BWW Stage Mag 9 to 5: The Musical - Port Tobacco Players Stage Mag

9 to 5: The Musical
 
at Port Tobacco Players
 

Produced by Stacey Swickert
Directed by Bill Smolter
Choreographed by Kaitlin Branham
Music Directed by Dan Romagno
 
 

 

The Port Tobacco Players are supported by grants from the Charles County Alliance, the Maryland State Arts Council, and agency dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural Community where the arts thrive, and by the Charles County Charitable

 

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ABOUT THE PORT TOBACCO PLAYERS

“The Port Tobacco Players is an all-volunteer organization that puts the performing arts within reach of our community by offering quality productions that are entertaining, educational and though provoking. We train, invest in and support the next generation of theatre artists.”

It was in the days following the Second World War, when a weary America turned its eyes toward rebuilding, that the residents of the small but history-laden town of Port Tobacco looked across their town square at the burned rubble of their once-proud courthouse and decided to rebuild. During the winter of 1947, in the drawing room of Stagg Hall, a plan was conceived to raise money to aid the Port Tobacco Restoration Society in returning their town to its former glory. This group of artists, from Port Tobacco and nearby La Plata, set out to bring to the stage entertainment that would earn enough profit to continue their endeavor and provide for their cause. They spent the next twenty years performing in high school auditoriums, court rooms, village green... where anyone who wanted to see a play could do so. Their efforts paid off and the courthouse was restored.

In 1974 they found a new home—an old 1940’s movie theater owned by a local pharmacist was the ideal spot for a new beginning. They evolved into what they are known as today, a cultural staple in Charles County’s historic landscape. In 2002 another page turned in history when they raised the money to purchase and renovate their home. Returning to their roots, they performed on the road for two years before returning to 508 Charles Street in 2005. And in 2010, their home expanded to include a much needed rehearsal hall and space to store and construct costumes in-house.

Today the Port Tobacco Players perform six shows on their main stage and countless road productions with various ENCORE touring companies. The Port Tobacco Players are dedicated to continuing the tradition of providing quality theater to the citizens of Southern Maryland.

Board of Directors

President - Mike Gahan
Vice President/Productions - Benjamin Simpson
Treasurer/Historian/Library - Craig Hower
Secretary/Membership - Carol Russell 
Facilities - Michael Beryle, Jr.
Education - Heather Bauer
Costumes - Janice Sagers
Public Affairs - Stacey Swickert 
Properties - Kaitelyn Bauer Dieguez

Port Tobacco Players is proud to be a charter member of the Washington Area Theatre Community Honors. www.washingtontheater.org

Director's Note

9 to 5 the Musical tackles many issues women face in the workplace as a microcosm of what women face in society. In the 1970s, only 37 percent of the workforce was comprised of women and they earned roughly 62 cents for every dollar a man made. By the 2020s, women made up 47 percent of the workforce and made roughly 83 cents for every dollar a man made in the uncontrolled pay gap (what the gender gap is across the board).

In 1972, a group of working women published the first 9to5 newsletter to address issues they faced in the workplace. 9to5 confronted topics such as sexual harassment, the gender pay gap, workplace mistreatment, lack of workplace advancement, and overall respect for women. The next year, 10 clerical workers formed the grassroots 9to5 organization, which quickly grew and became the National Association of Working Women.

Jane Fonda connected with the organization, was inspired by their work, and was determined to tell the story of three undervalued and underpaid secretaries. Thus, the 9 to 5 movie was born! Fonda pulled in Lily Tomlin for her comedic timing, and Dolly Parton for her music, and the rest was history. After peaking as the second highest grossing film of the year, 9 to 5 was cemented as an anthem for the working woman.

In 2008, Dolly took the film to the stage, writing the music for 9 to 5 the Musical with original screenwriter, Patricia Resnick. Dolly and Resnick knew the show’s content and theming was an important story to continue telling into the 21st century, because even though the decades changed, women were still facing harassment, pay disparities, mistreatment, and overall disrespect in the workplace. And yet, none of this has changed.

The rise of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements prove that women continue to face challenge after challenge in the workplace and society, and it is our communal responsibility to shine a light on the issue. 9 to 5 the Musical, though set in 1979, provides a medium for the Port Tobacco Players to encourage the community to question what more we can do to bridge the pay gap, improve equity and equality in the workplace, and to open a forum to keep talking about these issues! PTP’s production of 9 to 5 strives to bring attention to this topic for Southern Maryland, because we are stronger together.

To do this show and only talk about all the bad things that happen in the workplace would do this show a great injustice because it is about so much more than that! At its core, 9 to 5 is about female empowerment, positivity, strength, truth, teamwork, compassion, love, women supporting women, and family! It’s about women taking charge, making work more bearable in the day-to-day, and being able to take care of the “little guy” (and gal)! Here’s to the little guys and gals who make the world turn!

Lastly, for those of you that are new to the theater, welcome, and for those of you coming back to the theater, welcome back! We hope that you love and have as much fun with 9 to 5 as we did throughout the rehearsal process. And as Dolly said, “You never know what’s going to make it. It’s up to your audience. They are the ones who are going to say if they like it or not.” So, we hope you love the show and spread the word to the rest of southern Maryland. And if you don’t love it or have anything nice to say, “keep your mouths shut!” Have a good night y’all!

Bill Smolter Director

 

SPECIAL THANKS

Jason Klonkowski for art work design, t-shirt design and photography; Kathy Mead for props help; John Merritt for fly consultation, Connie Murphy for the creating the lobby board, Lindsay Heyl for her cricut expertise used to cut the clock hands, the volunteer box office staff and ushers, and all who helped us after the program went to print. A special thank you to Becky Kuhn, the Productions Chair, and the entire Board of Directors; and many people who helped along the way.

 

 

Song List

Setting: Los Angelos, 1979

Act One

“9 to 5”. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Violet, Doralee, Judy, Ensemble
Around Here . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Violet, Judy, Ensemble
Here For You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hart, Ensemble
I Just Might . . . . . . . . . Violet, Doralee, Judy, Ensemble
Backwoods Barbie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Doralee, Ensemble
Heart to Hart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Roz, Ensemble
Dance O’Death . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Judy, Hart
Cowgirl’s Revenge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Doralee, Ensemble
Potion Notion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Violet, Ensemble
Joy to the Girls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ensemble
I Killed the Boss. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Orchestra
Shine Like the Sun . . . .Violet, Doralee, Judy, Ensemble

There will be one fifteen minute intermission between acts. 

Act Two

Entr’acte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Orchestra
One of the Boys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Violet, Joe, Ensemble
5 to 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roz
Change It . . . . . . . . . . . Violet, Doralee, Judy, Ensemble
Let Love Grow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Violet, Joe
Get Out and Stay Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Judy 
“9 to 5” Finale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Violet, Doralee, Judy, Joe, Roz, Ensemble Megamix/Bows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Company
Exit Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Orchestra

Cast

Sarah Gravelle
Violet Newstead
Joshua Smith
Josh
Tara Waters
Doralee Rhodes
Isaiah Wilson
Dwayne
Becky Norris Kuhn
Judy Bernly
Amanda Hastings
Kathy
Mary DeMarco-Logue
Maria
Tessa N. Silvestro
Roz Keith
Katie Sheldon
Margaret
Kyle Rappe
Franklin Hart, Jr.
Christina Murphy
Missy
Bradley Evans
Joe
Demetri (Meech) Black
Dick
Aidan C. Davis
Tinsworthy
Jing Xi Qin
Bob Enright
Liza Arnold
Ensemble
Seth Lohr
Ensemble
Anneliza Yarbrough
Ensemble

Production Crew

Producer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stacey Swickert

Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bill Smolter

Music Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dan Romagno

Choreographer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kaitlin Branham

Stage Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tiffany Behning

Assistant Stage Manager. . . . Grace Hanson

Stage Crew. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Travis Clarke, Charlotte Flade

Set Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chip Murphy, Nick Summers

Set Construction. . . . . . . . . . Chip Murphy, Scott Hanson, Nick Summers

Construction Crew. . . . . . . .Gabrielle Benton, Steve Benton Christina Murphy, Connie Murphy

Set Painting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary DeMarco-Logue

Paint Crew. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Liza Arnold, Tiffany Behning, Kaitlin Branham, Aidan C. Davis, Bradley Evans, Amanda Hastings, Jason Klonkowski, Seth Lohr, Becky Norris Kuhn, Chip Murphy, Christina Murphy, Connie Murphy, Jing Xi Qin, Tessa N. Silvestro, Bill Smolter, Anneliza Yarbrough

Properties/Set Decoration. . . . .Bri Corley

Lighting Design/Operator. . . . . Tommy Scott

Spot Light Operators. . . . . . . Katie Larabie, Patrick Larabie

Sound Design/Operator. . . . . . Kelsey Clarke

Projections Design. . . . . . . . . Jason Klonkowski

Costumes Design . . . . . . Janice Nash Sagers, Carol Russell

Costume Crew. . . . . . . . . .Kaitlin Branham, Ashley Goodell, Diana Hancock, Quentin Nash Sagers

Hair & Wig Design/Makeup Asst . . . . Quentin Nash Sagers

Makeup Design/Hair Assistant. . . . . . . . . . .Caitlyn Murphy

Program Design. . . . . . .Connie Murphy/Jason Klonkowski

Orchestra

The Orchestra

Guitar 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Troy Abbott

Guitar 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tom McKean

Bass Guitar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nicholas Marco

Reed 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cheri Daniels Monk

Reed 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Michelle Bast

Trumpet 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .David C. Monk

Trumpet 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monique Abbitt

Trombone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ridge Gilley

Drums. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tim DeLoache

Keyboard 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tom Anderson

Keyboard 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mary Whitemore

Meet the Company

Sarah Gravelle

Violet Newstead
She was last seen on PTP’s stage as Irene Molloy in Hello, Dolly!. Other recent stage roles include Jack’s Mother (Into the Woods, NTP), Maria Rainer (The Sound of Music, NTP), Mrs. Potts (Beauty & the Beast, PTP), All Together Now (PTP) and Amalia Balash (She Loves Me, NTP). You can also catch Sarah performing locally at venues like St. Mary’s College DPAC, Annmarie Gardens and the Port of Leonardtown Winery. Sarah is an elementary school music/chorus teacher and mother to 5 amazing children. She sends her love and gratitude to her smokin’ husband Ryan, this marvelous cast & crew, and her wonderful family & friends. As Dolly would say, let’s “Shine Like the Sun!”

Joshua Smith

Josh
Joshua is thrilled to be back this spring to celebrate Port Tobacco’s 75th season. Joshua is native to the Southern Maryland area and is an enrolled sophomore at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Joshua is no stranger to the stage. You may have seen him in PTP’s productions of the 75th Anniversary Show: An Evening of Song, Ragtime, The Christmas Schooner, James and the Giant Peach, and Elf The Musical. He was also a part of the St. Mary’s Summerstock program as an adolescent participating in their productions of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Kids Choir), Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Ensemble), Mary Poppins (Teddy Bear) and Newsies (Tommy Boy). Joshua also recently began pursuing work as an actor in the film and TV industry, wrapping up his first feature film project this past November. Apart from performing, Joshua enjoys reading and writing, collecting vinyls as well as going to concerts. He would like to thank his family and friends for their continuous support. Sit back, relax and enjoy the show! @Joshuabryantsmithh

Tara Waters

Doralee Rhodes
Tara is delighted to be back for her 16th show with PTP, having last been onstage as Curio Andrews in Twelfth Night, and after directing the 75th Anniversary: An Evening of Song this holiday season! She has also just finished up six years of volunteering with the PTP Board of Directors. Tara has had nearly 30 years of experience acting and directing on stages from Maryland to Maine, some of her favorite roles in Southern Maryland include Laurey in Oklahoma, Amy in Company, Lucy in You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown and Adelaide in Guys and Dolls (WATCH Nomination: Outstanding Lead Actress). Tara sends all her love to her four C boys and her husband Steve, who hold down the fort and eat a lot of pizza while she is always going to “theater practice”.

Isaiah Wilson

Dwayne
Isaiah received his first WATCH Nomination for his outstanding performance as Coalhouse Walker Jr. in PTP’s Ragtime (WATCH Nominated Outstanding Lead Actor in a Musical). He most recently delivered a star stellar performance in PTP’s 75th Anniversary: An Evening of Song. Additionally, he played Minstrel in Once Upon a Mattress following his high energy performances in Hello, Dolly! (WATCH Nominated Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Ensemble) and Disney’s Beauty and The Beast (WATCH Nominated Outstanding Ensemble). After the closing of Ragtime, Isaiah assisted in costuming for Camp Mockabee’s Middle School production of The Music Man Jr. in August 2023! Isaiah is thrilled to bring 9 to 5 to life for you and your loved ones!

Becky Norris Kuhn

Judy Bernly
Becky is thrilled to be a member of this fun production! Most recently she was seen in NTP's Into the Woods (Baker's Wife). Prior to that she was in PTP's Beauty and the Beast (Belle). She directed the 75th Anniversary: An Evening of Song and Tiny Tim's Christmas Carol here at PTP and was in Newtown Players A Night on Broadway (2021). Some favorite credits include Wedding Singer (Julia), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey), Into the Woods (Little Red), and Sound of Music (Liesl). None of what she does would be possible without her amazing husband, Brian and her beautiful daughters, Josie and Delaney- "I love you a bushel and a peck".

Amanda Hastings

Kathy
Amanda is excited to be participating in her fifth show at Port Tobacco Players! She has recently been seen as a soloist in PTP’s 75th Anniversary: An Evening of Song and in Ragtime (PTP - Emma Goldman), as well as in the ensembles of Hello Dolly (PTP), Once Upon a Mattress (PTP) and RENT (CSM). When not participating on stage, she teaches Chemistry at Henry E. Lackey High School, where she also directs the a cappella group and music directs the school musicals. She sends her love to her girlfriend, roommate, friends, and family and wants to thank them all for putting up with her crazy schedule.

Mary DeMarco-Logue

Maria
This is Mary’s second show back on stage since her decade-long hiatus & she has to say she forgot how much stamina a dance-heavy musical requires! She often keeps busy behind the scenes, sourcing props & bringing sets to life with paint or decor. Most recently, she received a WATCH nomination for set painting PTP’s Twelfth Night. She is next working as properties & set decoration for A Raisin in the Sun, so be sure to come back out & see that! Special thanks to her husband, Ted, & 3 kiddos for supporting her lifelong love of live theatre. Shout out to Marie Vazquez Lopez for helping Maria find her voice. Finally, to the production team & cast, thank you for being a second family for the past few months.

Tessa N. Silvestro

Roz Keith
Tessa is excited to step back onto the stage for this show! Past onstage credits include Dolly Levi in Hello, Dolly! (PTP), Pie Seller in Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol (PTP), Olive Smythe in Move Over Mrs. Markham (PTP), and Berthe in Boeing, Boeing (PTP, 2018 WATCH award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play). Tessa was the director for PTP’s productions of Ragtime, Beauty and the Beast, Elf, and White Christmas. Tessa also directed NTP’s productions of The Mystery of Edwin Drood, These Shining Lives and Puffs. By day, Tessa is the theatre teacher at North Point High School. She sends all her love to her wonderful girlfriend and her friends for always putting up with her crazy busy schedule.

Katie Sheldon

Margaret
Katie has performed at PTP since she was 6 years old. You would have seen her most recently in Elf the Musical as Deb, Once Upon A Mattress as a Lady in Waiting and the Nightingale, Ragtime as an ensemble member and as a soloist in the 75th Anniversary: An Evening of Song. Katie thanks her family and boyfriend for their support, especially her mom Susan, and to everyone for coming to see the show!

Kyle Rappe

Franklin Hart, Jr.
Kyle has been seen on stage in recent years in the PTP’s 75th Anniversary: An Evening of Song as well as PTP’s production of All Together Now as well as Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls, Dan in Next to Normal, John Hancock in 1776, the Black Knight in Spamalot, and Joe, the true hero of Oklahoma. He has also worked behind the scenes, with highlights being directing PTP’s productions of Little Shop of Horrors and of Boeing Boeing, and earning a WATCH nomination for sound design for PTP’s The Tempest. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Christina Murphy

Missy
Christina is thrilled to make her debut on the PTP stage after being involved behind the scenes in a few recent PTP productions. She was the stage manager for the 75th Anniversary: An Evening of Song and assistant stage manager for Ragtime. Christina was involved in theatre throughout high school where she was Stage Manager for McDonough High School’s productions of High School Musical, Peter and The Star Catcher, Seussical the Musical and Midsummer Night Jersey. Prior to those shows, she was in the ensemble for Thoroughly Modern Millie and Mary Poppins. Christina is a Pre-K Special Educational Instructional Assistant at Walter J. Mitchell Elementary School. She plans to obtain her Master’s degree in early childhood education. She would also like to thank her family for the endless support and encouragement. Enjoy the show!

Bradley Evans

Joe
Bradley is excited to be a part of his fourth production on PTP's stage. You may have seen him in Beauty and the Beast as Cogsworth, Hello Dolly in the Male Ensemble, and 75th Anniversary: An Evening of Song as a Soloist. He would like to thank his family and friends for their continued support, as well as you, for reading his bio! He hopes you enjoy the show!

Demetri (Meech) Black

Dick
Meech is very thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this PTP show. He has been in several of PTP’s recent productions. He was Stanley in Death of a Salesman, Prince Dauntless in Once Upon a Mattress and in the ensemble of Ragtime and Hello, Dolly! Meech has also done a variety of shows at Henry E. Lackey High School such as The Drowsy Chaperone, Seussical the Musical, The Comedie of Errors, Into the Woods, Voices of Washington High and In The Heights.

Aidan C. Davis

Tinsworthy
Aiden is delighted to be back at PTP. He has done community theater regularly for the Twin Beach Players since 2010, starting with Old Joe (A Christmas Carol, 2010), and continuing with Valere (The Miser, 2016), Hysterium (A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, 2016), and Andrew Tetterby (The Ghost Before Christmas, 2021). He branched out into PTP in 2022 with an ensemble role in Hello, Dolly!, and most recently, he was the Narrator/Mysterious Man in NTP’s in Into the Woods (2023) and Bazzard in The Mystery of Edwin Drood (2023). When not treading the boards, Mr. Davis is a cartoonist and voice-over artist.

Jing Xi Qin

Bob Enright
Jing Xi is returning for his 9th musical production with PTP! Some recent productions you may have seen him in are PTP's 75th Anniversary: An Evening of Song, Ragtime, Hello, Dolly! (WATCH Nominated Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Ensemble), Disney's Beauty and The Beast (WATCH Nominated Outstanding Ensemble) and RENT at CSM. Every musical presents new and exciting challenges but that is what keeps Jing Xi coming back for more, almost like a glutton for punishment. Jing Xi has worked as a Systems Administrator at the Naval base PAX River for 13 years. He is happy to share the stage again with many talented friends and hopes you enjoy the show!

Liza Arnold

Ensemble
Liza is a 2005 recording artist and Charles County educator. She sings at church and has lived in Charles County for 18 years. She is happy to be re-joining PTP for her third production. She previously sang in the 2021 show All Together Now and the 2023 show 75th Anniversary: An Evening of Song. With the encouragement and support of her loving husband, Eric and her three children, Annie, Landon and Autumn, she is taking the stage once again. She’s honored to share the stage with her daughter Annie for the first time. Liza thanks God for her talent, her family for believing in her and the PTP production team for their friendship and support.

Seth Lohr

Ensemble
Seth would like to welcome and thank you for joining us at the Port Tobacco Players. You may have seen him as a part of the ensemble in other recent PTP productions such as Beauty and the Beast and Once Upon a Mattress. Seth was also Dr. Denton in PTP’s production of The Westing Game. He would like to thank the cast and crew 9 to 5 and give a special thanks to Dolly Parton for giving us this wonderful show.

Anneliza Yarbrough

Ensemble
Annie is thrilled to make her debut on the PTP stage. She currently attends La Plata High School, where she graced the stage in the 2023 spring musical, Bring It On! She will be in this year’s LPHS production of Les Miserables in April. Annie is excited to bring her 13 years of dance experience to this production. Annie would like to thank her friends and family. She’s especially excited to share the stage with her mom, Liza. Enjoy the show!

Tiffany Behning

Stage Manager
Tiffany is so glad to be back again as the Stage Manager for 9 to 5 at PTP. This is her third PTP show after Hello, Dolly! and Once Upon a Mattress. She also had an opportunity to stage manage The Mystery of Edwin Drood with NTP this past October. As always, all my love Nick and the fur baby Mischa.

Kaitlin Branham

Choreographer
Kaitlin has been involved with PTP since 2014. She has been in many shows including Annie, Sister Act, and Guys and Dolls. Kaitlin has danced for 20 years and taught for 9. She currently teaches at B. Funk Dance Company in La Plata. This is Kaitlin’s first time choreographing an entire show and she would like to give a special thank you to the entire cast for believing in her decisions and putting in the hours of hard work. She would also like to thank Bill for trusting her with such a large task, and Tara and Becky for pushing her out of her comfort zone and for their encouragement and support. She is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this production and this theater.

Bri Corley

Properties/Set Decoration
Bri is so proud to work her first show at PTP! She’s loved getting to know everyone as she helps bring the world of Judy, Violet and Doralee to life. She’d like to thank the two most influential women in her life, Ashleigh for her endless support and encouragement and Dolly Parton for existing.

Kelsey Clarke

Sound Design/Board Operator
Kelsey is excited to be part of another show with PTP. She went to Salisbury University for Music Technology, and loves that she can utilize those learned skills here. Previous shows are Once Upon a Mattress, You Can’t Take It With You, and most recently, Wait Until Dark. Special thanks to her husband, Travis, for helping take care of Zelda and the house while she’s been spending all her time at the theatre. Enjoy the show!

Grace Hanson

Assistant Stage Manager
Grace has been involved with PTP for the last 10 years. She started her time with the company on stage in a 2013 production of A Christmas Carol Since then, she has crewed Equivocation, The Guys, and Bent at Hard Bargain Players. She was just the dramaturge for PTP’s production of Macbeth. She stage managed The Importance of Being Earnest and was the assistant stage manager for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, Twelfth Night and Wait Until Dark. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with such an amazing cast and crew.

Scott Hanson

Set Construction
Scott is a newer member of Port Tobacco Players. His recent projects include carpenter for Once Upon a Mattress, support staff for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime and a watch nomination for set construction of Hello, Dolly! and Twelfth Night. He joined the theatre as a way to support his wife and children in their creative endeavors and was surprised to find that he enjoys "making sawdust". He enjoys working with and learning from other builders. He is thankful that Chip Murphy included him as part of his team.

Jason Klonkowski

Projections Design
Jason is most often found in the sound booth designing for shows such as Deathtrap, Elf The Musical, Beauty and the Beast, and Macbeth, for which he won a WATCH award for design. Along with sound he is also involved with graphic design, program design, video design and photography. Some of his most recent work can be seen in the lobby. He has also taken on stage roles, appearing as Philip Markham in PTP’s Move over Mrs. Markham and Mr. Kirby in You Can’t Take It With You.

Caitlyn Murphy

Makeup Design/Hair Assistant
Caitlyn is excited to participate in third show at PTP. She was a dresser and was on the Makeup & Hair Crew for Ragtime this past summer and she was assistant stage manager for the 75th Anniversary: An Evening of Song. She was involved in theatre and dance in high school. She was in the ensemble for Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, and Mary Poppins at McDonough High School. She was also a competitive dancer for Dream’s Studio of Dance. She is excited to be involved in theatre again and would like to thank her family for their support.

Chip Murphy

Set Design & Construction
Chip’s first involvement with PTP was assisting with set construction for Guys and Dolls in 2019 (WATCH Nominated). Since then, he has assisted or led set construction for several PTP shows including Hello, Dolly! (WATCH Nominated 2022), Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors, Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol and Elf the Musical. Chip has been the Technical Director for McDonough High School shows since 2015. He oversees technical crews preparing for shows and assists with set construction as needed. Some of his favorite MHS memories are from Mary Poppins, In The Heights and Band Geeks. Chip would like to thank his wife, Connie, and his three daughters, Caitlyn, Christina and Cassie for their continued support.

Dan Romagno

Pit Director
Dan is an active musician and music educator who has been directing pit orchestras and playing trumpet and French horn for musicals for 15 years in Maryland and Western, PA. Dan is currently the director of bands at Patuxent High School in Lusby, MD. Dan loves living in southern Maryland and enjoys exploring the waterways on his kayak and hanging out with his dogs Dallas and Georgia. As a new dad, he also looks forward to spending time with wife Dani and son Luca this summer!

Carol Russell

Costume Co-Director
Carol has been on the stage a few times since her debut in 2015; however, she spends most of her time at PTP as a seamstress and has costume directed Hairspray, Blithe Spirit, James and the Giant Peach, Guys and Dolls, Little Shop of Horrors (Co-), and 75th Anniversary: An Evening of Song (Co-). Costuming is a team effort. Production team vision, stock pulls, builds, buttons . . . every detail is important. The magic happens when the tech and backstage crews, musicians, and actors bring the stitching to life. Infinite appreciation to each and every volunteer and to our audiences.

Janice Sagers

Costume Co-Director
Janice has been a member of Port Tobacco Players since 2010 when she joined The Producers ensemble. In 2014, she was onstage again as Mrs. Pugh in Annie. Jan is more comfortable off stage and has been an integral part of the costume crew and dressers. Most recently, she was Co- designer for PTP’s 75th Anniversary: An Evening of Song, but her resume for costume work also includes: The Westing Game, Hairspray, White Christmas, Sister Act, James and the Giant Peach, Boeing, Boeing, Guys and Dolls, Beauty & the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors, Ragtime, and co-producing the Shakespeare play Twelfth Night. In addition to representing the PTP Board of Directors as Costume Committee Chair, Jan balances the many hats of a costumer when she is involved in a production. Design to fitting to sewing to managing the very busy job backstage as a dresser and tending the never-ending laundry. She sends love to her husband, Matt, her 4 sons, 3 grandchildren & her bonus grandchildren.

Quentin Nash Sagers

Hair & Wig Design/Makeup Assistant
Quentin has been doing shows at Port Tobacco Players for over twelve years, most notably as an actor and costume designer. He has designed costumes for Ragtime, Hello, Dolly! (WATCH Nom), Sister Act (WATCH Nom), White Christmas, 1776 (WATCH Nom), and many others at PTP. Quentin also designed over 19 wigs for the recent production of Little Shop of Horrors; and is excited to up that number to 26 for this production. Quentin is also a drag performer, D'Manda Martini, and recently won a WATCH Award as D'Manda for her performance as Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest, and appeared as The Stepmother in Into the Woods at Newtowne Players. D'Manda is also a guest speaker, cosplayer, storyteller for Drag Story Hour, performs in & hosts events, and attends fandom conventions all over the United States.

Tommy Scott

Lighting Design/Board Operator
As a wee lad Tommy’s love for Community Theater began because of his family’s involvement at the District Heights Theater of the Arts. It was a wonderful experience which continues today. Light design for local community theaters includes TCP (Into the Woods, Jekyll and Hyde, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Little Shop of Horrors); TAP (Sweeney Todd, Damn Yankees); LTA (Grey Gardens). This is Tommy’s 12th season and 41st show here at PTP. Favorites include Into the Woods, The Who’s Tommy, Sister Act, Catch Me If You Can, Next to Normal, Deathtrap, and You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, MacBeth, Little Shop of Horrors, Beauty and The Beast and Ragtime. WATCH nominations: The Sound of Music (PTP), Brighten Beach Memoirs (PTP), Dixie Swim Club (PTP), Blithe Spirit (PTP), 1776 (PTP), Christmas Schooner (PTP). WATCH Awards: Fiddler on the Roof (PTP), Spamalot (PTP), and MacBeth (PTP). Tommy is grateful to his husband Michael for understanding that all life ceases to exist during tech weeks.

Bill Smolter

Director
Bill is thrilled to direct his first production with PTP. Other professional work includes costuming, lighting, production management, and company management for the Weston Theater Company in Weston, VT and costuming for City Theater Company in Pittsburgh, PA. Previous directing credits include Of Those More Vulnerable Minds, The Dinosaur Musical, and Sweet Storm for Seton Hill University in Greensburg, PA. He serves as a member of the costume and play reading committees at PTP.

Nick Summers

Set Design & Construction
Nick is excited to build the set for his fourth show with PTP. He was first involved with PTP in the production of Beauty and the Beast in 2022 and is excited to return to the theater yet again. He was also previously involved with PTP’s productions of Hello, Dolly! and Ragtime; and McDonough High School's production of the Little Mermaid. He looks forward to future shows with PTP. He thanks Chip, Gabi, Scott and Steve for all of their dedication and teamwork.

Stacey Swickert

Producer
A longtime member of Port Tobacco Players. 9 to 5 is her first foray into the world of producing and she feels fortunate to have teamed with an amazing cast and production staff who have made this a dream! Some of her on stage credits include Suzanna in Bedroom Farce. Jennifer in Paint Your Wagon and most recently Penny in You Can't Take it With You. In the last few seasons she has also stage managed for several shows including Twelfth Night, one of this year’s WATCH nominated best plays. She is grateful to Bill for sharing and making her part of his vision for this amazing show!

Orchestra

Monique Abbitt

Trumpet 2
Monique resides in Upper Marlboro, MD. She has a Bachelor’s degree from Miami University (Ohio) and a Master’s degree from Towson University, both in Mass Communication. She is currently employed with the Department of Defense as the Lead Business Financial Manager for Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems, Above Water Sensors and Lasers Directorate. She has played in the orchestra pit for several productions for Port Tobacco Players, Little Theater of Alexandria and various other productions in the DC, MD and VA areas. She has also been a member of the Southern Maryland Concert Band since 2003 and holds a lifetime membership. Monique is thrilled to be back in the orchestra pit for Port Tobacco Players.

Troy Abbott

Guitar 1
This is Troy’s third musical production with the PTP (Little Shop of Horrors, Ragtime). Tackling the different styles and instrumentation in musical theater is almost as fun as working with the extremely talented people that create these shows, both inside and outside the pit. Troy also plays in support of several local ensembles in Southern Maryland, including long-time engagements with the Chesapeake Swing Band and The Pax Rats.

Tom Anderson

Keyboard 1
Tom has been playing piano for 50+ years (wow!) in various groups including the Southern Maryland Concert Band, Southern Maryland Swing Band, Crabtowne Big Band, COSMIC Orchestra and The Pax Rats. He has played percussion for Bye Bye Birdie, Guys & Dolls, South Pacific, West Side Story, and Mame; and piano/keyboards for Guys & Dolls, Side-by-Side by Sondheim, War of the Worlds (yes, there was music), Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, Mamma Mia!, and The Sound of Music. He has been the keyboard programmer for local productions of Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, Little Shop of Horrors, Mamma Mia!, and The Sound of Music. Tom is an aerospace engineer for the Navy and lives in Southern Maryland with his wife, Jennifer, and golden doodle, Bailey.

Michelle Bast

Reed 2
Michelle has been playing in the pit for PTP since 1986. Some of her favorite shows were The Music Man, Fiddler on the Roof and Seussical, the Musical. She was last seen in the pit of Beauty and the Beast. She would like to thank her husband, Greg, for taking care of the kids so she can play again.

Tim DeLoache

Drums
Tim has played drums for most of the PTP musicals since 2001. He also plays drums for CSM’s Solid Brass big band. the Pax Rats and the praise band at Grace Lutheran Church. He is a retired Navy Captain and a Navy consultant. Tim and Lori have four grown children and four grandchildren.

Ridge Gilley

Trombone
Ridge has performed in the PTP pit for numerous productions over the last fifteen years. He also plays trombone & trumpet in the CSM jazz band - “Solid Brass”. In daily life, Dr. Gilley is a Periodontist (gum specialist and dental implant surgeon) and in 2016, completed a thirty-year career in the US Air Force. He is an associate at Luke Morgan DDS & Associates in Mechanicsville.

Cheri Daniels Monk

Reed 1
Cheri’s first musical as a member of a PTP pit orchestra was in 1979; the most recent musical was Ragtime in July 2023. She would like to thank Dan for asking her to play in the 9 to 5 pit. Cheri also performs locally with the Southern Maryland Concert Band (piccolo) and CSM’s Solid Brass Jazz Band (tenor sax). She performed in the horn section of Godspeed Praise Band for 14 years. In her “free time,” she teaches private flute lessons and volunteers as North Point High School’s Marching Band Color Guard instructor. Cheri would like to thank her parents, Bob and Dottie Daniels, for starting her on the flute in the 5th grade. That single decision has impacted and influenced her life for decades! Cheri currently lives in Charlotte Hall with her husband, Dave (trumpet), daughter Sydney, and fur babies Shadow and Nicki.

Nicholas Marco

Bass Guitar
Nick hopes you enjoy the show.

Tom McKean

Guitar 2
Tom hopes you enjoy the show.

David C. Monk

Trumpet 1
Currently the Director of Instrumental Music at North Point High School and the Principal Conductor for the Southern Maryland Concert Band, Dave is performing in his 35th PTP production and his 62nd musical/opera production overall. This includes 645 performances of Miss Saigon in Stuttgart, Germany. Dave has also served as the Principal Trumpet for the First US Army Band at Ft. Meade, Maryland; Trumpet Soloist with the Bessunger Kammerorchester in Darmstadt, Germany; and Godspeed Praise Band in Southern, Maryland. Dave currently lives in Charlotte Hall with his wife, Cheri and has two daughters, Sydney and Sammi.

Mary Whitmore

Keyboard 2
Known to colleagues and students as “Dr. Mary,” Mary Whitmore graduated from St. Mary’s College of Maryland with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music (concentration: bassoon performance) and received her Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in Music Composition from the University of Maryland, College Park. She is an adjunct professor in the Performing Arts department at the College of Southern Maryland, and the Deputy Director at the Arts Council of Calvert County. She also serves as the Music Director for the Davies Concert Series in Temple Hills. Mary has been freelancing for community theaters, bands, ensembles, and orchestras since 2004. She and her husband Joshua have a three-year-old daughter named Valerie.

Donors

PREMIER

Advanced Architectural General Contracting, LLC

PLATINUM

Rotary Club of Charles County - ”La Plata”
Marsha King
Jim, Courtney & Trey Roberts Edwin and Therese Thiedeman
Kate & Chris Zabriskie

GOLD

Edward L. Sanders Insurance SMECO
Mike & Debbie Gahan
James & Rose Goldsmith Children’s Learning Tree, Inc. Harryette R. Hower
Gale Kladitis

SILVER

Clement & Nancy Brooke - Party Walls, Inc.
Nancy Brosnihan
Louis & Constance R. Demas
Jim & Joan Dent
Ridge & Debbie Gilley
Lesa Juday
​Jim & Janice Padgett
​Sondra & Paul Ragard
Robert & Diane Rausch
Kathryn S. Rineaman
Melody Sciarratta
Amelia Yunker

PATRONS

DE Biesiadecki
Joni Boone
Cheri Brown
Christian Brown
Norman Chlosta
Charlene Clagett
Susan Dougherty
Taressa Fisher
Chuck Hower
Barbara K. Hufford
Dwight Johnson
​Karen Johnson 
​Lloyd Lumpkin
Louise McDonald
Kathy Mead
​Donald & Penelope Norris
​Ajay Reddy
Melissa Riner
Sandra Russell
Andrea, George, & Clara Watkins

 

BECOME A BENEFACTOR!

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2023-2024 Season of Shows

The Charles

Advanced Architectural General Contracting LLC

Camp Mockabee

Ms. Story's Living History

A Raisin in the Sun

CCPS Productions

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