A Christmas Carol - NMU Theatre and Dance

A Christmas Carol

December 7-9, and 14-16

By Charles Dickens & Adapted for the stage by Michael Wilson

A faithful rendition of the Dickens classic. Ebenezer Scrooge is haunted by the ghosts of Jacob Marley, Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and the Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come. Faced with his own mortality and the evil results of his misanthropic, miserly ways, Scrooge is redeemed, reconciled with his nephew and his neighbors, and becomes a second father to his assistant’s son, Tiny Tim. 

Thursday, December 7th at 7:30pm - Opening Night Party

Friday, December 8th at 7:30pm

Saturday, December 9th at 1:00pm - Theatre for All Matinee

Saturday, December 9th at 7:30pm

Thursday, December 14th at 7:30pm

Friday, December 15th at 7:30pm

Saturday, December 16th at 1:00pm

Saturday, December 16th at 7:30pm

Location: Forest Roberts Theatre

Tickets are $20 for General Public, $15 for NMU Faculty/Staff, Seniors, and Military, $12 for Students, and $5 for NMU Students.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Cast

Creative Team

† Indicates membership in Alpha Psi Omega, the National Theatre Honor Society.

Additional Artistic Staff

† Indicates membership in Alpha Psi Omega, the National Theatre Honor Society.

Forest Roberts Theatre Professional Staff

Forest Roberts Theatre Staff

† Indicates membership in Alpha Psi Omega, the National Theatre Honor Society.

Cast Bios

Amaraé Robinson (Ebenezer Scrooge) is a BFA Musical Theater Major who also works in technical theater and has a background in music. She enjoys building her craft in all areas of theater. In her time at NMU, she has worked onstage and backstage in many productions. Some of her favorite credits include Finding Home(NMU) and A Charlie Brown Christmas(NMU); her film credits include Come On and Internal Frequencies. Amarae’ is also a member of the Co/Lab Dance Company and Found Space Theater Company. She has previously performed with the Indiana State Department of Theater and the Avondale Theater Company.

Maya Moreau (Jacob Marley/Dick Wilkins) is a rising Junior here at NMU with a BFA in Musical Theater. You may recognize her from some fabulous NMU productions including (But not limited to): "Salome" (Salome), "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" (Olive Ostrovsky), and "Grease" (Marty Maraschino). She is elated for you to enjoy and immerse yourself in our production of "A Christmas Carol". You can also look forward to seeing her in our next upcoming productions of "CO-LAB", and "Anything Goes".

John Fuller (Bob Cratchit) is a junior at NMU and this is his 4th show that he has been in since transferring to Northern a year and a half ago. John is so excited to do his 2nd Christmas themed show here at Forest Roberts Theatre!

Miles Nowlin (Fred) is joyously elated to bring a little Christmas cheer to Marquette. He is a first year student at Northern, majoring in Musical Theatre. He'd like to wish everyone a happy holidays!

Dylan Serman (Tim Cratchit/Boy Scrooge) is excited to perform this year in The Christmas Carol. Last year Dylan was cast as a New Yorker in the Madagascar play for his first play experience ever. He is thrilled to share this holiday tradition with friends, family and the community as Christmas is his favorite holiday. His favorite movie version of the this Christmas story is the Mickey’s Christmas Carol. 

Audryn Just (Spirit of Christmas Past/Bettye Pidgeon) is a first year BFA Musical Theatre Major with a minor in Dance. She is absolutely thrilled to be making her collegiate theatre debut and she is so grateful to have gotten to work with such a talented, hard-working cast and crew. She can't wait for her future with NMU Theatre and Dance!

Kendyl Dahlstrom (Spirit of Christmas Future/Mr. Marvel) is a sophomore at NMU, majoring in Musical Theater with a minor in Dance. You may have seen her in previous roles such as Patsy in Spamalot, Jan in Grease, or Logainne ShwartzandGrubbenaire in Spelling Bee. She is so grateful to have a cast and crew of classmates and community members to work on such a heartwarming show with.

Mandy Granz (Mrs. Dilber/Mrs. Fezziwig) is a freshman at NMU in the BFA Musical Theatre program. This will be the fifth show of her career and her first show at Northern! She hails from Imlay City, Michigan, where she has production credits including Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz” and Gretchen in “Mean Girls”. Mandy would like to thank her friends and loved ones for supporting her theatrical endeavors, and extends her thanks to the cast and crew of “A Christmas Carol” for their hard work and dedication towards making this classic show come to life in an innovative way.

Liam Fisher (Second Solicitor) is a sophomore Musical Theatre BFA returning to the FRT stage after being seen in shows such as Spamalot, Grease, and Spelling Bee! He also appeared in the Blackbox drama, Salome, last winter. Liam is from Grand Rapids, Michigan where he was involved with many different theatres around the city including the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, Shadblow Theatre, as well as his High School in Grandville! Liam is excited to share this beautiful show with friends and family from across the state! Enjoy the show! IG: @liam.fisher1

Clara Usealman (Fan/Beggar Woman/Fred’s Wife) is a freshman musical theatre major excited to be in her first show here at NMU! Before colllege, she performed in Bye Bye Birdie as Kim Macafee and The Addams Family as Alice Beineke, as well as performing in other various small plays. She spends her free time writing about herself in third person. IG: @_clarau_

Kayleigh Clark (Belle/Martha Cratchit) is a freshman at NMU and is studying for a BFA in Musical Theatre. Some of her previous shows include: Spamalot (NMU), Mean Girls, Highschool Musical, and The Wizard of Oz. This is Kayleigh's first time performing in Christmas carol and she is honored to have this experience with such a talented cast and crew! She would like to thank her loved ones for the constant support and love! 

Phillip Smith (Mr. Topper/Old Joe/Undertaker) is a sophomore in the Acting BFA program who was born and raised in Ketchikan, Alaska. He practically grew up in the theatre, having been involved in both school and community theatre programs and productions from a very young age. Since arriving at NMU, he has been in Finding Home (Ensemble), Salome (Soldier #2), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Swing), Grease (Doody), and Spamalot! (Sir Lancelot/Dance Captain). He is thrilled to be a part of A Christmas Carol!

Zoë Hajec (Claire Fezziwig/Fred’s Sister-in-law/Swing - Belle/Martha/Bettye Pidgeon/Ghost) is a third year student at NMU pursuing a BFA in Acting and a minor in Dance. She is very excited to be involved in A Christmas Carol as Claire Fezziwig and Fred's Sister in Law, as well as a cover for Martha/Bell and Doll Vendor/ Ghost of Christmas Past! Some of her recent regional and educational credits include: Spamalot (swing), Wildcat Theatre Follies, The Fish Pirates Daughter (Little Nell), Grease, Finding Home, The Wolves (#00), Elf the Musical (Charolette Dennon), and Above the Timberline.

Maisie James (Mrs. Cratchit/Mother with Child) is a third year student at NMU and is a member of the first Acting BFA cohort. Some of her favorite performances here include Frenchy “Grease”, Soccer Mom “The Wolves” and Elizabeth “Above The Timberline”. She would like to thank the amazing theatre community as well as her family for their continuous love and support. 

Hannah Johnson (Belinda Cratchit) is a freshman in the Musical Theatre program and this is her second show with Northern! She was recently seen in Spamalot as both an ensemble member and as Sir Robin. Hannah made her professional debut in Annie as Annie with Hope Summer Repertory Theatre, but recent credits include Donna in Mamma Mia!, Titania in A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Ursula in The Little Mermaid. When she isn't performing, Hannah can be found in the gym, spending time in nature, reading, playing with her puppy, or eating food. She sends her love to her wonderful family back home!

Joshua Bianca (Young Scrooge/Peter Cratchit) is a first year student at NMU who is majoring in musical theater and minoring in dance. He is beyond excited to be a part of A Christmas Carol as this is his first collegiate production. Joshua has had an amazing time working with all of his cast and crew mates and can't wait to continue his journey at NMU. 

Clyde Fassbender (Turkey Boy/Doll Child) is an aspiring actor in all things theatrical, and is extremely excited to be be in "A Christmas Carol." They hope that you'll see the show, and hope you'll have fun watching it.

Finn Tolonen (Urchin #1/School Child #1) is a freshman here at Northern. He is a criminal justice major with a religious studies minor but is excited to get back into theater after his last production before Covid. Finn performed in The Little Mermaid at a local high school with A Christmas Carol being his first production on campus. He is so thrilled to be working alongside the cast that he is and can’t wait to see what the next theater season at NMU has to offer.

Isabelle Pierce (Urchin #2/School Child #2) is a 3rd grade student at Cherry Creek Elementary and is excited to be performing in her first NMU T&D Show. She is an avid dancer at Dawn Dott Dance Studio and also dances in the community production of The Nutcracker. Isabelle is very excited to share this holiday show with the community and have her friends see the show. 

Greta Ombrello (Urchin #3/School Child #3) is seven years old. She is thrilled to be back onstage acting in A Christmas Carol after making her stage debut in Lake Superior Theater’s Beacon on the Rock this past summer. When she’s not acting, Greta enjoys dancing at New Attitudes Dance Studio and hunting with her crossbow. Greta has loved reuniting with her Beacon buddy Kendyl and making new friends during this production.

Madalyn Hasyn (Wendy Fezziwig/Party Extra/Swing - Mrs. Cratchit/Mother/Bert/Ghost) is a musical theater BFA currently and is in her sophomore year at NMU. This is Madalyn's fourth production here at NMU and her most recent credits are Rizzo in Grease (2023) and Violet in A Charlie Brown Christmas (2022). She is so excited to be a part of this family-favorite production and would like to thank her amazingly talented and hilarious cast and crew for making this show so much fun to be a part of. 

Sallie Taubitz (Nichola Fezziwig/Swing - Fan/Beggar/Fred’s Wife) is a sophomore in the BFA Musical Theatre program here at Northern. Previously, she was in A Charlie Brown Christmas (Sally/Lucy understudy) and Grease (Ensemble). She is thrilled to be a part of A Christmas Carol and can't wait for everyone to see it! 

Logan Newcomb (Fiddler/Puppeteer of the Lost Souls/Swing - Bob/Fred/Mr. Marvel/Ghost) is a freshman here at NMU. He is pursuing a BFA in Acting with a Minor in Music. Logan was most recently seen as the mime in Spamalot, Stage Manager in OurTown, and Sheldon J. Plankton in the SpongeBob Musical. This will be his second time performing A Christmas Carol, and he can't wait to share some joy!

Creative Team Bios

Jamie Peterson (Director) 30+ years in theatre, has offered many opportunities to visit, direct and perform in wonderful venues throughout the Midwest. A Christmas Carol will mark the first time Jamie has provided his directorial services to the NMU Theatre and Dance program. Jamie is grateful for the opportunity to share his passion for theatre with the cast and crew of the Forest Roberts. Working with the exceptionally talented students and production team has been the highlight of the experience. Jamie is humbled by the opportunity to bring this beloved classic to the stage, and hopes you enjoy A Christmas Carol.

Lex van Blommestein (Scenic Designer) 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; Cincinnati, 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.

Lily Howder (Lighting Designer) recently graduated from Indiana University with her M.F.A. in Lighting Design and Technology. She is also a Northern Michigan University alumni who is excited to be back where her love of lighting started. Credits include: Curious George and the Golden Meatball at Constellation Stage and Screen (Lighting Designer), Glitches in Reality at Constellation Stage and Screen (Lighting Designer), Hedwig and the Angry Inch at Cardinal Stage (Assistant Lighting Designer), Into the Woods at Flint Rep (Associate Lighting Designer). IU Theatre and Dance credits include Something Rotten (Lighting Designer), Journeys of Joy (Lighting Designer), New Directions (Lighting Designer). You can find more examples of her work at lilykhowder.com.

Em Rossi (Costume, Hair & Makeup Designer) is an NMU alumnus (2004 BS, 2006 MA) and the faculty member for costumes, hair, and makeup. She holds an MFA in Costume Design from Wayne State University and has designed costumes and puppets for educational and regional theatres in St. Louis, North Carolina, and Michigan. Recent designs include costumes and puppets for Above the Timberline, costumes for Grease, costumes, hair and makeup for Rock of Ages, costumes for Spamalot, and costumes for Anything Goes.

Brayden Smith (Sound Designer) is a freshman this year but has already worked on several productions this semester ranging from Head Electrician to now sound designing Christmas Carol! He's had a wonderful time worming with everyone to create an amazing telling of a classic show.

Braeden Ingersoll (Technical Director), originally from Des Moines, Iowa, received his MFA in Technical Production from Florida State University where he focused on Technical Direction, Production Management, and teaching. Additional professional credits include Technical Director with Des Moines Metro Opera, Theatre Aspen, and North Coast Theatre Festival, and Assistant Technical Director with Creede Repertory Theatre. His work in the Entertainment industry has been driven by his fondness for storytelling and accomplishing technical feats onstage. Braeden has served many roles within the department including Scene Shop Supervisor, CNC Technician & Operator, Scenic Designer, Venue Project Manager, and Automation Programmer & Technician.

Bryson Krieger (Production Stage Manager/Assistant Director) is excited to be working on his tenth show at NMU, but his first as the Production Stage Manager and the Assistant Director! Majoring in Physics and minoring in Mathematics, Engineering Design, and Theatre and Entertainment Arts, Bryson is a junior at NMU. When not on/backstage, Bryson can be found as a scenic carpenter or house manager in the theatre department. He is the president of APO and secretary for CHA at NMU. Bryson would like to thank Jamie, Lachlan, and Hannah for trusting and supporting him throughout the run of the show. He feels blessed to have worked with an amazing cast, crew, and creative team!

Dane Krusick (Media Integration Programmer) is a third year student in the BFA Tech and Design program with a focus on sound and media design. Recent credits include, Spamalot (Media Integration), Grease (A1/Assistant Sound Designer), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Assistant Sound Designer/A1), and Salome (Associate Sound Designer). He is excited to be working on A Christmas Carol and fully exploring the world of media integration.

Rachel Martin (Head Electrician) is so excited to be a part of another NMU theatre production. She is a sophomore studying technical theatre and design. Some of her recent shows she has been a part of include A Holiday Double Feature: A Charlie Brown Chirstmas and a Nutcracker, Grease, and Rock of Ages, and Spamalot. She is so excited to be a part of this amazing show and can’t wait for everyone to see it!

Abigail Mercer (Assistant Lighting Designer/Lightboard Operator) is excited to be the assistant lighting designer for this show. This is her first year at Northern Michigan University, where she is double majoring in theater technology and design and electrical engineering technology. She is thrilled to be working on A Christmas Carol and can't wait for more shows to come.

Lachlan Beesley (Stage Manager) is in his freshman year of college. Some of his most recent shows include White Christmas and The Triangle Factory Fire Project. He is excited to be working on his first show at Northern.

Hannah Leach (Stage Manager) is excited to be stage managing A Christmas Carol! She is a senior double majoring in Biology and Theatre and Entertainment Arts. In the past she has worked as stage crew for Grease and Spamalot. She hopes everyone enjoys the show!

Fen Torenvliet (Stagehand) is thrilled to be a part of NMU's production of A Christmas Carol! Fen recently worked as stage manager for a production of Mary Poppins in Minnesota, and even more recently as deck crew for NMU's Clybourne Park. They are currently working towards a BFA in Theatre Technology & Design. Fen is thankful for this opportunity, and to their friends and family for their continued support.