As a former mezzo-soprano vocalist, Kels played many roles in both local and professional stages. Now he is navigating “second puberty” as he goes through testosterone therapy and is beginning to discover his baritone range. Hailed for his flawless technique and engaging presence on stage, Kels Rezmer (he/him) has been described by critics as "enchanting" and "enticingly riveting”. Equally comfortable performing Golden Era or Contemporary Musical Theater, Classic or Pop Rock and Opera or Operetta, Kels has been recognized for his versatile voice and genuine character portrayals. For his 2013 role as Mrs. Lovett with Circle Theatre Grand Rapids, Kels was described as “
spunky, manipulative and downright diabolical” and was nominated for the 2013 Grand Award for “Outstanding Lead Actress In A Musical”.
His breakthrough performance at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre featured Kels as Olive Ostrovsky in "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" at and earned them a 2010 Grand Award Nomination for "Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Musical". In the 2016 production of CATS at
Circle Theatre Grand Rapids, one review stated, “
The choice of [Kels Rezmer] as the enchantingly old Deuteronomy was brilliant. Humble to the eye in [his] layers upon layers of grey furs and such, [his] voice pierced through and brought both power and charm to the role.”
In April 2017, Kels was thrilled to take on one of his bucket list roles as Diana in "Next To Normal" at Dog Story Theater.
Audiences praised his use of vocal color, and the emotional depth he was able to reach with the character. This role is particularly important to Kels, as he is very passionate about advocating for people with mental health issues and the stigmas against it.
In fact, in September 2016, Kels organized the benefit concert "Stop The Stigma" to raise funds for The Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan with special guest star, Tony Award Winner, Alice Ripley, who played Diana in “Next to Normal” in the Original Broadway Cast.
In 2013, Kels was beyond grateful to play Fantine in the first community theatre production of Les Miserables in West Michigan, here at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. Reviewers described him as “
pure and vulnerable but strong and defiant too, “ with “palpable despair”.
Other notable roles include “Dr. Frankenfurter” in the shadow cast of The Rocky Horror Show (Circle Theatre/Wealthy Theatre), “Madame La Grande Bouche” in Beauty in the Beast (Grand Rapids Civic Theatre), “Jenny” in Company (Circle Theatre), “Mrs. Malloy” in Hello, Dolly (Grand Rapids Civic Theatre), “Magenta” in The Rocky Horror Show (University Wits), “Sister Mary Patrick” in Sister Act (Grand Rapids Civic Theatre), “Rona Lisa Peretti” The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Grand Rapids Civic Theatre - AACT Fest), “Granny/The Giant” Into The Woods (Circle Theatre), “Ruth” Pirates of Penzance (Grand Valley Opera Theatre), “Martha” The Secret Garden (Grand Valley Opera Theatre)
As an active performer, Kels has been on stage with with several Grand Rapids-area personalities and performance groups, and has been the lead singer in two local bands. Most recently, Kels performed at Grand Rapids Circle Theatre in the cast of “Rent”. He has also shared the stage twice at Pride-a-Palooza with local drag sensation Petty LuPone at The Comedy Project. Kels has performed concerts and improvisatory theatre at Fredrick Meijer Gardens, Rosa Parks Circle Pavilion, Dog Story Theatre, East Congregational United Church of Christ, Fountain Street Church, and Bissell Tree House.
Click here for audio and video recordings of Kels performing.