Holiday Soirée 2024 - NMU Theatre and Dance

Morgan Behrend (Cast)- Morgan is a first year BFA Musical Theatre student originally from Green Bay, WI. This year she has also been involved in The Rocky Horror Show at NMU (Usherette/Swing) and Spring Awakening at IronArts Theatre (Anna). She is so excited to be a part of Holiday Soirée and hopes you enjoy the show!

Nate Bunker (Understudy)- Nate is a passionate freshman at Northern Michigan University (NMU), where he is pursuing musical theater. Nate recently concluded his performance in the university’s production of "Frankenstein," He's on the path of pursuing a career in professional theatrical productions, aspiring to take the stage in major cities. Beyond his immediate aspirations in acting and performance. His goal is to return to NMU after establishing his career to earn the credentials necessary to teach drama to high school students. He believes that nurturing the next generation of performers is essential and wants to instill in them the same love for the arts that has shaped his life.

Emily Falker (Cast)- Emily is a 2nd year Elementary Education major with a minor in German Education. She grew up singing with her family and has been dancing for over 15 years. Last year, she performed in her first NMU Theatre & Dance production, the CO/LAB Dance Company's show, "Carnival of the Animals". She hopes you enjoy the fun and festivity of Holiday Soiree as much as she has!

Liam Fisher (Cast)- Liam Fisher is a junior Musical Theatre BFA returning to the FRT stage after appearing in Rocky Horror, Spamalot, Grease, Anything Goes, and more! Liam spent last summer in Warsaw, Indiana working at the Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts. Notable credits include The Beast in Beauty and the Beast and Hercule Poirot in Murder on the Orient Express. Liam is from Grand Rapids, Michigan where he has been involved with many different theatres around the city including the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, and Shadblow Theatre, as well as his high school in Grandville! Liam is excited to share this hilarious show with friends and family from across the state! Enjoy the show! IG: @liam.fisher1 

Isabella Fontaine (Cast)- Isabella is so excited to be a part of this years Holiday Soiree. She was recently seen on the Forest Roberts Theater as Fritzie Kost in Cabaret, as well as in the Black Box for Clybourne Park (Bev/Kathy) and Puffs (Hannah/Leanne/Susie/Sally Cover). She cannot wait to celebrate the holiday spirit with all of you! 

Alex Harris (Cast)- Alex Harris is a first-year Musical Theatre student at Northern Michigan University. He is thrilled to be working on this production and looks forward to many more opportunities in the future. As a legally blind artist, Alex is dedicated to making theatre more accessible and inclusive for all individuals. He believes in the power of theatre to positively influence lives and hopes to inspire others with disabilities to discover a similar passion for the craft. Through his work, Alex aims to bridge gaps and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to experience the magic of theatre.

Jordyn Hopfensperger (Cast)- Jordyn Hopfensperger is thrilled to be a part of NMU Theatre and Dance’s production of Holiday Soiree for the second year in a row! Currently, Jordyn is a second year Musical Theatre major and is a proud member of Co/Lab Dance Company. Besides Holiday Soiree, Jordyn has previously been seen in numerous NMU productions including Cabaret, Anything Goes, and Spamalot! Jordyn would like to thank her friends, family, and the NMU Theatre and Dance faculty for all of their love and support! Happy holidays everyone! @jordynhopfensperger

Asa Naigus (Cast)- Asa is a third year musical theater student here at Northern. Asa is thrilled to be working with such an incredible group of people for his second year in the Holiday Soiree. Recent credit include; Rocky (Rocky Horror Picture Show), Cliff/Ernst cover (Cabaret), Cowboy (Ghost Soldiers), and J Finch (Puffs). Asa hopes everyone finds the exact amount of holiday spirit that they needed at the soiree. LONG LIVE NMU THEATER AND DANCE!!!!! FOREVER!!!!!!!!!

Don'Tae Mitchell (Cast)- Don’Tae Mitchell is thrilled to be a caroler for the Holiday Soiree once again! Last year, it was one of his fondest memories of the season, and this year has been just as amazing. He’s grown very close with his fellow carolers, and it’s always a pleasure to sing and make new memories together. Don’Tae hopes to keep up this cherished tradition and can't wait for everyone to catch their cameo. It's been soooo fun, and he looks forward to spreading more holiday cheer! @dontaedamarcuss

Bo Marcum (Cast)- Bo has worked on a few NMU productions including being the Pit Manager for Anything Goes and Assistant Music Director for The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Their first time on the Northern stage was this fall during the Wildcat Follies and they are very excited to be welcomed back for another show!

Henry Moore (Cast)- Henry is a Sophomore at NMU pursuing a BFA in Acting as well as a minor in Business Administration and Dance. Henry has loved to be able to come back another year as a Caroler and is exited to preform again with so many great people. This is Henrys 8th show at NMU, most recently in Home for the Holidays as cast, and Anything goes as a Male Swing. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Miles Nowlin (Cast)- Miles is a second-year fellow in the BFA musical theatre program. He was previously in the orchestra in "Cabaret," and last spring he was in "Anything Goes." Simultaneous to rehearsing for "Holiday Soiree," he was rehearsing and performing IronArts' production of "Spring Awakening." Miles is jolly to perform this merry collection of holiday songs this season.

Kat Raehpour (Cast)-Kat is a Freshman BFA Acting Major with a Dance Minor. Most recently, Kat performed in the Wildcat Theatre Follies with Me and the Sky from Come From Away and her favorite past roles include Sibella in Gentlemen’s Guide, Fastrada in Pippin, and Scarecrow in Wizard of Oz. Next semester, Kat is Co-Directing the NMU Do It produced Dance Drama: Cheers to Love. She would like to thank Kristen Ludwig and Donna Poirier for this opportunity.

Natalie Ramirez (Cast)- Natalie is so excited to be a part of her third NMU production. She first started of with her WTF showcase where she got to perform the song Seventeen. After that she was in Rocky Horror Picture Show as Columbia. Her last show this year will be Jesus Christ Super Star as a chorus member in the spring. Enjoy the show and have a jolly time!

Lexi Reese (Cast)- Lexi Reese is a Junior Theater Performance Arts Major and has been in a total of 18 shows since she was the age of 12 with some of her favorite roles being Charlie Brown (A Charlie Brown Christmas), Miss Honey (Matilda: The Musical), and Pinocchio (Shrek: The Musical). Lexi would like to thank her mom, dad, and grandma for always being loving and supportive since the beginning of her musical theater journey.

Angel Rivera (Cast)- Angel Rivera is a Musical Theatre BFA student at Northern Michigan University. She is beyond excited to share the stage with so many talented people in the Soirée for the second year in a row. Angel is thankful to be able to showcase her many talents. Her favorite Christmas memories always had to do with putting up the tree and decorating it. Previous Roles Include: Rocky Horror (Ensemble), Finding Home (Ensemble), The Little Mermaid (Ursula) etc.

Mena Wylykanowitz (Cast)- Mena Wylykanowitz is a freshman BFA musical theatre major and is so excited for her first production in the black box with Holiday Soirée! She’s from Fremont, Ohio and is loving her first year at NMU. Her previous roles include: Janet (Rocky Horror), Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins), Puck (A Midsummer’s Night Dream), and Éponine (Les Miserables).

Sophia Zavala (Cast)- Sophia is so excited to be returning to Holiday Soirée this season, wrapping up her third semester here at NMU! As a Musical Theatre major, she's very passionate about performance and is looking forward to spreading even more festive cheer in Marquette, most recently having been in Home for the Holidays and Cabaret! Being a Texas native, she’s never experienced a “white Christmas” but certainly hopes to bring a warm and cozy vibe to the function.

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.

Emma Carr (Production Stage Manager)- Emma Carr is thrilled to be the Production Stage Manager for the Holiday Soirée. She is currently a junior in the theatre tech and design program. In the past she has worked on Rocky Horror Picture Show and Puffs as a stage manager and in the scene shop building all the scenic elements for the endless productions. She is grateful for the never ending support from her friends and family. She hopes everyone enjoys the show!

Peytyn Kier (Lighting Designer)- Peytyn is very happy to be the lighting designer for Holiday Soiree. She is a sophmore working towards her BFA in Theatre Technologies and Design. IN the past she has been the Assistant Lighting Designer for Frankenstein, Head Electrician in Home for the Holidays, and Head electrician for Anything Goes and many other shows at NMU. She is very excited for everyone to come see the show!

Dominic Mrakovcich (Sound Designer)- Dominic Mrakovcich's musical journey has spanned nearly two decades, from his early composition studies to earning a Master's in Music Composition from East Carolina University. His passion for pushing musical boundaries is palpable in his exploration of blending electronic synthesizers with nature field recordings, often crafting captivating and immersive ambient soundscapes. Beyond his creative pursuits, Dominic has shared his expertise as a music theory and percussion instructor, inspiring students with his dynamic teaching style. As the Radio Disc Jockey of "Soundtrack Sundays," he has connected with the community through curated playlists on WCNI New London, 90.9 FM. Drawing on his technical theater background, Dominic has honed his skills working as a technician for Connecticut College and The Garde Arts Center, while immersing himself in New London's vibrant punk-ambient night scene. Now, as the Sound & Media Supervisor at Northern Michigan University, Dominic is dedicated to spotlighting NMU's talented students nationally, with sponsorships, video productions, and sound design classes in the works.

Donna Poirier (Music Director)- Donna Poirier is currently serving as the Choir Director at Ishpeming Public Schools and Vocal Instructor at Northern Michigan University.   She an active singer and accomplished pianist. She has served as music director for the Shreveport Opera and the Natchez Music Festival and stage director for Manhattan Lyric Opera. She was thrilled to join Opera Fresca in Mendocino, CA, as music director for their production of "Pagliacci." In 2012-2013, Donna served as a regional conductor for the 105 Voices of History National Choir based in Washington D.C. Her stage roles include: Susan in "Big, the Musical" with Artful Living Productions, Musetta in Puccini's "La Bohéme" with the Opera Theatre of Connecticut, Pamina in Mozart's "Die Zauberfløte," Madame Silverpeal in Mozart's "Impressario" with Crystal Opera, Rosina in Rossini's "The Barber of Seville" with Opera New England, Adina in Donizetti's "Elixir of Love," Susannah in Mozart's "Le Nozze di Figaro," Gretel in Humperdinck's "Hånsel and Gretel" with New York Opera Forum, La Ciesca in Puccini's "Gianni Schicchi," the Shepherd Boy in Puccini's "Tosca," Ida in "Die Fledermaus"  with the Natchez Music Festival in Mississippi, and Gianetta in "Elixir of Love" with Manhattan Lyric Opera of New York for their tour in Boca Raton, FL. Donna has appeared as soprano soloist with the New York City Choral Society in Händel's "Messiah," the Manchester Symphony and Chorale and the Northeast Concert Choir in Beethoven's Mass in C, and the Middletown, CT, Chorale in Mozart's Mass in C minor. She has made numerous recital appearances throughout the country including an appearance for the International Dickens Society, RI, and the American Women Composer's Society in NY. She enjoys playing throughout the southeast with her band, The Court Jesters. Donna holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Michigan, a Master of Music from the University of Connecticut, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral Conducting from the University of South Carolina under the tutelage of Dr. Larry Wyatt.  She has served on the faculty at Allen University, Alcorn State University, the University of Connecticut, the Ethel Walker School and the Young People's Institute. Donna is the founder of Summit Studios, a performing arts studio serving over 700 clients per week in Manchester, Connecticut.

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.

Kristen Beth Williams (Director/Choreographer)- Kristen Beth Williams (Ludwig) has directed and choreographed NMU's productions of Cabaret, Anything Goes, and last year's Holiday Soirée. Her choreography has been featured in the CO/LAB Dance Company shows in 2023 and 2022 and NMU's production of A Charlie Brown Christmas. She served as Director/Choreographer for the North Coast Theatre Festival's production of Rock of Ages. As a performer, Kristen Beth has performed in 6 Broadway shows, several national tours, and been a featured soloist with the MSO, at Carnegie Hall and London's Royal Albert Hall. She is thrilled to be back at the helm of the Soirée, bringing a little extra holiday magic to Marquette.

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.

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