Cabaret - NMU Theatre and Dance

Michael Ahlstrom- Michael Ahlstrom is a 5th year graduating senior at NMU and a part of the BFA Acting program in the NMU Theater Department. He is totally freakin stoked to be a part of such an amazingly talented cast and crew in what he believes will be jaw dropping show! Some of his past roles include Galen Singleton (Above the Timberline), Gabe Goodman (Next to Normal), Chip Tolentino (Spelling Bee), Joey Primo/Ensemble (Rock of Ages), Moonface Martin (Anything Goes), and most recently General Leroy (Ghost Soldiers). 

Sophia Balzarini-Sophia is a Music Education major with a Choral Focus. Some of her more recent acting credits include Kaylee (Prom), Ensemble (Anything Goes!), Woman 2 (The Vagina Monologues), and Francine/Lead Angel (Jersey Boys). She is thrilled to be a part of such an amazing show with a phenomenal cast & crew. So Willkommen, Bienvenue, Welcome, and enjoy the show!

Joshua Bianca-Joshua Bianca is a second year student at NMU who is majoring in musical theater and minoring in dance. He is thrilled to be a part of Cabaret and get the opportunity to work with such a talented group of people. Joshua has previously been seen in Anything Goes and last year’s CO/LAB Dance Company show. This will be his fourth collegiate performance and he can’t wait to continue his theater journey at NMU. Joshua is thankful for all of his family, friends, and faculty! @joshuabianca_

Kendyl Dahlstrom-Kendyl is a third year student at NMU, majoring in musical theater with a minor in dance. You may have seen her in previous roles such as Erma in Anything Goes, Patsy in Spamalot, Jan in Grease, or Logainne ShwartzandGrubbenaire in the Putnum County Spelling Bee. She feels very blessed and thrilled to be a member of such an spectacular and moving show.

Gianna Daprai-Gianna Daprai is a senior at NMU, she is majoring in both dance and environmental science. She trained in various styles of dance for 17 years at various dance studios in the Oakland County area. She has performed with and choreographed multiple contemporary pieces for the CO/LAB Dance Company, of which she is the president of the student committee. Her choreography has been featured at the North Coast Dance Festival and the Detroit Dance City Festival. Her previous performances at NMU include The North Coast Dance Festival (2023), CO/LAB Dance Concert (2023, 2024), The Producers (ensemble), and The Nutcracker (Snowflake). She is very excited to perform in a musical again as Lulu!

Isabella Fontaine- Isabella Fontaine is ecstatic to have her Forest Roberts Theater debut as Fritzie Kost in Cabaret. Although this is Isabella's first musical production here at Northern Michigan University, she has previously performed in the Panowski Black Box for Clybourne (Bev/Kathy) and Puffs (Sally/Leanne/Hannah/Susie Cover). She is originally from Minnesota and has been a proud actress for Ashland's Theater Company. Her favorite roles include Marmee in Little Women and Sandy Cheeks in SpongeBob. She hopes you enjoy this rendition of Cabaret and urges you to truly listen to the messages within, now more than ever.

Jordyn Hopfensperger- Jordyn Hopfensperger is a current second year student here at Northern Michigan University with a major in Musical Theatre and a minor in Dance! Jordyn is thrilled to be a part of Cabaret, as it will be her fifth collegiate production! At NMU, Jordyn has previously been seen in Spamalot, Holiday Soirée, Co/Lab Dance Company’s Carnival of the Animals and Choreography Showcase, and Anything Goes! Jordyn would like to thank her family, friends, and the NMU Theatre and Dance faculty for their constant support! Enjoy the show! Close your eyes dad!! @jordynhopfensperger

Madalyn Hasyn-Madalyn is a junior BFA in musical theater here at NMU. Her most previous credits are Meghan in Puffs, Wendy Fezziwig/swing in a Christmas Carol, and Rizzo in Grease. Madalyn feels incredibly grateful to be a part of this timeless production and to be able to be a part of this wonderful cast and crew. Maddy would like to thank her mom, dad, and brother for continuously supporting her.

Lia Hielkema-Lia is a student at Northern Michigan University, pursuing a double major in Musical Theatre and Political Science. With a deep love for the arts, Lia has had the privilege of being part of productions such as "Puffs" (Susie Bones), "Spamalot" (Lady of the Lake), "Grease" (Radio Voice) and "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" (Marcy Parks) at NMU, as well as "The Brink of Womanhood: an Original Musical" (Poppy) and "Little Women" (Aunt March) at DePaul University. She is the founder and current president of NMUDoIt and plans on attending law school after graduation. She is grateful to Kristen Beth Williams for giving this cast the tools to succeed.

Emma Houston-Emma Houston is a Senior graduating with a degree in MultiMedia Journalism. Emma has danced for 18 years and is currently a member for NMU’s Co/Lab company. Emma has trained with companies like Joffrey School of Dance and Artistry in Motion. She is excited to be a part of such a strong team for her first musical, and is eager to enter the professional field.

Hannah Marie-Hannah Marie is a sophomore Musical Theatre major at NMU and is excited to have started her Sociology minor this fall. She was last seen in the 2024 CO/LAB show, in various pieces. When not performing, you can find Hannah in the gym, reading, or enjoying the outdoors. Hannah is thrilled to be a part of this cast and is honored to have the chance to tell this incredible story. She hopes to move you in some way with this performance today.

DaShawn Mitchell- DaShawn is a senior here at NMU pursuing a BFA in musical theatre. DaShawn’s career in the arts began in middle where he played Trombone, soon after that he began singing in choir. Finding a passion for vocal performance he’s been honing his voice ever since. In High school DaShawn began doing shows in his theatre company and has been pursuing acting ever since. He took the FRT stage in roles like Walter Hobbs in Elf, Max Bialystock in The Producers, and King Herod in Salome. He excited to get to share the FRT stage one more time with all of these incredibly talented artists.

Asa Naigus-Asa is extremely grateful for this new and exciting opportunity. Asa is loving working on this show and is so excited for the public to see it. Recent NMU credits include Cowboy (Ghost Soldiers), J Finch (Puffs), Ensemble (Spamalot), Franz (Rock of Ages), etc. NMU Theater and Dance FOREVER!

Logan Newcomb-Logan Newcomb is going into his sophomore year pursuing a BFA in Acting! You may have seen him last year in Puffs as Wayne Hopkins, Spamalot as the mime, or even A Christmas Carol as the Fabled Fiddler. He is so excited to be performing one of his favorite shows of all time with this incredible cast and crew! He would like to thank his castmates/friends for always supporting him, and Kristen for this opportunity. His instagram is @logan.newcomb. Prost!

Dobbs Nichols-Wilkommen! Cabaret is Dobbs’s fifth show at NMU. They are a third year BFA acting and English minor. You may have seen them in Anything Goes, Ghost Soldiers, Clybourne Park, and Salome. Outside of theater they are a collector of rocks, writer, and an avid reader. Dobbs would like to thank their parents, grandparents, brother, and their partner for all the support. “Thanks for coming! Enjoy the show!”

Cayden Smaka-Cayden Smaka is a sophomore BFA Acting major at Northern Michigan University! He is ecstatic to be a part of performing this show with such a talented cast and crew! His previous stage credits include Ghost Soldiers, Clybourne Park, Holiday Soirée, and Puffs. Cayden would love to thank his amazing family and friends for their constant support and he is excited to share this spectacular show with you!

Phillip Smith-Phillip Smith, born and raised in Ketchikan, Alaska, is a third year in the Acting BFA program. He grew up in the theatre, having been involved in both community theatre productions and school programs practically from the time he was born. Since arriving at NMU, he has been featured in Finding Home (Ensemble), Salome (Soldier #2), , Grease (Doody), Spamalot! (Sir Lancelot/Dance Captain), Co/Lab Dance Company (Full Member), and Anything Goes (Billy Crocker). He is thrilled to be a part of this cast and excited for you all to see Cabaret!

John Thomson-John is very excited to be apart of cabaret. He cannot wait for Marquette to see the incredible work that has been put into the show. This is John’s final year here at NMU and he is so glad to kick off the season with such an amazing group of people.

Sophia Zavala-Sophia is so excited to kick off her sophomore year with NMU Theatre and Dance! Born and raised in San Marcos, TX, she has spent the past 10 years acting, singing, and dancing at any given opportune moment, but most recently played Ursula in Impact Arts-Summer Stock Austin production of The Little Mermaid. As for local shows, she’s most recently been a part of CO/LAB Dance Company: Carnival of the Animals, Anything Goes, and Wildcat Theatre Follies here in Marquette! Sophia’s thrilled to be working with such a wonderful program, and cannot wait to share the rest of her year with you all!

Madeline Berger (Audio 2)-Magdalena Berger is excited to be a part of this production. She is a sophomore studying theatre technology. This will be her first time being an A2. Recently she has been a part of Anything Goes and Wildcat Theatre Folies. She is so excited to be a part of this production and can’t wait for everyone to see it!

Lex Van Blommestein (Scenic Designer)-Lex van Blommestein is a theatre designer based out of Marquette, MI. While he currently teaches at Northern, he also maintains a prolific national and international design career. Lex earned his MFA from Wayne State University's Hilberry Repertory Program in Detroit, and has lived, designed, and taught in Edwardsville, IL; St. Louis, MO; Cincinatti, OH; Raleigh, NC; Memphis, TN; Milwaukee, WI; Detroit, MI; Lansing, MI; Windsor, ON; and Amsterdam, NL, to name a few. In addition to his love for scenic design, he enjoys using design to explore audience reaction, interaction, and emotion, and to create experiences involving virtual reality and augmented reality as well as immersive design.

Maisie James (Assistant Director)-Maisie James is a senior Acting student at Northern Michigan University and has been ecstatic getting to work as Assistant Director for this production. She has performed in a range of productions here at NMU, from Soccer Mom in The Wolves, to Frenchy in Grease, and most recently seen as Hannah (& Others) in Puffs. She is excited to be making the leap from performance to production and would like to thank all of the cast, crew, and especially Kristen for trusting her and believing in her during this process. It has been perfectly marvelous indeed!Em Rossi (Costume Designer)-Em Rossi is an NMU alumnus (2004 BS, 2006 MA). After designing many productions at FRT and other theaters in the Marquette area, she relocated to Detroit where she obtained an MFA in Costume Design from Wayne State University. Em is adjunct faculty in costumes and makeup and also serves as a mentor for costume, hair and makeup design students. Recent and upcoming designs include costumes and puppets for Above the Timberline, costumes for Next to Normal, and costumes for Grease.

Dr. Matthew E. Ludwig (Music Director)-Dr. Matthew E. Ludwig is is an adjunct recently completed his twenty-eighth year as Director of Bands at Marquette Senior High School in Marquette, Michigan and has just recently retired. He holds undergraduate degrees in biology and music education from the University of Michigan and Doctoral and Master’s degrees in wind conducting from Northwestern University. While at The University of Michigan he studied trumpet with Armando Ghitalla and conducting with H. Robert Reynolds, Gary Lewis and Donald Schleicher. At Northwestern University, he studied with conductors John Paynter, Victor Yampalsky and Mallory Thompson.  Previously, Dr. Ludwig was Assistant Director of Bands at Northwestern University where his duties included serving as the Assistant Director of the ‘Wildcat’ Marching Band and Assistant Director of the Northwestern University Symphonic Band. Presently, in conjunction with his teaching duties, Dr. Ludwig served the Fine Arts Department chair at Marquette Senior High School. Additionally, Dr. Ludwig it a Contingent Assistant Professor at Northern Michigan University, where he has served in both the Education and Music Departments.   Dr. Ludwig is proud to be a charter member of the Marquette Symphony Orchestra. He is also a member of the Marquette Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet, the “Borealis Brass.” Previously, he has received several influential educator awards over the years and was recognized with a 2001 Milken National Educator Award. He was named the MSBOA District 14 Teacher of the Year in 2002, 2016, and in 2024.  In 2013, he received honorable mention as a Northwestern University Influential Secondary Educator. Most recently, he was inducted into the Marquette Music Hall of Fame. He has served as an adjudicator and clinician throughout the Midwest. At Marquette Senior High School, Dr. Ludwig’s groups have enjoyed great success, having achieved superior ratings at the Michigan State Band and Orchestra Festival each year.  Additionally, the Jazz Ensemble has been named best big band at various Midwest jazz festivals including the University of Minnesota-Duluth, Eau Claire, and Shawano festivals.  Dr. Ludwig has held several different offices with MSBOA including District 14 President, Vice President of Band and Orchestra, Vice President of Honors Band, and has served as a site chairperson for the State Solo and Ensemble Festival.  Dr. Ludwig enjoys any activity having to do with the outdoors, but is especially fond of biking (all kinds, road, mountain, and fat), traveling, camping, and assisting with the family jewelry business, LLAlways. Recently, he can be found traveling around and chasing his daughters Anne, Megan and KJ on their various, professional endeavors.  He resides in Big Bay with his wife Linda and their mini goldendoodle Dolly.  

Meara Kronsperger (Audio 1)- Meara is a junior from Ann Arbor, Michigan studying Theatre Technology and Design and Pre-Veterinary Medicine. She is very excited for her first show of the season and another year at NMU! Some of her recent projects include Clybourne Park (Sound Design), Anything Goes (A1), and Rock of Ages (A2). Additionally, over the summer she worked as an AV Apprentice at the Santa Fe Opera where she won a James Irven Stanley Memorial Award. She is very grateful for the constant support from her friends and family and hopes everyone enjoys the show!

Dane Krusick (Sound Designer) -Dane Krusick is a fourth year student in the BFA Tech and Design program with a focus on sound and media design. Recent credits include, Ghost Soldiers (Assistant Sound Designer), Anything Goes (Sound Designer), A Christmas Carol (Co-Media Designer), Grease (A1/Assistant Sound Designer), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Assistant Sound Designer/A1), and Salome (Associate Sound Designer). 
 

Hannah Leach (Properties Designer)- Hannah Leach is excited to be the props designer for Cabaret! She is a senior double majoring in Biology and Theatre and Entertainment Arts. In the past she has worked as a stage manager for A Christmas Carol, props assistant for Puffs, and stage crew for several shows at NMU. She hopes everyone enjoys the show!

Jimmy Ludwig (Fight Choreographer/Dialect Cosultant)-James has been a professional actor for three decades. Broadway credits include Little Shop of Horrors and the original cast of Spamalot; Off Broadway include Blue Man Group ‘Tubes’, De La Guarda, Two Point Oh and the original ‘john’ in john & Jen, among many others. Regionally James has playing leading roles around the country from Professor Higgins in My Fair Lady to the titular character in Hamlet. Film and Television credits include The Chappelle's Show, Daylight Raiders, Lipstick Jungle, and Ghost Town.  In 2003 James started Back40 Films, which has produced hundreds of projects on time and on budget; from the wildly popular series “The Happy Hour Guys”, to A Face In The Rock, a feature trailer based on the historical novel of the same name by Loren Graham, set here in the Upper Peninsula.  James has taught at colleges and universities all over the US and abroad, including MTL Portugal, Franklin & Marshall College, AMDA, Boise State, the University of Michigan, the University of Washington, and more. It is his intention to grow the new BFA Acting program here at NMU into one of the best in the country.

Dr. Matthew Ludwig (Music Director) -Matt Ludwig has recently retired as Director of Bands for Marquette Senior High School and is very excited to serve as the Music Director for Cabaret. He holds undergraduate degrees in biology and music education from the University of Michigan and Doctoral and Master’s degrees in wind conducting from Northwestern University. Currently, he is also serving as an adjunct professor at Northern Michigan University where he teaches classes in music literature and high brass. Dr. Ludwig enjoys any activity having to do with the outdoors, but is especially fond of biking(all kinds, road, mountain, and fat), traveling, camping, and assisting with the family jewelry business, LLAlways. Recently, he can be found traveling around and chasing his daughters Anne, Megan and KJ on their various, professional endeavors. He resides in Big Bay with his wife Linda and mini golden doodle Dolly.

Rachel Martin (Lighting Designer)- Rachel Martin is so excited to be a part of another NMU theatre production. She is a junior studying technical theatre and design. This will be her first lighting design. Some of her recent shows she has been a part of include Rock of Ages, Spamalot, Puffs, and Anything Goes. She is so excited to be a part of this amazing show and can’t wait for everyone to see it!

Ambrose Meteyer (Spotlight Operator)-Ambrose Meteyer is a sophomore in the BFA Theatre Tech & Design program. Previous crew credits at NMU include Spamalot (stage manager), Clybourne Park (stage manager), and Co/Lab Dance Company (asst. lighting design). Enjoy the show!

Ashley Rinehart (Production Stage Manager)- Ashley Rinehart is honored to be the Production Stage Manager for Cabaret! Ashley is a second year Theatre Tech and Design student with a Stage Management concentration. This will be her 23rd educational production and 4th production at NMU, previous works being Clybourne Park (Production Stage Manager), CO/LAB student showcase (Stage Manager), and Anything Goes (Stage Manager). She would like to thank her friends for being incredibly supportive through her journey. She hopes you love the show as much as she does, Prost! IG: @ashley.e.rinehart 

Fen Torenvliet (Stage Manager)-Fen is so excited to be a part of Cabaret! They are a BFA Tech & Design student here at NMU and this will be their 9th show. They would like to thank everyone who was a part of this show for the effort and dedication put in to make it great.

Allyson Macias (Stage Manager)- Allyson Macias is a second year at NMU working toward her BFA in Theatre Technology and Design. In the past she has stage managed Puffs at NMU and Once Upon a Mattress, Trap, and The Addams Family at Big Rapids High School. She is excited to be stage managing once again and hopes everyone enjoys Cabaret.

Ashley Sonderegger (Hair/Make-up Designer)-Growing up in Marquette Ashley was an active community theatre member as well as Hair & Make up designer. After taking some time to start a career and family she is now revisiting her core passion, the primary motivation for obtaining a cosmetology license, reigniting her enthusiasm & love for the stage.

Brayden Smith (Head Electrician)-Brayden Smith is a sophomore Theater Technology and Design major, he has worked on a number of shows at Northern in various roles such as, Spamalot (head electrician), A Christmas Carol (Sound Design), Clyborne Park (A1). He also has professional credits including Audio technician at the National Cherry Festival, Lighting Designer for Ghost Soldiers at the North Coast Theater Festival, and Head Electrician at the North Coast Theater Festival. Brayden is so excited to be back with everyone working on this amazing production.

Rachel Wells (Technical Director)-Rachel Wells (She/Her) is thrilled to join the NMU team as the Technical Director and Shop Supervisor. Originally from Ann Arbor, MI, she is excited to return to her home state. Rachel recently received her MFA in Theatre Technology from Indiana University where she served as the Technical Director for Indiana University Summer Theatre, IU’s professional summer stock, for the past three seasons. There she managed repertory productions with a small but skilled team of early career professionals. Rachel is an active member of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) and loves helping young artists to grow their skills and confidence in the world of theatre.

Kristen Beth Williams (Director) -Kristen Beth Ludwig (Williams) is a professional actor/singer/dancer with an extensive career spanning Broadway, national tours, and regional theatres across the country. She was most recently seen in the new Broadway musical Paradise Square.  Other Broadway credits include Hello, Dolly with Bette Midler, Pippin, and the original Broadway casts of Nice Work if You Can Get It with Matthew Broderick and Kelli O’Hara, Anything Goes starring Sutton Foster, and Promises, Promises with Sean Hayes and Kristin Chenoweth.  She originated the role of Sibella Hallward on the first national tour of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder and starred as Dale Tremont in Top Hat in London’s West End.  Her regional theatre credits include Kiss Me Kate (Kate) at Sacramento Music Circus, Million Dollar Quartet (Dyanne) at Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, and Irving Berlin's White Christmas (Betty Haynes) at the Ordway St. Paul, as well as many others. She has been a featured soloist at London’s Royal Albert Hall, Carnegie Hall, and New York’s Town Hall.  As an educator, Kristen Beth is passionate about educating the next generation of performers and has taught master classes in Musical Theatre Dance Styles, Audition Technique, Acting Through Song, and Musical Theatre Scene Study. She has taught at AMDA NY, University of Michigan, University of Oklahoma, and Syracuse University, among others. She is a graduate of The University of Oklahoma and a proud member and Councillor of Actors Equity Association, the National Labor Union for Stage Managers and Actors.

Anna Zimmer (German Dialogue Consultant) -Anna Zimmer is an Associate Professor in the Department of Languages, Literatures, and International Studies here at NMU. She teaches courses in German Studies and serves as the Assistant Director of the Honors Program. Much of her research grapples with issues of memory and migration in contemporary German literature. She is delighted to serve as the German language consultant for Cabaret. And, Berlin is Dr. Zimmer's favorite city!