The Rocky Horror Show - NMU Theatre and Dance

Morgan Behrend (Usherette/Swing)-As a freshman Musical Theatre BFA student, Morgan is so excited to make her college debut in The Rocky Horror Show! Some of her favorite credits from her hometown of Green Bay, WI include: Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Rizzo in Grease, and Sandra in All Shook Up.

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

Reid Fisher (Riff Raff)-Reid has enjoyed continuing his hobby of being on stage despite currently being a physics major. This will be his second show here at NMU as he was previously in Anything Goes. He is thankful to everyone who came and hopes you all enjoy the show!

Elisyn Hagstrom (Phantom)-Elisyn is a freshman in the BFA Musical Theatre Program here at Northern Michigan University. She is excited to participate in her first college production, especially since it is one of her favorites! Elisyn has performed in various productions in the past, including Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast, Mr. Salt in Willy Wonka, and Mary Sunshine in Chicago. She looks forward to discovering what the remainder of her college career has in store for her.

Zoë Hajec (Phantom)-Zoë Hajec is a senior at NMU pursuing a degree for a BFA in acting and a minor in dance. During her time in the program, she has been a part of many productions including Anything Goes (Ensemble/ Second Cover Mrs. Harcourt), A Christmas Carol (Claire Fezziwig/ Swing), Spamalot (Swing/ Second Cover Patsy and Robin), Grease (Ensemble), Finding Home (Deviser/ Ensemble), The Wolves (#00), Elf the Musical (Charolette Dennon/ Ensemble), and Above the Timberline. This summer she was performing in Ketchikan, Alaska as Little Nell in The Fish Pirates Daughter, as well as an original dance piece titled “Timelessly Entageled” in the Gigglefeet Dance Festival. Zoë is thrilled to be back for her senior year at NMU and wants to thank her friends and family for their unwavering support!

Alexander Harris (Dr. Scott/Eddie)-Alexander Harris, Is a First year musical theatre student at Northern Michigan University. He is extremely excited to be working on his first show with NMU and hopefully plenty more in the future. Alex is legally blind and has a goal to make theatre more accessible to everyone because he sees it as something that influence life for the better and would love to have more individuals with vision impairments find the same love for the craft

Riley Joy (Phantom)- Riley Joy (Phantom) She is attending NMU as a Freshman and pursuing her BFA in Acting and a Minor in English. She has been in over 30 shows, including Little Shop of Horrors as Mr. Mushnik, The Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland, and JoJo is Suessical. And was a part of the 2024 Wildcat Theater Follis Performance with a scene from Between Mars and Me. She is thrilled to be in this production of Rocky Horror and for every opportunity yet to come!

Brianna Lowery (Narrator)-Brianna Lowery is a first-year student at Northern Michigan University, pursuing a BFA in Acting. She has loved performing for as long as she can remember and is eager to develop and excel in her performance skills at Northern. Some of her favorite past productions include Footloose (Teen Chorus), Seussical Jr (Hunter 1, Who Chorus, Circus Animal Chorus), and Annie (Apple Seller/Judge Brandis). 

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

Elizabeth Planica (Phantom)- Elizabeth Planica is a freshman in the BFA Acting Program. She is from Des Plaines, Illinois, the northern suburbs of Chicago. She started theater in elementary school and continued all throughout high school. Some productions she's done are Portia in Something Rotten, Alice in Lookingglass Alice and Denise in The Play That Goes Wrong. Here at NMU, she has already participated in the Wildcat Theater Follies. Elizabeth is excited to be part of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and eager to participate in many more performances here at Northern.

Cecilia Pruiett (Phantom)-Cecilia is freshman ready and excited to start her school year off with Rocky Horror Show, and later end the year with Jesus Christ Super Star. Cecilia would like to thank the cast and crew of Rocky Horror Show and Jesus Christ Super Star for the amazing opportunity to learn, grow, and be excepted into this new environment. She would also like to thank her family back a home, because without them she wouldn't be where she is now.

Natalie Ramirez (Columbia)-Natalie is super excited to be in her first NMU production as Columbia and is looking forward to ending the year off as a Chorus Member in Jesus Christ The Superstar. Before Natalie was at NMU, she lived in Manhattan Beach California and did shows at her high school and local theatre company. Some of her favorite roles that she has played recently are Cassie from a short cut of A Chorus Line, Evie in Descendants, Featured Dancer in Beauty and The Beast, and Urleen in Footloose. Enjoy the show!

Angel Rivera (Phantom)-Angel Rivera is a BFA Musical Theatre major at Northern Michigan University and is excited to be part of this production. Previous roles include Ursula in *The Little Mermaid*, Trunchbull in *Matilda*, an Apostle in *Jesus Christ Superstar*, and part of the Ensemble in *Rent*. Angel is so excited for the community to see how much work they've put into this show and is grateful to be working with such a fun and talented cast!

Sallie Taubitz (Magenta)-Sallie Taubitz is in her third year as a BFA Musical Theatre student here at Northern! You may have seen her previously in Anything Goes, A Christmas Carol, Grease, and Charlie Brown Christmas. She is thrilled to be part of such an iconic show!

Simon Williams (Brad)-Simon is a freshmen BFA MT at NMU and is very excited to be in his first musical here. His most recent roles were Wayne in Puffs and Joe in 9 to 5. He would like to thank his family, friends, and teachers for their support.

Mena Wylykanowitz (Janet)- Mena Wylykanowitz is a freshman BFA MT and is very excited to be a part of her first musical production at NMU. She looks forward to the start of a wonderful 4 years at Northern Michigan! Her favorite past roles include: Katherine in Newsies and Eponine in Les Miserables.

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

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

Morgan DeJager (Make-Up/Costume Dresser)- Morgan is a Freshman BA in theater performance and entertainment arts this year at NMU. She is very excited to be helping with makeup and costumes for this show as she has for other shows as well including a mainstage production of Grease and for her High School shows. Morgan not only enjoys making people look backstage but also enjoys being onstage as well, a few popular shows she has been in were: Mean Girls, Alice in Wonderland, Clue, Big Fish, and Peter and the Starcatcher.

Kelsey Jordan (Hair and Makeup Design)-Kelsey is a Marquette native who has always loved and supported the arts. She currently works as a Cosmetology Instructor here at NMU as well as behind the chair as a local stylist. She has enjoyed the opportunity to work creatively with this show and its talent.

Madelyn Lothschultz VanderVegt (Wardrobe Crew)-Madelyn is a freshman here at NMU. She has always had a deep love and appreciation for the theatre. She is extremely excited for this new opportunity in a different part of the theatre and hopes to continue pursuing more opportunities like this in the future. Enjoy the show!

Bo Marcum (Assistant Music Director)-Bo comes from White Lake Michigan and is a 3rd year theatre and entertainment arts major. They have a brief history of teaching a middle school choir and being the pit manager for Anything Goes (2023) at NMU. They also have a long background of many musicals and Shakespearian plays.

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

David Pierce (FRT Production Manager)-David Pierce earned his MFA in Theatre Technology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and serves as Director of Production and Lighting Supervisor for the Department of Theatre and Dance. He teaches courses in stage electrics, lighting design, and management.  He is an active member of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) as well the Production Managers Forum, a network for production managers of non-profit theatre, dance, opera companies, and educational theatres in North America, where he currently serves as a member of the Diversity and Inclusion subcommittee.  Professionally, David has served as the Technical Director and Production Manager for the Adirondack Theatre Festival in Glens Falls, NY, a company devoted to new and contemporary work, where he has been apart of such productions as Murder for Two, Filming O’Keefe, The Whale, Spun, Nikola Tesla Drops the Beat, and many others.  He is also a freelance lighting designer with design credits (selected) of Rock of Ages, Grease, The Producers, Above the Timberline, Mamma Mia!, Sweeney Todd, and What We Leave Behind.

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

Em Rossi (Costume Designer)-Em Rossi is an NMU alumnus (2004 BS, 2006 MA). After designing many productions at FRT and other theaters in the Marquette area, she relocated to Detroit where she obtained an MFA in Costume Design from Wayne State University. Em is adjunct faculty in costumes and makeup and also serves as a mentor for costume, hair and makeup design students. Recent and upcoming designs include costumes and puppets for Above the Timberline, costumes for Next to Normal, and costumes for Grease.

Kasey Scheibe (Production Stage Manager)-Kasey is an NMU alum and accomplished CPA for the State of New York, where she spent 5 years in the Broadcast Industry. She continues her work today as a remote Accounting Manager for SiriusXM (NYC), and as a part-time Instructor for Bay De Noc Community College (MI). Additionally, she’s become a resource for local entrepreneurs here in Marquette as a Consultant and Virtual CFO through her own business venture; Count on Kasey. She balances her love of numbers with a passion for the arts as the Color Guard Instructor for the NMU Marching Band and now as a Stage Manager within NMU’s Theatrical Productions.

Paul Truckey (Director)-Paul Truckey has been a member of the NMU Theatre faculty since 2003. While at NMU, he has directed numerous productions including Romeo and Juliet, Cats, Noises Off, Building Madness, Into the Woods, A Paper Tiger in the Rain – 2014 Panowski Playwriting Award (PPA) winner, The Comedy of Errors, 1776, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, A Flea in Her Ear, The Mousetrap, ACTletes, The Foreigner, The Full Monty, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Tell-Tale – 2006 PPA winner, Closer Than Ever, Burning Mona Lisa in the Reptile House – 2004 PPA winner, and Our Town. Among his acting credits are leading roles in Les Miserables (Broadway and national touring companies, over 2,600 performances), A Little Night Music, Rockland, The Fantasticks, The Problem, Utah! The Musical (Original Company), Sunday in the Park with George, Guys and Dolls, Romeo and Juliet, Nine, Three Sisters, The Mikado, and She Stoops to Conquer. His TV credits include The Rosie O’Donnell Show, The Today Show, and the 1998 NBA All-Star Game Halftime show. He has served as a respondent for numerous productions entered in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, and in 2011 was presented KCACTF Service Award for the state of Michigan. Paul teaches a broad range of theatre classes including Acting, Intermediate Acting, The Theatre Experience, Modern Drama, Audition, Theatre Careers, Musical Theatre Performance, Shakespeare’s Plays, and Directing Theory. He has also led multiple study abroad trips with NMU students to London and Scotland, and leads the biennial New York City field studies experience. Paul is a member of Actor’s Equity Association.

Matthew Weber (Lighting Designer)- Matthew Weber attended Wayne State University in their BFA Technical Theater Program. He currently serves as the Auditorium Manager for the Walled Lake Consolidated Schools in Walled Lake MI where he manages the operations of three high school auditoriums and teaches the students about all aspects of technical production. Matthew also runs MCW Designs (http://www.mcwdesigns.com) providing lighting, scenic, and production consulting for high school, community theater, and professional theater. Matthew is also a design consultant for several amusement parks around the country including Cedar Point in Sandusky OH, Dorney Park in Allentown PA, and Kings Island in Cincinnati OH.

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

Lucas Wickstrom (Music Director)-Lucas Wickstrom is no stranger to the stage. He has music directed shows such as Rent, Little Shop of Horrors, Kiss Me Kate, Ragtime, Rocky Horror, Children of Eden and the 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee. He has worked with and shared the stage with such musical legends as Harvey Fierstein, Joshua Bell, Nell Carter, Judy Collins, Kristin Chenoweth, and Megan Mullaly to name a few. Lucas has performed in many of the great theatres and performing arts centers around the country; from Seattle to New York. This is his 14th time music directing Rocky Horror. Lucas is an organist and church musician, directs the Negaunee City Band, sings with the Negaunee Male Chorus, designs and builds all sorts of stuff (including theatrical sets) and repairs furniture. His current project is rebuilding and restoring a harpsichord.

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