The Last Firefly

Cruz Donovan (Boom) is a first-year transfer in the BFA Acting program. He was last seen on the Theatre UCF stage in Rhinoceros (Madame Bœuf, U/S Old Gentleman, U/S Little Old Man), Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Ensemble) at the Dr. Phillips Center, and Peter and the Starcatcher (U/S Mrs. Bumbrake). Past theatre credits include Project Spotlight’s Team Spirit (Mayor Douglas), She Kills Monsters (Chuck), Trap (Ephrain Salas), Puffs (Cedric), Mamma Mia! (Bill Austin), and more.

Erica Turner (Monkey) is a second year BFA Musical Theatre student, double majoring with English Creative Writing. She was most recently seen in Theatre UCFs production of Rhinoceros (Grocer Woman). 

Micah Brown (Kuroko/Spider) is a third-year in the BFA Acting program. She has appeared in both Theater UCF productions and Project Spotlight showings such as Team Spirit (Isabel) and Chicken and Biscuits (La’Trice) She also worked as a Stage Manager on the Project Spotlight production of Shaken, On The Rocks. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Faviana Vázquez (Lightning) is a second-year transfer student in the BFA Acting program. Her UCF Theatre credits include Rhinoceros (Daisy), The Cherry Orchard (Ensemble, U/S Anya, U/S Dunyasha, U/S Charlotta), Race to Infinity (Guadalupe/Mrs Ramos). Her film credits include Rule of Thirds (Liv) and Potato Chips (Featured Dancer). In her free time, Favi likes to work on perfecting her latte art and taking pictures of her weenie dog (Hamilton) with her pink digital camera. 

Seth Thornton (Ax/Tree) is a senior in the BFA Acting program. Seth has been seen on the Theatre UCF stage in As You Like It (Jacques). Other theatre credits include See Rock City (Raleigh) and Dracula (Harker). Seth is in his final semester at Theatre UCF, making this his last show at UCF.

Justin Joseph Rotolo (Sparrow/Puppeteer) is a third-year transfer student and senior in the BFA Acting program. He is secretary of Alpha Psi Omega. Theatre UCF: Bite Me (Nathan), Rhinoceros (Grocer Man, U/S Bérenger, U/S Jean), The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (Mulberry, U/S Old Dogsborough, U/S Young Dogsborough, U/S Goodwill, U/S Fish), The Cherry Orchard (Ensemble, U/S Gayev, U/S Firs, U/S Pischik, U/S Vagrant), Metamorphoses (U/S Midas and others, U/S Erysichthon and others). Florida Southern College: The Diary of Anne Frank (Peter, Sound Designer), Stop Kiss (Peter), Tom Jones (Actor #6) @justinrotolo & justinrotoloshots.com

Laura Banguero (A Spider/Puppeteer) is a first year in the MFA Acting program. She has been seen on the Theatre UCF stage in The Clean House (Ana). Her other theatre credits include Pericles (Thaisa), Twelfth Night (Viola) and Passage (R).

Alessandra Almanza (Puppeteer) is from Brownsville, Texas and is currently an MFA - Acting Candidate. She got her BA in Theatre Education University of Texas - RGV. Some of her show credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Helena) and As You Like It (Rosalind) at the Camille Playhouse in Brownsville, TX. Her other work has been seen in She Stoop to Conquer (Kate Hardcastle) and Coriolanus (Sicinius). She worked as a director at Coakley Middle School and mounted productions like Shrek Jr. and The Lion King Jr. Recently, she was a part of UCF’s production of The Clean House (U/S Ana). 

Sarah Gruber (Puppeteer) is a first-year in the MFA Acting program. She completed her BA in Sociology and Theatre at Smith College. She made her Theatre UCF debut this past fall in Rhinoceros (Logician). Some of her recent professional credits include An American in Paris (Swing), BLKS (That Bitch on the Couch) and Witch (Winnifred). She is also a dramaturg and dance teacher. sarahgruber.com

Charley Willoughby (U/S Boom/Sparrow) is a third year student pursuing a BFA in acting and minor in marketing. He has previously been seen in Theatre UCF’s production of The Prom (Student Ensemble, U/S Kevin) and more recently in Rhinoceros (Little Old Man, U/S Logician, U/S Madame Bœuf). 

Paris Michaud (U/S Monkey) is a 1st year in the BFA Musical Theatre program. She made her Theatre UCF debut this past fall in Rhinoceros (Waitress). Her most recent outside credits include Peter Pan (Peter Pan), Into the Woods (Bakers Wife), and The Revolutionists (Director). @the_paris_michaud

Daniela Frailan Diaz (U/S Kuroko/Spider) is a second-year B.A. Theatre Studies major passionate about performance and production. She has appeared in several Project Spotlight shows, including Headspace (Dolores), Irreverent! (Raven, U/S Rita), and The Notebook But With a Cuban Accent (Abuela Clara). Daniela is also a dedicated Project Spotlight officer, contributing to both the social media and lighting teams, where she continues to hone her skills behind the scenes.

Jane Sweeney (U/S Lightning) is a sophomore in the BFA Acting program.  She has performed in the Theater UCF productions of The Prom (Ensemble) and The Clean House (Lane).  Her other theater credits include Gruesome Playground Injuries (Kayleen) and Grease (Patty Simcox).  She hopes to provide joy to people through theater in the way it has provided for her. @janeksweeney (Instagram).

Christian Perry (U/S Ax/Tree) is a junior B.A. Theatre Studies student. Previously he has performed in Rhinoceros (Fireman, U/S Berenger, U/S Dudard) and Peter and the Starcatcher (Ensemble, U/S Lord Aster, U/S Captain Scott, U/S Fighting Prawn) with TheatreUCF. One of his favorite roles was in Macbeth (Captain, Doctor).

Natalia Monét (U/S A Spider/Puppeteer) is very excited to be a part of The Last Firefly. Natalia is a BFA Acting Major here at UCF and is so excited for their first mainstage show! She recently worked with Project Spotlight last year as Ezra in Group Therapy written by Roma Zizza. She wants to thank her friends, family, and professors, for their love and support throughout her career.

Ty Simons (he/him) (Co-Director) is a KCACTF Region IV award-winning director and second-year MFA TYA candidate with a B.A in Theatre Studies and a minor in Education! His previous credits include: Regional Theatre; A Christmas Carol (Assistant Director, Orlando Shakes), The Facts Are As Follows (Dramaturg, Orlando Shakes), Theatre UCF: Rhinoceros (Associate Director), Dance Night (Associate Director) as part of Pegasus Playlab at UCF, Working (Assistant Director), Affinity Lunch Minutes (Assistant Director). MAKE ART NOT WAR! @tylersiimons

Leigh Green (Co-Directer) is thrilled to be co-directing this incredible play with one of her dear friends and colleagues, Ty Simons! Leigh is a current MFA TYA candidate (c/o 2026) and the Artistic Associate for Theatre UCF. Additionally, she attended UCF for her undergraduate degree (BFA Musical Theatre - c/o 2016). Leigh is an actor, singer, educator, and artistic creative. Besides working and learning at UCF, Leigh works in entertainment at Universal Orlando Resort & is the Marketing Associate for Theater West End in Sanford, FL. Recently, Leigh closed a successful run of The Office Holiday Musical Party Extravaganza Show at the Renaissance Theatre Company, where one can also find her working from time to time. Leigh would like to thank her friends, family, her dog POE, and her partner, Jose, for all of their love and support as she navigates the chaos that is grad school. 

Kirby Lee (Dramaturg) is a 2nd year graduate student in the MFA Theatre for Young Audiences program, and received her BFA in Theatre for Youth from East Carolina University. She is so excited to be the Dramaturg for her 2nd Theatre UCF production. Her recent credits are Daring to Dream (Creative Participant) and Rhinoceros (Co-Dramaturg). In addition to being involved with Theatre UCF, she works part-time as a KidsTown presenter at the Orlando Science Center and is a teaching artist at Orlando Family Stage. 

Matthew Conte (Scenographer) is a set designer based in Orlando, Florida. His Theatre UCF credits include Rhinoceros (Scenic Design), Metamorphoses (Asst. Scenic Design), Sweeney Todd (Lead Carpenter), Irreverent! (Scenic Design), Bright Star (Props Manager), & Race to Infinity (Co-Scenic Design). He is the Director of Set Design for Antuan Magazine and Strike Magazine Orlando. He is currently completing his BFA in Theatre Design and Technology at UCF. MatthewConte.com

Nicolas Zamora (Props/Puppets) is a 3rd year transfer student in the BFA Design and Technology program. He has previously worked on Theatre UCFs production of Rhinoceros (Costume Crafts).

Annalee Weydert (Production Stage Manager) is a 4th-year BFA Stage Management student. Her Theatre UCF credits include Rhinoceros (Production Stage Manager), Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr. (Stage Manager) at the Orlando Family Stage, Project Spotlight’s Race to Infinity (Stage Manager), The Prom (Asst. Stage Manager), The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (Asst. Stage Manager) and Shrek the Musical (Production Assistant). Other theatre credits include Rock of Ages (Stage Manager), Mamma Mia! (Asst. Stage Manager) and Escape to Margaritaville (Asst. Stage Manager) at the Athens Theatre in Deland. She spent this past summer completing her internship at Stagedoor Manor in Loch Sheldrake, New York as a Stage Manager and Camp Counselor. @orlandostagemanagers

Chris Bresciani (Stage Manager/Scenographer) is a second-year MFA Theatre for Young Audiences student. Select Theatre UCF Credits include The Prom (Associate Director), The Grumpiest Boy in The World (Assistant Director), The Rover (Stephano, Soldier, Masquerader, U/S Fredrick). Other Theatre credits include City Theatre’s Shortcuts Tour (Stage Manager/Assistant Director), Summer Shorts: Homegrown Edition (Assistant Stage Manager), Sips & Shorts: City Reads (Stage Manager), 21 Chump Street (Stage Manager/Director/Makeup Designer), Climate Change Theatre Action (Stage Manager), Hell Cab (Assistant Stage Manager), The Lightning Thief (Props Assistant), Willy Wonka JR (Props Designer/Supervisor). Learn more about Chris at: chrisgbresciani.com 

Hannah Silverstein (Stage Manager) is a second-year transfer in the BFA Stage Management program. Her theatre UCF credits include The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Jr. (Assistant Stage Manager), Desert Oceans (Assistant Stage Manager), The Cherry Orchard (Production Assistant). Other UCF theatre credits include The Prom (Q-Lab Operator), Metamorphosis (Deck Crew), Sweeney Todd (Light Board Operator). After she graduates she hopes to one day work on cruise ships or tours as a stage manager!

Mia Boshoff (U/S PUPPETEER, Production Assistant) is a first year in the BFA Stage Management Program, and is so excited to make her Theatre UCF debut!

Sidonia Grissom (Production Assistant) is a first-year in the BFA Stage Management Program. This is her Theatre UCF debut. Her previous show credits include the national tours of Legally Blonde (Spot Light Operator), Anastasia (Spot Light Operator), Waitress (Props Crew) and The Price is Right Live (Stage Crew). Learn more about Sidonia at: tinyurl.com/Sidonia-Grissom

Jonas Winter (Stage Manager) is a 2nd year transfer student in the BFA Stage Management program. He has previously worked on Theatre UCF’s The Clean House (Stage Manager), UCF Celebrates the Arts 2024 (Stage Manager), Metamorphoses (Production Assistant), and Project Spotlight’s Irreverent! (Production Stage Manager). @_just.jonas @orlandostagemanagers

Alaina Beaver (Light Board Operator) is a first-year student in the BFA Stage Management program. This is her Theatre UCF debut! Previous credits include, Seussical: The Musical (Production Stage Manager), Pippin (Assistant Stage Manager), and The Play That Goes Wrong (Production Stage Manager). Alaina is a former teen ambassador with the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, and was involved in their youth production of Matilda (Assistant Stage Manager). She additionally completed her stage management portfolio for A Chorus Line (Production Stage Manager) at the Florida State Thespian Festival and earned a Superior. @orlandostagemanagers

Isabella Commorato (Wardrobe Supervisor) is a sophomore in the Theatre B.A. program. Her Theatre credits include Bulletproof Backpack (Stage Manager), Matilda Jr. (Stage Manager) and Puffs (Lighting Designer). She is involved in Student Government, Her Campus and Model United Nations.

Leah Anderson (Wardrobe Crew) is a first-year transfer student. This is her Theatre UCF debut. Her theatre credits include Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Jeremy) and You Can’t Take It With You (Kolenkov). She is also involved in Project Spotlight.

Clairisse Winton (Wardrobe Crew) is a first year transfer student in the theatre program.

Jacqueline Milles (Wardrobe Crew) is a freshman in the B.A. Theatre Education Program. This is her first Theatre UCF production. She volunteers as a stage manager at a community theatre in her hometown.

Alli Ayars (Deck Crew) is a first-year Theatre Pending student. This is her Theatre UCF debut! This is her first time ever working a crew position for a show. She is also a part of the a cappella group Gemini Blvd. @alli.ayars

Wil-Preston Singleton (Deck Crew) is a third year in the Media Management program. He went to Valencia college for two years and transferred to UCF for the last two years. He is a Media Management major, and a Theatre UCF minor.  

Anna Reed (Deck Crew) is thrilled to participate in this production as it is her first Theatre UCF opportunity. Anna is currently dual majoring in Political Science and Theatre with a minor in Journalism. Anna also represents the College of Arts and Humanities in the student government senate. She hopes you enjoy the show!

The Last Firefly, written by Naomi Iizuka, blends Japanese folklore with modern storytelling to highlight the transformative power of myth and the personal growth that comes from confronting one’s fears.  In her play, Iizuka creates space for audiences to explore the emotions and challenges of childhood in a way that resonates with audiences of all ages.

The Last Firefly draws from storytelling traditions such as Kabuki theatre and bunraku puppetry, both of which emphasize dynamic movement and transformation. Inspired by how these traditional Japanese forms convey shifting realities, our ensemble manipulates a large swath of fabric, which transforms into a fluid, ever-changing force that mirrors Boom’s evolving sense of self. The fabric becomes more than just a material—it is a tool for storytelling. It is our way of expressing the world as Boom experiences it. 

We hope our production's imaginative staging leaves the story and its characters open to interpretation; you may identify themes of resilience, transformation, or the ever-evolving nature of identity.  While you watch, we invite you to reflect on how Boom’s journey mirrors your own.

—Dramaturg, Kirby Lee