Monty Python's SPAMALOT - NMU Theatre and Dance

Monty Python's SPAMALOT

October 12-14 and 19-21

Monty Python's SPAMALOT

Book & Lyrics by ERIC IDLE Music by JOHN DU PREZ & ERIC IDLE

Lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT retells the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, and features a bevy of beautiful show girls, not to mention cows, killer rabbits, and French people. Did we mention the bevy of beautiful showgirls? The 2005 Broadway production won three Tony® Awards, including Best Musical, and was followed by two successful West End runs. The outrageous, uproarious, and gloriously entertaining story of King Arthur and the Lady of the Lake will delight audiences as they search for the Holy Grail and “always look on the bright side of life.”

Thursday, October 12th at 7:30pm - Opening Night Party

Friday, October 13th at 7:30pm

Saturday, October 14th at 1:00pm - Theatre for All Matinee

Saturday, October 14th at 7:30pm

Wednesday, October 18th at 7:30pm - Cover Performance

Thursday, October 19th at 7:30pm

Friday, October 20th at 7:30pm

Saturday, October 21st at 7:30pm

Location: Forest Roberts Theatre

Tickets are $20 for General Public, $15 for NMU Faculty/Staff, Seniors, and Military, $13 for Students, and $5 for NMU Students.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Cast List

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

John Fuller (King Arthur) is a junior at NMU and moved to MI from TX in May of 2022. Spamalot is John's third show at NMU and he is so excited to be a part of this hilarious show.

Lia Hielkema (Lady of the Lake) is a musical theatre and political science double major with a concentration in pre-law. She is a junior this year and this is her second year at NMU. Previous notable roles include “Regina” Rock of Ages, “Radio Voice” Grease, “Marcy Parks” The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, “Poppy” The Brink of Womanhood: an Original Musical, and “Aunt March” Little Women. Lia is truly honored to be part of this Spamfam and would like to thank Jimmy and Kristen Ludwig for trusting her on this journey.

Kendyl Dahlstrom (Patsy) is a second year student, pursuing a musical theater major with a minor in dance. She is very grateful for the opportunities NMU Theater and Dance has given her. Her recent credits include, Jan/Sandy Understudy in Grease, Logainne ShwartzandGrubbenaire in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Nazarene/Salome Understudy in Salome. She is so excited to perform such a funny and unique show, with equally funny and unique people.

Amaraé Robinson (Sir Robin) 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. Amaraé is also a member of the CO/LAB Dance Company and Found Space Theatre Company. She has previously performed with the Indiana State Department of Theater and the Avondale Theater Company.

Phillip Smith (Sir Lancelot/Dance Captain) is a second 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), and Grease (Doody). He is thrilled to be a part of Spamalot!

John Thomson (Sir Galahad) is a junior at NMU and just recently joined the BFA Musical Theatre Program, minoring in Health with a fitness leadership and sports performance focus. He has been performing in department theatre productions for three years. Some of his past performances include Elf: The Musical (Ensemble), The Producers (Leo Bloom), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Doug Panch), Salome (First Soldier), Grease (Danny Zuko), and Rock of Ages (Drew Boley).

Ryan Zepp (Sir Bedevere) is a sophomore BFA Musical Theatre major here at Northern Michigan University. He has most recently been seen on the Forest Roberts Theatre stage in A Charlie Brown Christmas (Caroler/Swing) and Grease (Roger). He is so excited to be in another production at NMU and is excited for even more opportunities this year.

Liam Fisher (Historian/Not-Dead fred/Prince Herbert) is a sophomore returning to the FRT stage after being in shows such as Grease (Kenickie) and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Mitch Mahoney). He also appeared in the Black Box drama, Salome (Iokanaan). Liam is from Grand Rapids, Michigan where he has been involved with many 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 hilarious show with friends and family from across the state!

Jessi Ceballos (Ensemble) is an Acting BFA student here at Northern Michigan University. During her time in Marquette, she has been in the productions of Grease, Rock of Ages, and recently the Wildcat Theatre Follies. She is excited to bring this hilarious show to the stage alongside the amazing cast and crew! She would like to thank her family and send them tons of love all the way back to Mexico, her home! She hopes you enjoy the show! IG: @jessiceballos.3

Kayleigh Clark (Ensemble) is a freshman at NMU this year and is studying for a Musical Theatre BFA. She is thrilled to be a part of this production with such a talented cast/crew. Some of her past productions include: Mean Girls, The Wizard of Oz, and High School Musical. She hopes you enjoy the show! IG: kayleighclark889

Ryan Griffin (Ensemble) is pleased to be making his college performing debut with NMU! You may have previously seen him over the Summer as Stacee Jaxx in North Cost Theatre Festival’s Rock of Ages here in Marquette! Ryan previously has served in the US Army and is Currently a “Freshman” here at NMU. He would like to thank the Faculty of NMU for convincing him to spend a few years here to hone his craft. Specifically Kristen Beth Williams and Jimmy Ludwig for all the support they’ve given him in his short time of knowing them. He would lastly like to thank all of you for supporting this program and hopes you enjoy the show!

Jordyn Hopfensperger (Ensemble) is freshman Musical Theatre major and is very excited to be in her first production at NMU! A few of her favorite previous credits include Regina George in Mean Girls High School Version, Cinderella in Into The Woods, and Rusty in Footloose. Jordyn would like to thank her family and everyone involved in the making of this production and hopes everyone enjoys the show!

Hannah Johnson (Ensemble/Lady of the Lake Cover) is a freshman in the Musical Theatre program and is thrilled to be making her NMU debut in Spamalot! 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, or eating food. She sends her love to her mom and sister at home, to her brother at Hope College, and to her little bro and dad in Croatia! 

Kyla Kotecki (Ensemble) is a sophomore at NMU studying Dance and Acting. This is her fourth production at NMU, following previous performances in: Excerpts From The Nutcracker (Chocolate), CO/LAB Dance Company (dancer/choreographer), and Grease (Cha Cha DiGregorio). Kyla is very excited to be a part of this very very very nice show. 

DaShawn Mitchell (Ensemble/King Arthur Cover) is a Junior at NMU. He has been training as a musician, focusing on vocal performance, since middle school. His theatre journey began in high school, and continues to this day as he works toward a BFA in musical theatre here at Northern Michigan University. In his time here he has played roles such as Walter in Elf: The Musical, Henry in Next To Normal, Max Bialystock in The Producers, Herod in Salome, and Johnny Casino in Grease.

Henry Moore (Ensemble) is a first year at NMU and is ecstatic to make his musical debut. Henry is majoring in acting and minoring in business. Back in Minnesota, he has been apart of several shows such as Xanadu, Little Women, and Disney's Descendants. Henry can not wait for you to see the hysterical phenomenon that is Spamalot! 

Asa Naigus (Ensemble/Sir Galahad Cover) is a Sophomore musical theatre major here at NMU. This summer, Asa made his regional theatre debut as Franz in Rock of Ages for North Coast Theatre & Dance Festival, as well as Bob Gaudio in Jersey Boys for Lake Superior Theatre season. Recent NMU credits include Sonny in Grease, The Young Syrian in Salome, Christmas Caroler #2 (aka the Heartthrob Caroler) in A Charlie Brown Christmas, and Leaf Coneybear in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Asa is thrilled to work with such a talented group of people and to the show the world that NMU THEATRE AND DANCE IS NOT A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH!!!

Logan Newcomb (Ensemble) is so excited to be making his on-stage debut at Northern! He has just started his freshman year pursuing a BFA in Acting with a minor in music. His most recent educational credits include: OurTown, SpongeBob SquarePants: The New Musical, and A Midsummer Night's Dream. He is beyond ecstatic to be performing in one of his dream shows with his newly found friends! He would like to say keep being weird and enjoy life! IG: logan.newcomb

Wyatt Schmitt (Ensemble) is a junior Acting BFA major and a Dance minor at NMU. He has been apart of a few productions at NMU including Wesley Singleton in Above The Timberline, Ensemble in The Producers and Eugene in Grease. Wyatt is thrilled to be apart of this show and he wants to thank you for coming! 

Kyra Skinner (Ensemble) comes to us from the EUP of Michigan! She is in her final semester at NMU working towards two degrees, one in Dance and the other in Psychology with a developmental concentration. Some of Kyra’s other roles include The Wolves, Footloose, Excerpts from The Nutcracker, Rock of Ages, and is a member of the CO/LAB Dance Company. She feels very grateful to be a part of this hilarious show! Kyra would like to thank her family, friends, boyfriend, and cast for the endless support!

Helen Fortin (Swing/Patsy Cover/Dance Captain) is over the moon to be in Spamalot! She is very excited to be wearing so many hats for this show: dance captain, Patsy swing, and female ensemble swing, and most importantly: Monty Python enthusiast. Helen is a sophomore at NMU and would like to thank all of her professors for their never-ending support, encouragement, and advice. She would also like to thank her amazing family and friends, especially her parents, for all of their love and support throughout her career so far. To Camelot!

Zoë Hajec (Swing/Sir Robin Cover) is a third year student at NMU pursuing a BFA in Acting and a minor in Deaf Studies. Zoë is thrilled to be a swing for Spamalot because it is an experience she has not had before and has taught her a lot during the rehearsal process. Some of her recent regional and educational credits include: Above the Timberline, Elf, The Wolves, Finding Home, Grease, The Fish Pirates Daughter, and the Wildcat Theatre Follies. Zoë's next production at NMU is A Christmas Carol where she will be a swing and part of the ensemble.

Samuel McKnight (Historian/Not-Dead fred/Prince Herbert Cover) just began his second year at NMU. He is a double major in Acting and Multimedia production. So far at NMU he has been in two shows, last year's Holiday Double Feature: A Charlie Brown Christmas and Oscar Wilde's Salome. Samuel is excited to be covering several male principles in Spamalot and looking forward to the rest of the semester.

Don’Tae Da’Marcus (Swing/Ensemble Cover) is thrilled to be apart of his first collegiate level musical. He’s a first year at NMU working toward his performance degree. Moving from Austin Texas, Don’Tae is ready to leave his mark here in Marquette Michigan one show at a time. He’s loved nothing more than spending these last few months working with such talented performers. His Ig: @Dontaedamarcuss

Miles Nowlin (Swing/Ensemble Cover) Spamalot will be Miles Nowlin's first college-level production! He's a musical theatre major entering his freshman year at Northern Michigan University. He previously featured in Wildcat Theatre Follies, but going back further was in The Wizard of Oz, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and West Side Story. He's worked his tush off being a swing and cover in this production, and hopes for the best of health for all his castmates.

Rebecca "Beck" Piepszak (Swing/Sir Bedevere Cover) is excited to be in one of her final shows of her college career. Graduating in May, she is very excited for all of the opportunities and experiences her final year has to offer! She is undecided in her plans for after college, though she is hoping to go into film work. She is a fourth year Musical Theatre BFA with a minor in Psychology. Some of her college show credits include; Juliet in Romeo and Juliet (2021), Elf: The Musical (2021), The Producers (2022), A Charlie Brown Christmas (2022), and Salome (2023). She is very excited for Spamalot and thanks you for your support!

Michael Ahlstrom (Sir Lancelot Standby) is a senior at Northern Michigan University. Originally a digital cinema major he changed it to a BFA acting after finding his love for acting. Some of his favorite roles include Gabe Goodman (Next to Normal), Chip Tolentino (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), Joey Primo/Ensemble (Rock of Ages), Ensemble (The Producers). He hopes you enjoy the show! 

Creative Team Bios

James “Jimmy” Ludwig (Director) has been a professional actor for over 30 years. His Broadway credits include Little Shop of Horrors and the original cast of Spamalot; Off Broadway includes Blue Man Group ‘Tubes’, De La Guarda, Two Point Oh and the original ‘john’ in john & jen among many others. Around the country, James has played dozens of leading roles from Professor Higgins to Hamlet. He also owns Back40 Films, and has produced hundreds of films, among them the wildly popular series “The Happy Hour Guys”. James has taught all over; MT Lisbon, the University of Washington, the University of Michigan, Franklin & Marshall College, AMDA, Boise State and more. He currently is Head of the very fancy BFA Acting program here at Northern. Join us! Best gigs ever: Hubby to Kristen Beth, and Dad to #JustJake. @JimmyLudwigNYC

Megan Hibbard (Choreographer/Ensemble Cover) is an alumni of Northern Michigan University and graduated with a BA in Theatre and a minor in Art and Design. She loves her time both onstage and off, and loves to have a hand in multiple aspects of the theater! In the past you may have seen her onstage as Natalie Goodman in Next to Normal, Judy Turner in A Chorus Line, or Sherrie Christian in Rock of Ages! For choreography, she was the assistant choreographer for MSHS’s production of Catch Me If You Can, Co-Choreographer of NMU’s Grease, and now the Choreographer of Spamalot! Megan is so grateful for her first experience choreographing an entire show. She would like to thank the whole “Spam Fam” as well as her loved ones for all of their support in everything that she does! She hopes you enjoy the show!

Sara Parks (Music Director) has been actively involved in Marquette’s theatre community for over ten years, as both an actor and music director. After teaching music in the public schools for nine years, Sara recently took on a new role as Artistic Director for Superior Arts Youth Theater, as well as an adjunct instructor in NMU’s Theatre Department. As a performer, Sara’s favorite roles include Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar, Emily Hobbs in Elf the Musical, Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and The Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods. Sara has music-directed SAYT’s productions of Frozen, Jr., Into the Woods Jr., and James and the Giant Peach Jr., as well as NMU’s production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Sara would like to thank her family for their unwavering support and for making her laugh daily -Love you guys!

Cyrus Cohen (Production Stage Manager) is ecstatic to be the Production Stage Manager of Spamalot! Having been introduced to the arts at a young age, Cyrus loves taking part in all areas of theater. Their most recent projects include Color Blind, Grease, Holiday Double Feature, and Woodland Sky. When not on stage Cyrus enjoys working in the E-Shop, Cooking, Reading, and hanging out with their friends. They would like to thank everyone in the department for making this show a fantastic experience and wish everyone to break a leg!

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.

Marla Alden (Lighting Designer) is a Senior BFA Technology and Design student focusing on lighting and electrics. Some of her past works include Woodland Sky Dance Company, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and A Complicated Hope. Recently she has been seen working at Maine State Music Theatre as an electrician. She is excited to be working on Spamalot as the lighting designer! She is forever grateful for her amazing friends, family, and mentors for their support throughout her career.

Ryan Harvey (Sound Designer) is a senior at Northern Michigan University pursuing a BFA in Theatre Technology and Design with a focus in audio. Over the past year he has worked as the sound and media shop crew lead and a stage electrician while sound designing Finding Home. Furthermore, with recent opportunities to work at conventions and music festivals across the country he has realized that the skills he has acquired at NMU can take him almost anywhere in the entertainment industry. To see more of his work visit ryanharvey.live

Em Rossi (Costume 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 A Christmas Carol, and costumes for Anything Goes.

Gianna Bratke (Hair & Makeup Designer) is so excited to be in her senior year at NMU. She is a Wig, Makeup and Costume focus in the BFA Theatre Tech and Design program. This is her sixth show they have designed for. Some of her other hair and makeup designs include NMU’s productions of Salome, Charlie Brown Christmas, and The Producers. She is thrilled to work with such talent in the department and hopes you enjoy the 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 and Theatre Aspen, 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 also has certifications in OSHA-10 “General Entertainment Safety” (OSHA 1910), 3M™ Fall Protection Competent Person, Genie Lift-Pro™ Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) Classes 1A & 3A, and American Red Cross CPR/First Aid & AED.

Sam Wardisiani (Properties Designer) is a senior at Northern Michigan University studying Theatre Technology and Design with a concentration of props. She recently just finished the 73rd season of Unto These Hills in Cherokee, North Carolina. She'd like to thank her friends and family for their endless support. She hopes that you look on the bright side of life and enjoy the show!

Dane Krusick (Media Integrator) is starting his third year in the BFA Tech and Design program with a focus on sound and media design. Recent credits include Grease (A1/Assistant Sound Designer), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Assistant Sound Designer/A1), Salome (Associate Sound Designer), and A Charlie Brown Christmas (Associate Sound Designer/A1). Spamalot will be his first production in the world of media integration.

Cassidy Hope Olson (Assistant Director) is grateful for the opportunity to assist director Jimmy Ludwig and work with a talented company. Cassidy is a senior at Northern Michigan University and is hoping to continue their education at Berklee NYC in the fall with a Masters of Arts in Creative Media and Technology. Cassidy has also been seen in performances such as: Finding Home: A Devised theatre piece, Above the Timberline, and Urinetown. In addition, Cassidy can be found on various social media platforms sharing their talent, including TikTok and instagram! @CassidyHopeOlson

Rachel Martin (Assistant Lighting Designer) 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 Excerpts from The Nutcracker, Grease, and Rock of Ages. She is so excited to be a part of this amazing show and can’t wait for everyone to see it!

Anna Morozov (Assistant Music Director) is very excited to be a part of the Spam fam! Anna is a senior music education student at Northern and will be student teaching in the fall. Her most recent involvements with theater include assistant music director of SAYT’s My Son Pinocchio, and ensemble in Lake Superior Theater’s production of Something Rotten. Anna has had a blast working on this show and hopes everyone enjoys it as well!

Carley Bishop (Stage Manager) is a junior pursuing a BFA in Theatre Technology and Design along with a Minor in Math. Although this is her fourth show at NMU, this is her first time stage managing and she is so excited. Carley is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this show and is so excited for her friends to come see it.

Ambrose Meteyer (Stage Manager) is ecstatic to be a part of his first show at NMU after being heavily involved in theatre throughout high school, most recently serving as lighting designer and stage manager for their production of The Wizard of Oz. He has had an amazing time being a part of Spamalot and hopes that you all enjoy this hilarious and exciting musical as much as he has enjoyed working on it. Ambrose would like to thank his family, friends, and anyone who has ever trusted him to get anything done. #FindYourGrail. IG: @ambrosem_

Brayden Smith (Head Electrician/Spot Operator) is excited to work his first show at Northern being both the Head Electrician as well as a spotlight operator for the performances. Brayden is a Theatre Technology and Design major with a concentration in Lighting design. Brayden has been working lighting on many shows since his freshmen year of high school not only at his high-school but also at various professional venues. He is extatic to be part of such an amazing crew. Instagram: @_bs_mith_

Meara Kronsperger (Audio 1) is a sophomore from Ann Arbor, Michigan studying Theatre Technology and Design and Pre-Veterinary Medicine. She is very excited to be working on another project here at NMU. Some of her most recent projects include Rock of Ages, Grease, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. She is very grateful for the constant support from her friends and family and hopes everyone enjoys the show!