Past Productions - NMU Theatre and Dance

The Producers was performed at the Forest Roberts Theatre April 8-9 and 13-16, 2022. Click the link to learn more!

The Wolves was performed at the James A. Panowski Black Box Theatre February 18-19 and 23-26, 2022. Click the link to learn more!

Next to Normal was performed at the Forest Roberts Theatre February 2-5, 2022. Click the link to learn more!

Elf the Musical was performed at the Forest Roberts Theatre December 3-4 and 8-11, 2021. Click the link to learn more!

The world premiere of Above the Timberline was produced and performed at the Forest Roberts Theatre October 15-16 and 20-23, 2021. Click the link to learn more!

CO/LAB COLLECTIVE was performed at the Forest Roberts Theatre September 30 and October 2, 2021. Click the link to learn more!

The 2021 Spotlight Variety Show was performed at the Shoreline Theatre September 3-4, 2021. Click the link to learn more!

Twelfth Night was filmed at the Forest Roberts Theatre and released to audiences June 25-26, 2021.

Cast List

Creative Team

Additional Artistic Staff

Forest Roberts Theatre Summer Staff

Cast Bios

Lilith Kontos (Viola) received her B.S. in English literature from Northern in 2019 and currently works as the marketing manager and playwriting competition coordinator for the NMU Theatre and Dance Department. Previous roles include Nina in The Seagull (Wolf’s Head Theater Co.), Hermia in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Presque Isle Bandshell), Ali in Mamma Mia! (Forest Roberts Theatre), Toby in Sweeney Todd (Forest Roberts Theatre), Annelle in Steel Magnolias (Lake Superior Theatre), and Jan in Grease (Lake Superior Theatre). She is overjoyed to be onstage again, and would like to thank the incredible cast and creative team, as well as her family and friends, for their endless love and support.

Griffin Pepin (Duke Orsino) is beyond excited to share this incredible production with you! He’s been in several shows in both Marquette and Houghton throughout the years including Grease (2017), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2018 and 2019), Mamma Mia! (2019), and most recently I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (2020). Griffin is looking forward to you getting to see all the hard work that this wonderful cast has been putting in. 

Ella Bartlett Filipowicz (Olivia) is a transplant to Marquette where she’s happy to be putting down roots and raising a family. Most recently she has been seen in The Vagina Monologues, Mamma Mia!, as Tamora in Titus Andronicus, and as Mindy in Five Women Wearing the Same Dress. Ella is delighted to have been able to play with this extraordinary cast and crew.

Teagan Olivia Sturmer (Malvolia) is a Marquette local and NMU creative writing alumna. She is a middle grade and young adult author represented by Amy Giuffrida of the Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency based out of NYC. Teagan’s previous roles include Shelby in Steel Magnolias and Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Additionally, she has directed both Shakespeare’s As You Like It and A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Superior Arts Youth Theatre and A Christmas Story with NMU Theatre and Dance. She wants to thank the rest of the cast and crew for creating such a safe and loving place to gather and make art come alive again. 

Jacob Laitinen (Sir Toby Belch) is a native of Marquette and a recent graduate of the theatre program at Northern Michigan University. Jacob will be attending Mary Baldwin University in the fall to pursue his MLitt/MFA in Shakespeare & Performance. His previous roles in at NMU include Capulet in Romeo and Juliet, Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, Beadle Bamford in Sweeney Todd, Professor Porter in Tarzan, Creon in Antigone, and Thenardier in Les Miserables. He has performed with several professional companies including Tecumseh Outdoor Drama in Ohio and the Pine Mountain Music Festival, including the world premiere of Rockland the Opera. Jacob wants to thank everyone for supporting the arts and hopes you enjoy this wonderful production of Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare!

Megan Hibbard (Sir Andrew/Captain) is a senior at NMU pursuing a BA in Theatre with a focus in lighting design and a minor in art and design. She loves to be on and behind the FRT stage! In the past she has performed as Lisa in Mamma Mia!, worked as a dancer/choreographer and assistant lighting designer on What We Leave Behind, performed as Bombalurina and worked as assistant lighting designer on Cats. Her latest designs include North Coast Dance Festival, Spotlight Variety Show, and North x North Coast. She is so excited to be with everyone again and would like to thank the cast, crew, and her family for all the support.

Riley Fields (Maria/Antonio) is a Marquette community member who wandered in off the street one day in the fall of 2017 and has ostensibly never left. This is her fifth show with NMU; past performances include Isabel in Scrooge, Antigone in Antigone, Ensemble in Tarzan, and Miss Shields in A Christmas Story. Before moving to the Marquette area, Riley had previously worked with the West End Players of Iron River where she choreographed six musical theatre productions and costumed seven. Offstage, Riley is the Director of Coffee at local business Velodrome Coffee Company. 

Benjamen Filipowicz (Feste the Clown) is a teacher at Bothwell Middle School and an NMU alum. Most recently he was in the chorus of Mamma Mia! (2019, FRT), but he has also had roles in numerous other productions, including Saturninus in Titus Andronicus (2017, UPShakes), Rapunzel's Prince and the Wolf in Into the Woods (2015, FRT), Mark Cohen in RENT (2010, FRT), Trinculo in The Tempest (2009, FRT), John Worthing in The Importance of Being Earnest (2008, FRT), and Elwood P. Dowd in Harvey (2007, FRT). He is excited to be working with this talented cast and under the guidance of Dr. Wood.

Nick Salin (Sebastian) graduated from NMU's theatre and dance program in the winter of 2019. He has been in numerous shows over the years. Some include Building Madness (Vito Deleoni), Nightfall with Edgar Allan Poe (Poe), and The Full Monty (Dave). He was also Lead Animator for Superior Arts Youth Theater on their recent animation series. He would like to thank his family and friends for their continued support. Nick is very excited to be back on the stage and hopes that everyone enjoys the show!

Creative Team Bios

David Wood (Director) serves as Professor of English at Northern Michigan University, where, in 2007, he began teaching English Renaissance, medieval, and classical literature. Named the 2017 Michigan Association of State Universities Distinguished Professor of the Year, he has published widely in the field of English Renaissance drama, focused largely on the plays of William Shakespeare and his contemporaries. This production is his directorial debut working with NMU’s Department of Theatre and Dance, and he’d like to offer immense thanks to the cast and crew. He’d also like to thank his wife, Vicki, and children, Maddie, Henry, and Nate.

Clair Kaminski (Production Stage Manager, Costume Design) is a senior BFA Theatre Technology and Design student at NMU with a concentration in stage management. Shows she’s worked on at NMU include What We Leave Behind (ASM), Significant Other (PSM), Romeo and Juliet (Co-Costume Designer), Spotlight Variety Show (PSM), and North Coast Dance Festival (PSM). Clair is thrilled to be a part of NMU’s summer stock theatre, and has loved every moment of working with the incredible cast and crew of Twelfth Night. She is so thankful to see this show as both a stage manager and costume designer.

Megan Hibbard (Lighting Design) is a senior at NMU pursuing a BA in Theatre with a focus in lighting design and a minor in art and design. She loves to be on and behind the FRT stage! In the past she has performed as Lisa in Mamma Mia!, worked as a dancer/choreographer and assistant lighting designer on What We Leave Behind, performed as Bombalurina and worked as assistant lighting designer on Cats. Her latest designs include North Coast Dance Festival, Spotlight Variety Show, and North x North Coast. She is so excited to be with everyone again and would like to thank the cast, crew, and her family for all the support.

Romeo and Juliet was filmed at the Forest Roberts Theatre during COVID-19 and released to audiences June 18-30, 2021.

Cast List

Creative Team

Additional Artistic Staff

Forest Roberts Theatre Staff

Cast Bios

Sophie Shrauger (Romeo) is a freshman musical theatre BFA candidate at NMU. In her time on campus so far, she has already been cast in five productions! Sophie hopes to pursue a career in musical theatre or film acting. She hopes that audiences will thoroughly enjoy this fresh take on this widely known classic, and will be left with a new perspective on what love truly looks like when everything else seems bleak. “This pandemic has really forced everybody to realize that living a life without contact can be hell on earth for an insane amount of people," Sophie says. “This production really highlights just how impactful that one touch can be, and I’m excited for people to connect with Romeo and Juliet on a whole new level!”

Rebecca Piepszak (Juliet) is a freshman majoring in musical theatre and Romeo and Juliet is her second show with the NMU Theatre and Dance Department. Her favorite part of the show is the unique twists and truth behind the story. She hopes that everyone who watches R&J enjoys it and knows that she had an amazing time being amongst so many amazing actors!

Jacob Laitinen (Capulet) is a native of Marquette, MI and a senior theatre major at NMU. He plans to get his Master's after graduation and is ecstatic to be performing in Romeo and Juliet as his last play at Northern. Jacob's previous roles at NMU include Beadle Bamford in Sweeney Todd, Thenardier in Les Miserables, Professor Porter in Tarzan, and Creon in Antigone. Additionally, he has worked professionally in the theatre world before coming back to NMU to get his degree. Jacob wants to thank everyone for supporting the theatre, and he hopes you enjoy this timeless classic.

Kaylie Goodno (Lady Capulet) is a freshman at Northern Michigan University and is from southeastern Wisconsin. She is currently both a musical theatre major and a music major. Kaylie hopes you enjoy the show! 

Ashley Gardner (Nurse, Lady Montague, Third Watchman) is a transfer senior at Northern Michigan University and is currently pursuing a major in theatre with a performance emphasis. This will be Ashley’s third show at NMU following her previous roles as Nella Walker in War of the Worlds and the Young Lady in A Christmas Carol. Ashley is blessed to be a part of such a wonderful, creative cast and can't wait for audiences to see the show!

Noah Proctor (Benvolio) is currently in his second year at NMU pursuing a degree in theatre and entertainment arts. With most of his gen eds out of the way, he is excited to be getting more involved with the theatre department and the people within it. Noah has previously appeared in Significant Other and A Christmas Carol and is hopeful of being able to perform for live audiences again in the near future. In the meantime, he is grateful for the opportunity to be able to work on a project like this in person.

Ethan Puisto (Friar Laurence, Abraham) is a music major at NMU, but has many years of theatrical training under his belt. He has attended the esteemed Chicago College of Performing Arts as a musical theatre major, as well as Northwestern University's Cherubs Theatre Intensive. Ethan has been a lead singer in many bands, and releases self-produced music independently under the project alias "Fidget Bleach." He enjoys drag performance, music production/songwriting, found fashion, and pushing the limits of the performing arts.

Creative Team Bios

Paul Truckey (Director): As a Director, Paul has staged over 30 productions including Romeo and Juliet, Cats, Noises Off, Building Madness, Into the Woods, A Paper Tiger in the Rain, A Comedy of Errors, 1776, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, A Flea in Her Ear, The Mousetrap, ACTletes, The Foreigner, The Full Monty, and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Paul's acting credits include leading roles in over 50 productions, most notably the roles of Grantaire, Javert, and Thenardier in the Broadway and national touring companies of Les Miserables, Fredrik in A Little Night Music for the Pine Mountain Music Festival, Pete the Barber in the world premiere opera Rockland, George Jr. in the original company of Utah! The Musical at the Tuacahn Amphitheatre, and Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls at the Interlochen Center for the Arts. Paul is currently a professor of theatre at Northern Michigan University, and a member of the Actors Equity Association.

Clair Kaminski (Costume Design) is a junior at NMU working towards a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theatre technology and design with a concentration in stage management. Clair has worked on several shows at NMU on the stage management teams; however, this is her first time costume designing for an NMU Theatre and Dance production. Working on the costume design for Romeo and Juliet has been a really fun experience for Clair, and she is really grateful for the opportunity to stretch her creativity with the experience of a different part of the theatre program.

Lex van Blommestein (Costume Design/Lighting Design) 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.

Seth Bowen (Lighting Design) is a BFA Theatre Technology and Design candidate and plans to become a professor of theatre someday! He is originally from Rhinelander, WI and is currently in his senior year here at NMU. Seth has taken part in many different productions at Northern including Sweeney Todd (Police Officer/Ensemble), The Full Monty (Malcolm), Cats (Gus), North x North Coast (What If? Scenic and Props), and A Christmas Carol (various roles). Seth is super excited to be a part of this production of Romeo and Juliet and to have the opportunity to co-design under Lex; it has been an amazing, fun learning experience! 

William “Bill” Digneit (Sound Design) is the current production manager for the annual LDI Conference Program (including LDInstitute and LDIntensives) in Las Vegas and also for LDI Mexico. He has been working in production management with LDI for over 10 years. He is passionate about technology education to push the entertainment industry. Bill created the LDI Club Tours five years ago out of necessity to educate the growing festival and club markets. At NMU, Bill oversees the Theatre and Dance Department, markets and promotes the current season, and teaches classes focusing on technical practices applicable in the nightlife and festival venues. Bill is the co-owner of Double Trouble Entertainment, a Michigan based entertainment and production-company focusing on nightclub design and outdoor events. Bill also is part owner of DIGS Gastropub in Marquette, MI.

Emily Kendall (Production Stage Manager) is a senior double majoring in criminal justice and technical theatre with a stage management focus. As the Production Stage Manager for this production, and a graduating senior, Romeo and Juliet will be her last production here at Northern. After graduation, she plans on getting a stage management position/internship. Emily is disappointed that this production can't be "normal" given the current state of things, but she's very glad to have been a part of it as her undergrad years come to an end. She wants to thank the faculty for everything they've done the past four years, and let them know that she'll miss holding office hours with them.

Sylvia Bednarczyk (Assistant Stage Manager) is a sophomore BFA theatre technology and design student. Her previous work at NMU includes: The Full Monty (Deck Captain), A Christmas Story (Assistant Stage Manager), Significant Other (Carpenter/Painter), North x North Coast (Production Manager), and an/(one’s) ivory tower (Properties Design). Sylvia is grateful to have had the opportunity to work on a production during the pandemic, but she can’t wait for live theatre to begin once again!

Erin Hope (Script Supervisor) is from Kalamazoo, MI, majoring in theatre and entertainment arts as well as English with a concentration in writing. This is her second year attending NMU and she aspires to pursue a career in the theatre industry after graduation. She is very excited to be working on Romeo and Juliet in a style that is different from "normal" theatre, and wants to thank everybody supporting the theatre industry.

David Pierce (Production Manager) began teaching at NMU in 2014. Holding an MFA in Theatre Technology for the University of Wisconsin-Madison, David also serves as Technical Director and Production Manager for the Forest Roberts Theatre. His courses include Entertainment Technology 1, Entertainment Technology 2, and Stage Management. He also served as Lighting Designer for past FRT productions of Little Shop of Horrors and Into the Woods. During the summer months, David worked for several years as the Technical Director for the Adirondack Theatre Festival in Glens Falls, NY. A company devoted to new and contemporary work, he has been apart of such productions as Murder for Two, Filming O’Keefe, The Whale, Spun, and others. Before coming to NMU, David was the Technical Director for the Department of Theatre and Dance at Western Kentucky University. Other previous credits include: Four Season Theatre (WI), Forward Theatre Company (WI), and Little Theatre on the Square (IL). David is also an active member in United State Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT).

Keli Crawford-Truckey (Properties Artisan/Manager) serves as a teacher, director, and properties master at NMU. Recent FRT directing credits include The Full Monty, Proof, Sweeney Todd, Bears, Doubt, Harvey, and Into the Woods. She has worked as a stage manager/staff member on the Broadway and national touring companies of Les Miserables, and on off-Broadway productions including And Miss Reardon Drinks a Little at the Producers Club and Cloud Nine at the Bank Street Theatre in NYC. Keli holds a degree in Directing and Performance from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. 

Who Fears Not Death (2021) was filmed in the James A. Panowski Black Box Theatre and released to audiences June 16-19, 2021.

Creative Team

Additional Artistic Staff

Forest Roberts Theatre Summer Staff

Workshop readings of A Complicated Hope, our 2021 Panowski Playwriting Award winner, were recorded via Zoom and released to audiences June 4-5, 2021.

Cast List

Creative Team

Forest Roberts Theatre Summer Staff

The 2021 North Coast Dance Festival was performed at the Forest Roberts Theatre during COVID-19 and livestreamed to audiences April 22-24, 2021.

Festival Lineup

Un Sospiro

Composed by Franz Liszt
Performed by Dr. Nancy Zimmerman
Choreographed by Jill Grundstrom
Dancers: Brigitte Bartesch, Emily Burbey, Breanna Ladiski, Ariana Rodriguez, Skylar Taavola, Maisie Zahn

Tides and Dreams

Composed by Elliot Middleton
Choreographed and Performed by Rose Goltz and Paige Myers

Fusion

Performed to "Looking Through a Scratchy Record"
Composed by Dan Zini and Gracie Fries
Produced, Mixed, and Mastered by Dan Zini
Drums by Ryan Wilson
Programming and Other Instruments by Dan Zini
Choreographed by Gracie Fries
Dancers: Emily Burbey, Gracie Fries, Sylvia Gravel, Megan Hibbard, Arin Miller, Makenzie Rea, Skylar Taavola, Zoe Zimmer

Drifting

Performed to "Never Far Away" by Taizo Audio
Choreographed by Maisie Zahn
Dancers: Brigitte Bartesch, Emily Burbey, Ariana Rodriguez, Kyra Skinner, Logan Stoner, Maisie Zahn

Shadows

Performed to "Kingdom of Shadows" by Viljami Mehto
Choreographed and Performed by Skylar Taavola

Slowly Burning

Composed by Evan MacDonald
Choreographed by Skylar Taavola, Thailey Leak, Christina Ferrera, and Sylvia Gravel
Performed by the NMU Dance Team
Dancers: Skylar Taavola, Christina Ferrera, Thailey Leak, Rose Goltz, Paige Myers, Ciara Witkowski, Isabella Bekkala, Kylie L'Huillier, Sylvia Gravel

Creative Team

Additional Artistic Staff

Forest Roberts Theatre Staff

Dancer Bios

Christina Ferrera is a sophomore majoring in biology with a physiology concentration. Christina is also a captain and second year member of the NMU Dance Team. She has been trained in many styles of dance and has danced competitively for most of her life. Christina is excited to be a part of her first production here at Northern Michigan University.

Gracie Fries is a senior here at NMU from Kingsford, MI pursuing a bachelor's degree in dance with a business concentration. Her passion lies in the musical arts with twenty years of dance instruction and vocal lessons. She spent four years teaching and choreographing at Julie’s Top Hat Dance Studio and is currently choreographing at Dawn Dott Dance Studio. She was a pro-dancer in the 2019 “Dancing With Our Stars Marquette County Style, Disney Edition” and co-choreographer for SAYT's 2019 production of Frozen Jr. Gracie has performed in several FRT productions including, Tarzan, Beauty and the Beast, the 2018 Fringe Festival, What We Leave Behind and hopefully more to come! Her hobbies include singing, playing bass, baking, gardening, and spending time with the people she loves. Being one of the first of her family to attend college, she is proud to be a Wildcat with much support from her family, friends, and the Theatre and Dance Department faculty! 

Rose Goltz is a freshman majoring in biology with a concentration in physiology. She has been dancing for thirteen years, and is currently on the NMU Dance Team and a captain for next season. She’s also currently a dance teacher at New Attitudes Dance Studio. She would like to thank her mom and dad for always supporting her dreams, and everyone at DuHadway Dance Dimensions for pushing her to be the dancer she is today.

Sylvia Gravel is a second year student studying dance with a minor in biology. This will be her second production at NMU, with her first being the 2021 Spotlight Variety Show. She is thrilled to be dancing on the stage again after a long year without! Dance has been a major part of her life since the age of 3, and she is a second year member of the NMU Dance Team. Sylvia would like to thank Jill Grundstrom and her classmates for being an incredible source of positivity and support during a challenging time.

Megan Hibbard is a junior pursuing her BA in theatre with a focus in lighting design and a minor in art and design. She loves to be on and behind the FRT stage! In the past she has been Lisa in Mamma Mia!, a dancer, choreographer, and assistant lighting designer for What We Leave Behind, Bombalurina and assistant lighting designer for Cats, and the head lighting designer for North x North Coast. She is so excited to be creating with everyone again, and wants to thank the entire team, her family, and her friends for encouraging her throughout this process!

Breanna Ladiski is currently a junior at NMU pursuing a major in clinical laboratory science and a minor in dance. She has accomplished 17 years of dance, and she started dancing when she was four years old. Breanna is very excited to be in her first North Coast Dance Festival, performing in Un Sospiro.

Thailey Leak is a sophomore majoring in neuroscience with minors in Spanish and pre-professional science. Thailey has been dancing competitively for 13 years and is the current captain and upcoming Vice President for the NMU Dance Team. Outside of school and dance, she spends her time participating in various academic clubs and working as a Medication Technician at a memory care facility. Thailey is beyond grateful to be able to have a performance opportunity during the pandemic. Finally, she would like to thank her SLFP mentor, Jill Grundstrom, for all her support this semester. 

Kyra Skinner is a sophomore at NMU from Pickford, MI. She is a double major in dance and psychology with a concentration in development. She has been dancing for 17 years, and is very excited to be performing again after taking a very long break along with everyone else due to COVID. She is very grateful to be performing with the amazingly talented cast from the Theatre and Dance Department. She cannot wait for everyone to see the talent NMU has to offer and for her whole family to be cheering her on back home every night via livestream! 

Skylar Taavola is a junior majoring in management of health and fitness with a minor in dance. Previous NMU Theatre and Dance shows she has been a part of include East of the Sun, West of the Moon, What We Leave Behind, and the North x North Coast fringe festival. Skylar is also a choreographer and the vice president of the NMU Dance Team. She currently teaches various styles of dance and gymnastics at New Attitudes Dance Studio and works as a choreographer for Marquette’s Nutcracker Ballet and Superior Arts Youth Theatre. Skylar is so grateful and excited to be back on stage for the North Coast Dance Festival!

Creative Team Bios

Jill Grundstrom (Director/Choreographer, Un Sospiro) has a B.S. from NMU in Secondary Education with majors in English and French, and a M.A. in Dance Education from New York University.  She is also certified in the Luigi Jazz Technique, American Ballet Theatre’s National Training Curriculum, and is a Certified FLX Conditioning Specialist.  She is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, as well as writing new Character Dance and Partnering curricula for American Ballet Theatre (America’s National Ballet Company®) in New York City.   Jill has choreographed over 30 full-length musical and dance productions in New York City, Los Angeles, Italy, and here in the Upper Peninsula, including a full-length, original ballet, East of the Sun, West of the Moon (NMU), and recently choreographed an independent feature-length film, Our State Fair.  She has also previously worked with Superior Arts Youth Theatre, the National Dance Education Organization, American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, and Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance. 

Clair Kaminski (Production Stage Manager) is a junior at NMU working towards a BFA degree in Theatre Technology and Design for Stage Management. Clair has worked on several shows at NMU including What We Leave Behind (ASM), Significant Other (PSM), and Romeo and Juliet (Costume Design). Being busy with theatre has actually been a relief to Clair. She has really enjoyed being able to work on a dance show, especially since dance is relatively new to her, and she hopes to work on more show like this in the future.

Megan Hibbard (Lighting Designer) is a junior pursuing her BA in theatre with a focus in lighting design and a minor in art and design. She loves to be on and behind the FRT stage! In the past she has been Lisa in Mamma Mia!, a dancer, choreographer, and assistant lighting designer for What We Leave Behind, Bombalurina and assistant lighting designer for Cats, and the head lighting designer for North x North Coast. She is so excited to be creating with everyone again, and wants to thank the entire team, her family, and her friends for encouraging her throughout this process!

Gracie Fries (Choreographer, Fusion) is a senior here at NMU from Kingsford, MI pursuing a bachelor's degree in dance with a business concentration. Her passion lies in the musical arts with twenty years of dance instruction and vocal lessons. She spent four years teaching and choreographing at Julie’s Top Hat Dance Studio and is currently choreographing at Dawn Dott Dance Studio. She was a pro-dancer in the 2019 “Dancing With Our Stars Marquette County Style, Disney Edition” and co-choreographer for SAYT's 2019 production of Frozen Jr. Gracie has performed in several FRT productions including, Tarzan, Beauty and the Beast, the 2018 Fringe Festival, What We Leave Behind and hopefully more to come! Her hobbies include singing, playing bass, baking, gardening, and spending time with the people she loves. Being one of the first of her family to attend college, she is proud to be a Wildcat with much support from her family, friends, and the Theatre and Dance Department faculty! 

Rose Goltz (Choreographer, Tides and Dreams) is a freshman majoring in biology with a concentration in physiology. She has been dancing for thirteen years, and is currently on the NMU Dance Team and a captain for next season. She’s also currently a dance teacher at New Attitudes Dance Studio. She would like to thank her mom and dad for always supporting her dreams, and everyone at DuHadway Dance Dimensions for pushing her to be the dancer she is today.

Skylar Taavola (Choreographer, Shadows and Slowly Burning) is a junior majoring in management of health and fitness with a minor in dance. Previous NMU Theatre and Dance shows she has been a part of include East of the Sun, West of the Moon, What We Leave Behind, and the North x North Coast fringe festival. Skylar is also a choreographer and the vice president of the NMU Dance Team. She currently teaches various styles of dance and gymnastics at New Attitudes Dance Studio and works as a choreographer for Marquette’s Nutcracker Ballet and Superior Arts Youth Theatre. Skylar is so grateful and excited to be back on stage for the North Coast Dance Festival!

Thailey Leak (Choreographer, Slowly Burning) is a sophomore majoring in neuroscience with minors in Spanish and pre-professional science. Thailey has been dancing competitively for 13 years and is the current captain and upcoming Vice President for the NMU Dance Team. Outside of school and dance, she spends her time participating in various academic clubs and working as a Medication Technician at a memory care facility. Thailey is beyond grateful to be able to have a performance opportunity during the pandemic. Finally, she would like to thank her SLFP mentor, Jill Grundstrom, for all her support this semester. 

Sylvia Gravel (Choreographer, Slowly Burning) is a second year student studying dance with a minor in biology. This will be her second production at NMU, with her first being the 2021 Spotlight Variety Show. She is thrilled to be dancing on the stage again after a long year without! Dance has been a major part of her life since the age of 3, and she is a second year member of the NMU Dance Team. Sylvia would like to thank Jill Grundstrom and her classmates for being an incredible source of positivity and support during a challenging time.

Christina Ferrera (Choreographer, Slowly Burning) is a sophomore majoring in biology with a physiology concentration. Christina is also a captain and second year member of the NMU Dance Team. She has been trained in many styles of dance and has danced competitively for most of her life. Christina is excited to be a part of her first production here at Northern Michigan University.

The 2021 Spotlight Variety Show was performed at the Forest Roberts Theatre during COVID-19 and livestreamed to audiences April 15-17, 2021.

Cast List

Magic to Do

From Pippin
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
 

Leading Player.............Megan Hibbard
Fastrata........................Sophie Shrauger
Berthe...........................Gracie Fries
Girls..............................Kaylie Goodno, Rebecca Piepszak
Lewis............................Ethan Puisto
Charles.........................John Fatla
Chorus..........................Bailey Barthel, Sylvia Gravel, Makenzia Rea, Kristi Falardeau, Dustin 
                                     Golden, Noah Proctor, Kyra Skinner, Zoe Zimmer

Reflection

From Mulan
Music and Lyrics by Matthew Wilder and David Zippel
Performed by Kaylie Goodno

Agony

From Into the Woods
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Performed by Dustin Golden and Noah Proctor

Wig in a Box

From Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Trask
Performed by Ethan Puisto

Sit Down You're Rockin' the Boat

From Guys and Dolls
Music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser

 
Nicely Nicely..............John Fatla
Chorus........................Megan Hibbard, Gracie Fries, Bailey Barthel, Sylvia Gravel, Makenzie Rea,
                                   Kristi Falardeau, Ethan Puisto, Sophie Shrauger, Rebecca Piepszak, Kaylie
                                   Goodno, Dustin Golden, Noah Proctor, Zoe Zimmer

Someone Gets Hurt

From Mean Girls
Music by Jeff Richmond, Lyrics by Nell Benjamin
Performed by Megan Hibbard

Lovely

From A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Performed by Keely-Shaye Hanson and Noah Proctor

One Perfect Moment

From Bring It On: The Musical
Music by Tom Kitt and Lin-Manuel Miranda, Lyrics by Amanda Green and Lin-Manuel Miranda
Performed by Sophie Shrauger

I Wanna Be a Producer

From The Producers
Music and Lyrics by Mel Brooks

Leo Bloom.....................Ethan Puisto
Chorus Girls..................Megan Hibbard, Gracie Fries, Bailey Barthel, Sylvia Gravel, Makenzie
                                      Rea, Kristi Falardeau, John Fatla

Never Enough

From The Greatest Showman
Music and Lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul
Performed by Rebecca Piepszak

Marry the Man Today

From Guys and Dolls
Music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser
Performed by Kate Karling and Keely-Shaye Hanson

Back on Base

From Closer Than Ever
Music by David Shire, Lyrics by Richard Maltby Jr.
Bassist: Oskar Martinez

Women........................Gracie Fries, Megan Hibbard, Sophie Shrauger

She Loves Me Not

From Closer Than Ever
Music by David Shire, Lyrics by Richard Maltby Jr.
Performed by Dustin Golden, Kate Karling, and Noah Proctor

Yesterday, Tomorrow, and Today

From Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
Music and Lyrics by David Yazbek

Seasons of Love

From RENT
Music and Lyrics by Jonathan Larson

Chorus..........................Sophie Shrauger, Rebecca Piepszak, Kaylie Goodno, Megan Hibbard,
                                     John Fatla, Ethan Puisto, Dustin Golden, Noah Proctor

Pit Orchestra

Creative Team

Additional Artistic Staff

Forest Roberts Theatre Staff

Cast Bios

Gracie Fries is a senior here at NMU from Kingsford, MI pursuing a bachelor's degree in dance with a business concentration. Her passion lies in the musical arts with twenty years of dance instruction and vocal lessons. She spent four years teaching and choreographing at Julie’s Top Hat Dance Studio and is currently choreographing at Dawn Dott Dance Studio. She was a pro-dancer in the 2019 “Dancing With Our Stars Marquette County Style, Disney Edition” and co-choreographer for SAYT's 2019 production of Frozen Jr. Gracie has performed in several FRT productions including, Tarzan, Beauty and the Beast, the 2018 Fringe Festival, What We Leave Behind and hopefully more to come! Her hobbies include singing, playing bass, baking, gardening, and spending time with the people she loves. Being one of the first of her family to attend college, she is proud to be a Wildcat with much support from her family, friends, and the Theatre and Dance Department faculty! 

Sylvia Gravel is a second-year student studying dance with a minor in biology. She is incredibly excited to be a part of her first production at NMU, as well as her first real venture into musical theatre! Sylvia has been dancing her whole life, and is a second-year member of the NMU Dance Team. She is looking forward to a new and challenging experience of performing via livestream, and would like to thank Jill Grundstrom and her classmates for being a major source of positivity and support during an unusual time.

Megan Hibbard is a junior pursuing her BA in theatre with a focus in lighting design and a minor in art and design. She loves to be on and behind the FRT stage! In the past she has been Lisa in Mamma Mia!, a dancer, choreographer, and assistant lighting designer for What We Leave Behind, Bombalurina and assistant lighting designer for Cats, and the head lighting designer for North x North Coast. She is so excited to be creating with everyone again, and wants to thank the entire team, her family, and her friends for encouraging her throughout this process!

Ethan Puisto is a music major at NMU, but has many years of theatrical training under his belt. He has attended the esteemed Chicago College of Performing Arts as a musical theatre major, as well as Northwestern University's Cherubs Theatre Intensive. Ethan has been a lead singer in many bands, and releases self-produced music independently under the project alias "Fidget Bleach." He enjoys drag performance, music production/songwriting, found fashion, and pushing the limits of the performing arts.

Sophie Shrauger is a freshman musical theatre BFA candidate and is so excited to be performing in the Spotlight Variety Show! Sophie hopes to pursue a career in musical theatre or film acting, and will likely be moving to New York or LA after graduating from NMU. She will be performing in a multitude of numbers, including her solo “One Perfect Moment” from Bring It On: The Musical! She hopes that audiences will enjoy all of the cast and crew’s hard work, and bask in some real live(streamed) theatre!

Kyra Skinner is a sophomore at NMU from Pickford, MI. She is a double major in dance and psychology with a concentration in development. She has been dancing for 17 years now, and is very excited to be performing again after taking a very long break along with everyone else due to COVID. She is also a part of the NMU Hip Hop Dance Crew and after the Spotlight Variety Show wraps up, she will be performing in the North Coast Dance Festival. She cannot wait for everyone to see the talent NMU has to offer and for her whole family to be cheering her on back home every night via livestream! 

Creative Team Bios

Paul Truckey (Director): As a Director, Paul has staged over 30 productions including Romeo and Juliet, Cats, Noises Off, Building Madness, Into the Woods, A Paper Tiger in the Rain, A Comedy of Errors, 1776, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, A Flea in Her Ear, The Mousetrap, ACTletes, The Foreigner, The Full Monty, and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Paul's acting credits include leading roles in over 50 productions, most notably the roles of Grantaire, Javert, and Thenardier in the Broadway and national touring companies of Les Miserables, Fredrik in A Little Night Music for the Pine Mountain Music Festival, Pete the Barber in the world premiere opera Rockland, George Jr. in the original company of Utah! The Musical at the Tuacahn Amphitheatre, and Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls at the Interlochen Center for the Arts. Paul is currently a professor of theatre at Northern Michigan University, and a member of the Actors Equity Association.

Jill Grundstrom (Choreographer) has a B.S. from NMU in Secondary Education with majors in English and French, and a M.A. in Dance Education from New York University.  She is also certified in the Luigi Jazz Technique, American Ballet Theatre’s National Training Curriculum, and is a Certified FLX Conditioning Specialist.  She is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, as well as writing new Character Dance and Partnering curricula for American Ballet Theatre (America’s National Ballet Company®) in New York City.   Jill has choreographed over 30 full-length musical and dance productions in New York City, Los Angeles, Italy, and here in the Upper Peninsula, including a full-length, original ballet, East of the Sun, West of the Moon (NMU), and recently choreographed an independent feature-length film, Our State Fair.  She has also previously worked with Superior Arts Youth Theatre, the National Dance Education Organization, American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, and Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance. 

Clair Kaminski (Production Stage Manager) is a junior at NMU working towards a BFA degree in Theatre Technology and Design for Stage Management. Clair has worked on several shows at NMU including What We Leave Behind (ASM), Significant Other (PSM), and Romeo and Juliet (Costume Designer). Going back to in-person rehearsals in the theatre and dance studio has felt like coming home to Clair, and she has loved every minute of working on the Spotlight Variety Show. The livestream aspect of the this production is new to her, but she looks forward to trying new things like this in theatre.

Megan Hibbard (Lighting Designer) is a junior pursuing her BA in theatre with a focus in lighting design and a minor in art and design. She loves to be on and behind the FRT stage! In the past she has been Lisa in Mamma Mia!, a dancer, choreographer, and assistant lighting designer for What We Leave Behind, Bombalurina and assistant lighting designer for Cats, and the head lighting designer for North x North Coast. She is so excited to be creating with everyone again, and wants to thank the entire team, her family, and her friends for encouraging her throughout this process!

Keli Crawford-Truckey (Properties Artisan) serves as a teacher, director, and properties master at NMU. Recent FRT directing credits include The Full Monty, Proof, Sweeney Todd, Bears, Doubt, Harvey, and Into the Woods. She has worked as a stage manager/staff member on the Broadway and national touring companies of Les Miserables, and on off-Broadway productions including And Miss Reardon Drinks a Little at the Producers Club and Cloud Nine at the Bank Street Theatre in NYC. Keli holds a degree in Directing and Performance from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. 

Oskar Martínez (Bass) is a third-year music major at Northern Michigan University pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music degree with an emphasis on bassoon performance. Oskar is the bassist for the NMU pit orchestra this semester and plays bass for other ensembles like the jazz band and combo. He has done pit music on multiple instruments for high schools, the Vista Theatre in Negaunee, and the Superior Arts Youth Theater. Additionally, he is the principal bassoon for the Marquette City Band, second bassoon/contrabassoonist for the Marquette Symphony Orchestra, and plays bassoon and bass in the Negaunee City Band.

an/(one's) ivory tower was a devised piece created by NMU students, recorded via Zoom during COVID-19, and released virtually to audiences February 10-13, 2021.

Cast List

Creative Team

Additional Artistic Staff

Forest Roberts Theatre Staff

Cast Bios

Jacob Laitinen (Bimbo the Clown) is a native of Marquette, MI and is a theatre major with a minor in music at NMU. Jacob started back at school in 2017 after a 7 year hiatus, and is ecstatic to be in his final year at Northern. His previous roles at NMU include Beadle Bamford in Sweeney Todd, Edgar/Sante in Nightfall with Edgar Allan Poe, Professor Porter in Tarzan, Creon in Antigone, Thenardier in Les Miserables, and The Snail with the Mail in A Year with Frog and Toad. Jacob also has experience acting professionally, playing Sikes in Tecumseh Outdoor Drama, Rowdy in Beacon on the Rock, and chorus roles in several operas at the Pine Mountain Music Festival. He has played Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Beast in Beauty and the Beast, Herr Shultz in Cabaret, Sebastian in The Little Mermaid, Riff Raff in Rocky Horror, and Ali Hakim in Oklahoma. Jacob wants to thank everyone for watching the show, and he hopes you enjoy this wonderful production.

Erin Culp (Char/Assistant Director) is graduating this May with Bachelor of Science degrees in theatre and psychology. This will be her last production at NMU, and she will remember it as the production she is most proud of for having endured and overcome numerous challenges. She would like to thank everyone involved in this project for their effort and dedication to bring it to life.

Zoe Zimmer (Kitty) is a third year student who has previously been in NMU’s productions of Fringe Fest (Valiant Woman), Beauty and the Beast (Milkmaid, Knife), Scrooge! (Ghost of Christmas Future), The Full Monty (Joanie), Cats (Rumpleteazer), War of the Worlds (Camille), and What If (Cece). She is very excited to be a part of an/(one's) ivory tower because it gives her a chance to do theatre in a new and unconventional way.

Dawson Del Preto (Sir James McCarthy) is finishing his third year at NMU. He is majoring in music with a focus in piano performance, and he is minoring in theatre. While he wishes he could be with more people during this time, he always finds time to socialize through Discord with his many supportive cousins.

Grace Goodyear (Blake) is a third year gender studies major at Willamette University, studying theatre as a minor. A recent graduate of the National Theater Institute’s 2020 Theatermakers Intensive, she is passionate about intimacy coordination and performance. Grace is currently based out of Oregon, but has worked with many theatre companies in Alaska, including TBA Theatre, Cyrano's Theatre, and Anchorage Community Theatre. Recent acting credits include productions of Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again., Dead City, Shakespeare in Hollywood, and the first development of Flat Earther.

Samantha Wardisiani (Mary-Anne) is so excited to be a part of her second production at NMU. She is a freshman from Midlothian, IL. She would like to thank you for seeing our show and thank the cast for the hard work they've all put in. She would also like to thank her family for supporting.

David Lenahan (Quinn) is excited to be working with NMU again having previously appeared in What a Glorious Feeling (Forest Roberts Theatre). David is an actor, singer, and dancer currently based in Cleveland who has recently taken up guitar and cross-stitch. NYC: SONGBOOK: Songs of Braver and Dean (Lincoln Center), The Flying Dutchman... Ferry (The Player's Theatre), For Hylas (New School for Drama), The Polar Express (Rail Events Productions). Regional: Boy (none too fragile), In the Closet (Convergence-Continuum), Much Ado About Nothing (Shakespeare at the Castle), The Little Mermaid (Mercury Theatre Company). Many thanks to Sophie and NMU for having me!

Creative Team Bios

Sophie Sam (Director, She/Her/Hers) is a junior theatre student at Northern Michigan University. An alumna of the National Theater Institute, she was a part of their Theatermakers Summer Intensive cohort in 2020. She recently directed a virtual staging of Crystal Skillman’s OPEN with Party Claw Productions, which was touted by Time Out New York as one of the best pieces of live theatre to see that week. In the Upper Peninsula, she has also directed at the Vista Theater (Anatomy of a Murder) and with Dickinson County Community Theater (Annie, Rent). www.sophie-sam.com

Sylvia Bednarczyk (Properties Design) is a sophomore pursuing a BFA in theatre technology and design with concentrations in stage management and scenic design. This is her fifth NMU production, having previously worked on The Full Monty (Deck Captain), A Christmas Story (Assistant Stage Manager), Significant Other (Carpenter/Painter) and North x North Coast (Production Manager). Sylvia is thrilled to have the opportunity to work on this show in a new position, and can’t wait to see what the future holds!

Toni Danz (Production Stage Manager) has worked as an ASM on many other shows at Northern, but this is her first time as a PSM. She is a junior at NMU and is getting her bachelor's degree in theatre technology. Working on a devised piece was such an eye-opening experience and presented lots of interesting ideas. Getting the opportunity to do shows over Zoom is something Toni is really grateful for, but she can't wait for theatre on stage again!

A Christmas Carol was recorded remotely as a radio show during COVID-19 and released virtually to audiences December 10-13, 2020.

Cast List

Creative Team

Additional Artistic Staff

Forest Roberts Theatre Staff

Cast Bios

Megan Hibbard (Narrator) is a junior pursuing a BA in theatre with a focus in lighting design and double minoring in art and design and dance. She loves to be on and behind the FRT stage! In the past she has been in Beauty and the Beast, Lisa in Mamma Mia!, and a dancer, choreographer, and assistant lighting designer for What We Leave Behind, and she also worked on Cats as Bombalurina and assistant lighting designer. She is so excited to be creating with everyone again, and wants to thank the entire team, her family, and her friends for encouraging her throughout this process!

Aaron Knaus (Jacob Marley) is a lifelong Yooper resident who is studying theatre performance at NMU. Aside from being an actor, he's also an avid storyteller of weird fiction and a dedicated keyboardist of the keys of old. 

Seth Bowen (Boy/Mr. Fezziwig/Young Ebenezer/Peter Cratchit/Caroler) is a senior BFA theatre technology and design candidate and plans on becoming a professor of theatre someday! He is originally from Rhinelander, WI and has taken part in many different performances here at NMU, including Sweeney Todd (Police Officer/Ensemble), Scrooge! 2018 (Bob Cratchit), Medieval Dinner Theatre (Pan Piper), Beauty and the Beast (Ensemble), The Full Monty (Malcolm), and Cats (Gus). He was also the scenic and props designer for What If, which was performed as part of the recent North x North Coast Arts and Cultural Festival. Seth is happy to contribute his vocal talents for A Christmas Carol, and hopes that as you follow the story, you find some wonderful Christmas spirit. Merry Christmas!

Ashley Gardner (Young Lady) is a senior at Northern Michigan University and is currently a theatre major planning to become a voice actress. This will be Ashley’s second show at Northern, following her previous role in War of the Worlds as Nella Walker. Ashley is super excited to be a part of NMU’s theatre family and is grateful to have gotten the opportunity to be a part of such a fun and creative cast! She hopes that audiences will enjoy the show and find some comfort and joy during the holiday season. God bless us, everyone!

Creative Team Bios

Toni Danz (Script Supervisor) is a third year theatre technology and design student and this is the second show she's script supervised for. Filming shows brings new and exciting aspects to the process and she's so glad to be learning new things. She hopes you enjoy the show we've put together! Happy holidays!

The pieces included in the North x North Coast Fringe Festival were filmed during COVID-19 and the entire festival was released virtually to audiences November 17-22, 2020.

Festival Lineup (in alphabetical order)

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

#alonebuttogether

A Dance Chain Letter
Directed by Jill Grundstrom
Cinematography by Ryan Stephens
Performed by Emily Burbey, Sarah Sandona, Brigitte Bartesch, Eden Langlois, Megan Hibbard, Veronika Martcheva, Alexxus Taavola, Kyra Skinner, Hanna Numinen, Makenzie Rea, Maisie Zahn, Skylar Taavola, Kortney Manchip, Sylvia Gravel, Gracie Fries, Ariana Rodriguez, Breanna Ladiski, Kate Karling†, and Arin Miller

As the World Caves In

Song by Matt Maltese
Performed by Megan Hibbard and Caitlin Sternberg

Cause and Effects

A 3D Animation
Created by AK Ikezoe

Contrasts: A Solo Piano Recital

Performed by Nancy Zimmerman

The COVID Chronicles

A Compilation of Monologues and Short Scenes
Directed by Shelley Russell
Performed by the students TH 132SR - Acting I

Half Way to Foolish

A Dance Piece
Music: "Hocus Pocus" by Focus
Choreographed by Maisie Zahn
Cinematography by Ryan Stephens
Performed by Brigitte Bartesch, Ariana Rodriguez, Skylar Taavola, Sarah Sandona, and Maisie Zahn

Creative Team

Sound & Music Supervisor............Dan Zini
Artistic Consultant........................Jill Grundstrom

Hands are Knockin' 

Song composed by Kyle Pederson
Directed by Dr. Erin Colwitz
Performed by the NMU Arts Chorale

Let My Love Be Heard

Song composed by Jake Runestad
Directed by Dr. Erin Colwitz
Performed by the NMU Arts Chorale

LonliLess

A Mini Documentary
Created by Robin Collins

Next Time/I Wouldn't Go Back

From Closer Than Ever
Lyrics by Richard Maltby, Music by David Shire
Directed by Paul Truckey
Performed by John Fatla, Kaylie Goodno, Lila Hartung, Kortney Manchip, Hanna Numinen, Rebecca Piepszak, Sophie Shrauger, and Will Smith

The Overthrow of Mount Olympus

A Short Play
Written and Directed by Keli Crawford-Truckey
Performed by Jacob Laitinen and Sophie Shrauger

Plein Air Views of Presque Isle

A Virtual Art Gallery
Painted and curated by Steven Hughes

Screaming, Humming

A One-Act Play
Written by Hannah Manikowski
Directed by Sophie Sam†

Cast List

Heather............................................Kortney Manchip
Steph...............................................Hanna Numinen
Michael............................................Jacob Laitinen

Creative Team

Assistant Director..........................Erin Culp†
Production Stage Manager..........Emily Kendall†
Scenic Design................................Erin Culp†

Shades of Anna Maria

A Short Film
Created by Marianne Perron

That Which Remains

Song by Andrea Ramsey
Performed and Produced by Harrison Bouche

Voice on the Wind

Song composed by Sarah Quartel
Directed by Dr. Erin Colwitz
Performed by the NMU Arts Chorale

What If

A Devised Theatre Piece
Directed by Jacob Laitinen

Cast List

Cain..................................................John Fatla
Xena.................................................Kaylie Goodno
Doug................................................Jacob Laitinen
Marcy...............................................Rebecca Piepszak
Peggy..............................................Sophie Shrauger
Cece................................................Zoe Zimmer

Creative Team

Production Stage Manager...........Emma Block
Properties Designer......................Seth Bowen†

Creative Team

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

Additional Artistic Staff

Forest Roberts Theatre Staff

Cast/Creator Bios

Megan Hibbard (#alonebuttogether; As the World Caves In) is a junior pursuing a BA in theatre with a focus in lighting design and double minoring in art and design and dance. She loves to be on and behind the FRT stage! In the past she has been a Silly Girl in Beauty and the Beast, Lisa in Mamma Mia!, a dancer, choreographer, and assistant lighting designer for What We Leave Behind, and worked on Cats as Bombalurina and assistant lighting designer. She is so excited to be back creating and designing again, and wants to thank the entire team and her family for encouraging her throughout this process!

Ariana Rodriguez (#alonebuttogether; Half Way to Foolish) is a junior at NMU pursuing a degree in environmental science. Before college, she studied ballet for seven years with a youth company in Flint, Michigan. In college, she has been a part of the NMU dance team her freshman and sophomore years, and is excited to be back in the theatre for the opportunity to perform in NMU’s North x North Coast festival.

Sarah Sandona (#alonebuttogether; Half Way to Foolish) is currently a sophomore at NMU majoring in hospitality management and minoring in dance. This is her first show at Northern and it's been such a great experience to be able to work with other amazing dancers; the whole process was something to remember! Even under these crazy circumstances, she is grateful to have made something special.

Maisie Zahn (#alonebuttogether; Half Way to Foolish) is currently a junior studying sports science with a minor in dance. She is thankful for the freedom to choreograph a dance piece; it was incredible and terrifying all at the same time. She is so grateful to be given this opportunity to learn and grow as a dancer and choreographer. To the entire NMU Theatre and Dance community, thank you for giving your students the opportunity to create and grow as artists.  

Caitlin Sternberg (As the World Caves In) is a senior at NMU majoring in environmental science. She and Megan Hibbard bonded over making music during quarantine, and think that "As the World Caves In" is a fitting song for the times. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and cross country skiing on Marquette's trails and expanding her collection of cool rocks! 

Nancy Zimmerman (Contrasts: A Solo Piano Recital) came to NMU in 1987. She teaches piano, organ, and harp, and accompanies students and faculty in recitals. She is also a founding member of Marquette Symphony. As a soloist, Nancy has performed numerous recitals on the NMU campus and in U.P. Arts Centers such as The Erickson Center in Curtis and the Bonifas Center in Escanaba.

Robin Collins (LonliLess) was born in the Detroit area, where she got her start in the film industry as a youth actress. After earning several film and theatre acting credits, Robin has realized that her true passions lie “behind the scenes.” She began studying fine arts at the University of Michigan, and has since transferred to Northern Michigan University to concentrate in digital cinematography and outdoor recreation. Robin currently resides in Marquette with her dog Titus, while she attends NMU and works part-time as a freelance photographer and dog groomer.

Kaylie Goodno (Next Time/I Wouldn't Go Back; Xena, What If ) is a freshman at Northern Michigan University and is from southeastern Wisconsin. She is currently double majoring in musical theatre and music. This is Kaylie's first performance here at NMU and she hopes you enjoy! 

Sophie Shrauger (Next Time/I Wouldn't Go Back; Peggy, What If ) is a freshman musical theatre major at Northern Michigan University and is extremely excited to be in this production! Some of Sophie’s past roles include Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins, Polly Baker in Crazy for You, and Mary Warren in The Crucible. She was also nominated for Best Actress in a high school musical, and performed at the 2019 Sutton Foster Ovation Awards. 

Steven "Primary" Hughes (Plein Air Views of Presque Isle) is best known for his colorful acrylic portraits, having shown in numerous pop and illustration focused gallery exhibitions in California and New York. As an artist residing in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and professor of illustration at Northern Michigan University, he can often be found plein air painting along the coast of Lake Superior. His painting and illustration work revels in the interplay of light and color, and the emotional impact in quieter moments of determination, thoughtful reflection, and preparation for a thing that must be done.

Jacob Laitinen (Michael, Screaming, Humming; Doug, What If ) is a native of Marquette and is currently a theatre major at Northern Michigan University. Jacob returned to school in 2017 after a 7 year hiatus, and is ecstatic to be performing in his final season at Northern Michigan University; he is honored to share the stage/screen with so many talented performers. His previous roles at NMU include Beadle Bamford in Sweeney Todd, Professor Porter in Tarzan, Creon in Antigone, and Thenardier in Les Miserables. Jacob would like to thank everyone for their support of the arts, and hopes you enjoy this wonderful evening of performances!

Harrison Bouche (That Which Remains) is a freshman at Northern Michigan University who participates in NMU Arts Chorale, Culture Shock! Film Society, and as many student jobs as he can get his hands on. He discovered his love for music while in high school where he participated in string orchestra, chorale, and many musicals. You can find him in his bedroom, composing music, or on top of a mountain, also composing music. At the moment, he is double-majoring in multimedia production and communication studies and minoring in computer science.

Creative Team Bios

Sylvia Bednarczyk (Production Manager) is thrilled to be production manager for North x North Coast! Sylvia is a sophomore in the BFA theatre technology and design program at Northern Michigan University. She hopes to pursue a career in stage management and/or scenic design. Sylvia has been recently inducted into Alpha Psi Omega, the national honors society for dramatic production on campus. She is eager to continue broadening her horizons and working towards her career path!

Megan Hibbard (Lighting Designer) is a junior pursuing a BA in theatre with a focus in lighting design and double minoring in art and design and dance. She loves to be on and behind the FRT stage! In the past she has been a Silly Girl in Beauty and the Beast, Lisa in Mamma Mia!, a dancer, choreographer, and assistant lighting designer for What We Leave Behind, and worked on Cats as Bombalurina and assistant lighting designer. She is so excited to be back creating and designing again, and wants to thank the entire team and her family for encouraging her throughout this process!

Maisie Zahn (Choreographer, Half Way to Foolish) is currently a junior studying sports science with a minor in dance. She is thankful for the freedom to choreograph a dance piece; it was incredible and terrifying all at the same time. She is so grateful to be given this opportunity to learn and grow as a dancer and choreographer. To the entire NMU Theatre and Dance community, thank you for giving your students the opportunity to create and grow as artists.  

Sophie Sam (Director, Screaming, Humming) is a junior theatre student at Northern Michigan University, and is an alum of the National Theater Institute. She previously directed OPEN with Party Claw Productions, multiple pieces while at NTI, and Anatomy of a Murder at the Vista Theatre. She is also an actor, appearing in the web series Northbound, which is in production for its final season. She will be directing the upcoming Panowski Playwriting Award piece, which will be streaming this February. 

Erin Culp (Assistant Director/Scenic Designer, Screaming, Humming) is graduating this May with degrees in theatre and psychology. She has been involved in various productions at NMU and within the Marquette community, with recent work seen throughout the creative process of the short film Æon of Horus (premiering April 2021), The Rocky Horror Show (2019), and an upcoming circus-themed devised piece (directed by Keli Truckey). Her future endeavors are leading her towards pursuing work among the film industry in California next summer. She would like to thank Sophie Sam for allowing her to explore this script and create virtual scenery to help bring this performance to life. Enjoy!

Emily Kendall (Production Stage Manager, Screaming, Humming) is a senior theatre and entertainment arts/criminal justice double major graduating this May. In the past, she has worked on shows such as The Full Monty, Beauty and the Beast, and East of the Sun, West of the Moon as PSM. She is excited to take on that role one last time at the FRT with the department's production of Romeo and Juliet next semester. She would like to thank Sophie for giving her the opportunity to stage manage during a pandemic, but hopes she doesn't have to do it much longer!

Jacob Laitinen (Director, What If ) is a native of Marquette and is currently a theatre major at Northern Michigan University. Jacob returned to school in 2017 after a 7 year hiatus, and is ecstatic to be performing in his final season at Northern Michigan University; he is honored to share the stage/screen with so many talented performers. His previous roles at NMU include Beadle Bamford in Sweeney Todd, Professor Porter in Tarzan, Creon in Antigone, and Thenardier in Les Miserables. Jacob would like to thank everyone for their support of the arts, and hopes you enjoy this wonderful evening of performances!

Emma Block (Production Stage Manager, What If ) is a theatre and entertainment arts major. This is her second year at NMU after transferring from Northwestern Michigan College last year. Emma acted in A Christmas Story as part of the family ensemble last fall, and was on run crew for Significant Other earlier this year. This is Emma’s first time stage managing a piece, and she is very grateful to have this opportunity!

War of the Worlds was filmed in a recording studio during COVID-19 and released virtually to audiences November 5-8, 2020.

Cast List

Creative Team

Additional Artistic Staff

Forest Roberts Theatre Staff

Cast Bios

Anna Morozov (Eunice Preston) is a freshman at NMU and is pleased to take part in this show as her first production here. Her previous roles include Jo March in Little Women, Golde in The Fiddler on the Roof, and Minnie Fay in Hello, Dolly!. Anna is so excited to take part in this production in the face of the pandemic. She would like to thank her dear friends for encouraging and inspiring her to continue to grow as an actor. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Sonja Madsen (Dorothy Preston) is in her second year at Northern and is majoring in both archaeology and metalsmithing. She has been absolutely thrilled to enter NMU’s theatre scene with this production, previously having worked on and with numerous shows at her hometown community theatre in Minnesota. She hopes you enjoy this show and that it provides a moment to relax and reflect in a time when connection, especially with theatre and the arts, is of unparalleled importance.

Lila Hartung (Leona James/Newsboy) is excited to be performing in her first production at Northern Michigan University. She is a part of the inaugural Musical Theatre BFA program, and can be found around campus playing in the university's orchestra, working on theatre projects, and running late to class. Her up and coming projects include "Beautiful" from Heathers, "What Baking Can Do" from Waitress, and A Christmas Carol directed by Paul Truckey.

Zoe Zimmer (Camille James) is a third year student who has previously been in NMU’s productions of Fringe Festival (Valiant Woman), Beauty and the Beast (Milkmaid/Knife), Scrooge (Ghost of Christmas Future), The Full Monty (Joanie), and Cats (Rumpleteazer). She is very excited to be a part of War of the Worlds because it gives her a chance to do theatre in these uncertain times. 

Danae DeValve (Veda Brenner) is a senior at NMU going into her last year at Northern, and hopes this show will not be her last performance before she graduates in May 2021. The last show she performed in with the Forest Roberts Theatre was Medieval Dinner Theatre, in which she played Mary the Nobody. She’s currently majoring in theatre with a minor in writing.

Jacob Laitinen (Prof. Alton Mirand) is a native of Marquette, MI and is a theater major with a minor in music at Northern Michigan University. Jacob started back at school in 2017 after a 7 year hiatus, and is ecstatic to be in his final year at Northern. His previous roles at NMU include Beedle Bamford in Sweeney Todd, Edgar/Sante in Nightfall With Edgar Allan Poe, Professor Porter in Tarzan, Creon in Antigone, Thenardier in Les Miserables, and The Snail With the Mail in A Year with Frog and Toad. Jacob has worked professionally playing Sikes in Tecumseh Outdoor Drama and Rowdy in Beacon on the Rock, as well as performing in the chorus of several Operas at the Pine Mountain Music Festival. He has also played Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Beast in Beauty and the Beast, Herr Shultz in Cabaret, Sebastian in The Little Mermaid, Riff Raff in The Rocky Horror Show, and Ali Hakim in Oklahoma. Jacob would like to thank everyone for coming out, and he hopes you enjoy this wonderful production.

Samantha Wardisiani (Lucille LaMere/Tough 2) is making her Forest Roberts Theatre debut in War of the Worlds. She grew up in the south suburbs of Chicago and is excited for all of the upcoming opportunities. She would like to thank Orion for giving her a chance and making the atmosphere very welcoming, and gives a special shout out to the cast because they are all wonderful and talented! She would also like to thank her family for all their support. 

Creative Team Bios

Orion Couling (Director) is the award-winning founder and executive director of EDGE of Orion, an Illinois NFP. He is a specialist in project-based learning and carries 20 years of adventure-based teaching experience. He created the Constellation Project, a program that celebrates inclusion and neuro-diverse participation. With over 100 directing credits in professional and youth theatre to his name, he remains one of the foremost experts in dynamic educational theatre. His “edu-tainment” style is known to bring levity and inspiration to classrooms and audiences. He has presented at Northwestern University’s Inclusion Theatre festival for the past three years and has given lectures at universities, high schools, and community theatre programs. Orion is also a stage combat instructor, stunt coordinator, and a licensed Maritime Captain. Orion proudly serves as a board member for History Alive. When not leading the “inclusion revolution,” you’ll find him playing with his Irish Folk-rock band “Finger on the Trigger,” leading ghost tours, or by the water.

Shelley Russell (Costume Designer) is a professor of theatre arts at NMU. Shelley teaches a variety of courses, including playwriting and stage combat. She's directed over fifty productions including Beauty and the Beast, RENT, Romeo and Juliet, Peter Pan and Legally Blonde. She enjoys all aspects of theatre, and has acted and sung in numerous productions, created dance and fight choreography, designed costumes, and written plays and musicals which have been honored by the Jane Chambers Playwriting Award Competition, KCACTF, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the State of Michigan. She served as executive director for LST and in 2011 was honored by NMU with the Distinguished Faculty Award. Playwriting credits include Holdin' Our Own, Beacon on the Rock, Haywire, Points North, and Water, Woman. 

Megan Donovan (Production Stage Manager) is a freshman this semester at Northern Michigan University and is majoring in theatre technology and design. She hopes to one day be a stage manager or lighting designer on Broadway or a Broadway touring show. Megan started her theatre journey in 2014 with Tecumseh Youth Theatre and over the years has helped with 15 shows at TYT, the Croswell Opera House, and Tecumseh Center for the Arts. This is her first show at NMU and she is very thankful for the opportunity to PSM War of the Worlds! 

Toni Danz (Script Supervisor) is a junior at Northern Michigan University and was accepted into the BFA program last year for the theatre technology and design degree. Working on this show was such a great experience for her and she looks forward to many more online projects. She loves staying productive in the theatre department even though live performances aren't going on. Adapt and overcome!

William Squires IV (Assistant Sound Designer) is a junior theatre technology and design major with a focus in sound at Northern Michigan University. He is extremely excited to be working on War of the Worlds, as this is his first assistant sound design opportunity due to cancellations caused by COVID-19. At the Forest Roberts Theatre, William has worked as an A2 for Beauty and the Beast and as a board operator for A Christmas Story and The Full Monty. He also has worked with Westwood High School as a board operator for their production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying Jr. William is eager to start production on War of the Worlds and to gain experience and knowledge to take forward with him to future employers/productions.

Significant Other was performed at the James A. Panowski Black Box Theatre from February 13-15 and 19-22, 2020.

Cast List

Cast Bios

Lee Johnson (Vanessa) is a third year student at Northern Michigan University who is majoring in digital cinema with a minor in theatre. This is her very first production here at the FRT; she has always been involved behind the camera and finally decided to let go and shine her personality on stage! Lee wants to strengthen her acting skills and entertain people. She thanks her mom for always supporting her and is determined to someday perform on television and also do comedy.

Kate Karling (Kiki) has been acting since 2016 when she entered her first role as Essie in You Can't Take It With You at Theatre North in Ironwood, MI. Being born and raised in the U.P., Kate has had a uniquely picturesque upbringing. She has been so very lucky to have had such inspiring surroundings through the many ups and downs of growing up and chasing dreams. She hopes that you enjoy the journey that Significant Other brings you on. Playing Kiki has been an extraordinarily fun opportunity, and Kate hopes you enjoy as many laughs during this performance as the cast had in the process of preparing it. And, please...excuse her French. Sorry, Mom. 

Christian Sharp (Conrad, Zach) is new to the theatre world, but has worked previously on A Christmas Story as the Voice on Radio and a member of the family ensemble. He learned a lot from that show and is excited to work under Shelley. He is most excited to learn and grow more as an actor and to work on character development. He is very thankful for this opportunity!

Creative Team Bios

Shelley Russell (Director) is a professor of theatre arts at NMU. Shelley teaches a variety of courses, including playwriting and stage combat. She's directed over fifty productions including Beauty and the Beast, RENT, Romeo and Juliet, Peter Pan and Legally Blonde. She enjoys all aspects of theatre, and has acted and sung in numerous productions, created dance and fight choreography, designed costumes and written plays and musicals which have been honored by the Jane Chambers Playwriting Award Competition, KCACTF, the National Endowment for the Arts and the State of Michigan. She served as executive director for LST and in 2011 was honored by NMU with the Distinguished Faculty Award. Playwriting credits include Holdin' Our Own, Beacon on the Rock, Haywire, Points North, and Water, Woman. 

While the world has been turning all of this time, Taylor Venegas (Scenic Design) has been waiting for you to see the conceptions she has created for this production. As a fervent student of technical theatre at Northern Michigan University, Taylor has previously contributed her artistic passions and scenic design skills as an assistant on Beauty and the Beast, Mamma Mia!, and The Full Monty. While she knows you'll enjoy the show, she hopes that you appreciate yourselves just the same... as a treat.

Victor G. Holliday (Lighting Design) has been the designer for the Forest Roberts Theatre since 1982, and also served as technical director from 1982-2000. He holds a bachelor of arts in psychology from St. Johns University (Minnesota), and his master of fine arts in scenic design from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Before coming to NMU, he was designer and technical director at Trenton State College (now the College of New Jersey). Vic has also designed for summer and community theatre companies in Hawaii, Michigan, Wisconsin, New Jersey, and North Carolina. Outside of the theatre, his major interests are history (particularly military and naval history), ship modeling (pre-deadnought steel navy), and he is an active ailurophile.

Joel Shinavier (Costume Design) is from Grand Rapids MI and is a second year theatre student at Northern. He has been involved in many productions working backstage including Sweeney Todd, Beauty and the Beast, and The Full Monty.  He hopes to use his degree to pursue a career working with costumes in theatre or beyond.

Clair Kaminski (Production Stage Manager) is a second semester freshman pursuing a degree in theatre and entertainment arts with a concentration in technical theatre. This is her first time as PSM for a college production, so she is very excited and grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of Significant Other. Theatre at NMU has offered her much more than she expected in her first couple of semesters of college, so she is looking forward to her continued participation in the NMU Department of Theatre and Dance in the years to come.

A Christmas Story was performed at the Forest Roberts Theatre December 11-15, 2019.

Cast List

Cast Bios

Dustin Golden (Ralph) is a sophomore at NMU from White Pine, Michigan, who is pursuing a career in law. He is a political science major with a theatre minor. His previous performances include Sweeney Todd (Run Crew) and Mamma Mia! (Ensemble). He figures if he’s going to become a lawyer, he might as well know how to put on a good show.

Evan Harma (Ralphie Parker) is 11 years old. Evan is very excited to be playing Ralphie in A Christmas Story as he has been told he looks like Ralphie since he was a toddler. Evan is an actor with Superior Arts Youth Theater. His most recent role was The Mysterious Man in Into the Woods Jr. Evan also enjoys performing as a magician. When he is not performing, he enjoys fishing, mountain biking, basketball, and guitar.  Evan has requested his own Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas, but his mother thinks he will shoot his eye out.

Sara Parks (Mother) is an active performer and full-time music teacher in Marquette. She loves sharing her passion for acting and singing with her husband and two amazing children, who continue to inspire and maker her laugh her every single day. Sara's favorite performances include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Narrator), Godspell (Joanne), Into the Woods (Baker's Wife), Pippin (Catherine), and Les Miserables (Cosette). She has also music-directed for SAYT's productions of Narnia, James and the Giant Peach, Into the Woods Jr., and Frozen Jr. Sara is looking forward to recreating a classic on stage alongside her hilarious husband, Jason.

Jason Parks (The Old Man) is a 2010 graduate of NMU's social work program and a proud patriarch of a theatre family. A latecomer to this arena, Jason has been involved in recent community productions Beacon on the Rock, Building Madness, and Julius Caesar, as well as multiple productions of Scrooge!  He is thrilled to be acting alongside his beautiful wife, Sara, as the mother and father in this wonderful adaptation of one of the most iconic films of all time.

Jack Johnson (Randy) is in the third grade. He has been in multiple performances through Superior Arts Youth Theater, including playing Les Jacobs (Newsies, 2019), Rapunzel's Prince (Into the Woods, 2019), Michael Darling (Peter Pan, 2018), and ensemble roles in A Midsummer Night's Dream and Alice in Wonderland.

Nate Wood (Flick) is 11 years old and a sixth grader at Bothwell Middle School. Nate loves to ski, bike, and travel. Since 2017, he has been involved in numerous productions through Superior Arts Youth Theater, including Into the Woods Jr. (Cinderella's Prince), Alice in Wonderland (King of Hearts), As You Like It (William), and High School Musical Jr. (Chad) among others. Nate first acted at Northern in Scrooge! (2017 and 2018) and is excited to be back at the Forest Roberts Theatre. In his free time, Nate likes to walk his dog and play with his cat.

Sevi Voigt (Schwartz) is very excited to join the cast of A Christmas Story. Sevi lives in Marquette with his family and goes to Bothwell Middle School. Sevi started acting during SAYT’s production of Shrek the Musical Jr. Since then he has been in multiple SAYT productions. He also enjoys traveling and writing stories. Sevi would like to thank the directors for this amazing opportunity, and his family for letting him do what the loves.

Avonlea Kuhlman (Esther Jane Alberry) is an 11 year old with a lot of energy! She’s taken the stage in 15 local theatre productions to-date, having had opportunities to work with NMU’s Forest Roberts Theatre, the Lake Superior Theatre, and the Superior Arts Youth Theater. A few fun characters of note she has portrayed are Young Elsa (Disney’s Frozen Jr.), Little Red Riding Hood (Into the Woods Jr.), Bielke (Fiddler on the Roof), and Chip (Disney’s Beauty and the Beast). Avonlea also recently dabbled in the film world when she had the opportunity to play the role of a murderous youth in a short horror film. Beyond acting, Avonlea also enjoys participating in behind-the-scenes action, helping with artistic, tech, and run crew activities for productions whenever possible.

Marin Johnson (Helen Weathers) is in sixth grade. She has been very active with Superior Arts Youth Theater, with previous roles as the Witch in Into the Woods Jr., Templeton in Charlotte's Web and the Narrator in The Brave Little Tailor. She has been in ensemble roles in Alice in Wonderland, Shrek the Musical Jr., Peter Pan, High School Musical, Schoolhouse Rock Live Jr., Kids Sing Broadway and Newsies. She is excited for A Christmas Story, her first show with NMU!

Winston Leonard (Scut Farkas/Ensemble) has been in previous productions such as Frozen Jr., Scrooge!, School House Rock Jr., The Lion King Jr., Shrek the Musical Jr., Cinderella, and many others. His favorite part of being in theatre is finding out what part he got. He loves to get into the mindset of different characters! When he is not onstage, he enjoys being outdoors, playing the piano, singing, and playing soccer.

Christian Leonard (Grover Dill/Ensemble) has appeared in many shows. Some include Frozen Jr., Scrooge!, School House Rock Jr., The Lion King Jr. and Cinderella. Other than acting, he likes to build Legos, arts and crafts, and playing outside! His favorite part of theatre is singing and being with friends. He loves to participate in plays because they entertain people!

Charlie Edwards (Desperado 2) is a senior English writing major with a double minor in dance and computer information systems. Charlie has appeared in many theatre productions at NMU, including Beauty and the Beast (Ensemble), Twelfth Night (Sailor), Tarzan (Ensemble), and Scrooge! (Simpkins). Charlie also played Mordcha in Lake Superior Theatre’s production of Fiddler on the Roof and the Troll Queen in NMU’s world premiere story ballet production of East of the Sun, West of the Moon. He most recently performed with NMU’s Co/Lab Collective in What We Leave Behind: Addressing Climate Change Through Dance. He is very excited to be in this production and hopes you enjoy the show! Happy holidays!

Ian McCullough (Black Bart/Ensemble) is happy to perform his very first production at the Forest Roberts Theatre! He is a freshman at Northern Michigan University studying theatre and has pursued acting since the eighth grade. Other productions he’s been in include his high school’s productions of Radium Girls, Beauty and the Beast, and The Sound of Music.

Christian Sharp (Voice on Radio) is a returning sophomore at NMU who has recently changed his major to theatre. With no prior experience under his belt, this is the first production he has ever participated in; this will be the first time he has ever stepped onto a stage. He is excited and grateful for this opportunity, to the director for casting him, and to his cast mates for being welcoming to this new experience. He hopes to grow and to learn a lot as a performer from this production.

Emma Block (Ensemble) is a theatre major who transferred from Northwestern Michigan College, and this is her first semester here at NMU. Emma has been doing theatre since 6th grade, but took a break in 2017 in order to focus on work and college. She is excited to make her debut at NMU with A Christmas Story after a 2 year hiatus from theatre!

Elyise Isaacson (Ensemble), age 7, is in second grade at Superior Hills Elementary and loves to swim, ride horses, bike, read, and spend time with her friends and family. This is her very first time performing in a production. She is thrilled to be a part of A Christmas Story!

Lyla Isaacson (Ensemble), age 9, is in fourth grade at Superior Hills Elementary and loves to play soccer, ski, bike, read, and spend time with her friends and family. Since 2015, she’s been involved with numerous productions through the Superior Arts Youth Theater, including Alice in Wonderland Jr., School House Rock Jr., Lion King Jr., and The Nutcracker. This is her first NMU production; she is excited to be a part of this experience and is so grateful to be a part of A Christmas Story!

Talyn Rasmussen (Ensemble) is very excited to be in this production of A Christmas Story. She has been in many productions with the Superior Arts Youth Theater, including Seussical, Kids Sing Broadway, Peter Pan, Newsies, and Legally Blonde Jr. She was also in last year's Beauty and the Beast here at NMU as the Rug. She has been doing theatre since she was 8, and she has loved it ever since. One of her biggest passions other than theatre is gymnastics, and she loves using it on stage. She would like to thank the crew and cast for getting to know her, and for helping her every step of the way. Enjoy the show!

Katie Spengler (Ensemble) is a senior at NMU from Lake Orion, Michigan and is excited to be onstage again in A Christmas Story. She has performed in NMU’s Scrooge! (2017,2018), Tarzan (2018), and was involved in many shows during high school. At NMU, she is studying environmental studies and sustainability with a double minor in biology and wildlife conservation and policing. In her free time, she loves exploring Marquette and painting. She is very excited to continue to participate in theatre in college and hopes you enjoy the show!

Creative Team Bios

Teagan Sturmer (Director) is an actor and director from the Marquette area. This is her first time directing for NMU Theatre and Dance and she is thrilled and honored to be here. Other directing credits include Peter Pan (Superior Arts Youth Theatre, Assistant Director), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (SAYT, Director), Alice in Wonderland (SAYT, Assistant Director), and As You Like It (SAYT, Director). She invites you to sit back, relax, enjoy the show, and reminiscence on your own childhood Christmases. Merry Christmas!

Victor G. Holliday (Lighting Design) has been the designer for the Forest Roberts Theatre since 1982, and also served as technical director from 1982-2000. He holds a bachelor of arts in phsychology from St. Johns University (Minnesota), and his master of fine arts in scenic design from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Before coming to NMU, he was designer and technical director at Trenton State College (now the College of New Jersey). Vic has also designed for summer and community theatre companies in Hawaii, Michigan, Wisconsin, New Jersey, and North Carolina. Outside of the theatre, his major interests are history (particularly military and naval history), ship modeling (pre-deadnought steel navy), and he is an active ailurophile.

Shelley Russell (Costume Design) is a professor of theatre arts at NMU. Shelley teaches a variety of courses, including playwriting and stage combat. She's directed over fifty productions including Beauty and the Beast, RENT, Romeo and Juliet, Peter Pan and Legally Blonde. She enjoys all aspects of theatre, and has acted and sung in numerous productions, created dance and fight choreography, designed costumes and written plays and musicals which have been honored by the Jane Chambers Playwriting Award Competition, KCACTF, the National Endowment for the Arts and the State of Michigan. She served as executive director for LST and in 2011 was honored by NMU with the Distinguished Faculty Award. Playwriting credits include Holdin' Our Own, Beacon on the Rock, Haywire, Points North, and Water, Woman. 

David Pierce (Technical Director) came to NMU from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY where he had been technical director for the department of theatre and dance. Other TD credits include Adirondack Theatre Festival, Little Theatre on the Square, and Four Seasons Theatre Company. David holds a BS in construction management from Ferris State University and an MFA in theatre technology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In his spare time, he loves to be outdoors. He enjoys hiking, boating, fishing, biking, and bonfires. He's also a boisterous Tigers fan!

Bill Digneit (Producer) is the owner of Double Trouble Entertainment. He received his M.F.A. in Technical Production and Design at Florida State University.

Sylvia Bednarczyk (Assistant Stage Manager) is delighted to assistant stage manage A Christmas Story! Sylvia recently graduated from Reavis High School in Burbank, Illinois, where she spent her free time working on productions at her school’s theater. She is double majoring in theatre tech and design as well as outdoor recreation leadership and management at Northern Michigan University, and wishes to pursue theatre as a career. She has loved working with children and adults alike in this production. Sylvia cannot wait to continue her theatre journey at the Forest Roberts Theatre!

What We Leave Behind: Addressing Climate Change Through Dance was performed in the Forest Roberts Theatre November 7-9, 2019.

Cast List

Cast Bios

Charlie Edwards (Dance Creator) is an English writing major with a double minor in dance and computer information systems. Charlie has been involved in the performing arts for a majority of his life, taking voice and piano lessons from age 9 to 14, training in dance since the age of 11 and acting since the age of 17. As an NMU student, Charlie has found joy performing in and choreographing for the annual NMU dance concerts, as well as acting in several NMU theatre productions. He is very excited to perform in what will be his final collegiate dance concert before graduating in May. Enjoy the show!

Liz Caputo (Dance Creator) is a senior at NMU with a double major in Criminal Justice and Psychology Applied Behavioral Analysis, and a double minor in Pre-Law and Dance. Liz has been dancing for 20 years and has studied the arts of Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, and Hip Hop. She has been preforming at NMU dance concert's for four years now and was in East of the Sun West of the Moon Ballet that NMU presented last winter, and was in the Hip Hop Dance Crew for three semesters.  Liz would like to thank her family and her fiancé for supporting her in everything that she does! Enjoy the Show!

Jacqueline Brignall (Dance Creator) is a junior year Zoology major. This is her second show with the Forest Roberts Theatre. She is excited to share such an important message in a way that is able to reach everyone.

Maisie Zahn (Dance Creator) is currently a sophomore at NMU, and is originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee where she was classically trained in ballet for nine years. She is studying Sports Science in hopes of becoming an athletic trainer for professional dancers. She has enjoyed her experience performing with NMU in Fringe Festival, East of the Sun and West of the Moon, as well as Beauty and the Beast. She is grateful to be following her passion through dance.

Valerie Slaght (Dance Creator) is a senior studying Philosophy and double minoring in Religious Studies and Dance. She has been dancing for sixteen years. Valerie has danced in the past two dance concerts put on by NMU. She is excited to dance with a purpose in this show and spark conversation about climate change.

Eliza Goben (Dance Creator) is a senior at NMU from Marshall, MI. She is studying Applied Behavior Analysis with a double minor in Human Services and Dance, and she is currently working in the Organizational Behavior Management Lab for her final year. Eliza has been dancing for sixteen years. She has studied ballet, acro, clogging, jazz, hip hop, and most recently contemporary. Although Eliza has never performed with NMU, she has been involved in many theatrical productions and dance recitals in her hometown.

Kate Joy Karling (Dance Creator) was born and raised in our gorgeous Upper Peninsula. She is so proud to be a part of such a progressive, enlightening production. She hopes that you can feel, and share in, the passion of everyone who has been involved in the making of this show as you experience it. She would like to thank her family and close friends for their wholehearted support in her endeavors.

Audree Stephens (Dance Creator) is a Senior at NMU majoring in theatre and minoring in dance. This is her first year participating in a dance show and she is so excited to have this opportunity! Audree has been in several shows here at the FRT including The Addams Family (Bride Ancestor/Wednesday's understudy), Tarzan (Kala), Sweeney Todd (Johanna), Beauty and the Beast (Mrs. Potts), and The Full Monty (Estelle). She hopes the audience will open their eyes to what is happening with our world right now and take the appropriate action to live peacefully in the future!

Gracie Fries (Dance Creator) is a junior here at NMU from Kingsford, Michigan pursuing a bachelor's degree in Entrepreneurship and a minor in dance. Her passion lies in the musical arts with eighteen years of dance instruction and vocal lessons. She spent four years teaching and choreographing at Julie’s Top Hat Dance Studio and is currently choreographing at Dawn Dott Dance Studio, along with this years SAYT production of Frozen Jr. She was a pro-dancer in this past Dancing With Our Stars Marquette County Style, Disney Edition. Her hobbies include singing, playing bass, baking, gardening, and spending time with friends and family. Being one of the first of her family to attend college, she is proud to be a “Wildcat” with much support from her family and friends.

Megan Hibbard (Dance Creator/Assistant Lighting Designer) is a Sophomore and this is her third semester performing at the Forest Roberts Theatre! Her past performances include Fringe Festival, Beauty and the Beast and Mamma Mia! and she is so excited to add What We Leave Behind to the list. Megan has been dancing for 11 years and can’t wait to keep learning and growing alongside this amazing cast and under the guidance of Jill Grundstrom. She would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her and pushing her to keep overcoming obstacles to do what she loves.

Skylar Taavola (Dance Creator) is a sophomore majoring in Management of Health and Fitness with a minor in Dance. This is her second production at Northern Michigan University, with previously being apart of the East of the Sun, West of the Moon Ballet. Skylar is a second year member and choreographer for the NMU Dance Team. She currently teaches various styles of dance at New Attitudes and Julie’s Top Hat dance studios, and is also a choreographer for Marquette's Nutcracker Ballet. Skylar is so grateful to be a part of this show and would like to thank Jill Grundstrom for inspiring and helping her daily.

Creative Team Bios

Jill Grundstrom (Creative Director) is a Marquette based dancer, instructor, and choreographer. She has a BS from Northern Michigan University in Secondary Education with majors in English and French, and an MA in Dance Education from New York University in New York City and Genoa, Italy. She is currently working on an EdS degree in Educational Leadership, with the intent to continue to an EdD. She continues to train with The Luigi Jazz Centre, STEPS on Broadway, and Broadway Dance Center in New York City, and has worked, taught, and trained with New York City Ballet, The National Ballet of Canada, and American Ballet Theatre, whose curriculum she is certified in. Jill is the dance program director at NMU and choreographs for FRT Theatre and Dance Program, as well as for the Superior Arts Youth Theatre. She has choreographed over 30 full-length musical and dance productions in the Upper Peninsula, New York City, and Los Angeles, and recently choreographed an independent feature-length film, Our State Fair. She was the recipient of the MACC Outstanding Performing Artist of the Year Award in 2011. She is currently consulting on a new Character Dance curriculum for American Ballet Theatre.

Dr. Jessica Thompson (Lecture Content Creator) is an associate professor in the College of Business. She teaches courses in environmental and social responsibility, new media and public relations. Her research is focused on communication about complex ecological issues, such as climate change and sustainable development. She has worked on climate change related research teams in Mexico, Mongolia, India, Singapore, and at more than two dozen National Parks and communities across the United States. Her latest book, America’s Largest Classroom: What We Learn From Our National Parks, will be available in April, 2020. She also serves on the Marquette County Climate Adaptation Task Force and Michigan Energy Options’ Board of Directors.

Carrie Biolo (OM Music Director) is a world-class percussionist who brings highly experimental sound, rhythm and movement into her work, Biolo has toured extensively throughout the United States, Germany, Japan, Taiwan, Austria, Spain and Italy.  She has recorded over 25 CD’s on various labels including Delmark, HatART and Rhino.  Her music compositions can be heard on Ira Glass’ This American Life, and Chicago, Boston, Interlochen and Marquette Public Radio. Carrie is an instructor at Northern Michigan University where she directs the OM New Music Ensemble and teaches World Music.  This fall she began teaching private percussion lessons at Michigan Tech.  She is the founder and artistic director of the Percussive Attack Camp, maintains a private percussion studio, directs the Marquette Senior High Drumline and is a percussionist with the Marquette Symphony Orchestra. Biolo currently resides in Marquette, MI, where she is a fifth-generation native.  Carrie is an instructor at Northern Michigan University where she directs the OM New Music Ensemble and teaches World Music.  Biolo is also a private music instructor in the Visual and Performing Arts Department of Michigan Technological University, is the founder and artistic director of the Percussive Attack Camp, directs the Marquette Senior High Drumline and is a percussionist with the Marquette Symphony Orchestra.

Lilith Kontos (Production Stage Manager) is a recent graduate of Northern Michigan University, where she received her B.S. in English and minored in theatre. She is a local performer and stage manager and has appeared in roles such as Rocky Horror in The Rocky Horror Show (U.P. Masonic Center), Hermia in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Presque Isle Bandshell), Nina in The Seagull (Wolf’s Head Theatre Company), Ali in Mamma Mia! (Forest Roberts Theatre), Tobias Ragg in Sweeney Todd (Forest Roberts Theatre), Annelle in Steel Magnolias (Lake Superior Theatre), and Jan in Grease (Lake Superior Theatre). Stage management credits include Tarzan at the Forest Roberts Theatre.

The Full Monty was performed at the Forest Roberts Theatre from October 11-12, 16-19, 2019.

Cast List

Cast Bios

Brady Skewis (Jerry Lukowski) is a post-bacc student at NMU pursuing a certification in English Education. Previous on-campus roles include Selsdon Mowbry in Noises Off!, Roderick Usher in Nightfall, & Pepper in Mamma Mia! In Brady's pathetically meager free time, he enjoys performing with his two bands: Joel & The Good Boys (Stay tuned for their album, "Shake!" coming out at the end of 2019!), and Cosmic Sans (on instagram: @cosmicsansmqt). He is elated with your existence, and from the bottom of his heart, hopes you enjoy seeing him naked onstage.

Nick Salin (Dave Bukatinski) is a senior at NMU double majoring in Mathematics and Theatre. You may recognize him from NMU's Sweeney Todd (Jonas Fogg/Ensemble), Building Madness (Vito Deleoni), SPAA's Nightfall with Edgar Allan Poe (Poe) or from Shakespeare in the Park's A Midsummer Night's Dream (Peaseblossom/Flute). This year, he is the President of Alpha Psi Omega, the theatre honor fraternity on campus. He would like to thank his mom, dad, wife, brother, and all the rest of his family and friends for their unwavering support. He is extremely excited and honored to be apart of this show and hope everyone enjoys it!

Seth Bowen (Malcolm Macgregor) is a Theatre Major and Secondary History Education, and music minor. He is a twenty year old junior from Rhinelander, Wisconsin and has been involved in productions like Mary Poppins (George Banks), Sister Act (TJ), Sweeney Todd (Police officer/ Ensemble), Scrooge! 2018 (Bob Cratchit), and Medieval Dinner Theatre (Pan Piper) and Beauty and the Beast (Monsieur De Arc/ Ensemble). He is very excited to play Malcom, an insecure and depressed character who finds hope through his new friends and Hot Metal. Seth is overwhelmed to bring this character to life on the stage and let it all go. He invites you to come and enjoy the show and all of its hilarious glory.

Will Smith (Harold Nichols) is a freshman theatre major from Luxemburg, WI. The Full Monty is his first show at NMU and he couldn’t be more thrilled to be apart of it. His past roles include Bert Bratt in How to Succeed, Scar in The Lion King, Barnaby Tucker in Hello, Dolly!, and Synder in Newsies. He would like to thank the numerous people who helped him feel at home in NMUs theatre and dance department for his first show.

Eric Mackall (Ethan Girad) is a Secondary Choral Music Education major and a Theatre minor. He has been doing theatre since fifth grade and calls it addiction he can’t seem to break. He is a sophomore from Big Rapids, Michigan. His previous theatrical experience at the Forest Roberts Theatre includes Pirelli in Sweeney Todd and Beast in Beauty and the Beast. Eric is excited to be playing Ethan in this season’s The Full Monty!!

Roenak Ghiardi (Nathan Lukowski), age 13, is in seventh grade at Bothwell and loves to play basketball, travel, ski, bike, and hunt. Since 2015, he’s been involved with numerous productions through the Superior Arts Youth Theater, including Into the Woods Jr. (Baker), Legally Blonde Jr. (Grandmaster Chad/Sundeep Padamadan), Newsies (Tommy Boy), Alice in Wonderland Jr. (Caterpillar), School House Rock Jr. (George) and Shrek Jr. (Pinocchio). His first NMU production was Scrooge! (2016, 2017), followed later by Tarzan, an experience he’ll never forget. He loves working with older actors and is grateful to be part of The Full Monty!

Kortney Manchip (Georgie Bukatinski) has been in several productions at NMU including Sweeney Todd (Beggar Woman), Tarzan (Ensemble), Beauty and the Beast (Ensemble) and The Addams Family (Ensemble), as well as several productions outside of the university such as Cabaret (Fraulein Kost), Willy Wonka (Veruca Salt), and Singin' in the Rain (Lina Lamont). Enjoy the show!

Adrianna J. Stephens (Vicki Nichols) is a senior with a major in theatre/business and a minor in music. This summer she was lucky enough to be cast at the Circle Theatre in a summer concert series performing “Shallow”, “I Will Survive”, and “Born This Way”. Along with performing at the Circle Theatre this summer, she was cast as Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors with Stage-M. A.J. would like to thank her parents, sister Audree, and boyfriend Dan for all of their support throughout her theatre career! Memorable roles include Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd, The Sour Kangaroo in Seussical, Martha in The Secret Garden, and Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof.

Faye Nesbitt Elder (Jeanette Burmeister) has enjoyed an extensive career primarily in Southern California in professional entertainment. As an actress, vocalist, comedian, and stunt person, she has performed with the Industry's finest. Known regionally for her past “Mrs. Consumer” radio and television commercials, she also continues as the annual host of the wildly successful “Dancing with our Stars Marquette County Style” local fundraiser. Faye continues to lend her expertise and talents to many media projects. She loves her hometown of Marquette and always knew she would go into semi-retirement here. She is delighted to “Hit the stage now and then”.

Audree Stephens (Estelle) is a Senior at NMU majoring in theatre and minoring in dance. She has participated in several shows through the FRT including, The Addams Family, Tarzan, Fringe Festival, Sweeney Todd, Beauty and the Beast, and Mamma Mia. She would like to say "Sowwy" to her parents, friends, and faculty, for putting up with her wierdness the past four years! Enjoy the show everyone, especially Julie! ;)

John Fatla (Reg/Male Ensemble) is thrilled to be making his Forest Roberts Theater Debut! John is a Freshman here at Northern studying marketing. Hailing from the greater Milwaukee area, John has been apart of many companies, including the Ensemble of Mamma Mia (Lake Country Playhouse), Lord Savage in Jekyll & Hyde (West Allis Players), and Synder in Newsies (Brookfield Central High School). John would like to thank his family and friends for the endless support, as well as the entire cast and crew of The Full Monty. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Jacob Laitinen (Tony Giordano/Male Understudy/Male Ensemble) is a native of Marquette, MI. He is a Junior Theater Major, with a minor in Music. Jacob started back at school in 2017 after a 7 year hiatus, and is ecstatic to be back in the academic grind. His previous roles at NMU include Beedle Bamford in Sweeney Todd, Edgar/Sante in Nightfall with Edgar Allan Poe, Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Professor Porter in Tarzan, Creon in Antigone, Thenardier in Les Miserables, and the Snail with the mail in A Year with Frog and Toad. Jacob has worked professionally playing Sikes in Tecumseh! Outdoor Drama, Rowdy in Beacon on the Rock, as well as in the chorus of several Operas at the Pine Mountain Music Festival. Jacob wanted to thank everyone for coming out, and he hopes you enjoy this wonderful production.

Bella Feitl (Susan Hershey/Female Ensemble) is a freshman with a major in Environmental Studies, and The Full Monty is her first production at Northern Michigan University. Her previous shows include Damn Yankees, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Beauty and the Beast, and Seussical the Musical. She is originally from Minneapolis, MN, and is excited to be doing theater in a new environment!

Zoe Zimmer (Joanie Lish/Female Ensemble) is a Sophomore originally from Green Bay Wisconsin. She has held multiple lead roles such as Nala from The Lion King and Elizabeth Willow from They Dance Real Slow Down in Jackson, where she won an Individual Outstanding Acting Award. Zoe has already been involved in many Northern productions including Fringe Fest and Beauty and The Beast, and is excited to get more involved with performances at Northern.

Bailey Barthel (Female Ensemble) is very excited to join the ensemble cast of The Full Monty! Originally from Ironwood, she attends NMU as a theatre major. She has appeared on the FRT stage in other productions such as Scrooge! and Sweeney Todd. She thanks her parents and everyone who has supported her pursuing her dream. She hopes the audience has a wonderful time watching The Full Monty!

Creative Team Bios

Emily Kendall (Production Stage Manager) is a Junior Criminal Justice/Technical Theatre double major. Last year she Production Stage Managed Beauty and the Beast and East of The Sun, West of The Moon as well as Stage Managing Sweeney Todd here at the FRT.  Before that she was a Flight Operator/Weapons Wrangler for Tarzan and stage crew for Noises Off! During the past year Emily has transitioned from Assistant Stage Managing the FRT Box Office to working in the Scene Shop. Emily is proud of all the hard work put into this show, and she is excited to be able to work on homework by daylight now!

Toni Danz (Stage Manager) is in her second year at Nothern Michigan University. She's a theatre major. She works as an Assistant Stage Manager for The Full Monty. During the spring she worked as run crew for Beauty and the Beast. Working on shows is her passion and she can't wait to do many more!

Maggie Soloman (Stage Manager) is a Theater Major here at NMU. A sophomore, this is Maggie's second show at NMU working as assistant stage manager, the first being this past summer's production of Mama Mia. Her previous roles in shows before coming to NMU include Gwendolyn in The Importance of Being Ernest, Millie from Thoroughly Modern Millie, Narrater in Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Uzo in Godspell. She is incredibly grateful to work along the wonderful people here at NMU.

Sylvia Bednarczyk (Run Crew) attended Reavis High School in Burbank, Illinois. She is a freshman and has had the pleasure to be a part of the run crew for her first production at the Forest Roberts Theatre. Sylvia has worked on twenty different productions prior to attending Northern Michigan University. She wishes to pursue theatre as a career, as she is double majoring in Theatre Tech and Design as well as Outdoor Recreation Leadership and Management. Sylvia is thrilled to work on another show and looks forward to continuing to develop her skills and experiences at NMU.

What a Glorious Feeling! was performed at the James A. Panowski Black Box Theatre August 7-10, 2019.

Cast List

Cast Bios

Beau Hutchings (Gene Kelly) is thrilled to be spending the summer in beautiful Marquette. Originally from Marshall, MI and a graduate of Western Michigan University’s music theatre performance program, Beau currently resides in New York City. International Tour: Riff in West Side Story. National Tour: Snowboy in West Side Story, Ensemble/Scarecrow/Tinman Understudy in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s re-orchestrated The Wizard of Oz. Cruise Ship: Chicago the musical aboard Royal Caribbean’s “Allure of the Seas.” And numerous regional theatre/NYC benefit concert credits. Beau would like to say, “Thank you to my college professor (and playwright/director of this production) Jay Berkow for giving this ‘kid’ a chance to play this ICONIC role. Enjoy the show!”

David Lenahan (Stanley Donen) is so excited to be up in the UP for the first time! Hailing from Cleveland, OH, David is an NYC based actor and dancer. NYC: SONGBOOK: Songs of Braver and Dean (Lincoln Center), The Flying... Ferry (The Player's Theatre), The Polar Express (Rail Events Productions). Regional: Boy (none too fragile), In the Closet (Convergence-Continuum), Much Ado About Nothing and Twelfth Night (Shakespeare at the Castle), The Little Mermaid (Mercury Theatre Company), Side Show (Blank Canvas Theatre). Many thanks to Jay, Jill, Sophie, the cast and the rest of the FRT family for such a glorious experience! 

Rob Engelson (Arthur Freed) is a full-time professor in the College of Liberal Arts at Ashford University, where he currently teaches a wide array of online interdisciplinary courses in the curriculum of the Liberal Arts major. He is also a semi-professional actor, having performed in numerous college, university, and community theater productions, including 20 shows at the Clinton Area Showboat Theater, a professional summer theatre company located in Clinton, IA. He loves working again with his good friend Jay, with such a talented group of fellow actors, and with the incredible theatre and dance staff at NMU. Enjoy the show!

Molly Hill (Debbie Reynolds) is originally from Goshen, IN and is a senior BFA musical theatre performance major at Western Michigan University. She has most recently been seen as Logainne in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at The Barn Theatre in Augusta, MI and Lilly in Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse at Farmers Alley Theatre in Kalamazoo, MI. In the past, she has performed at Wagon Wheel Theatre in Warsaw, IN and The Round Barn Theatre in Nappanee, IN. Molly is very excited for her future projects, most especially playing the role of Little Sally in Urinetown the Musical this coming fall at WMU, before graduating in December and showcasing in NYC in the spring! When she isn't on stage, Molly teaches kickboxing as a group fitness instructor, plays the bassoon, and cultivates her love for coffee. "All of my thanks go to God for giving my work in theatre purpose and meaning, my parents for driving me to oh-so-many rehearsals as a child, and to Jay for his mentorship at WMU and inviting me to join in on this incredible opportunity!"

Katelyn Langwith (Jeanne Coyne) is thrilled to be performing here in the UP this summer! This is her first time here and she is loving it! She hails from South Bend, IN and graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in musical theatre performance. A few of her favorite performances around the Midwest include Millie in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Dainty June in Gypsy, and Sister Mary Robert in Sister Act. She now calls New York City home, where she will return to do a run of a new musical called Lochness at the end of the month.

Creative Team Bios

Jay Berkow (Director) has served as a professor of theatre and Director of Music Theatre Performance at Western Michigan University since 2004.  Recent productions he has directed include GUYS AND DOLLS, WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN, BILLY ELLIOTT, THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK, THE WIZ, SHOWBOAT, and many many more. A much sought after professional director and playwright, he is the co-author and director/choreographer of the Off-Broadway hit JOLSON & CO. which ran for two seasons in NY, has been seen in regional theatres across the U.S. including the highly praised production at the Theatre at the Center, as well as a United Kingdom national tour.  The play is published by Samuel French, Inc.  His biographical musical based on the life of Gene Kelly, WHAT A GLORIOUS FEELING, currently touring England, premiered at the Mason Street Warehouse Theatre and has been produced in theatres across the US, as well as in Cape Town, South Africa.  It is published by Playscripts, Inc.  In collaboration with composer David Ogrin, Jay is developing a new musical based on the life of Mata Hari.  The show has received a Broadway workshop produced by Howard Kagan (ON THE TOWN, PORGY AND BESS, PIPPIN).  Jay’s comedy THE CURE FOR LOVE was featured at the Barter Theatre as part of their 75th Anniversary season, as well as in the WMU 2012 season.  Jay has worked with Terrence McNally, John Kander and Fred Ebb as the director of the Off-Broadway revival of THE RINK, and directed the Off-Broadway productions of RED HOT MAMA and THE LADY IN PENTHOUSE B.  Jay’s regional credits include Florida Studio Theatre, Indiana Repertory, Theatre South Carolina, Playhouse on the Square, Adirondack Theatre Festival, Depot Theatre, Gateway Playhouse, Virginia Repertory, Connecticut Repertory, Coconut Grove Playhouse, American Stage, Florida Repertory Theatre, Theatre Works, the Burt Reynolds Theatre, Riverside Theatre, Circa ’21 Playhouse, and many others. He is represented by Bret Adams, Ltd. 

Jill Grundstrom (Choreographer) is a Marquette based dancer, instructor, and choreographer. She has a B.S. from Northern Michigan University in Secondary Education with majors in English and French, and a M.A. in Dance Education from New York University in New York City and Genoa, Italy. She is currently pursuing an Ed.S in Educational Leadership, with the intention to continue to an Ed.D, as well as new Character Dance and Partnering curricula for American Ballet Theatre in New York City. She continues to train with The Luigi Jazz Centre, STEPS on Broadway, and Broadway Dance Center in New York City, and has worked, taught, and trained with New York City Ballet, The National Ballet of Canada, and American Ballet Theatre in New York City and is certified in their National Training Curriculum. Jill is also a Certified FLX Conditioning Specialist. During seasons four through seven, Grundstrom was a writer for Cat Deeley, host of Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance. Jill is the program director for and instructor in the Dance Program at NMU and choreographs for the NMU Theatre and Dance Program. Jill has choreographed over 30 full-length musical and dance productions in the Upper Peninsula, New York City, and Los Angeles, including a full-length, original ballet, East of the Sun, West of the Moon, and recently choreographed an independent feature-length film, Our State Fair. She was the recipient of the MACC Outstanding Performing Artist of the Year Award in 2011.

Susan Candey (Costume Design), a Marquette native, received a B.M. in Vocal Performance from St. Olaf College in 2011. She is a costume designer, director, and performer. Her recent costume design credits include the Forest Roberts Theatre's Medieval Dinner Theatre, Noises Off, Tribes, Building Madness, and Bears. Her directing credits include Newsies: The Broadway Musical (Superior Arts Youth Theater), Scrooge! (FRT, 2018), Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr. (SAYT), and James and the Giant Peach Jr. (SAYT). Susan served as the Drama Director at Marquette Senior High School 2014-2016 (Sister Act, A Radio Drama, How to Succeed, The Mousetrap, Annie Get Your Gun) and the Costume Designer for College Light Opera Company's 2014 nine show season in Falmouth, MA. Her recent performing credits include Godspell (Lake Superior Theatre), Elle Woods in FRT's Legally Blonde, Lady of the Lake in Spamalot (LST), Lily in The Secret Garden (LST), and Meg in Little Women (LST).

Victor G. Holliday (Scenic Design/Lighting Design) has been the designer for the Forest Roberts Theatre since 1982, and also served as technical director from 1982-2000. He holds a bachelor of arts in psychology from St. Johns University (Minnesota), and his master of fine arts in scenic design from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Before coming to NMU, he was designer and technical director at Trenton State College (now the College of New Jersey). Vic has also designed for summer and community theatre companies in Hawaii, Michigan, Wisconsin, New Jersey, and North Carolina. Outside of the theatre, his major interests are history (particularly military and naval history), ship modeling (pre-deadnought steel navy), and he is an active ailurophile.

Sophie Sam (Production Stage Manager) is a sophomore theatre and entertainment arts major at NMU with a dance minor. She was the Production Stage Manager for the FRT’s Medieval Dinner Theatre (2019), assistant directed Pookie Goes Grenading (2019) with Wolf’s Head Theatre Company, and assistant directed Mamma Mia (2019) at the FRT. Before attending NMU, she co-directed Annie (2017) and directed RENT (2018) with Dickinson County Community Theatre, and directed Anatomy of a Murder (2018) at the Vista Theatre. She served two terms as President of Dickinson County Community Theatre from 2015-2017, and is currently on the Board of Directors for Wolf’s Head Theatre Company. Also a performer, Sophie appeared in Sweeney Todd (2018) and Nightfall (2019) last school year, and is featured in the web series Northbound as The Kid.

Legally Blonde Jr. was performed by Superior Arts Youth Theater at the Forest Roberts Theatre July 16-20, 2019.

Cast List

Mamma Mia! was performed at the Forest Roberts Theatre June 20-22 and 26-29, 2019.

Cast List

Cast Bios

Audree Stephens is so excited to portray the role of Sophie Sheridan in NMU's first ever summer stock season! Audree will be heading into her senior year at NMU. She is a theatre major and a dance minor and has been involved in several shows with NMU such as The Addams Family, Tarzan, Sweeney Todd, and Beauty and the Beast. She hopes you all enjoy this fabulous show! 

Lilith Kontos† (Ali) earned her B.S. in English from NMU this past May and is currently the Forest Roberts Theatre’s box office manager. She has appeared in numerous FRT productions, including Sweeney Todd (Tobias Ragg), The Addams Family (Grandma Addams), Where a Certain Future (Deborah Abramson), Into the Woods (Lucinda), and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), in which she played various roles. She has also performed in Grease (Jan) and Steel Magnolias (Annelle) with Lake Superior Theatre. Lilith is so thankful for this opportunity to do another show on the FRT stage; here we go again!

Megan Hibbard (Lisa) is a freshman from Clarkston, Michigan majoring in art and design and minoring in theatre. This year at the FRT, she has performed in Fringe Festival (Viola) and Beauty and the Beast (Silly Girl) and she is so excited to be a part of Mamma Mia! She would like to thank the directors, cast, and crew as well as her family for their endless love and support. As Sophie Sheridan would say, “Thank you for the music, for giving it to me.” Enjoy the show!

Aurelia Hunter (Donna Sheridan) holds a B.S. in theatre performance from Northern Michigan University, and has been performing on the Forest Roberts Theatre stage for 23 years, playing roles such as The Witch in Into the Woods, Velma in Chicago, Marta in Company, Val in A Chorus Line, and many more. Aurelia is also a graduate of New England Center for the Circus Arts and performed professionally as an aerialist for 10 years with companies like Club Med, Aerial Angels, Circus Circus, and Dragone. Other favorite roles include Maureen in RENT (Vista Theater, Negaunee), Linda in Blood Brothers (Cappuccino Musical Theater, Calgary, Alberta for which she won the CAT award for best supporting actress), and Suzanne in Picasso at the Lapin Agile (Forest Roberts Theatre, Marquette).

Jill Vermeulen† (Tanya) holds degrees in theatre and communication studies from Northern Michigan University (‘18 BS). Some of her favorite roles include The Addams Family (Morticia), Noises Off (Belinda), Proof (Claire), Little Shop of Horrors (Crystal), She Kills Monsters (Kaliope), and Chicago (Hunyak) at the Forest Roberts Theatre, and The Producers (Ulla) at Lake Superior Theatre. Directorial highlights include High School Musical and Narnia for Superior Arts Youth Theatre. Choreographic highlights include James and the Giant Peach for SAYT and choreographer's assistant for Beauty and the Beast at FRT. Jill would like to thank her boyfriend Tom and her family for their endless love and support.

Barbara Rhyneer (Rosie) is originally from Anchorage, Alaska, where she grew up playing violin and trumpet in the public schools. She earned a Doctorate of Arts in orchestral conducting and violin performance from Ball State University. Barbara came to Marquette in 1997 to be a faculty member in NMU’s Department of Music where she directs the university orchestra, provides string lessons to music majors, and teaches classes in conducting, string pedagogy, and music appreciation. This is her first theatrical production. In her spare time, Barbara enjoys performing fiddle in an Irish band (the “Knockabouts”) with her husband Tim DeMarte, and friend, Dan Truckey.

Mikhail Moran (Sky) is from Escanaba, MI and moved to Marquette after attending NMU this year. He has always enjoyed performing and being in theatre. Some of his previous roles include Danny Zuko in Grease, Neleus in Mary Poppins, General Bullmoose in Lil Abner and Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast. Mikhail would love to send his thanks to his friends and family who have encouraged him on his journey in theatre. He also would like to thank the director and his cast and crew for being such wonderful people to work with.

Brady L. Skewis is an American actor portraying the role of Pepper in Mamma Mia! When Brady is not acting up and out onstage, he is playing a whole guitar in the band "Joel & The Good Boys," a delightful entrée in the feast of Marquette's local music scene (look them up on social medias!) In his pathetically meek amount of free time, you can find Brady contemplating his own fleeting existence. He'd like to thank Dave and Wendy for being the best parents he's ever had. Much love, enjoy the show, the princess is in another castle.

Orion Couling (Bill Austin) is the award-winning founder and executive director of EDGE of Orion, an Illinois NFP. He is a specialist in project-based learning and carries 20 years of adventure based teaching experience. He created the Constellation Project, a program that celebrates inclusion and neuro-diverse participation. With over 100 directing credits in professional and youth theatre to his name, he remains one of the foremost experts in dynamic educational theatre. His “edu-tainment” style is known to bring levity and inspiration to classrooms and audiences. Orion is also a stage combat instructor, stunt coordinator, and a licensed Maritime Captain. As an actor, he's played Arthur in Spamalot, Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar, Tom in Beacon on the Rock and, here at NMU, Booth in Assassins, Dracula in Dracula and Tony in West Side Story. When not leading the “inclusion revolution,” you’ll find him playing with his Irish folk rock band “Finger on the Trigger,” leading ghost tours, or by the water.

Jacob Laitinen (Father Alexandrios) is a native of Marquette, MI and a junior theatre major at NMU with a minor in music. Jacob returned to Northern in 2017 after a 7 year hiatus, and is ecstatic to be back on the academic grind. His previous roles at NMU include Beedle Bamford in Sweeney Todd, Edgar/Sante in Nightfall With Edgar Allan Poe, Professor Porter in Tarzan, Creon in Antigone, Thenardier in Les Miserables, and The Snail with the Mail in A Year with Frog and Toad. Jacob has acted professionally as Sikes in Tecumseh Outdoor Drama, Rowdy in Beacon on the Rock, and a member of the chorus in several operas at the Pine Mountain Music Festival. He has also been a part of community theater in the Marquette area for the past 20 years, and has performed as the Beast in Beauty and the Beast, Herr Schultz in Cabaret, Sebastian in The Little Mermaid, Riff Raff in The Rocky Horror Show, and Ali Hakim in Oklahoma. Jacob wants to say thank you to everyone for coming out, and he hopes you enjoy this wonderful production.

Kortney Manchip (Female Swing/Ensemble) has been in several productions at NMU including Sweeney Todd (Beggar Woman), Tarzan (Ensemble), Beauty and the Beast (Ensemble) and The Addams Family (Ensemble), as well as several productions outside of the university such as Cabaret (Fraulein Kost), Willy Wonka (Veruca Salt), and Singin' in the Rain (Lina Lamont). She would like to give a special thanks to her parents for being endlessly supportive and the creative team for trusting her with the challenging role of understudying all female roles. She is happy to work with such a talented cast; enjoy the show!

Emily Burbey (Ensemble) is currently a sophomore at NMU with a major in graphic design and a minor in dance. She began performing in community theatre and dance programs at the age of four and has continued to perform in NMU productions, including East of the Sun, West of the Moon as a servant, Tarzan as Jane, and Beauty and the Beast as a member of the ensemble. Her hobbies include singing, dancing, and design. Emily is so grateful and excited to be a part of Mamma Mia!

Ella Bartlett Filipowicz (Ensemble) is an Aquarian disco enthusiast who enjoys a hot cup of tea. Past performances include: Titus Andronicus (Tamora), Five Women Wearing the Same Dress (Mindy), Macbeth (Witch), The Mousetrap (Miss Casewell), The Importance of Being Earnest (Cecily Cardew), and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Maggie). Ella would like to thank her mom for teaching her how to groove, her husband for going on this crazy “let’s BOTH do a show!” adventure, the awesome caregivers who “kidsat” the kids, and her two Mamma Mia superfan daughters for making sure she gets the lyrics all 100% spot on.

Nancy Irish (Ensemble): With buckets of gratitude for this opportunity to sing and dance with these talented youngbloods, Nancy dedicates her performance to the following: Maria Demetriou, her late Greek exchange student sister, and her beautiful time in Greece for Maria’s wedding; cast and crew mates past and present; her pioneer Great-Grandmothers, whose spirits she discovered in herself through playing them in Beacon on the Rock and Quilters; Frank Irish, her father, for giving her music; Shelley Russell, for hearing it in her when she couldn’t; Alice, departed soul-sister, in partial fulfillment of promises made; and her own self, for finding the courage.

Kate Karling (Ensemble) was born and raised in the U.P. and is grateful to have had so many creative outlets over the years in the midst of such a beautiful landscape; the Historic Ironwood Theatre and Theatre North in Ironwood, Michigan have her heart. She has been dancing for eighteen years and acting for three. She has loved getting to know the cast and crew of this show and is thrilled to be an accomplice to bringing the music of ABBA to the FRT! Special thanks to her family for being the best cheerleaders she ever could have asked for in chasing her dreams.

Caitlin Palomaki (Ensemble) is a sophomore at Northern Michigan University studying music education with a choral concentration and a minor in theatre. This will be her second show at NMU; her first was Beauty and the Beast this past winter semester, where she played Madame de la Grande Bouche. She has been involved with theatre since the age of six, with some previous roles including the Evil Stepmother in Cinderella and Mrs. Darling in Peter Pan, both through Superior Arts Youth Theatre. Others include Mrs. Meers in Thoroughly Modern Millie at Marquette Senior High and Lisa Ghiardi in Beacon on the Rock at Lake Superior Theatre. She is very excited to dance and sing to ABBA this summer!

Callie Reid (Ensemble) is a junior at NMU majoring in applied behavior analysis and minoring in human services. She has been in two other productions at the FRT: Sweeney Todd (Ensemble) and The Maniac King (Azazel). She is looking forward to this amazing production of Mamma Mia and hopes that it brings as much joy to others as it has her. 

Emily Scannell (Ensemble) is excited to make her debut theatrical appearance alongside the fun and talented cast and crew of Mamma Mia! Emily is a Marquette community member who enjoys working as an occupational therapist, playing outside, spending time at Bay Cliff Health Camp, and trying to "mesc" (make every second count). She thanks her family and friends for being the best support system she could ask for. Enjoy the show!

Laura Thompson (Ensemble) is a Northern Michigan University alumni and has appeared in many Forest Roberts Theatre productions, including Scrooge!, The Addams Family, Little Shop of Horrors, Chicago, Les Misérables, and She Kills Monsters, as well as Pippin at Lake Superior Theatre and Proof at the James A. Panowski Black Box Theatre. She enjoys yoga, rock climbing, road trips, hiking with her dogs, and spending time with family and friends. Laura is thrilled to be working alongside so many talented and friendly people in this production of Mamma Mia!

Ben Filipowicz (Ensemble) is a graduate of NMU and now teaches at Bothwell Middle School under the alias of Mr. Flip. Past performances include: Into the Woods (Rapunzel’s Prince/Wolf), RENT (Mark Cohen), The Mousetrap (Mr. Paravicini), The Tempest (Trinculo), Doubt (Father Flynn), The Importance of Being Earnest (John Worthing), Harvey (Elwood P. Dowd), Sweeney Todd (Sweeney Todd) and Hair (Berger). He’d like to thank his parents for making sure he had a good education in 70’s pop, his wife for her mad babysitter scheduling skills, said babysitters for their mad babysitting skills, and his daughters for their love and choreography corrections.

Kyle Flickinger (Ensemble) is a recent graduate from NMU, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry. Kyle has been a part of other FRT productions, including Tarzan (Ensemble, Understudy Tarzan) and Beauty and the Beast (Lumiere). He would like to thank the theatre family at NMU for being so welcoming and supportive of his acting endeavors, as he will miss performing on the FRT stage when he moves to Madison, Wisconsin to begin his PhD in the fall.

Joel VanHeulen (Ensemble) is so excited to be a part of the ensemble for Mamma Mia! His previous roles include Lefou (Beauty and the Beast), Sebastian and Sir Toby (Twelfth Night), Plant Number 3 (Little Shop of Horrors), The Dead Body (Lucky Stiff), Crutch Collins (Anatomy of Grey), Bonnefoi (Imaginary Invalid), and many others.

Creative Team Bios

Shelley Russell (Director) is a professor of theatre arts at NMU. Shelley teaches a variety of courses, including playwriting and stage combat. She's directed over fifty productions including Beauty and the Beast, RENT, Romeo and Juliet, Peter Pan and Legally Blonde. She enjoys all aspects of theatre, and has acted and sung in numerous productions, created dance and fight choreography, designed costumes and written plays and musicals which have been honored by the Jane Chambers Playwriting Award Competition, KCACTF, the National Endowment for the Arts and the State of Michigan. She served as executive director for LST and in 2011 was honored by NMU with the Distinguished Faculty Award. Playwriting credits include Holdin' Our Own, Beacon on the Rock, Haywire, Points North, and Water, Woman. 

Jill Grundstrom (Choreographer) is a Marquette based dancer, instructor, and choreographer. She has a B.S. from Northern Michigan University in Secondary Education with majors in English and French, and a M.A. in Dance Education from New York University in New York City and Genoa, Italy. She is currently pursuing an Ed.S in Educational Leadership, with the intention to continue to an Ed.D, as well as new Character Dance and Partnering curricula for American Ballet Theatre in New York City. She continues to train with The Luigi Jazz Centre, STEPS on Broadway, and Broadway Dance Center in New York City, and has worked, taught, and trained with New York City Ballet, The National Ballet of Canada, and American Ballet Theatre in New York City and is certified in their National Training Curriculum. Jill is also a Certified FLX Conditioning Specialist. During seasons four through seven, Grundstrom was a writer for Cat Deeley, host of Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance. Jill is the program director for and instructor in the Dance Program at NMU and choreographs for the NMU Theatre and Dance Program. Jill has choreographed over 30 full-length musical and dance productions in the Upper Peninsula, New York City, and Los Angeles, including a full-length, original ballet, East of the Sun, West of the Moon, and recently choreographed an independent feature-length film, Our State Fair. She was the recipient of the MACC Outstanding Performing Artist of the Year Award in 2011.

Bill Digneit (Scenic Design) is the owner of Double Trouble Entertainment. He received his M.F.A. in technical production and design at Florida State University.

David Pierce (Lighting Design) came to NMU from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY where he had been technical director for the department of theatre and dance. Other TD credits include Adirondack Theatre Festival, Little Theatre on the Square, and Four Seasons Theatre Company. David holds a B.S. in construction management from Ferris State University and an M.F.A. in theatre technology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In his spare time, he loves to be outdoors. He enjoys hiking, boating, fishing, biking, and bonfires. He's also a boisterous Tigers fan!

Susan Candey (Costume Design), a Marquette native, received a B.M. in Vocal Performance from St. Olaf College in 2011. She is a costume designer, director, and performer. Her recent costume design credits include the Forest Roberts Theatre's Medieval Dinner Theatre, Noises Off, Tribes, Building Madness, and Bears. Her directing credits include Newsies: The Broadway Musical (Superior Arts Youth Theater), Scrooge! (FRT, 2018), Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr. (SAYT), and James and the Giant Peach Jr. (SAYT). Susan served as the Drama Director at Marquette Senior High School 2014-2016 (Sister Act, A Radio Drama, How to Succeed, The Mousetrap, Annie Get Your Gun) and the Costume Designer for College Light Opera Company's 2014 nine show season in Falmouth, MA. Her recent performing credits include Godspell (Lake Superior Theatre), Elle Woods in FRT's Legally Blonde, Lady of the Lake in Spamalot (LST), Lily in The Secret Garden (LST), and Meg in Little Women (LST).

Sophie Sam (Assistant Director) just finished her freshman year at NMU pursuing a B.S. in theatre and entertainment arts with a minor in dance. This year, she was the Production Stage Manager for the FRT’s Medieval Dinner Theatre and Assistant Director for Pookie Goes Grenading with Wolf’s Head Theatre Company. Before attending NMU, she co-directed Annie (2017) and directed RENT (2018) with Dickinson County Community Theatre, and directed Anatomy of a Murder (2018) at the Vista Theatre. She served two terms as President of Dickinson County Community Theatre from 2015-2017, and is currently on the Board of Directors for Wolf’s Head Theatre Company. Also a performer, Sophie most recently appeared in Sweeney Todd (2018) and Nightfall (2019).

Beauty and the Beast was performed at the Forest Roberts Theatre from April 12-13 and 18-20, 2019.

Cast List

Cast Bios

Malorie Munson (Belle) is a freshman from Negaunee and this is her first show at the Forest Roberts Theatre. She has performed in local shows at the Historic Vista Theatre and Negaunee High School such as Annie (Miss Hannigan), Seussical (Mayzie), The Little Mermaid (Adella), High School Musical (Gabriella), and more. She is the reigning Miss Upper Peninsula Teen USA and is looking forward to hitting the FRT stage again for this wonderful show! Malorie would like to thank her family for being so supportive and this talented cast & crew for all of their hard work!

Eric Mackall (Prince Adam/Beast) is a freshman from Big Rapids, Michigan. This is his second show here at NMU, after playing Pirelli in the fall musical Sweeney Todd, and he’s excited to be performing as the Beast. He is studying secondary music education - voice and minoring in theatre with plans on becoming a choral director at a high school or university and vocal directing their school musicals.

Ethan Bott (Gaston) is currently a senior studying English Writing. This winter he was on the FRT stage in the ballet East of the Sun, West of the Moon.

Joel VanHeulen (LeFou) has played the dead body of Tony Hendon in Lucky Stiff, Pilot in The Little Mermaid, Crutch Collins in Anatomy of Grey, Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors, Sebastian and Sir Toby Belch in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, and Bonnefoi in Moliere's Imaginary Invalid.

Kyle Flickinger† (Lumiere) is a senior at NMU majoring in biochemistry. In addition to classes, Kyle has been a four year member of NMU’s Swimming and Diving Team, as well as a student researcher at the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center for three years. He has performed in The Bold, the Young, and the Murdered, Tarzan, The Rocky Horror Show, and Beacon on the Rock in the Marquette area over the past two years.  After graduation, Kyle will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison to pursue a PhD in Biochemistry.

Audree Stephens (Mrs. Potts) is a junior theatre major and dance minor at NMU. She has participated in several Forest Roberts Theatre productions such as The Addams Family, Tarzan, and Sweeney Todd as well as a few APO productions as well! She is so excited to portray the role of Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast and is looking forward to more productions at NMU. She hopes everyone enjoys the show!

Reya Ghiardi (Chip), age 10, is thrilled to be here! She loves all aspects of theatre, from auditions and late night rehearsals to opening night. Reya’s first theatrical experience was with Music Man Jr. (Gracie Shinn) in 2014. Productions thereafter include Mary Poppins, The Secret Garden, Lion King Jr. (Young Simba), Scrooge! (Kathy Cratchit), Schoolhouse Rock Jr. (Shulie), Shrek Jr. (Young Fiona), Alice in Wonderland Jr. (Cheshire Cat #1), Newsies (Manhattan Newsie/Ike), and many others. She loves to sing, cook, ski, fish, and travel. She thanks her family for their endless enthusiasm, and NMU and SAYT for their support!

Avonlea Kuhlman (Chip) is a local youth performer who loves the arts. She has appeared in a variety of productions with the Superior Arts Youth Theatre, Lake Superior Theatre, and NMU’s Forest Roberts Theatre. Notable performance credits include Fern Arable (Charlotte’s Web), Anya Petroff (Beacon on the Rock) and Fan (Scrooge!) She was also recently cast as Gretel in Superior Arts Youth Theatre’s upcoming production of Hansel and Gretel (May 2019). Offstage, Avonlea can be found reading, singing, and making slime!

Mikhail Moran (Cogsworth) is a freshman and this is his first musical here at NMU. He has previously performed in musicals such as Grease (Danny Zuko), Mary Poppins (Neleus), and many others. Mikhail is studying theatre and is beyond happy to be a part of this production. He would like to thank his friends and family for being with him every step of the way his first year of college, and also gives a big thank you to this fantastic cast and crew. 

Caitlin Palomaki (Madame De La Grande Bouche) is a freshman at Northern Michigan University studying music education with a choral concentration and a minor in theatre. This will be her first show with NMU, but she has been involved in theatre since the age of six. Some previous roles include Mrs. Darling in Peter Pan and the Evil Stepmother in Cinderella, both through Superior Arts Youth Theatre. Others include Mrs. Meers in Thoroughly Modern Millie through Marquette Senior High and Lisa Ghiardi in Beacon on the Rock through Lake Superior Theatre. She is very excited to share this show with everyone.   

Kate Karling (Babette) was fortunate to grow up in Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula. She is grateful to have been afforded so many creative outlets over the years. She has been dancing for seventeen years, and has been acting since 2016. Though she has only been involved in theatre for three years, she has found a true passion there. She is so proud of the work that everyone has done on this show and is so thankful to have gotten to work on it alongside such a fantastic cast and crew. She wants to thank her family and friends for their love and support. 

Dawson Del Preto (Maurice) is enthused to be in this production of Beauty and the Beast. He has had a lot of fun working on his character, and he is eager to share it with all of you! This is Dawson's eighteenth musical endeavor, and he is always looking for ways to grow and improve himself as a performer. Dawson is pursuing a music major in piano performance with a minor in theatre.

Megan Hibbard (Silly Girl) is a freshman from Clarkston, Michigan majoring in art and design with a digital cinema focus and a theatre and entertainment arts minor. This will be her second show at Northern, her first being Fringe Festival, in which she played Viola. She is so honored to work with such an amazing group of people and she hopes everyone watching enjoys Beauty and the Beast as they laugh, cry, and dream along with these beautiful characters. She would also like to thank her family and friends for always believing in her and supporting her!

Megan Ludwig (Silly Girl) is a senior at Marquette Senior High School and has been involved in theatre for seven years and dance for four years. She has taken on the roles of Cinderella (Cinderella), Marty (Grease), Millie (Thoroughly Modern Millie), Marian (The Music Man) and many more! Megan has also been involved in the Michigan State and All-State Honors Choir and was awarded one of the top 12 soloists in the state. She will be continuing her studies next year at Western Michigan University majoring in musical theatre! Megan would like to thank her friends and family for their endless love and support and NMU for giving her so many opportunities to grow as a performer and an individual! 

Madeline McDonald (Monsieur D'Arque/Ensemble) is a first-year student at NMU majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry. She has appeared in several other productions such as Camp Rock the Musical, The Little Mermaid, Pride and Prejudice, What The Room Knows, Stück , Fringe Festival, Amletto, and Medieval Dinner Theatre. She enjoys swimming, painting, dancing, singing, cooking/baking, and butterflies. Madeline studied abroad for ten months her senior year of high school and loves making new friends (...and talking). She is thrilled with the opportunity to participate in the theatre program at NMU.

Tyler Archambault (Ensemble) is a freshman from Colorado studying German studies and international studies. He performed for the first time in Fringe Festival in the fall and is excited to perform for the community on the FRT mainstage for Beauty and the Beast!

Seth Bowen (Ensemble) is a secondary industrial technical education major and theatre, secondary history education, and music minor. He is a sophomore from Rhinelander, Wisconsin and has been involved in productions like Mary Poppins (George Banks), Sister Act (TJ), Sweeney Todd (Police officer/ Ensemble), Scrooge! (2018) (Bob Cratchit), and Medieval Dinner Theatre (Pan Piper). He is very excited to play within the ensemble of this production, where he plays an assortment of characters that he is overwhelmed to bring to life on the stage. Seth invites you to relax, pull up a chair and enjoy the Forest Roberts Theatre production of Beauty and the Beast. Please be our guest!

Emily Burbey (Ensemble) is currently a sophomore at NMU with a major in graphic design and a minor in dance. She began performing in community theatre and dance programs at the age of 4 and has continued to perform in NMU productions including East of the Sun West of the Moon as a servant and Tarzan as Jane. Her hobbies include singing, dancing, and design. Emily is so grateful and excited to be a part of Beauty and the Beast!

Charlie Edwards (Ensemble) is a senior English writing major with a double minor in dance and computer information systems. Charlie has been involved in the performing arts for a majority of his life, taking voice and piano lessons from age 9 to 14 and dance classes since the age of 11. Recent acting credits include Tarzan (Ensemble) and Scrooge (Simpkins) at the Forest Roberts Theatre and Twelfth Night (Sailor) at the Panowski Black Box Theatre. He also danced the role of the Troll Queen in the world premiere story ballet East of the Sun, West of the Moon at the Forest Roberts Theatre earlier this semester. He is excited to perform in this wonderful and magical show with such an amazing, talented, and diverse cast. Enjoy the show!

Megan Frazer (Ensemble) is a sophomore majoring in secondary math education and minoring in earth science. Beauty and the Beast is her debut at the Forest Roberts Theatre, but she has been in many notable productions elsewhere including Grease (Sandy), Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins), Guys and Dolls, and Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat. Megan wants to thank her friends, family, and everyone that made the show possible!

Gracie Fries (Ensemble) is a sophomore here at NMU from Kingsford, Michigan pursuing a bachelor's degree in entrepreneurship and a minor in dance. Her passion lies in the musical arts, with eighteen years of dance instruction and vocal lessons. She spent four years teaching and choreographing at Julie’s Top Hat Dance Studio and is currently a pro-dancer in this years “Dancing With Our Stars Marquette County Style.” Her hobbies include singing, playing bass, baking, gardening, and spending time with friends and family. Being one of the first of her family to attend college, she is proud to be a Wildcat with much support from her family and friends.

Kortney Manchip (Ensemble) has been in several productions at NMU including Sweeney Todd (The Beggar Woman), Tarzan (Ensemble), and The Addams Family (Ensemble), as well as several productions outside of the university such as Cabaret (Fraulein Kost), Willy Wonka (Veruca Salt), and Singin' in the Rain (Lina Lamont). She would like to give a special thanks to her parents for being endlessly supportive, and her vocal coach, Rebecca, for consistently bolstering her growth. She is happy to work with such a talented cast; enjoy the show!

Olivia Manganello (Ensemble) is a biology major in her senior year at NMU. She has been dancing for 17 years and is thrilled to be back performing in theatre. This is her third show with the FRT and she is so excited to be a part of this production. She would like to thank all of the amazing people who made this production possible and she hopes everyone enjoys the show! 

Mandy Mileham (Ensemble) is a junior music education major. This is her first NMU production, but prior to coming to NMU she participated in the ensembles of Annie (2016), Guys and Dolls (2014), and played Doris Upson in Auntie Mame (2015). She is excited to perform on the FRT stage for the Marquette community!

Chloe Pepera (Ensemble) is a freshman at NMU majoring in elementary education. She has been in many plays in her home town of Manistee, including Grease as Sandy, Godspell as Celise, Once Upon a Mattress as Winnifred, Little Shop of Horrors as Audrey, and many more. When she is not acting, she loves to spend her time doing gigs with her band, Awesome Distraction. She would like to thank everyone involved with the play for making her first NMU theatre experience a great one, as well as all her friends and family that have come out to support her. 

A.J. Stephens (Ensemble) is a junior double major in theatre and business with minors in communications and music. Some of A.J.’s memorable roles include Hodel (Fiddler on the Roof), Martha (The Secret Garden), The Sour Kangaroo (Seussical), and most recently at the FRT, Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd. A.J. would to thank her parents for their support through all of the ups and downs throughout her years at NMU, her sister Audree for always being a huge support system, and her boyfriend Dan for being her #1 fan in and out of the theatre! 

Marissa Symons (Ensemble) is a sophomore at Northern Michigan University. She has grown up with music music a big part of her and her family’s, life. She has been involved in many different theatrical productions, whether she is onstage, directing, or stage managing. Some of her favorite productions have been Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Narrator), Aida (Aida), The Little Mermaid (Director), A Charlie Brown Christmas (Snoopy), Cabaret (Helga), and many more. She is very excited to be a part of Beauty and the Beast, as this is her first production at NMU.

Maisie Zahn (Ensemble) grew up dancing ballet in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She has performed in many ballet productions with various ballet studios in Chattanooga. Beauty and the Beast will be Maisie’s third show this year. Last semester, she performed in Fringe Festival and earlier this semester she performed in East of the Sun, West of the Moon as the East Wind. This is her first musical production that she has ever done. Maisie is very excited and thankful to be a part of this production.

Zoe Zimmer (Ensemble) is a freshman who comes from Luxemburg, Wisconsin. Zoe’s performing experience includes four years of musical participation, three years of one act play performance, and six years of solo serious acting for forensics. She has had multiple lead roles such as Nala from The Lion King and Elizabeth Willow from They Dance Real Slow Down in Jackson, where she won an Individual Outstanding Acting Award. Zoe has already been involved in this year's Fringe Fest and Scrooge, and is excited to get more involved with performances at Northern.

Talyn Rasmussen (Ensemble) is very excited to be in this production of Beauty and the Beast. She has been in many productions with the Superior Arts Youth Theater, including Seussical, Kids Sing Broadway, Peter Pan, and 2019’s Newsies. She has been doing theatre since she was eight, and she has loved it ever since. One of her biggest passions other than theatre is gymnastics, and she loves using it on stage. She would like to thank the crew and cast for getting to know her, and for helping her every step of the way. Enjoy the show!

Creative Team Bios

Shelley Russell (Director/Costume Design) is a professor of theatre arts at NMU. Shelley teaches a variety of courses, including playwriting and stage combat. She's directed over fifty productions including Beauty and the Beast, RENT, Romeo and Juliet, Peter Pan and Legally Blonde. She enjoys all aspects of theatre, and has acted and sung in numerous productions, created dance and fight choreography, designed costumes and written plays and musicals which have been honored by the Jane Chambers Playwriting Award Competition, KCACTF, the National Endowment for the Arts and the State of Michigan. She served as executive director for LST and in 2011 was honored by NMU with the Distinguished Faculty Award. Playwriting credits include Holdin' Our Own, Beacon on the Rock, Haywire, Points North, and Water, Woman. 

Jill Grundstrom (Choreographer) is a Marquette based dancer, instructor, and choreographer. She has a BS from Northern Michigan University in Secondary Education with majors in English and French, and an MA in Dance Education from New York University in New York City and Genoa, Italy. She is currently working on an EdS degree in Educational Leadership, with the intent to continue to an EdD. She continues to train with The Luigi Jazz Centre, STEPS on Broadway, and Broadway Dance Center in New York City, and has worked, taught, and trained with New York City Ballet, The National Ballet of Canada, and American Ballet Theatre, whose curriculum she is certified in. Jill is the dance program director at NMU and choreographs for FRT Theatre and Dance Program, as well as for the Superior Arts Youth Theatre. She has choreographed over 30 full-length musical and dance productions in the Upper Peninsula, New York City, and Los Angeles, and recently choreographed an independent feature-length film, Our State Fair. She was the recipient of the MACC Outstanding Performing Artist of the Year Award in 2011. She is currently consulting on a new Character Dance curriculum for American Ballet Theatre.

Erin Colwitz (Music Director) is a native of Wisconsin and received her Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Minnesota. She later completed the Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from the University of Southern California in choral music. As a professional singer, Dr. Colwitz was contracted to sing with the Dale Warland Singers (of Minnesota) in 1999. She can be heard on three of their albums, one of which was nominated for a Grammy: Dominick Argento's Walden Pond (2003) on Gothic Records. Dr. Colwitz is currently the Director of Choral Activities at NMU; she conducts the Marquette Choral Society, University Choir, and Arts Chorale, and teaches Choral Methods and Music in Society, as well as specialty classes such as The Beatles: Their Music, Their Times. She is frequently a guest conductor, contest adjudicator, and choral clinician throughout the U.P., Michigan, Wisconsin, and the Southeast. She also serves on the Michigan ACDA board as the Membership Chair.

Victor G. Holliday (Scenic Design) has been the designer for the Forest Roberts Theatre since 1982, and also served as technical director from 1982-2000. He holds a bachelor of arts in phsychology from St. Johns University (Minnesota), and his master of fine arts in scenic design from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Before coming to NMU, he was designer and technical director at Trenton State College (now the College of New Jersey). Vic has also designed for summer and community theatre companies in Hawaii, Michigan, Wisconsin, New Jersey, and North Carolina. Outside of the theatre, his major interests are history (particularly military and naval history), ship modeling (pre-deadnought steel navy), and he is an active ailurophile.

David Pierce (Technical Director) came to NMU from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY where he had been technical director for the department of theatre and dance. Other TD credits include Adirondack Theatre Festival, Little Theatre on the Square, and Four Seasons Theatre Company. David holds a BS in construction management from Ferris State University and an MFA in theatre technology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In his spare time, he loves to be outdoors. He enjoys hiking, boating, fishing, biking, and bonfires. He's also a boisterous Tigers fan!

Nightfall With Edgar Allan Poe was performed by the NMU Student Performing Arts Association at the James A. Panowski Black Box Theatre from March 14-16, 2019. 

Cast List

Cast Bios

Nick Salin (Poe) is a senior at NMU. He is double majoring in theatre and mathematics. Some notable roles that you might recognize him from are Vito Deleoni (Building Madness), Jonas Fogg (Sweeney Todd), and Rudyard (The Valentine Fairy). Nick is also the Vice President of Alpha Psi Omega this year, the theatre honor fraternity on campus. He hopes everyone enjoys the show!

Jacob Laitinen (Edgar, Sante) is a junior at Northern Michigan University with a major in theatre and a minor in music. Notable performances at NMU include: Beadle Bamford in Sweeney Todd, Porter in Disney's Tarzan, Creon in Antigone, The Snail with the Mail in A Year with Frog and Toad, and Monsieur Thenardier in Les Miserables. Jacob wants to thank his friends and family for coming to the show, and hopes everyone enjoys this fantastic production!

Brady Skewis (Roderick Usher, Soldier, Policeman #2) is a post-baccalaureate student at NMU. He has been onstage at the Forest Roberts Theatre a number of times, in roles such as Ancestor/Male Understudy in The Addams Family, Selsdon Mowbry in Noises Off!, and The Great Mage Steve in She Kills Monsters. Besides being a starving artist, Brady has no solid plans for his future, so he’s sure you’ll catch him in a few productions and basement punk shows in 2019.

Lilith Kontos (Lenore, Madeline Usher, Old Man) is a senior at NMU majoring in English and minoring in theatre and entertainment arts. Recent acting credits include Sweeney Todd (Tobias Ragg), The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) (Narrator/Juliet/Ophelia), Steel Magnolias (Annelle), Grease (Jan), The Addams Family (Grandma Addams), Where a Certain Future (Deborah Abramson), and Into the Woods (Lucinda). Lilith is also currently the manager of the FRT Box Office.

Sophie Sam (The Raven, Judge, Policeman #1) is a freshman theatre and entertainment arts major and dance minor. Though she most recently performed in the ensemble of the FRT production of Sweeney Todd (2018), she also performed in the Mr. Black Presents production of Sweeney Todd earlier the same year as The Beadle. She spent years performing with Dickinson County Community Theatre including two productions of Dracula as Renfield (2014, 2017) and You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown as Linus van Pelt (2015). She also performed with Upper Peninsula Shakespeare Festival at their 2018 toga party fundraiser. Also a director, she co-directed Annie (2017) and directed RENT (2018) with DCCT, and most recently directed Anatomy of a Murder (2018) at the Vista Theatre. She is featured in the web series Northbound as The Kid.

Creative Team Bios

Nathan Morgan (Director) is a recent graduate of NMU currently pursuing his teaching license. Notable roles include Angelo in A Comedy of Errors (FRT), Fakir in The Secret Garden (FRT), Ancestor in The Addams Family (FRT), Narrator 2 in The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon, and most recently Riff Raff in The Rocky Horror Show. He would like to thank everyone who has been a part of his theatre career in Marquette, and the FRT for being a strong contributor to his artistic development over the years.

The Medieval Dinner Theatre was performed at the Masonic Building February 22-23, 2019.

The Maniac King Cast List

Cast Bios

Thomas P. Laitinen (The Maniac King) earned his Bachelor of Science degree in theatre in 1997. He served four and a half years in the U.S. Army- 11BC2, and as United Nations command joint security force in Pan Mun Jom, Korea from 1988-89. He also worked as an LST for Pathways. Thomas spent two decades traveling around North America, performing in the entertainment industry in all kinds of productions, and returned to the Marquette area in 2013, where he worked for Dan Perkins Construction Company. Presently, he is starving as an artist but happy. Cheers!

Madeline McDonald (Pope Joan) is a first-year student at NMU, majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry. She has appeared in several other productions such as Camp Rock the Musical (Mitchie), The Little Mermaid (Ariel), Pride and Prejudice (Ms. Bingley), What The Room Knows (ensemble), Stück (Ziva), Fringe Festival (Jule), and Amletto (ensemble/soloist). She enjoys swimming, painting, soccer, singing, cooking/baking, and butterflies. Madeline studied abroad for ten months her senior year of high school and loves making new friends (...and talking). She is thrilled for the opportunity to participate in the theatre program at NMU.

Shane Vincent† (Russell Crowe as Robin Hood Circa 2010) is an alumni of Northern, Shane has been doing theatre for the last 9 years. He has been in many shows, from Shakespeare to Les Miz. His latest role was Robert O’Claire in last summers Beacon on the Rock. Shane says, “I am excited to do improv theatre again and this cast is going to make it a great time, for me and the audience!” Shane thanks his family and friends for supporting him and hopes everyone can make it out to this riot of a show!

Sabrina Nelson† (Thomas Jr. Jr.) is a third year student at Northern Michigan University and is thrilled to be performing in the first ever production of the Medieval Dinner Theatre. You may have seen her previously performing in Sweeney Todd in the FRT, and as Cybil Dane in The Bold, the Young, and The Murdered through APO. She is a theatre performance major and a vocal music minor, and is thrilled to be part of such an amazing and talented production full of fun, passionate, and zany people. She hopes you will all eat, drink, and be merry, and enjoy your stay at the court of the Maniac King!

Danae DeValve (Mary) is a sophomore at NMU. She is a theatre major performing in her first play since coming to Michigan. She used to do school and community plays in her hometown of Lone Grove, Oklahoma. But, in the last two years, she has moved from place to place – which made it hard for her to find a play to be a part of. So, after settling here in the ice and snow, she is excited to be performing in this grand show.

Jacob Laitinen (Prester John) is a sophomore at Northern Michigan University with a major in theatre and a minor in music. Notable performances at NMU include: Beadle Bamford in Sweeney Todd, Porter in Disney's Tarzan, Creon in Antigone, The Snail with the Mail in A Year with Frog and Toad, and Monsieur Thenardier in Les Miserables. Jacob wants to thank his friends and family for coming to the show, and hopes everyone enjoys this fantastic production!

Seth Bowen (Pan Piper) is a secondary industrial technical education major and theatre, secondary history education, and music minor. He is a sophomore from Rhinelander, Wisconsin and has been involved in productions like Mary Poppins (George Banks), Sister Act (TJ), Sweeney Todd (Police Officer/ Ensemble), and Scrooge 2018 (Bob Cratchit). He is so excited to play the role as Pan Piper who is never afraid to play a tune. Seth is overjoyed to bring this traveling outlandish misfit onto the stage and really get involved with the Medieval Dinner Theatre. Drink Hale!

Bailey Barthel (Bridget of Sweden) is extremely excited to join the cast of this year’s Medieval Dinner Theatre as Bridget of Sweden. Originally from Ironwood, she attends NMU as a theatre major. She hopes to explore and expand her talents with this improvisational show. She also hopes that the audience has a wonderful time!

Creative Team Bios

Jamie Weeder (Director) graduated from Eastern Michigan University in ‘07 with a B.S in theatre and music performance. Jamie Weeder has been a professional theatre artist appearing with the Michigan Shakespeare Festival, Williamston Theatre Company, Performance Network, Water Works Theatre Company, New Theatre Project, Encore Musical Theater Company and The Blackbird Theatre. Outside of performing and directing, Jamie enjoys exploring theatre’s capacity as a tool for empowerment. To that end she has provided drama therapy at St. Vincent’s Catholic Charities in Lansing, worked and performed with the University of Michigan’s Center for Research on Learning and Teaching (CRLT) in Ann Arbor and was a facilitator for Shakespeare in Prison. A Program of Detroit Public Theatre at the Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility in Ypsilanti before relocating to Marquette in 2015. Jamie has served as artistic director of Upper Peninsula Shakespeare Festival and Wolf's Head Theater Company since their inception, co-founding the companies in February of 2015 and January 2018, respectively. She is board member of Evolve MQT: A creative assembly powered by the Marquette Chamber of Commerce, board member of the Marquette Symphony Orchestra, an improviser, performance artist and cellist/composer. She is delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate creatively in such a beautiful and unique place, with such immensely talented artists and individuals.

Sophie Sam (Production Stage Manager) is a freshman theatre & entertainment arts major and dance minor. Prior to coming to NMU, she co-directed Annie (2017) and directed RENT (2018) with Dickinson County Community Theatre. She most recently directed Anatomy of a Murder (2018) at the Vista Theatre. This spring, she will be assistant directing Pookie Goes Grenading (2019) with Wolf’s Head Theatre Company. She served two terms as President of Dickinson County Community Theatre from 2015-2017, and is currently on the Board of Directors for Wolf’s Head Theatre Company. Earlier this FRT season, Sophie performed in the ensemble of Sweeney Todd (2018).

The Spotlight Variety Show was performed at the Forest Roberts Theatre February 1-2, 2019. It was sponsored by Bald Eagle Harley-Davidson.

Featuring the Talents of:

Will Oltman

Starting at age 8, he began honing his skills with a burning inner desire to become an entertainer, which, only later, turned out to be an ulcer. By age 10, he was performing professionally, impressing crowds as his mother chauffeured him around the suburbs of Chicago. He has opened for the Presidents of the United States of America, charmed hordes of Harley riders, enchanted Taekwondo students, and entertained children at birthday parties. His relentless devotion to his craft has left him with amazing skills and very few friends. You will laugh at his unique brand of humor, and become filled with awestruck wonderment at his impressive award-winning beard.

Aerial Ashley

High-flying contemporary circus performer Aerial Ashley will leave you mesmerized by her shear strength and grace on the silks. With a 14 year background in dance, Aerial Ashley’s modern take on this acrobatic spectacle will have audiences of all ages on their feet.

The Magic of Trino

The Magic of Trino commingles comedy and theatrical feats alongside a backdrop of popular music, presenting an energetic and thoroughly modern take on the ancient art of illusion. At once cheeky and charming, the finely coiffed Trino creatively interweaves audience participation with stand alone stunts that wow and woo audiences of all ages. As seen on Fox, The Verge, CW Network, and ABC, as well as a guest act on the Masters of Illusion tour, Trino is a versatile entertainer who has had his hands in wide ranging productions from the college circuit and corporate events to private soirées and company parties.

East of the Sun, West of the Moon was performed at the Forest Roberts Theatre January 24-26, 2019.

Cast List

Cast Bios

Sadie Knill (The Girl) is extremely excited to be performing in East of the Sun, West of the Moon. She has danced as a member of the ensemble in NMU’s Tarzan and The Addams Family. Before NMU, Sadie was a member of the Michigan Ballet Theatre, performing in various roles in The Nutcracker and The Sleeping Beauty. She would like to thank Jill for giving her this unique opportunity and her family for their continuous support in everything she does!

Ethan Bott (The Prince/Bear) is currently a senior studying English writing. This is his first ballet and he is glad to be a part of it. Other shows Ethan's been in on the FRT stage include Sweeney Todd, Tarzan, and Noises Off.

Charlie Edwards (The Troll Queen) is a senior English writing major with a double minor in dance and computer information systems. Charlie has been involved in the performing arts for a majority of his life, taking voice and piano lessons from age 9 to 14 and dance classes in a variety of styles since the age of 11. As an NMU student, Charlie has found joy performing in and choreographing for the annual NMU Dance Concerts, as well as dancing with the NMU Hip Hop Dance Crew. He couldn’t be more excited to portray an androgynous role in this world premiere ballet. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Kate Fether (Mother/Northern Lights Demi-Soloist) has been taking ballet lessons at Queen City Dance Company for the past three years and has a bit of a dance background from her childhood as well. She is a mother of two kids and is a physical therapist in the area, working with children through the public schools. NMU is her alma mater and it has always been a special place to her. She was very excited when she first heard about this NMU production and how it was going to be an original, creative collaboration. She really just felt compelled to be a part of it. She is so glad to have the opportunity to be on stage as an adult and really enjoys providing for the audience the experience of watching ballet that she so loved as a kid.

Nathaniel Langlie† (Father/Troll Ensemble) is a junior theatre major and dance minor. Nathaniel has performed in many Northern productions such as Tarzan, The Addams Family, Noises Off, the 2018 NMU Dance Concert, and Sweeney Todd. Nathaniel has also appeared in Godspell and Beacon on the Rock locally. Nathaniel hopes that you will enjoy the performance.

Amelia Bishop (Servant (Rabbit)) is a freshman at MSHS. She attends Marquette Center for Dance for ballet. Amelia is also involved in theatre, choir, and band. She is very excited to be a part of this original ballet and has thoroughly enjoyed the rehearsal process. Amelia would like to thank her family for their support and Jill Grundstrom for this wonderful opportunity.

Emily Burbey (Servant (Ferret)) is currently a sophomore at NMU majoring in graphic design. She began dance at the age of four with New Attitudes Dance Studio of Marquette and has continued to participate in NMU dance classes and events. She has also been involved in many theatrical productions since the age of five with community programs. She has most recently performed in the NMU Dance Concert and in NMU's production of Tarzan as Jane in 2018. Her hobbies include performing, singing, dance, soccer, and design. Emily is so grateful and excited to be a part of East of the Sun, West of the Moon!

Skylar Taavola (Servant (Mouse)) is a freshman at NMU majoring in management of health and fitness with a minor in dance. She has been dancing for 15 years and has been involved in Marquette’s Nutcracker for five years. She is currently on the university's dance team along with teaching at New Attitudes. Skylar is excited to be a part of her first production at NMU and can’t wait to perform in this special world premiere ballet, East of the Sun, West of the Moon.

Kati Kattelus (Troll (Pride)) is a senior studying ceramics and minoring in dance. She also teaches yoga at the PEIF and the local studio, Tulivesi. This is Kati’s second show with NMU and she’d like to thank Jill Grundstrom for both of these opportunities as well as the rest of the cast for all of their hard work. Kati hopes you enjoy the show and would love to meet you afterward!

Alycia Schenk (Troll (Greed)) is a senior hospitality management major and a dance minor.  She danced at First Street Academy of Dance for 15 years and has continued to dance at NMU.  Last year, she had the opportunity to study abroad in Florence, Italy for a semester and take dance classes. In the past, she performed in NMU’s Dance Concert and Second Skin Shop’s The Nutcracker. She is very excited to be part of this once in a lifetime premiere ballet and to be working under the choreography of Jill.  She hopes everyone enjoys the show!

Jacqueline Brignall (Troll Ensemble) is a sophomore currently attending Northern Michigan University. She is majoring in biology with a concentration in zoology and minoring in dance. This is her first performance at the Forest Roberts Theatre, and she could not be more excited to be a part of the show.

Elodie Malherbe (Troll Ensemble) is 14 years old and is in 8th grade at Bothwell Middle School. She’s been dancing for 10 years and counting at Marquette Center for Dance. She does youth theatre, lots of music, and sports. In the past year she’s been in Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland and is currently also in Newsies.

Lizzie Smith (Troll Ensemble) is studying illustration and dance at Northern Michigan University and has participated in countless stage productions throughout her young life. She would agree that performance art is her favorite kind of art, and as a natural-born entertainer who usually takes on the quirkiest of roles, Lizzie is ecstatic to present herself as a troll in this ballet. Her dance experience goes way back to her childhood, and will continue until she can no longer walk. Please enjoy this show, East of the Sun, West of the Moon.

Erin Culp† (Witch) is a sophomore majoring in psychology and theatre. She has been involved in theatre for many years, but this is her first ballet. She is very grateful for this experience and can’t wait for it to open!

Sarah Fosco (Witch) is a senior forensic biochemistry student at Northern. She is in the pre-medical program and plans to attend medical school. She is also a part of the NMU Dance Team, and teaches dance classes at her local dance studio, Dawn Dott Dance Studios. In her free time, Sarah enjoys working out, shopping, photography, and playing with her dogs. She is excited to be a part of East of the Sun, West of the Moon and is lucky to work with so many great people!

Maddie Rayner† (Witch) is thrilled to be dancing in East of the Sun, West of the Moon! Working on the world premiere of a production from the beginning has been an incredible opportunity and she is extremely excited for this to be her first experience dancing in a full-length ballet. Her previous credits at NMU include the Birdseller in Sweeney Todd and dancing in the ensemble in Tarzan. Maddie would like to thank the cast, the pit orchestra, and the production team for all of their time, effort, and hard work to make this production great. She would also like to thank her family, friends, and House DeBergerac family – Abby and Erin – for all of their love and support.

Maisie Zahn (East Wind/Northern Lights Ensemble) grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee where she danced with Chattanooga Ballet starting at the age of seven years old. She has been in twelve different ballet productions with different ballet companies. Maisie also appeared in Fringe Festival this past fall, and will be appearing in Beauty and the Beast this spring! This is Maisie’s first solo in a ballet and she is very excited to be a part of this production! 

Eridinn Nayback (West Wind/Northern Lights Ensemble), age 14, lives in Shingleton. She dances at Marquette Center for Dance (director Mrs. Lynne Bolitho), and will portray a character role for the spring recital. A lover of theatre and forensics, Eridinn will be dancing in Newsies, and has been in many Superior Arts Youth Theater productions. She is thrilled to be challenged by college ballet, especially as a freshman in high school. Eridinn has done several summer intensives, including Grand Rapids Ballet, Russian Ballet in Novi, and most recently, Cecchetti training in Holland, Michigan. Eridinn has also enjoyed being in the local production of The Nutcracker, competition company, and performance company at New Attitudes.

Kylie Jacobson (South Wind/Northern Lights Ensemble) is a senior at NMU majoring in elementary education with a dance minor. She has been dancing for 15 years and is trained in ballet, jazz, and lyrical. She has previously performed in three of the dance concerts at NMU. Over the past few summers, Kylie has spent time teaching little dancers to love dance the way she does. Dance to her is a way of letting go of stress and telling a story through only movement. When she's not dancing, she's doing puzzles, watching hockey, or planning her wedding. Kylie is very grateful that Northern is able to offer dance, and looks forward to seeing how the program grows.

Eliza Compton (North Wind/Northern Lights Ensemble) is a sophomore at NMU majoring in English secondary education and minoring in Spanish secondary education. Even though this ballet is her first performance with NMU, she has danced ballet for six years and has previously performed in Swan Lake, Perilous Encounters, Midsummer Night’s Dream, and The Rose with Marquette Center for Dance.

Kate Karling (Northern Lights Demi-Soloist) was born and raised in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and is grateful to have grown up in such a breathtaking place. She has been dancing for seventeen years, with experience including jazz, contemporary, lyrical, and, her favorite from the very beginning, ballet. Kate has performed in many recitals at the beautiful Historic Ironwood Theatre. She is a junior year English major, theatre minor and would like to thank her family for being supportive of her dreams. Kate is thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of such a fantastic, brand new ballet! She hopes you enjoy!

Josie Truckey (Northern Lights Demi-Soloist) is thrilled to be joining the production of East of the Sun, West of the Moon at NMU. She has been studying ballet for 10 years at Marquette Center for Dance, under the direction of Lynne Bolitho, where she also assists in teaching younger students. Josie danced the role of the Nutcracker in the 2018 Kaufman Auditorium & Second Skin Shop production of The Nutcracker. Josie is 14, and is currently an 8th grader at Bothwell Middle School in Marquette. When not dancing, Josie loves to downhill ski, spend time with friends, and relax with her Dachshund, Zucchini.

Kendra Campbell (Northern Lights Ensemble) is a junior medicinal plant chemistry major and a criminal justice minor from Iron River, MI. She has been in dance since she was 3 years old performing in tap, jazz, gymnastics, ballet, and hip hop. She was also a part of her high school dance team and attended dance camps and competitions growing up. She performed in the 2018 Dance Concert at NMU and is happy to be continuing her dancing career here at Northern. This world premiere ballet, East of the Sun, West of the Moon, is very important to her and is thankful to be given the opportunity to be apart of this production.

Liz Caputo (Northern Lights Ensemble) is a senior at NMU with a double major in criminal justice and psychology applied behavioral analysis and with a double minor in dance and pre-law. Liz has been dancing for 19 years and has studied the arts of tap, jazz, hip hop, and ballet. As an NMU student, Liz has performed in three of the annual NMU Dance Concerts, and has been a member with NMU Hip Hop Dance Crew for two years. She is looking forward to sharing her love of dance with the community and would like to thank her family and boyfriend for supporting her in everything that she does! Enjoy the show!!  

Olivia Manganello (Northern Lights Ensemble) is a pre-med biology major in her senior year at NMU. She has been dancing for 17 years. This is her second show with the FRT and she is so excited to be a part of this production.

Marina Mankee (Northern Lights Ensemble) is a sophomore chemistry and Spanish major. She has danced ballet for 11 years throughout grade school and is very excited to be dancing in this ballet!

Valerie Schuhknecht (Northern Lights Ensemble) is a sophomore studying biology and she wants to become an optometrist. East of the Sun, West of the Moon is the first production through NMU she has been a part of. She has practiced ballet for six years and is currently a member of Queen City in Marquette. 

Valerie Slaght (Northern Lights Ensemble) is a current junior at NMU majoring in philosophy and double minoring in religious studies and dance. She has been dancing for fifteen years, ballet being her favorite type of dance. This is her first NMU production and she’s had a great experience working with everyone. It's been really cool to see everyone come together and make a beautiful show. 

Creative Team Bios

Jill Grundstrom (Director, Choreographer, Costume Design) is a Marquette based dancer, instructor, and choreographer. She has a BS from Northern Michigan University in Secondary Education with majors in English and French, and an MA in Dance Education from New York University in New York City and Genoa, Italy. She is currently working on an EdS degree in Educational Leadership, with the intent to continue to an EdD. She continues to train with The Luigi Jazz Centre, STEPS on Broadway, and Broadway Dance Center in New York City, and has worked, taught, and trained with New York City Ballet, The National Ballet of Canada, and American Ballet Theatre, whose curriculum she is certified in. Jill is the dance program director at NMU and choreographs for FRT Theatre and Dance Program, as well as for the Superior Arts Youth Theatre. She has choreographed over 30 full-length musical and dance productions in the Upper Peninsula, New York City, and Los Angeles, and recently choreographed an independent feature-length film, Our State Fair. She was the recipient of the MACC Outstanding Performing Artist of the Year Award in 2011. She is currently consulting on a new Character Dance curriculum for American Ballet Theatre.

Erin Colwitz (Conductor) is a native of Wisconsin and received her Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Minnesota. She later completed the Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from the University of Southern California in choral music. As a professional singer, Dr. Colwitz was contracted to sing with the Dale Warland Singers (of Minnesota) in 1999. She can be heard on three of their albums, one of which was nominated for a Grammy: Dominick Argento's Walden Pond (2003) on Gothic Records. Dr. Colwitz is currently the Director of Choral Activities at NMU; she conducts the Marquette Choral Society, University Choir, and Arts Chorale, and teaches Choral Methods and Music in Society, as well as specialty classes such as The Beatles: Their Music, Their Times. She is frequently a guest conductor, contest adjudicator, and choral clinician throughout the U.P., Michigan, Wisconsin, and the Southeast. She also serves on the Michigan ACDA board as the Membership Chair.

Victor G. Holliday (Scenic Design, Lighting Design) has been the designer for the Forest Roberts Theatre since 1982, and also served as technical director from 1982-2000. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from St. Johns University (Minnesota), and his Master of Fine Arts in Scenic Design from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Before coming to NMU, he was designer and technical director at Trenton State College (now the College of New Jersey). Vic has also designed for summer and community theatre companies in Hawaii, Michigan, Wisconsin, New Jersey, and North Carolina. Outside of the theatre, his major interests are history (particularly military and naval history), ship modeling (pre-deadnought steel navy), and he is an active ailurophile.

Shelley Russell (Costume Design) is a professor of theatre arts at NMU. Shelley teaches a variety of courses, including playwriting and stage combat. She's directed over fifty productions including Beauty and the Beast, RENT, Romeo and Juliet, Peter Pan and Legally Blonde. She enjoys all aspects of theatre, and has acted and sung in numerous productions, created dance and fight choreography, designed costumes, and written plays and musicals which have been honored by the Jane Chambers Playwriting Award Competition, KCACTF, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the State of Michigan. She served as executive director for LST and in 2011 was honored by NMU with the Distinguished Faculty Award. Playwriting credits include Holdin' Our Own, Beacon on the Rock, Haywire, Points North, and Water, Woman. 

David Pierce (Technical Director) came to NMU from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY where he had been technical director for the department of theatre and dance. Other TD credits include Adirondack Theatre Festival, Little Theatre on the Square, and Four Seasons Theatre Company. David holds a BS in construction management from Ferris State University and an MFA in theatre technology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In his spare time, he loves to be outdoors. He enjoys hiking, boating, fishing, biking, and bonfires. He's also a boisterous Tigers fan!

Scrooge! was performed at the Forest Roberts Theatre from December 12-16, 2018.

Cast List

Sweeney Todd was performed at the Forest Roberts Theatre from October 26 - November 3, 2018.

Tarzan was performed at the Forest Roberts Theatre from April 13-14, 19-21, 2018.

Cast List

The 2018 NMU Dance Concert was performed in the Forest Roberts Theatre from February 22-24, 2018.

Cast List

Rolling in the Deep

Music: Rolling in the Deep by Adele

Choreographer: Lari Wendt

NMU Dance Association: Braily Blackmun, Taylor McGowan, Julianna Moscato, Destiny Partin, Lari Wendt

Hip-Hop Dance Crew

Music: Hip Hop Mix (Better Have My Money, Humble, Strip That Down, Swish Swish)

Artist: Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar, Liam Payne, Katy Perry/Nicki Minaj

Choreographers: JJ Bailey, Charlie Edwards, Faith LeRoy, Miranda Straka

Dancers: Maggie Aartila, JJ Bailey, Liz Caputo, Leah Christensen, Breanna Demaline, Haley Dobbs, Emily Driesenga, Charlie Edwards, Gracie Fries, Lisa Gentry, Emily Grzesiak, Jenae LaFleche,  Miranda Straka

Word Up

Music: Word Up by Little Mix

Choreographer: Charlie Edwards

Dancers: Maggie Bohm, Emily Burbey, Abbey Heinonen, Ellen Rapp, Maddie Rayner

Revolver

Music: Revolver

Artist: Madonna and Lil Wayne

Choreographers: Julianna Moscato & Lari Wendt

Dancers: Braily Blackmun, Liz Caputo, Olivia Cobb, Hannah Cormier, Emily Driesenga, Taylor McGowan, Regan McKay, Julianna Moscato, Destiny Partin, Lari Wendt

Horizon

Choreographers: Maggie Barch, Maria Formolo, Marissa Marquardson, assisted by Kristen Halsey

Music: Excerpts from Akhnaten: an Opera in Three Acts, composed by Philip Glass, conducted by Dennis Russell Davies and performed by the Stuttgart State Opera Orchestra & Chorus, 1987

The First Day

The First Day could be one sunrise, it could be a hundred years, or it could be a millennium. Like a plant in dark earth, we reach for the light, our bodies creating the landscape. The section ends with us all standing for the first time.

Celeste: Maggie Barch

Dancer Ensemble: Laith Crow, Ella Bartlett Filipowicz, Maria Formolo, Steinunn Franz, Niikah Hatfield, Marissa Marquardson, Tara Middleton, Jessica Pesola, Paige Spisak, Hannah Syrjala, Shannon Whitehouse

On the Wind

On the Wind opens with exuberant and simple movements.  On a deep base note, an ominous change pulls us out of innocence.  Without any specifics in mind, we feel the darker aspects of fear, anger, confusion, and then a final acceptance of inevitable changes.  In this section, the dancer in blue symbolizes Bird as a universal symbol for Spirit Messenger.  She escapes all confinement to uncover the light within us.

Bird: Maria Formolo

Dancer Ensemble: Maggie Barch, Laith Crow, Steinunn Franz, Kristen Halsey, Niikah Hatfield, Marissa Marquardson, Tara Middleton, Jodi Payne, Jessica Pesola, Paige Spisak, Hannah Syrjala, Kerry Yost

Sacred Earth

The Sacred Earth is a breathing presence of forgiveness and regeneration.  After emergence into the light we dance in quiet joy.

Gaia: Marissa Marquardson

Bird: Maria Formolo

Seeds: Maggie Barch, Tara Middleton, Shannon Whitehouse

Fill the Land

Fill the Land exuberantly shatters the quiet with a community of busy and sometimes eccentric energy.

Dancer Ensemble: Maggie Barch, Hannah Cormier, Laith Crow, Ella Bartlett Filipowicz, Maria Formolo, Jay Foy, Kristen Halsey, Niikah Hatfield, Scott Knaffla, Marissa Marquardson, Tara Middleton, Pamela Monroe, Jodi Payne, Jessica Pesola, Paige Spisak, Hannah Syrjala, Shannon Whitehouse, Kerry Yost, Hannah Lynne Zick

The Moon Remembers

The Moon Remembers is a vesper, an evening hymn of gratitude to the beauty and fertility of nature.  The Daughters of the Moon delight all with their beauty and grace, spreading light in the darkness.

Daughters of the Moon: Maggie Barch & Maria Formolo

Dancer Ensemble: Niikah Hatfield, Marissa Marquardson, Tara Middleton, Hannah Syrjala, Shannon Whitehouse, Kerry Yost

TaMaMa Dance Company

(TDC) was founded in 2016 by Artistic Directors Tara Middleton, Maggie Barch, and Marissa Marquardson. As a professional modern dance company, TDC's goal is to create innovative movement based art and integrate it into the community that they love. TDC is constantly pushing the boundaries of traditional dance, often bringing their performances out of the theatre and into surprising and more accessible venues.  Costume design and construction is also a large part of the company’s identity, and is used to create an entire visual experience. TDC has performed for a variety of community events around the Upper Peninsula, including the City of Marquette’s Halloween Spectacle and Harvestfest, the MACC Art Awards, Art Week, U.P. Art Prize Reception, and Northern Michigan University Dance Concerts. Some of the TDC dancers are currently acting as Artists in Residence in local schools as part of VSA Michigan. In June of 2017 TDC, in collaboration with local dancers, directed and produced a full length dance performance, Double Doors of the Horizon: Visions in Light and Dance. Horizon comes from that performance.

The 2018 Fringe Festival was performed at the James A. Panowski Black Box Theatre from February 8-10 and 15-17, 2018.

What is a Fringe Festival?

The concept of a Fringe Festival can be traced back to Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1947, when eight theatre groups were shunned from the Edinburgh International Festival because they weren’t part of the official program. The eight snubbed actors decided to stage their productions anyway, right on the “fringe” of the official festival—thus, the concept of a Fringe Festival was born. The official Edinburgh Fringe Festival was created in 1958, and is one of the largest theatre festivals in the world.

The Fringe Festival at the Forest Roberts Theatre follows this idea, albeit on a much smaller scale—our Festival was put together to allow graduating seniors to showcase their capstone projects. 

The Productions
 

The Valentine Fairy

By Ernest Thompson

A woman who has decided to give up on love arrives home to find a man dressed in a white tutu, who shows her where she went wrong in previous romantic encounters. Th is play explores the absurdity, desperation, and ultimately, the reassurance of love on its most important holiday.

Cast List

Cast and Creative Team Bios

Amber Urban†* (Director, Costume Designer, Props Master) is a senior at NMU double majoring in Theatre and Sociology.  She is blessed to have had the opportunity to direct Alpha Psi Omega's production of The Bold, the Young, and the Murdered last semester and is thrilled to have The Valentine Fairy as her directing capstone in this season's Fringe Festival.  Amber would like to thank everyone who made this show possible, along with all of her professors who have helped her become ready for life after graduation.  

Lindsey Miller (Ingrid) is from a small town in Iowa and this is her first year at Northern. She is a double Theatre and Psychology major. Lindsey was very involved with theatre and speech in high school, and her favorite show she’s done is The Addams Family, in which she played Wednesday. She is thrilled to be here and stoked for everyone to see this show!

Nick Salin† (Rudyard) has been at Northern for two years now. You may recognize him as Vito Deleoni from Building Madness or more recently as Miles the Producer in APO's production of The Bold, the Young, and the Murdered. He is a double Math and Theatre Performance major. This is Nick's first time being in the Fringe Festival; he has loved being a part of this unique show, and hopes that everyone enjoys it and learns a valuable lesson from The Valentine Fairy.

Antigone

By Sophocles

The final project of a Lundin Honors Research Fellowship, this interpretation of a classic seeks to draw political and social conclusions about the state of women both in Ancient Greece and modern-day America, and explores the tensions the leaders of now and then face.

Cast List