MASTERS OF THE MUSICAL UNIVERSE

John-Ryan Griggs

Producer / Director

An Alaska native, John-Ryan spent much of his time growing up watching He-Man and playing with his collection of hand-me-down figurines. The rest of his time was spent doing the same with She-Ra figurines, who he admittedly prefers. "Masters of the Musical Universe: Battle for Etheria" will be John-Ryan’s fourth Portland production, following the successful run of "Showgirls the Musical" this past summer. As he frantically stitches away on furry briefs and builds a stage-full of stalagmites for Skeletor to dart through, he delights at the thought of bringing his childhood friends back to The Headwaters Theatre.

Meghann Trause

Producer / Director

Meghann is originally from Las Cruces, NM, and she currently lives and works in Portland, OR. An avid film lover and film maker, she has had short films screened in Portland, Las Vegas, and the 2011 Cannes Film Festival. Most recently, Meghann assissted the A Touch Too Much production of "Showgirls the Musical."

Geoff Wishart

Choreographer

A Portland native, Geoff started dancing on the high school dance team for three years. He was the first man to ever make Dance Team All-State his senior year. After studying dance at University of Oregon, and Body and Soul, he went on to dance on Carnival Cruise Lines, doing three full length Vegas style shows and being a magician’s assistant. Locally, Geoff has taught at Studio One Dance Academy and currently coaches David Douglas High School dance team. Coming from a family of welders, Geoff jokes that his life mirrors Flashdance.

Nick Dent

He-Man, Master of the Universe

Nick Dent, an actor and model currently living in Portland, is delighted and grateful to be performing in his first play as He-Man. When Nick was a young boy he and his older brother would make short movies in the genre of Action, Horror and Comedy. Nick is currently wrapping up a film called "Chillers 3," and promises more to follow. For updates and a free mobile wallpaper, please visit www.TheNickDent.com.

John Branch

Skeletor

John & Meghann needed John to reprise his role as Skeletor, so they projected the Skull signal into the night sky in hopes he would return! Unfortunately, alot of people mistook the giant skull in the sky as a sign of the Apocalypse. A few people died... crazy night. Anyhoo, he came back and joined this talented cast for another fantastic Masters Of The Musical Universe episode! He was also Andrew Carver in Showgirls The Musical…so…yeah.

Maya Papaya

She-Ra, Princess of Power

An unforgettable performer made of true star quality, Maya Papaya is The Happiest Girl in The World. With over 10 years of experience as a professional entertainer, she will leave you enchanted every time you see her. When she's not busy falling in love or falling down a rabbit hole, Maya Papaya can be found clowning around with the circus, melting hearts, and frolicking in the forest. In 2011 Maya moved to Los Angeles where she has had a very successful performance career specializing in musical theatre and circus arts. For the last year Maya has been performing all over on her world take over tour, Mermaiding in the Caribbean, Burlesquing in San Diego, and Clown Princessing on Orcas Island are just a few of her exciting adventures. She is thrilled to be living in Portland just long enough to join such an amazing cast of Masters of the Musical Universe. "For the Honor of Grayskull! I am She-Ra!” Visit www.Maya-Papaya.com to learn more about this magical creature.

Glenn Gutman

Hordak & Man-At-Arms

Glenn Gutman hails from Nebraska. He has been in the Northwest for 10 years, and has been studying acting at Act Now Studio for nearly three years. He plans to be a film and television actor for the rest of his life, and hopes to never retire. This will be Glenn's first stage production since leaving Lincoln.

Melissa Hanson

Evil-Lyn

A Portland native, Melissa has over a decade performing in a variety of dance styles. She’s danced in numerous shows throughout the Northwest, as well as having performed at Edinburg’s Fringe Festival with the contemporary group Pivot Dance in August of 2007. Most recently, she has performed with “Ooh La La: the New Burlesque”, directed by Maria Kroll, “Showgirls the Musical (2014 & 2016)” presented by A Touch Too Much, and the original “Masters of the Musical Universe (2015)”, presented by John-Ryan & Meghann. It thrills Melissa to return to the stage as Evil-lyn, the intellectual and scheming villain underpinning Skeletor's mischievous, ill-gotten attempts to rule Eternia.

Kellee June Korpi

Teela

Kellee June Korpi grew up in Anchorage, studied acting with Alex Taylor in Los Angeles, and honed her singing style on karaoke floors at dive bars across the United States. Stage credits include "Jihad Jones and the Kalashnikov Babes," "Masters of the Musical Universe," and most recently she could be seen thrusting her way to the top as Nomi Malone in "Showgirls the Musical." She is delighted to return to her post as Captain of the Royal Guard for this production.

Liz Ghiz

Catra

Liz is a local performer - actress, singer, puppeteer. Lead singer of Glass of Hearts, Portland's Blondie tribute band, Liz can also rock a blonde wig. When she isn't performing, she teaches 5th grade! Me-ow!

Alex McCracken

Orko & Beast Man

Alex McCracken is a recent graduate from Reed College where he studied political science and theatre. A relative newcomer to the Portland scene, Alex is originally from Ohio where he appeared on various stages throughout the Cincinnati/Dayton region. Most recently, Alex appeared in Reed's production of "The Bald Soprano," in the role of Mary. "Masters of the Musical Universe" marks Alex's Portland musical debut, and he's tremendously excited to help bring the 80s back, one show at a time.

Doug Dean

Bow

Doug has been an actor and improvisor in Portland for a few years now. He is a regular performer at the Funhouse Lounge, most recently in "Reefer Madness: The Musical." He grew up on He-Man and is thrilled to bring it to the stage."

Krystal Fields

The Sorceress & Madame Razz

Krystal moved to Portland in 2014 after marrying the cutest man alive. She loves excelling at challenges that she comes across, as her past credits include Banquo (Macbeth), Crane Hammond (Exit The Body), Melissa Frake (State Fair), Rosita (The 3 Amigos), and is excited to reprise her role as the Sorceress, as well as the new challenge of Madam Razz!

Christie Quinn

Shadow Weaver & Queen Marlena

Christie is delighted to be joining the He-Man family for her first show at Headwaters Theatre. She got bitten by the acting bug a year ago and has performed in numerous productions in the Portland area since moving from San Francisco last year. Most recently she played Layla Bainer in Continuing Education at HART Theatre. She also enjoyed playing Lisa Rosenbaum in The Heidi Chronicles at Twilight Theatre and singing and dancing as part of the ensemble of Stagework Ink’s The Three Amigos Live! She wants to thank you for supporting theatre. She also appreciates Meghann and John-Ryan for casting her in this very fun production so she can sing all of her favorites 80s songs!