Holly Jolly Cabaret – Program

Grace “Gray” Berendt* (they/she/he) is a Milwaukee based actor and artist, born and raised, who received their BFA in Acting from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. Since then, they have been involved in a number of productions throughout the greater Milwaukee area. Some of their favorite roles include Ferdinand, Antonio, Ariel 1, and Trinculo in Voices Found Repertory Theatre’s five-person production of “The Tempest”, Charlotte/Mary in Next Act Theatre’s staged reading of “Mrs. Christie”, Mash in “Stupid F*cking Bird” performed at Sunstone Studios MKE by Placeholder Players, Exeter and Nym in Wisconsin Classic Stage’s “Henry V”, and Ophelia in Theatre Nervosa’s production of “Hamlet & Ophelia”.

Gray is very excited to be spreading some holiday joy and making their All In Productions debut with A Holly Jolly Cabaret!

Heather Peterson Blachowski (she/her) is happy to get to make her All-In Productions debut! She was most recently seen as Ensign Pamela Whitmore (SOUTH PACIFIC), and favorite roles include Connie (A CHORUS LINE), Keeri (FIREBRINGER), Dorcas (SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS), and Brenda (HAIRSPRAY). Heather performs regularly around Southeastern Wisconsin with her 1940s-style trio, The Radio Rosies (https://www.facebook.com/TheRadioRosies/). She trains in all dance styles with Milwaukee Ballet, Danceworks, and anywhere else she gets the opportunity. By day she is the Director of Operations, Digital Engineering for Ascension Healthcare and mom to Aidan and Avery. She is excited to get to sing with her “Rotten Girls”, Heather & Megan. Happy Holidays! Heather dedicates this performance to her Gpa (and fellow singer) Robert Peterson, who would have turned 100 today.

Pip Buffington (they/them) Peregrine Buffington is delighted to be back for another AIP Cabaret after performing in this summer’s Nerd Cabaret! Additionally, Pip was AIP’s masc swing for their production of “Embers” (Fall ’25.) Pip has been a company member with Pink Umbrella theater company since the summer of 2023 when they acted as Ollie Anderson in Pink Umbrella’s first full musical Kaleidoscope. Pip went on to play Tony in Portraits (’24), as well as being one of 10 Actors in Pink Umbrella Theater’s Disability Theater Cohort (Winter-Fall ’25). They then appeared as a variety of characters, alongside their fellow actors, in the “Into The Spotlight” Theater Showcase (October ’25). Pip has gotten to perform as an actor in the “Sensory Friendly Concert” with the MSO for the last two years (’24 & ’25).

On a personal level, Pip loves to dabble in voice acting, theatrical makeup, watercolor and acrylic painting, as well as poetry and other writing. They have been working on publishing original poetry since the winter of 2021, in which they were published in Lavender Lime Literary Magazine as well as Snowflake Magazine in the UK (Vol 2, Issue 1 “Relationships”). They publish poetry under the name “P.S. Shuller.” Pip is currently working on a full length book of poetry when they’re not on stage.

In addition to poetry, Pip has been working on writing original music and theater. They have a satirical one-act in the second stages of drafting as well as hopes of one day writing a, self-described, “asexual-queer gothic-folk musical, in the vague stylings of John Denver,” about Edgar Allan Poe.

Their website, where you can find a complete month of poetry from NaPoWriMo 2024 as well as links to their social media and details about them, is: https://www.peregrinebuffington.com/

Becky Cofta (she/her) is excited to spread Christmas cheer by singing loud for all to hear. She is a performer and teaching artist in the Greater Milwaukee Area. Becky has worked with Skylight Music Theater, First Stage, Milwaukee Opera Theatre, The Constructivists, Schmitz & Giggles and more. Endless thanks to her family and friends for their unconditional love and support! IG: @beckycofta

IG: @beckycofta

Megan Gilchrist (she/her) is a local actor/singer in the Milwaukee area. She was last seen as Vivienne in WCT’s Legally Blonde. She is very excited for her last hurrah before baby #2 arrives! In her free time, Megan can be found rewatching one of her 5 comfort shows and trying to convince her toddler than rocks aren’t food.

Christopher Goode* (he/him) is an actor, director, and improviser enjoying his first year as a member of the AIP staff. He loves the gaiety of yuletide cheer, making new friends while singing along to one of the songs you’re about to hear, mug of mulled wine or flaming rum punch in hand, swaying to and fro to the rhythms of the season. Cheers to an upcoming year of hard work and great theatre!

Elizabeth M. Havican (she/her) performs regularly with a variety of theaters throughout the Milwaukee area. Some favorite roles include Izzy in “Rabbit Hole” (Imagination Theatre of Germantown), Kendall Adams in “Stage Door” (Sunset Playhouse) and Carrie Kneeland in “Murder at the Mansion” (Wauwatosa Historical Society).

When not on stage, Elizabeth can be found at Wisconsin State Fair Park, where she works year-round as an Administrative Specialist. She can also be seen at Shakers Cigar Bar, leading ghost and historic true crime tours, and in Downtown West Allis, leading the Old Fashioned Walking Tour.

Elizabeth lives in West Allis with her husband, Patrick, and their cats, Deadly and Windom Earle.

Hannah Lucht (she/her): This is Hannah’s first (of hopefully many) projects with AIP! While Thanksgiving has always held a special spot in her heart, Christmas is definitely in the running for top holiday on Hannah’s list. This holiday season is full of the spirit of joy, hope, and giving; all of which are elements included in today’s program. May your holidays be as full of holly and jolly as our show!

Wyatt Michaels (he/him) is thrilled to be making his AIP Cabaret debut in this year’s Holly Jolly Cabaret! He is currently a Senior Theatre major at Concordia University Wisconsin where he will soon be making his directorial debut with “Where the Light Gets In.” You may have seen him in AIP’s production of “Embers” as JJ. When not singing or acting he loves practicing piano and violin, reading, writing, playing video games, watching movies, and thrifting! @y_at_michaels

Selena Milewski (she/her) is a Milwaukee-born actor, singer, mover, and writer, excited to return for the holiday edition of AIP’s cabaret series! She earned her MFA in Theater: Contemporary Performance from Naropa University and works as a freelance editor and writer with a special interest in supporting local theaters and personal storytelling projects.

Recent acting credits include understudying Theresa in CIRCLE MIRROR TRANSFORMATION at Next Act and playing Emilia in THE CITY OF BENEDICT DELLA CROSSE by Gaetano Marangelli at the Wauwatosa Historical Society. She’s looking forward to performing in Seat of Our Pants Readers Theatre Troupe’s SHORTS IN JANUARY? (Jan. 22-24) and Theatre Gigante’s SAKESHVILI in June 2026.

Explore more of Selena’s work at selenamilewski.com. IG: @smilewski15.

Ash Mulholland (she/her) has a festive spirit that will never die as she performs her second AIP Cabaret without the pressure of the traditional status quo. Ash has been singing her heart out since her elementary school days in Christmas concerts and talent show growing up. She is so happy to find that there’s a holiday performance that she looks forward to, “some may say that her heart has grown three sizes that day.” She was previously seen last during the first ever Press Play: A Nerd Cabaret 2025 with All in Productions and In the Spotlight Showcase with Pink Umbrella Theater Company.

You can check her work out on her Actress website at http://ashmulholland.com/ and her YouTube Channel here www.youtube.com/@ashmulholland7796.

Graham Olen (he/they) is filled with holiday cheer to be back with AIP for the second time this year! He made his AIP debut as Luke in Embers this fall. His recent work with other companies includes Pride Theatre Productions, Falls Patio Players, and Bombshell Theatre Company. Feel free to check him out on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@muppetvampire

Adam Qutaishat (Any/All, Shuffled) spent ~10 years in Milwaukee working with companies like The Milwaukee Rep, Skylight Music Theatre, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Renaissance Theaterworks, Milwaukee Opera Theatre, Music Theatre of Madison, Schmitz & Giggles, and AIP. Now Adam lives in Chicago and recent credits include TheatreSquared, Writers Theatre, Chicago Shakes, A Red Orchid, Avalanche, Auckland Live, Backstitch Story Arts, Paramount Theatre, and Madison Street Theatre. Adam’s audio fiction podcast Vigil (Season 1 co-produced with AIP) has entered Season 2 on the Fable & Folly Network.

You can learn more about the show and their other work at adamqutaishat.com.

Free Palestine, Congo, Sudan, and all other oppressed peoples. Land Back.

Sierra Rottier (she/her) is so excited to be working with All In Productions for the first time! She has previously been seen in Legally Blonde (Margot) and Dad’s Season Tickets (Gabby) at Waukesha Civic Theatre. Special thanks to the whole cast and crew and to her always supportive partner, John! Happy Holidays!

Mia Smith (she/her) has been writing and singing songs since she was in middle school. She has been in multiple punk, emo, and hardcore bands. She has worked with Milwaukee Fringe Fest as well as Schmitz and Giggles. You may have seen her this summer singing songs during Schmitz and Giggles production of All My Sons. Love to Milo, her son, and Christopher Goode, her partner.

Isiah Stewart (he/him) is really excited to be working with All in productions once again on this cabaret. He appreciates everyone who’s taken time to come see the show and hopes you enjoy it.

Eugene James Strei* (he/him) is an actor and playwright based in Milwaukee. After graduating with his BFA in musical theater from UWM, Eugene has performed with Theatrical Tendencies, Forte Theatre, Pink Umbrella Theatre and Skylight Music Theatre. As a playwright, his work has been performed on stages in Wisconsin and California. Eugene’s latest play, “Hold Him Down”, was selected to be published by Smith and Kraus Publishers. To stay updated on his latest shows and plays, follow him on Instagram @eugene.strei

Apollo Swann-Friend (they/he/she) is extremely excited for the opportunity to participate in the Holly Jolly Cabaret with AIP! Apollo feels that singing and sharing holiday music is one of the most magical parts of the holiday season. Previous credits include Philist in The Liar (SummerStage), as well as ensemble in Legally Blonde and Kinky Boots (Waukesha Civic Theatre) and various cabarets in the Milwaukee area. Apollo would like to thank their spouse, Kory, and their friends and family for their unending support! Apollo would also like to invite you to come see them in The Producers with Outskirts Theatre Co. being performed at Waukesha Civic Theatre in January! Link to tickets: https://www.waukeshacivictheatre.org/production/outskirts-theatre-co-presents-the-producers-the-musical/

Ho Ho Ho! Kory Swann-Friend (they/them) is feeling extra holly and jolly this year getting to be apart of the “Holly Jolly Cabaret”! Kory was seen in AIP’s most recent cabaret “Press Play: A Nerd Cabaret”, and can be seen in Outskirts Theatre Company’s production of “The Producers” as Carmen Ghia this January. Kory would like to thank their spouse, Apollo, because they deserve it. Happy Holidays!

Heather David* (she/they) has enjoyed performing on stages from Buffalo to Boston in musicals, plays, and even a cappella concerts! She carries 10+ years of musical know-how and can still play a mean oboe if the occasion arises. She hopes to bring about positive and powerful change in the Milwaukee theatre area, making the entire experience accessible (and fun!) for all.

Previous favorite roles have been Brooke Wyndham in Legally Blonde (WCT), Mimi in RENT (WCT), Nellie Forbush in South Pacific, Minnie Fay in Hello Dolly, and most recently Veronica in Cowboy Versus Samurai (Lotus).

Outside of the limelight Heather enjoys video games, D&D, and keeping all of the tiny things in her house alive (two cats, child, garden). GO BILLS

Donna Kummer (she/her) has served in a musical capacity for over 200 different theatrical productions in the Milwaukee area for 30 years. She is the Minister of Worship and Music for Plymouth UCC in Milwaukee, and also directs the Wauwatosa Community Band and Tosa Jazz. In her spare time, she is an avid bicyclist and game content streamer on Twitch! http://twitch.tv/aubwon

Martilia Marechal* (she/her) had the pleasure of working with AIP on #Enough and Press Play (though this time she’s excited to briefly take the stage as well as being the sound engineer once again!). Since graduating from Marquette in 2023, she’s been working as an associate sound designer and more recently has solo sound designed STEEL MAGNOLIAS at Peninsula Players Theatre, EVERY BRILLIANT THING at Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, and JEEVES SAVES THE DAY at Third Avenue Playworks. Martilia is also the sound coordinator for this year’s season of First Stage Young Company productions, and has also worked on productions with The Constructivists, Next Act Theatre, and Black Arts MKE. She will be continuing to assist/solo sound design around Milwaukee next year so keep an eye out (or rather, an ear)!

Alex Scheurell (he/him) is one of the three founding members of All In Productions, and has served in an executive role with the company, first as Managing Director and currently as Executive Director, since its launch in 2014. Production staff credits with AIP include THE LAST FIVE YEARS, SHAPE OF THINGS, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, DOGFIGHT, WILD PARTY, CONSTELLATIONS, and HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Alex has also appeared as both an actor and worked on production staff for dozens of shows in Milwaukee. Favorites include RENT and LES MISERABLES with GCT, COWBOY VERSUS SAMURAI with Lotus Theatre, and RETRO COMEDY NIGHT with Milwaukee Comedy.

He resides in Bayside with his wife, Katie and their very opinionated cat, Pip. When not engaged in various theatrical projects, Alex enjoys gradually working his way through his video and tabletop game backlog, doing chaotic things in D&D, running, cooking, and trying to not get too annoyed at the Packers.