THE ARTISTS
CAST
(In Alphabetical Order)
Darci Beth (she/her)
Darci feels nothing but joy and gratefulness to make her BPP debut in Carrie the Musical. She recently moved to Grand Rapids from Traverse City, where she has performed in over 27 productions. Some of Darci’s favorite roles include Alice in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Morgan in Godspell, dance captain/soloist in Cinderella, and Anna in Frozen. When not on stage, you can find Darci in the costume shop, buried in her vintage clothing collection, or talking to her many plants. Darci dedicates this show, and every other one to her lovely parents, Jonathon, and her new friends in Grand Rapids. All of these people have supported her through many changes, and she knows she would not be performing today without their love and support.
Andromeda Brooks (she/they)
Andromeda is so excited to be making her debut with BPP LLC as Norma in Carrie: The Musical! Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, being in Carrie: The Musical has been a dream turned reality for her. Some of her favorite musicals, other than Carrie: The Musical, include Be More Chill and Hadestown. Andromeda would also like to dedicate her musical debut to her father, Jeremy, who has always encouraged her shine bright and be herself.
“Without my dad, I probably wouldn’t have had the confidence I did going into my audition for Carrie. My dad is such a cool dude, weird but cool. He’s never put a damper on my dreams and I’ve always looked up to him as not only my dad but a fellow actor as well. Thank you so much, dad, for everything you, Sue, and my brothers do for me! Without you I wouldn’t have the confidence to chase what I want in life.” -Andromeda
Roz’Lyn Clayton (she/her)
Roz’Lyn is beyond honored and absolutely thrilled to be cast as the infamous Margaret White in her third BPP performance! You may recognize her most recently as Linda in The Wedding Singer (GUST BPP), and Merry Murderess June in Chicago (BPP.) With an extensive background as a professional vocalist, she has been a core member of indie-blues-rock band The Blue Pines since 2018 (vocals/keys) with two albums to date: Separate Sets of Eyes, and Give and Take. Roz’Lyn is also known for being Michigan’s premier Amy Winehouse impressionist as ‘Jade & the Jones Fellas.’ Since rediscovering her original, true love for the stage - theatrical performance - she has rededicated her stage direction to Theatre Studies. “It’s given different perspective and new life to my rock show performances!” Roz’Lyn resides in GR with her amazing and doting Husband Jake, three cats, and a dog. Her beautifully-spirited daughter, Madelyne, attends Western University’s Music Education Program in K-zoo.
Instagram: RozLynMusic
Spotify: The Blue Pines
Kaeleb Cogswell (he/him)
Kaeleb is a 2022 graduate of Aquinas College, where he studied Theatre for Social Change. This is his first show with Betka-Pope Productions! His recent stage credits include: Luciana in Comedy of Errors with Pigeon Creek Shakespeare, Kenickie in Grease: In Concert with Shadblow Theatre, Featured Vocalist in Circle Theatre's The British Invasion Concert, and Mr. Tinsworthy/Ensemble in 9 to 5 with Aquinas College Theatre. Outside of Theatre, Kaeleb enjoys long video games, thrift shopping, and baking sweets. He thanks his Partner, Jacob, who’s his biggest supporter in a thousand ways.
Christopher Coughenour (he/him)
Chris is ecstatic to be performing in his first show with this amazing new company! He is encouraged by the incredibly accepting environment created by Betka-Pope and is grateful for the opportunity to be in one of their shows. You might have seen him around in recent shows over at Master Arts Theater, or the Thornapple Players, but its been a while since he has graced the stage in GR!
Emma Dunlop (she/her)
Emma Dunlop is thrilled to be playing Carrie. Emma is a Grand Rapids based actor and musician, with a love for all things spooky. She is a 2020 WMU graduate with a BFA in acting. She recently was seen on stage in Circle Theatre’s "Hits of the 90s", and Betka-Pope Productions "Rocky Horror". She wants to thank her family and friends for their endless support, and she can't wait to see you all in the splash zone!
Colton Gannon (he/him)
Colton Gannon is ecstatic to perform as Tommy in Carrie: The Musical. At 20 years old, this marks his debut community theater production in Grand Rapids. He has acted in several high school plays at Rockford High School, including Puffs, Newsies, High School Musical, and The Commercials. You may have seen him live at the 2023 Lansing Capital Film Festival, where he performed on camera for the top 11 finalist short-film, Out of Sight. Outside of film/theater, he enjoys playing guitar and singing, with aspirations of writing and performing original songs. He is currently attending GRCC to major in nursing, with plans on becoming a traveling nurse. He would love to thank the entire production staff for their hard work and dedication in making this all come together brilliantly; furthermore, he would like to thank his vocal teacher, Rachel Gerson, and anyone who has encouraged and supported him and his artistic pursuits.
Madeline Good (she/her)
Madeline is so excited to be a part of Carrie: The Musical. Madeline is an aerialist who performs on silks, lyra, pole, and sling. She is excited to get back into musical theatre as it has been a huge part of her life. Madeline has taken a break in performing musical theatre since the pandemic but, has recently participated in BPP's adult theatre performance of The Wedding Singer. Madeline is so excited and honored to be working with BPP again and can not wait for everyone to see this amazing show! She would like to thank her family and friends for always supporting her in everything she does. Thank you!
Troy A. Harvey (he/him)
Troy Harvey is many things: a high school teacher in your area; a trivia host; a WYCE programmer; a whisper on the wind. Recent performances have included Thomas in “Alabama Story” (Ebony Road Players), Sam Posner in “Crossing Delancey” (Jewish Theater of Grand Rapids), and Eamon in “Once” (Grand Rapids Civic Theater). He’s excited to finally be working with Betka-Pope Productions. “I’d like to thank my friends and family for their support and Paddington Bear for reminding us that ‘if we’re kind and polite, the world will be right.’”
Madeline (Maddie) Jones (she/her)
Madeline is ecstatic to be making her BPP debut in a show she has loved for years. Performing in various community theatre productions since 2009 all over Grand Rapids and even out in Holland, Maddie is so thankful to be back on the stage performing once again. Her most recent role was Jeanie in ‘Hair’ at Circle Theatre in 2021, but a couple of her favorites over the years include Medium Alison in ‘Fun Home’, Wednesday Addams in ‘The Addams Family Musical’ (Circle Theatre), Ellie in ‘The Whale’, and Stoner Chick in ‘Heathers: the Musical’ (Actors’ Theatre GR). Thank you to my partner David and Han Elliott for hyping me up enough to audition again despite the fear of failing miserably. Thank you to BPP for welcoming me and my cast mates with open arms and providing us a safe space to create our art. Thank YOU for attending and supporting local theatres and artists! Please enjoy the performance and don’t forget: be kind to all kinds.
Samariel Koster (they/them)
A horror nerd, theater kid, and Goth weirdo, Sam has always wanted to be in Carrie the musical. This is their first non-school show and they’re so excited to be a part of such an amazing ride!
Lainie Plunkett (she/her)
Lainie Plunkett (She/Her) is so excited to be making her debut performance with BPP and in the Grand Rapids area! She graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a BA in Musical Theatre and a minor in Entertainment Design and Technology with a concentration in Lighting Design. Since graduating, she has been spending her time performing in Lansing. Some of her favorite roles include Iris in Still Life With Iris at EMU, performing as the swing for Laurie in Pipeline at EMU, and Fighting Prawn/Ensemble in Peter and the Starcatcher at Riverwalk Theatre (where she won the award for "Best Featured Actress in a Musical" at the 2022-2023 Barney Awards). For Lainie, performing is truly such an honor, and she is thrilled to keep doing what she loves most.
Eli Purnell (they/them)
Eli is so excited to be joining the cast of Carrie and performing in their first show with BPP! By day, Eli loves their job facilitating activities for seniors in assisted living and, in their free time, enjoys writing, singing, and keeping busy with various creative endeavors. Most recently, Eli performed with the West Michigan Savoyards in their production of “Patience” at Wealthy Street Theatre. This is their second production since moving to Grand Rapids in 2022. Eli would like to thank their friends and family for their constant support, and BPP for creating such a welcoming environment. Enjoy the show and happy Halloween!
Laura Roeters (she/her)
Laura is a Grand Rapids native, having studied theatre at Aquinas College, and pre-pandemic performed in many shows for the smaller theatres across Grand Rapids. This is her first time back on stage in about 5 years, and could not be happier to be performing with this incredible cast. Favorite past shows include Rocky Horror Show with Universal Wits and Hairspray with Caledonia Community Players.
Gabi Salazar (they/them)
Gabi is very excited to participate in their second Halloween production with Betka-Pope Productions. Recent credits Gabi has attained are Betty 3 in Collective Rage with Actors Theater, Stone in Eurydice with GRCC Players, and Rocky Horror Picture Show with Betka-Pope Productions (ensemble). They hope you enjoy the show!
Katherine Searcy (she/her)
Katherine is thrilled to be back for another BPP production after being a part of their 2021 production of Xanadu! Besides performing, her passions include teaching at GRCT and the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, practicing aerial arts, and cuddling as many cats as possible. Special thanks to the kidney stone that made this rehearsal process extra fun. #stoned
Jules Warners (she/her)
Jules has been acting since she was 15. Notable roles include Becky in "A Little Princess" (Master Arts Theatre), Logainne in "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" (Cornerstone Unversity Theatre), Annelle in "Steel Magnolias" (University Wits), and earlier this year, Elizabeth Proctor in "The Crucible" (Master Arts Theatre). She'd like to thank Danira and Betka-Pope Productions for this opportunity, and her husband Zack for always encouraging her to follow her passions.
Rachel Xydis (she/her)
Rachel is so excited to be a part of the cast of Carrie! You might have seen her playing Holly in The Wedding Singer with BPP this past summer, which was her first theatre performance in 10 years! It has been such a joyful experience to be performing again, and she is very thankful to BPP for reigniting her love for theatre. By day, Rachel works as the Director of Choirs at Creekside Middle School, and is also the Music Director for Creekside Players. Additionally, Rachel sings in the local professional choir, Vox GR. Rachel holds a BA in Music Education from Grand Valley State University, and is currently working on her MM in Music Education from the University of Michigan. Enjoy the show!
PIT BAND
(In Alphabetical Order)
Denise Beauchamp (she/her) Keys 2
Denise is in her 10th year as Choir Director at Plainwell High School and prior to that, she taught middle school choir in Naperville, Illinois for 4 years. Having graduated from GVSU as a piano / voice student, Denise is super excited at the chance to play in the pit again - as this is something she doesn't often get to do anymore! In addition to all things music, Denise is an avid yogi and also enjoys adventuring outdoors with her boyfriend and black lab puppy while the West Michigan weather allows for it!
Heather Huber (she/her) Keys 1
See production team section for bio
Maddy Peters (she/her) Cello
Maddy Peters is a performer and educator from Grand Rapids, Michigan. She obtained her bachelor’s of music education with a concentration in cello from Central Michigan University in 2018, and her master’s of music education from Anderson University in 2022. She currently teaches 6th-12th grade orchestra at Byron Center Public Schools and performs regularly around Grand Rapids and Michigan. As a cellist, Maddy has made appearances with the Holland Symphony Orchestra, Vintage Parlor Orchestra, and serves as co-conductor of the Grand Rapids Symphonette. Maddy released her debut EP, “Songs About Things,” in 2018, and an instrumental holiday album, “Celloing Into Christmas” in 2020. You can follow along with her musical journey on Facebook or Instagram @maddypeters.music.
Eric Pennock (he/they) Guitar
Eric is excited to be a part of another BPP musical. He has played guitar in three previous productions for BPP - Ghosts in the Graveyard, Xanadu, Rocky Horror Picture Show, and will be playing for Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog next weekend. They also played guitar in the Aquinas college production of 9 to 5. Eric has also had the pleasure of acting in two productions with the Ebony Road Players company - Loving (as Richard Loving) and Sheepdog (as Ryan). When he's not being a theater nerd, you can find Eric at punk shows, with his daughter, being silly with his son, petting dogs, or playing guitar in his new rock band The Wretched Hive.
Joseph Dukes (he/him) Bass
Joe is an IT professional, a musician, and a board game enthusiast. He has lent his talents to many a musical across West Michigan over the years, and is excited to bring them to another show.
Phil Vreeman (he/him) Drums
“Percussionist”
CREW
(In Alphabetical Order)
Antonio Aguilar (he/they)
Antonio Aguilar is so happy to be back with BPP as light board operator for Carrie! You may remember him as a Phantom in The Rocky Horror Picture Show with BPP last year, but Antonio has been all around Grand Rapids working as light/sound board operators for the past few years. Some past credits include: Little Shop of Horrors, Rent, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Witch, and Collective Rage. I would like to thank my family for their unending support in all my theater shenanigans.
PRODUCTION/DESIGN TEAM
(In Alphabetical Order)
Eirann Betka-Pope (they/them) Producer
Eirann Betka-Pope is a producer, artist and activist in Grand Rapids. They represent one-half of Betka-Pope Productions.
Eirann also founded Funny Girls where they served as President, and is the former owner and Artistic Director of The Fuse Box. Helping to create The Comedy Project, they also served as Theatre Manager, a writer, performer, producer, and instructor there. Eirann was also a founder and committee member of Grand Rapids Improv Festival and Comedy Outlet Mondays as well as a producer, host, writer, and news anchor at NewsFlash!.
They currently teach at The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre School for Theatre Arts, and work as the Development Manager at Grand Rapids Pride Center. Eirann continues to produce projects through BPP, as well as instruct coperate and public workshops. In their spare time, they enjoy travel, being outdoors, cooking, and spending time with their spouse, Jenna, and dog, Cornelius.
Jenna Betka-Pope (she/her)
Jenna Betka-Pope is one half of Betka-Pope Productions and the current Director of Education and Outreach at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. She has enjoyed watching new local art flourish within the community over the past few years and loves helping others organize their passion projects. When she is not answering emails or in a theater of some sort, she enjoys reading, traveling, watching trash TV, and spending time with her spouse, Eirann, and pup, Cornelius.
Camille Ernst (she/her) Costume Design
Camille Ernst is a graduate from Michigan State University with a Bachelors in Apparel and Textile Design and minors in Theatre, Dance, and Graphic Design. Since graduating, she has worked in the fashion industry and design in many ways throughout Grand Rapids and New York City. Camille is also still performing herself as a dancer and loves to teach ballet outside of her full-time job. “Carrie” is Camille’s first production as a lead costume designer and she can tell you that it was a blast. She would like to thank Betka-Pope Productions for this opportunity and looks forward to more and more costuming in the future.
Heather Huber (she/her) Music Director
Heather Huber is an active musician in the theatre scene in and around Grand Rapids. Some of her favorite local productions in which she's performed include Legally Blonde, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Young Frankenstein, and The Prom. When not playing piano, Heather can be found helping new friends buy/sell houses, brewing beer, and writing musicals of her own. She and her wife, Jamie, live in GR with their pups, Sergei and Stella.
Hailie MacKay (she/her) Choreographer
Hailie MacKay is a local performer and choreographer in the Grand Rapids area. She began choreographing for the theatre program at Jenison High School in 2021. Her favorite productions include Anastasia the Musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Mamma Mia! She also served as choreographer and dance counselor for Betka-Pope Productions and their presentation of The Wedding Singer this summer. Hailie can also be found onstage in various musical productions. Some of her favorite area roles include Roxie Hart in Chicago, Ensemble and Leading Player U/S in Pippin, Ensemble and Audrey U/S in Little Shop of Horrors, and Crissy in HAIR (where she earned a nomination for “Best Performer in a Musical” in the 2022 Broadway World Detroit Awards). She also enjoys singing in concerts in the Grand Rapids area, her favorite vocalist credits include Nobody Does it Better: The Music of James Bond, Divine Divas: Iconic Women of Pop, and The Music of Moulin Rouge.
Danira Stanojevic (she/her) Director
Danira Stanojevic (she/her) grew up in West Michigan after immigrating from Bosnia and Herzegovina at a young age. She holds a dual bachelor’s degree in Theatre and Business from Aquinas College where her interest in directing first sparked. She previously directed Another Antigone with Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids and assistant directed Everybody with Aquinas College, Welcome to Arroyo's with Grand Rapids Community College, and Church & State with Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids. Danira also enjoys acting. Her credits include Hundred Days (Ensemble/Accordion) with Actors' Theatre Grand Rapids, the terrible girls (Gretch) and Love & Information (Burgundy Team) with Aquinas College, as well as numerous local films. Outside of theatre, Danira plays keys/synth in a local band called Strange Skin, loves watching horror movies, and has recently taken up crocheting. She thanks Betka-Pope Productions for creating opportunities for young and new artists.
Gabby Rane (she/they)
Gabby is so excited to be Stage Managing Carrie The Musical. After a brief hiatus from Theatre Gabby has thrown themselves back into the Theatre scene head first. This years credits include Ensemble in 9 to 5 the musical at Aquinas College, Mother/ Ensemble in Three Musketeers at Circle Theatre and working as a costume assistant to Jess Luiz for Ma Raineys Black Bottom and Sweeney Todd. Gabby has previously worked behind the scenes with Pigeon Creek Shakespeare company, Ebony Road Players, and Civic Theatre. If she isn’t doing theatre things you can find Gabby at home cuddling her cat, making dinner or slinging drinks as a barista. Gabby has a B.A. in Theatre Technology through Aquinas College. She would like to thank her boyfriend Patrick for his unending support and her friends for their continuous encouragement.