pattern Design, Fashion Apparel Design and Theatrical Costume Design from Dallas College. Some favorite credits include costume and wig design for Silent Sky (Runway Theater), Six (Wolfpack Theater Company), and Sweeney Todd (Lakeside Community Theater).
LOGAN GABRIEL FREDERICK (SCENIC DESIGNER) is very excited to join some of his breast friends and MusicalWriters Productions to bring cleaVage to life. Prior to moving to the DFW metroplex in 2016, Logan was born and raised in South Louisiana where he graduated with a BFA in Performing Arts from UL Lafayette. Primarily a director and stage manager, he has worked with Dallas Theater Center, Second Thought Theatre, Imprint Theatreworks, Circle Theatre, and Runway Theatre to name a few. While directing is his first love, he has designed the sets for most of his shows over the last decade and found a deep love for it. His most recent credits include Nunsense, Love, Lies & the Doctor’s Dilemma, Steel Magnolias, Freaky Friday, Young Frankenstein, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. He continues to support The Rice City Players, his hometown community theatre, with pride by directing and designing their mainstage show every year via Zoom. Logan would like to thank his boyfriend, Clint, his parents, his friends and his corgi, Walt, for all their endless love and support.
LINDSEY KAY SMITH (BARBARA RULE) is ecstatic to be singing about boobs again as she reprises the role of “Barbara” after last fall’s premiere of cleaVage! Favorite credits include “Heather McNamara” in Heathers: The Musical, “Columbia” in The Rocky Horror Show (NTPA Repertory Theatre), “Junie B. Jones” in Junie B. Jones Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! (Casa Mañana National Tour), “Inga” in Young Frankenstein (GPAC), and “Olive” in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (NewLook Performing Arts). When she’s not onstage, Lindsey stays busy with her two kids and running a women-only strength training gym in Hurst, where she’s passionate about helping women discover how strong they are. She sends her love to Porter and Lennon – one day she promises she’ll be in a show they’re actually allowed to see! Finally, a huge thank you to Rebecca, Christina, Aly, and Kya for letting her be part of one of the “breast” musicals she’s ever performed in… again!
STEPHANIE FELTON (ANGELA SWANSON) thinks it’s the TITS to finally join her BOSOM buddy, Rebecca, again after too long of a hiatus! You may have other DFW stage MAMMARIES of Stephanie in roles such as “Dotty Otley” in Noises Off (MainStaige Irving-LasColinas), “Patsy Cline” in Always… Patsy Cline (OnStage in Bedford), “Dolly Levi” in Hello Dolly! (Theatre Denton), “Lady of the Lake” in Spamalot (Lewisville Playhouse), “Pat” in Kinky Boots (Uptown Players), “Mayor/Ma Ferd” in The Toxic Avenger (Lakeside Community), and “Trina” in Falsettos (Runway Theatre). When she’s not playing a some kind of BOOB on-stage, she’s probably HOOTING it up in a theater audience or BOUNCING around traveling. Mostly, she’s BUSTING with pride about her kids and granddaughter (just ask for a picture!) MUCHACHAS love to her fiancée, Vicky!
TAMYA J. SIMMONS (SAVANNAH KEARN) is overjoyed to be participating in her first show with MusicalWriters. She’s a Dallas native who attended Desoto High School where she studied classical voice under the direction of Grammy Award Winning Music Educator Pamela Dawson. She went on to pursue an education in Musical Theater at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy of New York City. You might’ve seen her playing “Vinette” in Klook & Vinette at Jubilee Theatre, “Joplinaire #3” in A Night with Janis Joplin (Circle Theatre), “Mary” in The Black Nativity (Bishop Arts Theatre), “Celie” in The Color Purple (The Kalita Humphrey Theatre), “Dionne” in Hair (Sierra Repertory Theatre), “Gloria Lewis” in The Movement (Jubilee Theatre), and “Sister Rosetta Tharpe” in the touring company of Tutti Frutti: The Life and Music of Little Richard. All socials: @tamyajay
NICK MOORE (DR. HUGO ARNAULT) is an actor. Sometimes, unprompted, Nick will think about the episode of MTV’s True Life where that guy gets calf implants. This invariably leads to a few minutes of squeamish discomfort imagining his muscles ossifying into plastic and shifting around independently under his skin. Still, he is an unwavering believer in bodily autonomy, and he genuinely hopes calf implant guy is doing well and enjoying his calves today.
SAMANTHA PADILLA (TAMMY BRIE HARLEY) is thrilled to join the cast of cleaVage. She was most recently seen as “Princess Pink” in Battle Crown: The Legend of Princess Pink at the SheDFW Festival and “Louise Seger” in Always… Patsy Cline at WaterTower Theatre. Favorite roles include “Daniela”, “Badass Betty”, “Paulette”, and “Magenta”: loud ladies with big hair and bigger bo…voices. She has also been known to push up to the production side of things, assistant directing for Rock of Ages at The Firehouse Theatre and the GPAC production of Disaster!, which coincidentally, was an alternative title for her one woman cabaret, “I Don’t Date.” Many thanks to Rebecca, Aly, Christina, and Kya for this incredible opportunity, y’all are the BREAST! And to her delightfully unhinged village for all of their SUPPORT! (Yes, those are both boob/bra puns).
LAYLA GHAEINI LEVERET (GLENDA BYRNE) is a Plano-based performer, writer, and Shakespeare nerd who is abso-boob-ly ecstatic to be a part of this incredible team! She graduated from ACU with her BFA in Musical Theatre in May of 2025 and has been making friends and art around the country ever since. Some of her favorite credits include “Nora” in A Doll’s House (ACU), “Rosaline” in Love’s Labour’s Lost the Musical (Abilene Shakespeare Fest), “Ensemble” in Something Rotten! (Theatre Frisco) and “Jo March” in Little Women (Dallas Children’s Theatre). She would like to shout out her loved ones, especially Spencer, Josh, Ali, Mia, Haven, and Emma, and her family for being her rock throughout this process.
LANDRY BECKLEY (DR. HANK ROUSSEAU) is a local performer, director, and teaching artist in DFW and a recipient of the Persis Forster Excellence in Musical Theatre Award. He has appeared with Bass Performance Hall, Six Flags Over Texas, Theatre Frisco, Runway Theatre, Grand Prairie Arts Council, and Theatre Arlington. Select credits include “Dr. Frankenstein” (Young Frankenstein), “Ted Scheider” (Disaster!), “Harold McClam” (Fly by Night), “Smokey” (Damn Yankees), “Amos Calloway” (Big Fish), “Ed Carmichael” (You Can’t Take It With You), and “TJ” (Sister Act). Special thanks to Squeak, Sissy, and Bubby. Yuk! Yuk! Good show!
OSO PADILLA (Lighting Designer) is a Lighting Designer currently based in DFW, with a penchant for strange and horror-inspired works. Notable design work includes Sideways Stories from the Wayside School (UNT) and Guys and Dolls (Stolen Shakespeare). For a comprehensive look, visit @dosopadesign on Instagram.
ALLI CRABTREE (Stage Manager – NYC), a recent transplant from Texas, is thrilled to be a part of the NYC production of The Scarlet Letter Musical. Alli is an NYC-based performer, teaching artist, and stage manager. Recent work with MusicalWriters.com includes serving as stage manager for cleaVage. She is so thankful to the MusicalWriters.com Team for this opportunity and getting to bring a bit of her home to NYC.
KYA JAMES (STAGE MANAGER) has been a part of cleaVage since the very first table read, and is thrilled to be returning to the show, this time behind the scenes as the production’s stage manager! She is a theatre artist and educator who has enjoyed being onstage and backstage for 30+ years. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Sam Houston State University in 2010 and has been a part of the DFW theatre community since 2013. Stage Managing credits include shows such as The Scarlet Letter Musical (MusicalWriters), Laura (Rover Dramawerks), The Lady Demands Satisfaction (Rover Dramawerks), Twelfth Night (Upright Theatre), The Importance of Being Earnest (Upright Theatre), A Breakneck Comedy of Errors (Allen Contemporary Theater), and The Taming of the Shrew (Plague Mask Players) which was part of the AT&T Performing Arts Center Elevator Project. They were also the Assistant Director for OMEN, a new musical that made its world premiere at the She-DFW Arts Festival in Summer 2025. Up next she will be stage managing Stephen Sondheim’s Company at Allen Contemporary Theatre and will be assistant directing a New Year’s Eve staged reading of THIS SIDE OF THE DOOR: A SONG (TO BREAK OUT OF THE) CYCLE by Ash and produced by MusicalWriters. She would like to thank Rebecca for continuing to believe in her work as an artist, Dr. Ron and Laura for allowing her to be part of the cleaVage family, and to the entire cast and crew for being insanely talented artists to work with. My cups runneth over!
JOSEPH KAMINSKI (PEAK EXECUTIVE) is SO ready to be back with cleaVage! The run at LCT last year was his first time back on stage in a full production in 8 years and that was the start of a whirlwind year of new works, so coming back this year literally feels like coming home! He was most recently seen in Battle Crown: The Legend of Princess Pink (Ribit) and The Scarlet Letter Musical (Gov. Bellingham), along with numerous New Works Cabarets and staged readings for MusicalWriters Productions, a community that has instilled in him a passion for new works, and that he could not be more grateful to be a part of. To our director, Rebecca, our writers, Dr. Ron and Laura, and the entire creative team, cast, and crew, “I’m so incredibly thankful we got to do this together. It’s been the breast time. <3”
LESLIE NAVARRO (Abigail Archer / Ensemble / Projections Designer) graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a BFA in Musical Theatre and a dance minor. As an active performer and versatile artist in the DFW area, Leslie has directed, choreographed and projection designed for various productions. She has also performed in shows such as Rent (Mimi Marquez), Heathers (Heather Chandler), In the Heights (Vanessa), and Legally Blonde (Vivienne Kensington). Leslie thanks MusicalWriters.com for this wonderful opportunity as well as the cast, crew, and creative team of The Scarlet Letter for nurturing this show to fruition. She also thanks her friends, family, and her growing theatre family for their abundant support. www.leslieelizanavarro.com
ALY BADALAMENTI (ASSISTANT DIRECTOR) is thrilled to once again be helping to shape and support cleaVage after last year’s production with Lakeside Community Theatre. By day, Aly works as a board-certified oncology genetic counselor, having trained in the DeBakey Building (a name you just might recognize) at Baylor College of Medicine. Hailing from Kalamazoo, MI, Aly began performing at age 9 and has extensive theatrical and performance experience. Additional past directing experience includes a growing list with MusicalWriters Productions, including the world premiere production of The Scarlet Letter Musical (in Dallas and NYC) and the staged reading of How to Succeed in Business with a Vagina. Recent selected performance credits in DFW include “Lady Katherine/Samantha Smith” in The Scarlet Letter Musical (MusicalWriters Productions), “Electra” in Gypsy, “Angel” in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, and “Wendy Jo” in Footloose (Theatre Arlington). Other favorite stage credits include “Linda” (The Wedding Singer), “Amber Von Tussle” (Hairspray), “Kate Monster” (Avenue Q), “Yonah” (Children of Eden), “Laurey” (Oklahoma!), and “Ilse” (Spring Awakening). She is so grateful to Rebecca and MusicalWriters Productions for giving her the opportunity to create something wonderful with friends, yet again. She sends her deepest thanks to her loved ones for all their support, especially her mentor, Robert Jordan, for helping guide her to this quest to make a perfect…show.
VICTORIA GOMEZ (Young Pearl) is thrilled to join the cast of The Scarlet Letter Musical! Victoria is 11 years old and based in Dallas. Recent theater credits include A Christmas Carol (Belinda Cratchit), The Little Mermaid (Flounder), and part of the Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat youth cast at the Dallas Theater Center. Other roles include “Chip” in Beauty and the Beast and “Amaryllis” in The Music Man at The Hopeful Theatre, plus roles in Dracula and Ebenezer Scrooge at The Pocket Sandwich Theatre. She also voiced “Young Mavis” in Hotel Transylvania 4: Transformania (Sony). Victoria would like to thank the production team at MusicalWriters.com, CoreTalent Agency, Audra Scott, and her village of family and friends who continue to support her.
MELANIA MACDONALD (Narrator) is a DFW native artist and performer with a passion for new works. She is pleased to return to The Scarlet Letter Musical after participating in the 2023 staged reading and workshop performances. With MusicalWriters.com and SheDFW Arts, she helped to originate the roles of “Olivia” in Olivia O and “Juliet” in OMEN. Beyond new works, she recently played “Lucy” in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown with CenterStage Theatre Works. She has performed with the Dallas Symphony, Dallas Theater Center, Pegasus Theatre, Garland Civic Theatre, Broadway on a Tuesday, and Opera Arlington, among others. She is grateful to her wonderful friends, family, and husband for their support and love – none of this would be possible without them. IG: @melaniamacd
Kae Styron is jazzed to be back world-building on team Chainsaw!! Along with being a local scenographer, production designer, and occasional performer, Kae is also the Technical Director for Circle Theatre in Fort Worth. One thing to know about Kae is that they love nothing more than making crazy things happen onstage….which you are sure to see in this night of campy theatre. I swear that only one chainsaw was mortally wounded in the making of this production.
Chanlyr Jordan is a multimedia artist based in Dallas, TX, executing technical and creative projects across film, stage, and design. He received his BA in Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communications from the University of Texas at Dallas in 2024. Most recently, Jordan designed projections for Arts Mission Oak Cliff’s production of Hair, and continues to cultivate new works with local independent artists, theaters, and non-profit arts organizations.
JESSIE WALLACE (COSTUME DESIGNER) graduated in 2011 with her Bachelor of Arts in Music and Theater and she has worked in almost every realm of the theater during and since. She served as the Company Manager for IMPRINT Theatreworks, as well as being one of their Co-Founders and Resident Costumer from 2018-2022. In 2018 and 2020 she was awarded Outstanding Design or Creative Contribution from the DFW Theatre Critics’ Forum Awards and Best Costume Design (Non-Equity) at The Column Awards for her work on IMPRINT’s productions of The Revolutionists (2018) and Lizzie (2019). She has costumed shows all over Dallas and has worked on everything from plays to rock musicals to operas. Having fallen in love with new works during her time organizing the IMPRINT First Impressions Festival, she has continued that love with Rebecca Lowrey and MusicalWriters Productions along with costuming multiple new works around DFW. She lives in Dallas with her wonderful cats and will gladly share photos of them whether or not you ask her. For more info, visit her website here.
Caroline Hodge (Lighting Design, she/her) is a Dallas based programmer and designer who is delighted to be joining the Lend Me a Chainsaw family. Favorite credits include Every Brilliant Thing and Waitress with the Dallas Theater Center, Hair with Arts Mission Oak Cliff, Mini Movement Fest (‘23, ‘24 and ‘25) and Seeds (‘23, ‘24, and ‘25) with Agora Artists, Jet Fuel and A Dallas Hedda with Bishop Arts Theatre Center and The Persians at Undermain Theatre. Caroline would like to thank her family and her colleagues for their support. See more of her work at CEHodgeLighting.com.
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Maddie Collins is excited to be jumping in to work on this production of Lend Me A Chainsaw! She is honored to be a small part of her friend’s journey to licensing his show. Maddie is a Dallas based professional Stage Manager whose credits include Dallas Children’s Theater, Dallas Theater Center, and other DFW Theaters. She is thankful to the people that have continued to support her. A special thank you to Ashley. @maddiekate97
Nolan Spinks is thrilled to be returning to MusicalWriters.com in this fully staged fresh take of Lend Me A Chainsaw. He is so excited to be part of this incredibly talented cast and crew. He last appeared as Jake Blake in the stage premiere of BL!NK (MusicalWriters.com/SheDFW). Other credits include Judas – Godspell (Firehouse Theater), Gary – I Hate Hamlet (Pocket Sandwich Theater), Bill – Lobby Hero (Rover Dramawerks), and Burrs – Wild Party (Bishop Arts Theater). He has also participated in the 10-minute comedies at Rover Dramawerks as a director for the last two seasons. When not on stage, he works for a consulting firm where he specializes in Employee Benefits and Retirement. He wants to thank everyone for supporting new theater. A special thank you to his partner of over 7 years for is continued love and support! @nolanspinksns
Austin Bender-Davis is so freaking stoked to be a part of this totally killer cast and team. He is especially excited to be revisiting the same role he read in one of the staged readings. Favorite past credits include Lonny in Rock of Ages, Brick in Escape to Margaritaville (Firehouse Theatre), and Robert in Company (UTA). Much love to Cayley and our cats; Onion and Butter.
Johnny Brown is a dynamic tenor and storyteller whose artistry thrives at the crossroads of opera, musical theatre, and more contemporary mediums. Known for his “powerful, expressive tenor” and charismatic stage presence, Johnny has brought to life roles as varied as Tamino in Die Zauberflöte, Jack in Into the Woods, “Sweaty” Eddie Souther in Sister Act, Dandini in The Billy Goats Gruff, Benjamin Coffin III in Rent, and Parpignol in La Bohème.
A proud Fort Worth native, Johnny is now based in Dallas having appeared with The Dallas Opera, Fort Worth Opera, Verdigris Ensemble, Orpheus Chamber Singers, Dallas Bach Society, numerous orchestras, and as a collaborator on many recorded projects, building a reputation for both technical mastery and heartfelt connection. His work extends across genres and languages, from classical and gospel to jazz, mariachi, and afrobeats.
When he’s not performing, Johnny is a proud advocate for accessible, inclusive arts, a Teaching Artist with The Dallas Opera, maintains a private vocal/instrumental studio, vocal arranges and produces, and develops multidisciplinary projects that blend song, movement, and storytelling. Any spare time is spent binging Grey’s Anatomy and caring for his many plants. Find more information at JohnnyB-Music.com.
Sienna Riehle is a multihyphenate artist, who has worked at professional theatre and opera companies across DFW. Some of their favorite mainstage musical theatre roles include Orin Scrivello, D.D.S. (Little Shop of Horrors), Herman/Rudy (Cabaret), Lindsay (Godspell), Masha (We Are Pussy Riot or Everything is P.R.), and Tunny (Green Day’s American Idiot). Sienna has worked with MusicalWriters.com several times as a performer and stage director, and is honored to return to the role of Jess for the third time! In addition to their theatrical work, audiences may recognize Sienna as one of the hosts of popular Dallas cabaret, Broadway On A Tuesday, or as the host and creator of the cult favorite podcast, Would You Still Love Me If I Was A Worm? (found on most podcast streamers). Follow @siennareally on just about anything to keep up with their next projects, their guitar playing journey, and their three feline children (Binx, Gracie, and Homeboy).
Devin Berg returns to the stage after 5 years to reprise her role as “Jo” following her involvement in the 2022 and 2023 readings of Lend Me A Chainsaw. Best known for her DFW Critics Forum Award-winning performance as Lizzie Borden in Imprint Theatreworks’ Lizzie: The Lizzie Borden Rock Musical, Devin spent her time away from theatre earning her Masters in Music Business from Berklee College of Music where she studied Ethnomusicology in modern A&R processes and developed the “Icon Formula,” a method for predicting musical icons via cultural analysis. Devin is also a professional singer, producer, and songwriter, rocking nationally with Emerald City Bands, and locally as her alt-pop persona, Strange Girl. As a 2024/25 Artist in Residence at Arts Mission Oak Cliff, she produced her live concert experience, Thank You to Everyone I Have Loved, followed by the release of her EP of the same name in April 2025. You can find her music on all streaming services. Follow @strangegirlmusic for more!
Evie Atwell (COSTUME DESIGN) is a recent Baylor University graduate with a degree in Theatre Performance. She most recently worked as the Junior Director/Choreographer at Hope Musical Theatre in Palo Alto, California. Evie is elated to be a part of this beautiful and important show as her first experience with MusicalWriters.com!
Paige Triplett (SET DESIGN) is a recent graduate from Baylor University with a degree in theatre design and technology. Paige recently was the costume designer for Little Women at the Hopeful Theatre Project and set designer for The Tempest at Baylor University. This is her first time working MusicalWriters and she is thrilled to tell this story with this amazing group of people!
SARAH POWELL (Widow Wilkin / Professor / Ensemble) is a seasoned performer of many genres, from opera, to musical theater, to cabaret. She has performed in theaters all over North Texas, including Lyric Stage, Casa Mañana, Uptown Players, Theater Arlington, Pegasus Theatre, and Irving MainStage Theatre. Favorite roles include “Margaret” in The Light in the Piazza, “Marmee” in Little Women, “Ilona” in She Loves Me, and “Kate/Lilli” in Kiss Me, Kate. She produced, wrote and performed several cabaret shows, including “I’m Literally Every Woman” at the FIT Fest in 2024. She is also Executive Producer of SheDFW Arts, the newest branch of SheNYC Arts. SheDFW will present their third annual festival, including 3 fully staged productions of new works by women and non-binary writers, in September 2026. Sarah has over 15 years of experience as a voice instructor and arts educator. She has worked as a Teaching Artist with Broadway Dallas, Casa Mañana Studios, and Genesis Children’s Theater. She holds a BA in Music from UNC-Chapel Hill and an MM in Voice from The New England Conservatory. Love to Sophie and Mason! www.integratedartistry.com
Ursula Villarreal (SWING) is excited to be an understudy/swing for the roles of Lina and Holly. She was most recently in Olivia O. (Isabel), part of SheDFW Arts’ Summer Theater Festival. You may have also seen her in 9 to 5 at NTPA (Maria) or in Sister Act at Water Tower Theater (ensemble). When she’s not on stage, you can find her teaching 2nd grade or assisting with her school’s drama club.
LEXI NIETO (Hester Prynne) is honored to be a part of the next MusicalWriters.com premiere production. Other MuscialWriters.com production credits include BL!NK, Getting Through April, and Olivia O. Other DFW credits include Tarzan (Terk) at Lyric Stage, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder (Sibella) at Theatre Frisco, and Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (Candela) at MILC. In the anime world, Lexi can be heard as the English voice of Tomo Aizawa in “Tomo-chan is a Girl!” and countless scrappy little boys. She invites you to join her on her adventures via social media (@lexinieto) or her website (lexinieto.com), and to continue supporting new works!
JOSHUA SHERMAN (DR. JOHN CONAN) holds a BA in Performance Arts from Texas Wesleyan University and has been performing in DFW for over a decade working in theatres such as Casa Mañana, Stage West, Jubilee Theatre, and more! You may have seen him in other MusicalWriters.com Productions such as KHAN!!! The Musical! A Parody Trek-tacular (Spock) or some of the MusicalWriters staged readings such as Sell Me Yesterday (Ephrim), With This Ring (Fred), and various others. During the day, he’s a Realtor & Broker Associate with KC Realty Group at RE/MAX Trinity, dedicated to helping his clients realize their Real Estate Goals. You can find him on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube at @JoshuaShermanRealtor! He’d like to thank the production team for giving him this opportunity and would like to thank his cast for making it such a great experience! Most importantly, Joshua would like to thank his love and his heart, Dakota, for allowing him to shirk evening chores and allowing him to pursue his passion.
DANIEL HERNANDEZ (PEAK ATTORNEY) is thrilled to be returning to the cast of cleaVage after previously serving in the same role last year, and making his first official appearance on the Theatre Three stage. A Dallas-based performer, music director, and vocal coach, Daniel has been fortunate to wear many hats both on and off the stage—though none quite as supportive as this one. Recent credits include The Scarlet Letter Musical (Musical Writers Productions, SPARK Theatre Festival – NYC), serving as Music Director for Seussical, Jr. at Theatre Arlington— where he is currently in his sixth year music directing their youth productions— and contributing to numerous new works through Musical Writers collaborations, including recently assistant directing the first staged reading of Sell Me Yesterday. He is also the owner of SingingDan Studio, where he helps singers of all ages build confidence, strengthen their technique, and fully embrace their unique strengths as performers. When he’s not in rehearsal, Daniel works in talent acquisition leadership and can usually be found cheering on local theatre, hunting for great food, or spoiling his dog, Babs. He is grateful to this incredible team and hopes you enjoy every laugh, twist, and well-supported moment cleaVage has to offer— because this production really knows how to keep things uplifting.
BROOKE BENEFIELD (Tech Director / Costume Coordinator / Female Swing) has been a theatre teacher at Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy, GPISD’s public arts magnet school, for the past 9 years. She teaches costuming, sixth grade theatre, and a college prep class for junior theatre students. She wears many hats both at school and in the theatre community by directing, performing, and lighting designing. Favorite roles include “Marianne” in Disaster! The Musical and “Elle Woods” in Legally Blonde: The Musical. Favorite directing credits at her school include Mean Girls: High School Edition and She Kills Monsters: Young Adventurers Edition. Brooke has worked with Rebecca Lowrey for over twelve years, most recently performing at the MusicalWriters summer festivals and lighting designing for Getting Through April. She is a proud University of North Texas alumni, with a BA in Theatre, emphasis in education, where she was also a tour guide and admissions counselor. Go Mean Green!
BEN MEADERS (Arthur Dimmesdale) is overjoyed to be participating in another new musical with MusicalWriters.com. You may have recently seen him as “Craig” in the premiere of Getting Through April, also with MusicalWriters. Other recent roles include “Brad Majors” in The Rocky Horror Show at Lyric Stage and “Johnny Cash” in Million Dollar Quartet at The Firehouse Theatre. He has nothing but thanks to the creative team for allowing him this opportunity!
BRIGITTE WILSON (Mistress Hibbins) is based out of DFW, but thrilled to be back in NYC with the Spark Festival! Regional: The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Violet, Evita, Les Miserables, Aida, Into the Woods, Bonnie and Clyde, Spring Awakening, and Bare: A Pop Opera. More recently seen in a variety of new works as “Lauren” in Absolute Zero, “Portia” in Omen, “Lina” in Getting Through April, and “Natalie” in BL!NK. BFA Oklahoma City University – Go Stars! Thanks to J, G, and her family – blood or chosen, you know who you are. @bwil_dered
Brent Black is a comedian, musician, and game developer. He’s best known for his YouTube parody music channel Brentalfloss which has nearly half a million subscribers. His three Brentalfloss albums all charted in the the top ten on the iTunes and Billboard comedy charts. He has performed hundreds of live shows all over North America and Europe.
Brent has written several musicals including book and lyrics for I’ll Be Damned which played Off-Broadway in 2010 and starred Mary Testa and Kenita Miller. He also wrote book/music/lyrics for Khan!!! The Musical!, a Star Trek parody which had a critically acclaimed and sold-out Off-Broadway run in 2023. He also co-created the video game Use Your Words and co-hosted the podcast Trends Like These with Travis McElroy.
CHRISTINA KUDLICKI (CHOREOGRAPHER) is thrilled to bring this piece to the full, round, robust stage at Theater Three! Kudlicki is a DFW native boasting over 2 decades of professional dance and theatre production work. Kudlicki’s collaboration with MusicalWriters has been seen previously in Dallas and New York with The Scarlet Letter Musical, Living the Dream, KHAN!!! The Musical!, and the previous sold out run of cleaVage in 2025. Other notable choreography credits: Cats, Pippin, Thoroughly Modern Millie (The Firehouse Theatre); Disaster!, Falsettos, Spring Awakening (Runway Theatre); American Idiot (Lakeside Community Theater). Notable onstage credits: “Fastrada” in Pippin (Frisco Arts), “Wealthy Woman” in Disaster! (GPAC), “Angel” in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Lewisville Playhouse), “Eurydice” in Polaroid Stories and “Trisha” in Five Women Wearing the Same Dress (Lakeside Community Theater), and “Bebe” in A Chorus Line (Denton Community Theater). Love to her fiance, Mike, the SQUAB and Cruise Crew for being the breast friends a gal could hope for!
Rebecca Lowrey (Director / Music Director / Producer) is passionate about creating new works and has spent the past 20 years as a premier music director, vocal coach, and accompanist in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, New York City and everywhere in between. The impressive ability to play anything put in front of her has gained her entry to elite casting rooms, production meetings, rehearsals, and beyond, resulting in a unique skillset that spans more than just music — simply put, she knows what works for a musical. A director and producer as well, Rebecca is adept at getting new shows up on their feet in record time, all while efficiently coordinating the long list of to-dos required to prepare a show for an audience.
She is the owner and CEO of MusicalWriters.com, which helps undiscovered musicals improve and gain exposure with development opportunities including table reads and semi-staged readings produced right here in Dallas. She is there every step of the way to coach musical theater writers as they take the next big leap in their show’s journey. Recent MusicalWriters.com Productions include cleaVage, Lend Me A Chainsaw, Khan!!! The Musical!, BL!NK, Omen, and Getting Through April.
Rebecca is a champion of diverse casting and production teams (#WomenDirect) and has the pull and connections to assemble unforgettable, live, onstage bands. In 2017, Rebecca began producing a series of intimate productions known as the Living Room Concerts. Starting with simple piano-only performances in her living room with friends, the series expanded to poolside parties and festive holiday gatherings. Her pre-Covid credits include the critically acclaimed production of the rock musical Lizzie at Imprint Theatreworks in Dallas, a lauded run of Gutenberg! The Musical! at Amphibian Stage in Fort Worth, and a Rocky Horror Show and 9 to 5 that celebrated the uniqueness of its performers.
You may recognize Rebecca from TikTok, where her popular #DuetWithMe videos encourage thousands of performers to #KeepSinging. Rebecca earned her bachelor of arts degree in music (with a minor in business administration) from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. Her favorite place in the world is at a piano playing literally whatever is put in front of her.
www.accompanymusicals.com | @accompanymusicals | @musicalwriters
Rowan Gilvie FINALLY gets to use that Scottish accent they’ve been sitting on for years! Rowan has performed, choreographed, designed, dramaturged, and assistant directed for theatres all over DFW, including Casa Mañana, Dallas Theater Center, Lyric Stage, and Pegasus Theatre, as well as theatres elsewhere in the southwest. She is also a voice actor, working primarily with Crunchyroll. Most recently they were part of the inaugural SheDFW festival in the cast and creative team of The Martyr by Leo Rose Rodriguez. A huge fan of new works, she’s excited to join the MusicalWriters.com gang again for this first fully-produced musical! Favorite recent roles include: theatre – Winifred Banks/Mary Poppins Jr. (Casa Mañana); Ashly/Death! The Musical III (Pocket Sandwich Theater); Jolene/Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Mainstage Irving-Las Colinas); Rita/Educating Rita (Onstage In Bedford); voiceover – Guideau/The Witch And The Beast, Wizard Boy/Goblin Slayer (Crunchyroll); Granny Death/Hellworld! (available on Steam). A galaxy-sized thank you to Rebecca, for continuing to include me in boldly going where new shows haven’t gone before, and for a whole decade of collaboration and friendship. All kinds of gratitude to Brent for trusting me with your big Broadway space baby. Additionally, thanks to Alex Krus and Tim Brawner, who had better come see this. Every ounce of love to my friends and chosen family always. @rowangilvie (Twitter) // @rowan.gilvie (IG)
Rachel Nicole Poole is honored to be a part of this Trekkie musical adventure! She was last seen on the Theatre Three stage as the Pirate King in The Pirates of Penzance. Her other recent credits include Magenta in The Rocky Horror Show and Florinda in Into the Woods (Dallas Theater Center) and the title roles in both Aida and Cinderella with Lyric Stage Dallas. You can catch her this holiday season returning for her third year as Mrs. Cratchit in A Christmas Carol at The Dallas Theater Center. As a Teaching Artist, Rachel has worked with students at several theaters and studios in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, including Coppell Music Academy, Casa Mañana, DTC, and Broadway Dallas. Rachel is grateful to her family & friends for their love and support! Go Frogs & Enjoy the Show! www.rachelnicolepoole.com IG: @poolerthanyou
Oscar Seung hails from Lausanne, Switzerland, and is a Dallas-based actor, violinist, pianist, opera singer, and music director. From film and television pilots to theater and voiceovers, Oscar champions the representation of Asian Americans in media and the arts. Oscar can currently be seen in We Can Be Heroes (Netflix), directed by Robert Rodriguez, A Cowgirl’s Song (Netflix), and The Turkey Bowl (Hulu), directed by Greg Coolidge. He also guest co-starred in the ABC pilot, False Profits. Anime/video game voiceover highlights: Attack on Titan (Varis), One Piece (Daruma), Cherry Magic (Masato Tsuge), Twilight Out of Focus (Rei Inaba), Yuri on Ice (Seung-Gil Lee), Free! (Nao Serizawa), Borderlands 3 (Nettle). Full list of over 70 shows on imdb.me/oscarseung. Theater: World Premiere of The Supreme Leader (Kim Jong-Un), Dallas Theater Center, The Sound of Music (Baron Elberfeld, u/s Captain Von Trapp, performed), Dallas Theater Center, The Ballad of Little Jo (Tien Mien), Watertower Theater, Dora, the Explorer Live! (Benny), Casa Manana, Miss Saigon (ensemble), Casa Manana. Oscar is represented by the Mary Collins Agency. Twitter: @oscarseung Instagram: @theoscarseung imdb.me/oscarseung
NATALIE HINDS (SWING/ENSEMBLE, TAMMY BRIE U/S) is thrilled to be bouncing back into the bra after playing “Tammy Brie Harley” in the world premiere of cleaVage at Lakeside Community Theatre! Recent credits include “Greta Ohlsson” in Murder on the Orient Express and “Madge Geisel” in The Game’s Afoot at Theatre Arlington, “Bones” in KHAN!!! The Musical!, “Dani Dennison” in Jay Armstrong Johnson’s I Put a Spell on You (NYC), “Emily” in Heroes of the Fourth Turning at Alchemy Theatre, and “Becky” in Fantasy Football: The Musical? (NYC). Catch her on your screen in commercials for Toyota, Frost Bank, Dell, Bark Box and so, so many more. NYU Alum. All her love to Gregg, Floyd, and her adoring fans.
JASON PHILIP SOLÍS (SWING/ENSEMBLE) earned their Bachelor of Music Education from Southern Methodist University and has spent the last 16 years music directing and performing throughout the Metroplex. They currently teach theatre at R.L. Turner High School in CFBISD and have performed in numerous MusicalWriters stage readings, finding new works especially thrilling to bring to life. Some of their favorite roles include “William Barfee” in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Runway), “Levora Verona” in Disaster! (OnStage), “Taxi Driver” in Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (MainStage), “Andre Thibault” in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (MainStage), “Dr. Frank-N-Furter” in The Rocky Horror Show (OhLook), “Matron Mama Morton” in Chicago (OhLook), “Jake” in Evil Dead (OhLook), “Bud Davenport” in Gutenberg! The Musical! (TART), “Mr. Applegate” in Damn Yankees (TART), “The Cowardly Lion” in The Wizard of Oz (GPAC), “Ms. Trunchbull” in Matilda (GPAC), “Asaka” in Once on This Island (Firehouse), “Gomez” in The Addams Family (Firehouse), “Genie” in Aladdin: Dual Language Edition (Firehouse), “Khan” from KHAN!!! The Musical! (MusicalWriters), and “Dawn Fulton” from cleaVage (MusicalWriters). Jason is deeply grateful to their family for supporting them in all of their endeavors and to Rebecca Lowrey, who continues to push them to be the best version of themselves.
Originally from the far reaches of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Janette has landed in Texas, bringing over 15 years of star-studded experience and top-tier training in Opera, Jazz, and Musical Theatre. After fine-tuning her craft at Arkansas State University, Janette set her phasers to ‘legendary,’ performing alongside Broadway icons like Lillias White and Matthew Cavenaugh and even opening for rock giants like Foreigner and jazz royalty like Rosanna Eckert. Most recently spotted rocking the stage as Deloris Van Cartier in Sister Act(Upright Theatre) and Crystal in Little Shop of Horrors (Lewisville Playhouse), she’s also been a soloist with the Allen Symphony and the Coppell Chorale, she can also be found with the local Dallas band IceHouse Band. With a voice that could make Klingons cry and performances that could outshine a supernova, Janette’s mission is to explore the infinite universe of music and art, always ready for warp-speed applause. Buckle up—this diva is just getting started! Hope you enjoy the show, and follow her journey on Instagram: @itsjustjanette.
Gideon Ethridge is a DFW/NYC based actor, singer/songwriter, and musician. Performing professionally since he was 16, He is thrilled to be a part of this star-studded (pun intended) cast. His recent credits include JESUS in Godspell at Millbrook Playhouse, GEORGE in Don’t Dress for Dinner at Millbrook Playhouse, TULLY in Escape to Margarittaville at The Firehouse Theatre, MARCELLUS in The Music Man at Garland Summer Musicals, DAVID in Beloved King with MusicalWriters.com, and DANNY in Grease at Fort Salem Theatre. Some other favorite credits include: GABE in Nedt to Normal, JOHNNY in American Idiot, ST JIMMY in American Idiot, MORITZ STIEFEL in Spring Awakening, JIMMY RAY DOBBS in Bright Star, and JEAN VALJEAN in Les Miserables. He would like to thank his friends, family, and his cat for their love and support as he pursues his dreams in music and theatre. He hopes you enjoy the show, and may you all live long and prosper! Follow his journey as he shoots for the stars at Instagram: @gideon_ethridge; TikTok: @gideonethridgemusic
Trekking all the way from her home planet of Addison to the wild world of Fort Worth, Elisa Danielle James is tickled pink to be part of this glorious enterprise. Most recently seen as Ilona in She Loves Me (Theatre Frisco), Elisa has also been featured locally in roles such as Lily in The Secret Garden (Brickroad Theatre), the Chaperone in The Drowsy Chaperone (Firehouse Theatre), and a myriad of new musical works thanks to MusicalWriters.com and the illustrious Rebecca Lowrey. Many thanks to her incredible family, her SQUAB, her two fur kids, and a very dashing fiancé who supports her endlessly. Welcome aboard and kling on tightly, you’re in for a wild vulcan ride!
Clint Gilbert was born in Carrollton, TX right after his parents saw Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home in theaters and has been a trekkie ever since. After obtaining a Bachelors in Music Education from Southern Nazarene University and a Masters in Vocal Performance from the University of Oklahoma, he returned to DFW and proceeded to take on a series of amazing roles such as Seymour in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (The Firehouse Theatre), White Dude in TOXIC AVENGER: THE MUSICAL (Uptown Players), and Frodo in FELLOWSHIP! (Circle Theatre/Theatre Too). He then fulfilled a lifelong dream when he composed STEDE BONNET: A F*CKING PIRATE MUSICAL (premiered at Theatre Three) with award-winning playwright and wife Nicole Neely. He wishes to thank all who gave him chances and second chances, many of which were undeserved.
BEN PHILLIPS (Roger Chillingworth) has been working in DFW-area theater for nearly twenty years and has previously been seen in such productions as MusicalWriters.com’s Khan!!! The Musical! (Kirk); Circle Theatre’s An Empty Plate in the Cafe du Grand Boeuf (Victor), One Man Two Guvnors (Harry Dangle/Gareth), and Fellowship! The Musical Parody of The Fellowship of the Ring (Gandalf et al.); Jubilee Theatre’s Company (Harry); Lyric Stage’s The Music Man (Marcellus); Contemporary Theatre of Dallas’s The Great American Trailer Park Musical (Norbert); Theatre Arlington’s Annie (Rooster) and Noises Off! (Lloyd); ONSTAGE in Bedford’s Assassins (Hinckley) and Sunday in the Park with George (Mister/Lee Randolph); and Plaza Theatre Company’s 1776 (John Adams) and Into the Woods (Baker). Directing credits include Putting It Together, Butterflies Are Free, and How the Other Half Loves at ONSTAGE in Bedford; The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Firehouse Theatre; A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline at Theatre Arlington; November at Greater Lewisville Community Theatre; See How They Run at Plaza Theatre Company; and Into the Woods at his alma mater, Texas Wesleyan University. Ben is a voice actor and adaptive script writer in the anime industry, and his voice can be heard in such animated series as My Hero Academia (Giran), SpyXFamily (Narrator), Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (Denken), Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation, (Rudeus/Former Self), Golden Kamuy (Shiraishi), Radiant (Myr), and One Piece (Streusen, others).
