THE PEOPLE

THE CAST

(in order of appearance)

Antonio Aguilar (he/they/she) Phantom, Frank Understudy

Antonio is a current student at GRCC and is INCREDIBLY excited to be in this production of Rocky Horror Show. This is the first production Antonio has been on stage for since the pandemic. Before this, he has been the light board operator for Circle Theater’s Rent and Music Man. They have also done many other shows as a light/sound board operator for Aquinas and GRCC productions. And they welcome you, to a cool and sexy time.

Gabi Salazar (they/them) Phantom, Eddie/Dr. Scott Swing

Gabi is a college student studying Recording Technology and Vocal Performance. Recent shows they’ve performed include GRCC’s Welcome to Arroyo’s and Eurydice, as well as Circle Theater’s Music Man. As for their first show at Bekta-Pope Production, they hope you enjoy the amazing talent, looks, human and all.

Leigh Angel (she/her) Phantom, Janet Understudy

This is Leigh's first production with Betka-Pope Productions! GR area credits include The Music Man (Salesperson 3/Ensemble) at Circle Theatre and Another Antigone (Judy Miller) at Jewish Theatre. Other favorite credits include RENT (Angel) and Cabaret (Fraulein Schneider) at Adrian College, The Humans (Aimee) at Peppermint Creek Theatre Company, and Unnecessary Farce (Karen Brown) at Riverwalk Theatre. She hopes you enjoy the show and thanks you for supporting small theatre companies in the area!

Li Bulkowski (They/She)- Phantom, Riff-Raff/Brad/Rocky Swing

Li is thrilled to be performing with Bekta-Pope productions for the first time! In town, you may have seen Li perform in RENT with Circle Theatre Grand Rapids (Mark Cohen), Newsies with Civic Theatre Grand Rapids (Crutchie), The Burnt Part Boys with Actors' Theatre (Dusty Rivers), or with their local band Small Foreign Faction. Li would like to thank their family and friends for the endless amounts of support, encouragement, and love since the very beginning.

Molly LaBeff (she/her) Phantom, Magenta/Columbia Swing

Molly LaBeff is thrilled to make her Betka-Pope Productions debut with Rocky Horror Picture Show. She has performed with other theatre companies in Grand Rapids, including playing Margaret Wenzell in Eirann Betka-Pope's original award-winning play, The Game earlier this year. She would like to thank her parents, Beth and Don, for their endless love and support.

Alexus Voss (She/her)- Magenta

Alexus is very excited to be making her debut with Betka-Pope productions, this will be her third show this year including her role as Maureen in Circle Theatres production of Rent, and as Crystal in Little Shop of Horrors. She would also like to thank her mom, sister, and family at Rock Paper Scissors Consignment for all of the support in her recent endeavors.

Kevin McCasland (he/him) Narrator

*In deep narrator voice* Kevin is thrilled to be working with Betka-Pope Productions again after far too long a time on a show like Rocky Horror. He would like to thank his fiancée Melanie and his mother for their endless support as I constantly memorize words and then repeat them in front of people. Lastly, he would like to thank all of you for coming, and he hopes you enjoy yourself. *Narration over*

Michael Davis Arnold (he/him) Brad Majors

Michael Davis Arnold (Brad Majors) is excited to make his Bekta-Pope Productions debut in Rocky Horror Picture Show Live. Past performance credits include Little Shop of Horrors (Dance Ensemble/Ronnette Understudy) and Joseph/Technicolor Dreamcoat (Judah) at Circle Theatre; Kinky Boots (Angel/Lola Understudy) and Shakespeare in Love (Robin/Lady Capulet) at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre; Pipeline (Dun) and Fabulation or the Re-education of Undine (Ensemble) at Face Off Theatre Company; Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds (Ziggy) and Naked Moles Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience (Wilbur J Mole Rat Jr.) at Farmers Alley Theatre; Hello Dolly (Barnaby) and Elf The Musical (Kalamazoo Civic Theatre). Michael has a passion for acting and singing and loves to support the performing. He thanks his family, friends, and mentors for their guidance and support.

Emma Dunlop (she/her) Janet Weiss

Emma Dunlop is a 2020 graduate of Western Michigan University, where she received her BFA in acting performance. Recent performance credits include “The Music Man” Circle Theatre, “Tribes” WMU, “Amadeus” WMU, “Violet”, WMU. Emma is new to the Grand Rapids theatre scene, and is thrilled to be a part of this show as her dream role.

Allison Tousley (She/They) Riff-Raff

Allison is ecstatic to join the talented Betka-Pope Production’s cast of The Rocky Horror Show as Riff Raff. Allison has been involved with theater most of their life and you may have previously seen her as Lady Eugenia in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Caledonia Community Players), Saint Aphrodisius in The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Master Arts Theater), and Ursula in Little Mermaid (Midway Theater Company). When not on the stage Allison busies herself playing DnD, studying for a master’s degree in Geographic Information Systems, or napping with her fur children. Allison would like to thank K Voice Studio for aiding their journey in singing and helping build confidence in her abilities, her fiancé for holding down the fort while they live out their dreams, and to the audience in attendance because without them the show would not go on.

Bridgette Skezak (She/her)- Columbia

Jac Hulst (they/she) Frank-N-Furter

Jac can be found on stage across West Michigan, with credits including ensemble in RENT at Circle Theatre, Dance Ensemble in Little Shop of Horrors at Circle Theatre, Alice in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland at The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, Serena in Legally Blonde at Ionia Community Theatre, Sara in Stop Kiss at Spectrum Theatre, Ensemble in Frozen Jr. at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, Ensemble in School of Rock at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre.

Nicholas Bradley Gray (he/they) Rocky

Nicholas is truly honored to be presenting the role of Rocky for Betka-Pope Productions. Having most recently spent their summer performing in the Ensemble for all three musicals at Circle Theatre, Nicholas is feeling eager and excited to show this city that they are more than just a dancer. Nicholas was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI where they had the privilege to train and perform at the highest professional level at the many accredited arts organizations there. After receiving their Bachelor’s Degree in Ballet with an Outside Field in Theatre and Drama from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music in 2018, Nicholas moved to Grand Rapids to work as an Apprentice for the Grand Rapids Ballet where you may have seen them recently in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Nutcracker, or Alice in Wonderland. In the coming years Nicholas hopes to move into work as a Director/Choreographer for local and regional theatre companies. Check out their website nicholas-gray.com for upcoming projects and more information about their work!

Kerrie Baker (she/her) Eddie

Kerrie Baker is a standup comedian, improviser and actor living in Grand Rapids. She was a member of the former local comedy collective Funny Girls, where she performed in the original production of Grand Rapids the Musical, headlining at Laughfest in 2020. She also played a Muse in the live, campy production of Xanadu, a Betka-Pope production. Kerrie began performing standup comedy in 2021 and has since graced many local stages, revealing her deep truths about men who golf, what she’s really doing when she works from home, and why you should never cut in front of her at McDonald’s. Kerrie works as a graphic designer, and is also a meme queen, karaoke star and exceptional trivia player. She’s excited to play Eddie in Grand Rapids’ first live production of Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Cory Schutter (He/him)- Dr. Scott

Cory Schutter has been stunning audiences with his rich bass voice for well over a decade. Cory studied vocal performance under David Carew at Southwest Michigan College where he met his first love, the choir! Choral and solo performances have included those with Dogwood Chamber Chorale, The Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra, Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, Citadel Chamber Choir and most recently with Saint Joseph, MI based professional choir; Chorllennium. Acting performances have, so far, been based in Southwest Michigan, with roles including Stew Pot in South Pacific, Olin in The Music Man, Potiphar in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, Javert in Les Misérables, Balthazar in Amahl and the Night Visitors, and his favorite Sweeney, in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Ultimately, Cory has been inspired by the local theatre scene to broaden his ventures into West Michigan with Rocky Horror Show being his premier showing in Grand Rapids.

THE BAND

Richard J Gardner (he/him) Bass

Richard has 19 years of music experience is is an MSBOA-recognized musician. He was also the first recipient of the Andrew MacFarland award of excellence and knowledge in Jazz.

Heather Huber (she/her) Keys

Heather Huber is an active pianist in the musical theater scene in and around Grand Rapids. Some of her favorite local productions in which she's performed include Legally Blonde, Young Frankenstein, Freaky Friday, and BPP's Xanadu. 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.

Krystal Lesky (she/her) Saxophone

Krystal Lesky is thrilled at the opportunity to debut the Grand Rapids theater scene with Betka-Pope Productions. Processing mortgages by day and doing the Time Warp by night, Krystal also regularly performs with the Grand Rapids Symphonic Band and various big bands in the Greater Grand Rapids area - Flat River Big Band, Sam’s Swing Band, and Allendale Jazz Orchestra. She has jazzified Rocky Horror Picture Show once before in 2018 with Ionia Community Theater where she met her husband, Matthew. They currently reside in Ionia with their dog, Hopper.

Matt Lesky (he/him) Drums

I like to play. Been doing it for a touch. First musical was the 2015 ICT production of Xanadu, brilliant. Three years later, he met his wife while performing RHPS with the same company.

So proud to have played drums for Betka-Popes' production of Xanadu in 2021.

Proud to have been asked back.

Matty Owen (she/her) Keys/Conductor

Matty is an actor, musician, illustrator, and music director based in Grand Rapids, MI. She is a graduate of Indiana University with degrees in Theatre & Drama and East Asian Languages & Cultures. Recent directing credits include "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" at Master Arts Theatre. Recent performing credits include "Little Shop of Horrors" Circle Theatre, "The Music Man" Circle Theatre, "Xanadu" Betka Pope Productions, "Once the Musical" Civic Theatre, "As You Like It" The Vagrancy, "Hedwig & the Angry Inch" Actors Theatre. This project is a dream come true--in the words of Frank, "don't dream it, be it!"

Eric Pennock (he/they) Guitar

Eric Pennock has been performing since childhood, both musically and in stage productions. Eric has played guitar for the guerilla production of "Ghosts in the Graveyard", as well as "Xanadu". In 2019, he reinvigorated his love for the stage, acting as Richard Loving in Ebony Road Players Production of "Loving". And he performed in the same company's production of "Sheepdog", in 2022. In his spare time, Eric enjoys spending time with his kids and playing guitar. He will also pet any dogs in his vicinity.

THE PRODUCTION TEAM

Fatima Bawah (she/they)- Assistant Director/Stage Manager

Fatima is a recent Aquinas College graduate with a double major in theatre performance, psychology, and a music minor. Some of their favorite on stage appearances have been: Rent (Joanne), The Crucible (Tituba), Now Here This ( Women 2), Everybody ( Somebody), One of Our Own (Kacey) and Vroooom (Sly). Along with acting, Fatima has a passion for directing as well. They made their directorial debut this past fall with John Monteleone one act play He and She. They are excited and thankful to get to work with everyone involved with Betka-Pope Productions, and can’t wait to bring this story to life.

Eirann Betka-Pope (they/them)- Director, Producer

Eirann Betka-Pope (they/them) is a producer, artist and activist in Grand Rapids. They represent one-half of Betka-Pope Productions, and founded and serve as a guide at GR Crime Tours. 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 started Comedy Outlet Mondays where they took on the roles of producer, host, writer, and news anchor at NewsFlash!. They currently teach at The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre School for Theatre Arts, and continue to produce projects through BPP, as well as instruct cooperate and public workshops. In their spare time, they enjoy travel, being outdoors, cooking, and spending time with their wife, Jenna, and dog, Cornelius.

Jenna Betka-Pope (she/her)- Producer

Jenna Betka-Pope is one half of Betka-Pope Productions LLC and is ecstatic to be bringing The Rocky Horror Show Live to the Grand Rapids community. She is currently the Director of Education at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre and has been involved in the theater scene for the past 20 years as a performer, stage manager, choreographer, producer, and more! She is thrilled to be working with this production team and cannot wait to dive into this project.

Brooke Bruce (She/her)- Tech Director

Bruce is a performer and technical assistant to the GR theater community. She started performing in 2011 and has directed, stage managed, and teched a variety of shows across Michigan since 2013. Bruce last worked with BPP on Xanadu as the director and is thankful to the Pyramid Scheme for all their support in bringing live theatre to more inclusive spaces.

Iriana Cotto (she/her)- Assistant Choreography

Iriana Cotto is excited to be working aside her sister for one of her favorite musicals of all time! This will be Iriana’s first time working on the creative side of production as an Assistant Choreographer! Some of her past productions include Rent at Circle Theatre (Mimi) and Stop Kiss at GRCC (Callie). Iriana is incredibly grateful to be working with this incredible cast and production team, and wants to thank her family and friends for always supporting her.

Yesenia Cotto (she/her)- Choreographer

Yesenia Cotto is a local West Michigan dancer and is excited to work as Choreographer for an incredible production like Rocky Horror! Other credits include, Co-Directing/Choreographer: The Music of Motown at Circle Theater, and Co-Choreographer: Northview High School Pops Concert 2018-2019. She has also performed in the Circle Theatre stage in Cabaret, Hair, and The Masked Singer Competition. She would like to thank Eirann for bringing her into this amazing project, and her family for supporting her along the way.

Meaghan Gietzen (she/her)- Props/Set Design

Meaghan is a freelance illustrator and creator who has been involved in community theatre for her whole life! She received her BFA in Medical Illustration from Kendall College of Art & Design and is skilled in multiple types of arts. If she doesn't know the skill she can learn it; Meaghan has learned roller skating, hula hooping, and graffiti art for different productions. She has been backstage and onstage and loves doing both! She loves performing as well as creating props, costumes, and sets. Meaghan currently teaches children's classes and camps at Civic Theatre as well as working in the anatomy lab at Michigan State University: College of Human Medicine. She loves horror and is so excited to be working on this show for the third time!
Click here to see more of Meaghan’s work

Rebekah Levine (she/her)- Phantom Makeup Design

Rebekah is currently a color specialist at The Parlour GR hair salon! You can find her work on Instagram @bekahmarie.hair. She has been in multiple onstage productions in the Grand Rapids area. You might have seen her most recently as Lauren in Kinky Boots at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre! She’s super excited to mesh her love of hair/makeup with her love for theatre!
Click here to see more of Rebekah’s work

Matty Owen (she/her)- Music Director

The Pretty Committee- Principal Makeup

The Pretty Commitee is a team of traveling hair stylists and makeup artists based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Click here to learn more about The Pretty Committee

Selene Rezmer (she/her)- Sound Design

Selene has done sound for many show throughout the Grand Rapids area, including at Aquinas College, Cornerstone, Circle, Civic, Heritage, and Forest Hills Central High School. She has been A2, the Live Audio Engineer, and the Sound Designer and is constantly going back and forth between all three. Her hobbies enjoy knitting, puzzles, Softball, watching horror movies/tv shows, listening to books/podcasts, and spending all her money at Black Cat Bodega (seriously it’s awesome, check them out). Selene is very happily married to her darling spouse, Kels, and is enjoying the struggles of helping to raise a preteen child whose love of YouTube videos is very eye opening and sometimes educational. Much love to my three cat babies and thanks to everyone who was helping me keep an eye out for my runaway, Whiskey, who is now happily home again.

Caleb Ryan Wells (they/them)- Costume Designer

Caleb Ryan wells is a Grand Rapids, Michigan native. They received their Bachelors of Fine Arts in Fashion Studies from Kendall College of Art and Design. Along with their Associate of Applied Sciences in Fashion Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology. CRW has twelve years of design experience working in various luxury markets. Along with freelance costume design for the performing arts, film, theater, and opera. Caleb is also the owner, head designer, and artisan of Caleb Ryan Wells Llc. A genderless clothing brand that focuses on bespoke, and made to measure garments.
Click here to see more of CRW’s work