THE TALE OF TWO DALLAS'S
By MAAJIITAAZIIBIIKWE, MARY SAM
Two high school students are rising young performers with aspirations of life in the entertainment industry Two young Band members living on opposite sides of the state have hopes and dreams of being on the big stage and entertaining the crowds. Both are sending a strong message to their young relatives to get involved, take risks, find their courage, find their voice, and follow their dreams.
Dallas Jennings, son of Martin and Mary Jo Nickaboine Jennings, will graduate from Bemidji High School in 2024.
Dallas Downey, son of Toya Stewart-Downey and Steven Downey will graduate from Hopkins High School in 2025. Both young men have performed in many school and community productions.
After moving from Onamia to Coon Rapids, Dallas Jennings leapt into the world of theater in Coon Rapids middle school and now Bemidji High School. Productions he has been involved in include "Shrek," playing Maurice in "Beauty and the Beast," "Cinderella," followed by the lead role as the King in "Game of Tiaras." He landed a lead role in "Alice in Wonderland," but the show ended up cancelling due to COVID-19. In his most recent role, he loved playing Martini in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest."
Dallas loves acting, “but the people in the plays are the best to be with,” he said. “I love performing and getting into character.”
Dallas is inspired by actor Johnny Depp. “He perfectly executes his roles and gets into character and it is just so fun to watch him.”
When asked who he would love to meet and/or be in a movie with, he said, “I would love to meet Johnny, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Neve Campbell.”
Balancing school with a 3.9 GPA, theater, working an internship, and family make for a busy life. In his spare time, Dallas is involved in ceremony, hunting, gathering, and the upcoming sugarbush season. Dallas’ goals are both high and reachable and include getting further training in drama and theater and seeing himself as a famous movie star.
His mother Mary Jo is inspired by her son. “Dallas’ ability to be who he is without reservations, aiming and achieving his personal and academic goals, motivates me as his mom, but also [motivates] his younger sister.”
As an urban actor, Dallas Downey performed in the Children’s Theater Company production of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," and other school and community productions, including "Shrek," "Captain of the Guards," and "Matilda and Trunchbull." In "Legally Blonde," a Hopkins School District play, he was recognized by Spotlight Education Hennepin Theater Trust for his team's work where Dallas played in the lead role of Emmett. He is currently in the musical "Once on This Island Jr." for the Stages Theater Company in Minneapolis, where he plays Tonton Julian. Dallas shared that this is his favorite role so far, because “the character is brave, strong, and impactful. It’s so fun to portray him in a unique multicultural and different way.”
Dallas performs with the drum and dance group, Voice of Culture, in Minneapolis, which creates space to study and practice the arts to support mental health and wellbeing.
As an Indigenous and Afro person, Dallas shared that he loves connecting with both sides of his identity. His goal is to perform on Broadway one day and be a journalist who works to feature youth of color with inspiring, meaningful stories. While balancing school, theater, and family, he is a grass dancer.
“I love dancing and connecting to the Native side of myself. Every time I dance, I feel empowered. I feel the best part of my heart.”
About her son, Toya said, “Dallas has never been afraid to try new things and take chances, which has been great to bear witness to as his parents.”
When asked what advice they would like to give their young relatives, Jennings said, “Take risks and try out different things in life. You just might like it, just like I did. You will learn to believe in yourself.”
Advice from Downey is, “Be authentically yourself. There are so many people who want you for you. You are talented and know that you can reach your goals and dreams.”
