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Taylor Moore, playing Zazzalil, leads a high-energy moment in “Firebringer.” The production showcased humor and creativity as the cast brought a prehistoric story to life on stage.
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Jaxon Schroeder, as Smelly-Balls, reacts during a comedic exchange with Gage Gooding, who plays Ducker, in “Firebringer.” The two characters bring humor and energy to the prehistoric-themed musical performed at Neese- Grey Theatre.
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Eli Dozier (left), freshman data analytics major, and Ruby Johnson (right), junior vocal performance major, appear as Grunt and Emberley. Their performance added depth and charm to the prehistoric comedy presented by Washburn University Theatre.
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A dynamic scene is performed by cast members during an event. During the show a student-led musical that used song and comedy to retell the tale of how early humans discovered fire.
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In a turning point, cast members assemble around a freshly lighted torch. As the characters first encountered the invention of fire, the student production honoured collaboration and exploration.
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Caroline Scarbrough, sophomore elementary education major, playing Keeri, delivers a solo during a performance. The musical comedy explored themes of discovery and leadership as early humans learned to harness fire.
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Ruby Johnson confronts Eli Dozier with the tribe’s newly discovered flame. The two portray characters grappling with the fear and wonder of fire’s power in the student theater production.
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During a group scene, performers engage in a playful exchange. Their passionate performances and vibrant costumes added laughter and companionship to Washburn Theatre’s lively representation of early human life.
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Elliot Pruitt, junior forensic investigation major, playing Chorn, gestures expressively on stage. Pruitt’s performance is energetic and expressive, captivating the audience.
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Terry Symonette, sophomore pre med biology major, as Jemilla and Moore perform together during the finale of “Firebringer.” The musical comedy closed out Washburn University’s fall theater season.
Washburn University Theatre brought the world of “cave times” to life on Friday, Nov. 7, with its lively production of “Firebringer.” The show ran from 7:30 -9:30 p.m. in the Neese-Gray Theatre and invited the audience to step into a prehistoric world filled with curiosity, chaos and comedy.
“Firebringer” tells the story of an early human tribe learning how to work together, survive and eventually create one of the most important discoveries in human history: fire. The musical is filled with energetic songs, funny characters and moments that connect ancient struggles with challenges people still face today.
Julie Noonan, directer of theatre, explained that the story is not meant to be historically accurate but instead reflects the long tradition of humans passing down stories to teach lessons. In her director’s note, she shared that the show highlights how people have always tried to understand each other, use new technology responsibly and figure out their purpose.
The performance featured a wide range of musical numbers such as “We Got Work to Do,” “Welcome to the Stone Age,” “What If?” and “The Night Belongs to Us.” Act II continued with songs like “Climate Change,” “Backfire” and the musical’s big finale. There was a 10-minute intermission between acts, giving the audience time to browse the silent auction in the lobby. All proceeds from the auction support Washburn University Theatre and the WU Players Club.
“Firebringer” offered audience members a chance to experience the excitement and humor of live theatre while supporting student performers.
Maude Steinbeck, a first-year graduate student in clinical psychology, attended the show after hearing about it through someone she knew in the cast. It was her first time seeing “Firebringer,” and she shared that “Honestly, we got work to do” was the song that stood out to her the most.
Sylecia Herron, junior psychology major, said attending the show was a way to cheer on a friend in the cast and enjoy the musical’s lively performance.
“I know someone in the play,” Herron said. “For now, I think ‘The Night Belongs to US’ was really good…I feel great [and] happy to be here and support my friend.”
Elliot Pruitt, junior forensic investigation major and performer in the musical, mentioned it was an exciting opportunity to bring Chorn to life.
“I wasn’t originally going to audition at first, but one of my friends who played Kiri encouraged me to and it was a great experience auditioning,” Pruitt said. “I was the first person to read for Chorn, and I think from the moment I went to Chorn, it was set in stone. My favorite moment, or song I really like, [is] ‘Night Belongs to Snarl.’ I like sneaking around.”
Connie Erwin, stage manager for “Firebringer,” said producing the show for a campus audience required balancing humor and meaningful themes. She noted the importance of accommodating full-time students’ schedules while helping them gain hands-on experience and praised the collaboration between students and faculty for supporting the creative process.
“The humor really helps to draw in like the college audience,” Erwin said. “And I would say that the themes about stepping up and taking responsibility for the impact you make in the world is very relevant.”
The cast included students portraying the characters Jemilla, Zazzalil, Emberly, Grunt, Chorn and other tribe members. Each actor brought personality and humor to their roles, helping create a fun, immersive atmosphere.
Behind the scenes, the production team worked on everything from set and costume design to lighting, puppetry, sound and choreography. Live musicians accompanied the show, bringing extra energy to each musical number.
Washburn Theatre also highlighted several upcoming events in the Neese-Gray Theatre, including Fall Opera Scenes on Nov. 21 and the Spring productions “Gloria” and “Airness” in early 2026.
“Firebringer” will continue its run on Nov. 8, 13, 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m., with a final performance on Nov. 16 at 2 p.m.
Edited by Anson Appelhanz and Arohi Rai
