LEGALLY BLONDE The Musical

Meghan Fitzgerald

is thrilled to make her Player’s Guild debut in Legally Blonde playing her dream role! Her previous credits include Footloose (Ariel Moore), Little Shop of Horrors (Ronnette), Legally Blonde (Elle Woods), and A Gentlemen’s Guide to Love and Murder (Evangeline Barley). When she is not onstage performing, she is a proud mom to her beautiful son, Luke. She would like to thank her husband, Shawn, for always being so supportive and believing in her! She would like to welcome everyone to Harvard and enjoy the show!

Bernie Richards

OMIGOD you guys, Bernie is thrilled to make his Player’s Guild debut! Recent credits include The Hunchback of Notre Dame In Concert (Saint Aphrodisius), Cinderella (Stepsister), The Nutcracker (Butler, Mouse King, Chinese lead, Trepak), Aida (Zoser alternate) and Legally Blonde the North American Tour (onstage swing), as well as eleven years on cruise ships as a mainstage dancer and singer. Bernie holds his B.F.A. in Dance Performance from Kent State University and works by day as a Talent Coordinator with Holland America Line. Very grateful to the Guild for this opportunity as my first lead in a musical!

Emily Roh

is delighted to be back on stage for the first time since relocating from Utah to Ohio in 2023. Favorite past roles include A Christmas Carol (Octet), The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Edwin Drood), and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Baroness). Since moving to Ohio, she has been working as a music director with NDPAA, Tusky Valley Local, and PGT while teaching voice in her private studio (emilyleishmanroh.com) and at Firestone CLC. Immense gratitude goes to her husband, John, and son, Dashell, for encouraging her to pursue her dream of playing Paulette, and to the entire PGT team for this wonderful opportunity.

Vance Voyles

After an extremely long hiatus from theatre, Vance is excited to be making his Players Guild Theatre debut as the morally dubious Professor Callahan. Past theatre roles include Hello Dolly (ensemble), Grease (Sonny), Lil’ Abner (General Bullmoose), and West Side Story (Snowboy). In real life, he inhabits the roles of KSU Police Sergeant and Adjunct Professor, as well as Screenwriter and Novelist. He would like to thank his wife and children for their support and patience with his extra-curricular life. You can read more about him at www.vancevoyles.com.

Riley Wilson

is thrilled to be returning to Player’s Guild Theatre in Legally Blonde! A Canton native, he has performed in multiple productions around the US including New York City. Off-Broadway: Wave me Good-bye (Rudy). Regional/Theatre: Hair (Steve), Hairspray (Link Larkin), The Addams Family (Lucas Beineke), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Lt. Frederic Charlus), Footloose (Cowboy Bob), Twelfth Night (Malvolio), The Seagull (Medvedenko). TV: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon Prime), Mr. Harrigan’s Phone (Netflix). Riley holds a BA in Theatre from Hope College and studied drama in London, England, where he hopes to return one day soon. Love to his family, friends and voice coach for always supporting him on this journey!

Lois Wilhelm

is thrilled to join Legally Blonde for her Players Guild debut, marking her first appearance in US theatre. Originally from Staffordshire, UK, she is returning to the stage after several years away. Her previous theatre credits include Made in Dagenham (Barbara Castle), Chicago (Liz), and Legally Blonde (Serena, Ensemble). Offstage, Lois enjoys playing and writing music, taking spin classes, and consuming copious amounts of coffee. She is grateful to her family, friends, and husband Nick for their encouragement — and not-so-gentle nudge — to get back on stage.

Brooke Jenkins

is thrilled to be returning to the Players’ Guild stage as Brooke Wyndham. Music and theatre have always been a passion of hers and she is delighted to share her enthusiasm for the arts through this performance. Some of her favorite past credits include Beauty and the Beast (Belle), Oliver! (Nancy), and The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Ensemble). Brooke holds a degree in education from Kent State and has taught fourth grade for five years. She would like to thank her family and friends for their encouragement.

McKenna Stoffer

is so excited to be back at the Players Guild for Legally Blonde! She was most recently seen as Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz” at the Renaissance Theatre. Her favorite past Players Guild roles include: Penny Pingleton (Hairspray), Emma Carew (Jekyll and Hyde), and Veruca Salt (Willy Wonka). She would like to thank her friends and family for their continued support, and she hopes you enjoy the show!

Mackey Parsons

is thrilled to be returning to the Players Guild stage! Prior to Legally Blonde, Mackey’s past roles include Tracy (Hairspray), Witch/Cinderella (Into the Woods), The Lady of the Lake (Spamalot), and Martha Dunnstock (Heathers). When she’s not performing, Mackey teaches dance and gymnastics full time, choreographs productions, and pours her heart into inspiring her students. She is deeply grateful to her family and friends for their unwavering support, and to the stage for always being a safe, welcoming space to be seen. Always remember: you are enough. You are worthy. Live like it.

Aliyah Wright

has loved performing ever since her first role as Wendy in Peter pan! After high school, Aliyah moved to NYC to study musical theatre at AMDA. She came back to perform and direct at the Geauga Theater in Chardon for a few years and now performs in an 80’s tribute band called “Reel 80‘s”. This is Aliyah’s 3rd show at the Players Guild and she’s so excited to be back!

Tess Marie

is over the moon to be joining the Delta Nu Sorority! She was recently seen on the PGT stage in last season's closing production of Hairspray as a Dynamite/Nicest Kid. Some of her favorite roles include: A Christmas Carol (Belle/Emma), Into the Woods (The Baker's Wife), Beauty and the Beast (Babette) and Cabaret (Kit Kat Girl). Tess would like to send lots of love to her mama and friends for always being the best mentors and cheerleaders for her, "like OMIGOD you guys are seriously the best!" ♡

Greg Luli

is honored to play the role of Kyle. He was last seen in Jekyll and Hyde, Sweeney Todd, and A Christmas Carol. In his spare time, Greg enjoys being goofy, staying active, and playing Dungeons and Dragons. He would like to thank his lovely wife for the support and encouragement.

Brenna Charlick

is POSITIVEly ecstatic to see you out there in the Delta Nu house! Brenna most recently appeared on the PGT stage as Susan in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Other favorite credits include: Mary Poppins (JSA), Portia- Something Rotten (St. Ignatius), and The Baker’s Wife- Into the Woods (Interlochen). A Jackson High School senior, Brenna performs in Jacks-N-Jills Showchoir and dance. She’s also a character entertainer with Northeast Ohio Creatives, and a passionate writer! Brenna sends love to her “loyal friends and true” for their “bonds as strong as crazy glue!” IG: @brennamadelyn_

Abigail Bryan

Abbie is thrilled to be making her Players Guild debut in Legally Blonde! She is incredibly excited to join such a talented cast in bringing this show to life. Past favorite roles include Mamma Mia (Sophie), Grease (Sandy), Beauty and the Beast (Belle), and Hairspray (Amber). Abbie is so grateful for the continued support from her friends, family, and mentors, and can’t wait to share this amazing experience with the audience!

Karli Miller

After a theater hiatus, Karli is thrilled to make her Players Guild Theatre debut in one of her all-time favorite shows! Past credits include Grease (Sandy), All Shook Up (Natalie), The Wedding Singer (Linda), and The Addams Family (Ensemble). She holds a B.A. in Communication Studies and recently earned her M.Ed. in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Kent State University. A Delta Zeta alumna who proudly wears her letters, Karli is especially excited to portray a Delta Nu sister on stage. Huge thanks to her mom, sister, family, friends, and boyfriend for all their support. This Delta Nu sister swears she LOVES this show and is so excited to share it with you!

Jocelynn Leigh Benson

is totally over the moon to be in her third Players Guild production. Jocelynn recently graduated high school in 2024. She is currently a student at Kent State University and is studying Theatre, and has studied dance for 14 years. Jocelynn has been in previous shows, such as Memphis (Ensemble), Sister Act (Pablo), Chicago: Teen Edition (Velma Kelly), Hairspray (Ensemble), and Newsies (Darcy). She would also like to thank her family and friends, as well as her teachers and mentors throughout the years for helping her get to where she is today. IG: @xoxo.jocelynnleigh

Robert Trushel

is like SO FREAKING EXCITED to be joining Players Guild Theatre’s production of Legally Blonde! Robert has worked previously with PGT playing Mr. Krabs in SpongeBoB Squarepants the Musical and Fezziwig/Christmas Present in a Christmas Carol, along with a few others. Robert is PUMPED for you to see all the hard work the cast and crew have dedicated to the show! Have a great time and remember not to judge a book by its hair color!

Brittainy Bennett

is delighted to return to the stage for her second production with the Player’s Guild Theatre! She previously appeared as a member of the ensemble and a Red Rat dancer in last year’s season opener, Jekyll & Hyde. During the holiday season, you can spot her in the Canton Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker as a singer in the Snow Chorus. Brittainy would like to thank her boyfriend, family, and friends for their unending support and encouragement.

Clare LaTourette

is excited to make her Players Guild debut! Her favorite past roles include Ado Annie in Oklahoma! and Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors. Clare works as a preschool teacher and is the proud mom of her 4-year-old son, Joey. Clare is happy to be back on stage and thanks her family and friends for their support!

Samantha Swank

is excited to appear in her first production at the Players Guild Theatre! Sam has previously appeared on stage with Carnation City Players in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Tour Guide), 9 to 5 (ensemble), Little Shop of Horrors (Crystal), and Footloose (ensemble). She spends her days working as a senior editor in children’s publishing. When she’s not working or singing show tunes, Sam enjoys reading, watching TV detectives, snuggling her cats, and baking enormous cookies.

Vallon Voyles

is super excited to be making her Player’s Guild Theatre debut in Legally Blonde! She is even more thrilled to be performing alongside her dad, Vance, for the first time! A few of her past credits include Mamma Mia! (Tanya), A Charlie Brown Christmas (Lucy Van Pelt), and Puffs! (Sally Perks/Others). This is also her second time appearing in Legally Blonde (Judge/Ensemble)! While not on stage, she attends Kent State University for Theatre and Digital Media Production. She would like to thank her friends and family for all their love and support! IG: @vallonember

Zach Doerschuk

is ecstatic to be returning to the Players Guild for his second time! He previously was seen in Hairspray as a Nicest Kid, Into the Woods as the narrator, and Patrick Martin in Little Shop or Horrors. This is also his second time appearing in Legally Blonde and previously played Warner! He loves the show so much he just had to do the Bend and Snap once more. He would like to thank his family and friends for their endless support and is positive you will enjoy the performance!

Ashley Luli

“Omigod you guys!” Ashley is excited to return to the Player’s Guild stage for this “seriously” fun show! Some of her credits include: Jekyll and Hyde, Ragtime: The Symphonic Concert, Beauty and the Beast (Marie/Napkin), Sweeney Todd (Flashback Lucy/ Ensemble/ U/S Johanna), A Christmas Carol (Christmas Past/ Mrs. Cratchit), Elf the Musical (Chadwick/ Sam/ others), The SpongeBob Musical (Karen), Into the Woods (Rapunzel), and Spring Awakening (Thea). She would like to thank God, her family, friends, and “youthies” for their love and support!

Joshua Parry

is beyond thrilled to be making a return to theater by making his Players Guild debut!. He has previously appeared in other productions such as Sweeney Todd (Judge Turpin), Little Shop of Horrors (Voice of Audrey II), Grease (Sonny) and had previously performed during another production of Legally Blonde (Ensemble). Josh graduated from Walsh University in May of 2024 with a Bachelor's degree in Corporate Communications. He has a deep passion for theater and would like to thank his family, girlfriend, and friends for their support.

Anya Rummell

is thrilled to return to the Players Guild stage for her third production, having previously appeared as Medda Larkin in Newsies and as a Dynamite in Hairspray. Some of her favorite past roles include The Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods, Katherine Blake in Freaky Friday, and Fiona in Shrek The Musical. Theater has always been a source of joy in her life, and she’s so grateful to be part of this fabulous show. Special thanks to her family, friends, and especially her husband, Jacob, for their constant love and support!

Toni Rae Datkuliak

is beyond excited to make her Player’s Guild debut!! A few of her favorite recent performances include, Hairspray (Penny Pingleton), Grease (Frenchy) and Little shop of Horrors (Audrey). She gives her love to family, friends, and amazing teachers who have continually supported her along her journey! Toni cannot wait to see what the future has in store, as she continues to pursue what she loves!! Jeremiah 29:11 IG - @toni.datk

Jesi McCullough

is ready to take their first show with the Players Guild on like a man! They are so exited to be able to jump back into theater after their last show Alice by Heart where played Alfred. Other shows they have been in include Memphis The Musical where they played the role of Bobby, as well as Once on This Island where they played the role of Agwe. Jesi looks forward to doing more with the Players Guild and opening up many opportunities for themself as they continue with their theater career. IG: @Jesi.Leshawn

Alyssa Carpinelli

is thrilled to be joining the cast of Legally Blonde! No stranger to the stage, some of her favorite past credits include Tracy (Hairspray), Jack’s Mother (Into the Woods), and Bisset/ensemble (Jekyll and Hyde). When not on stage, you can find her working towards her B.A. in Applied Communication at Kent State University (she graduates this December) or playing with her golden retriever, Phoebe! She would like to thank her parents and family for their constant love and support. Follow her on TikTok to catch all of her fun and silly videos. TT: alyssacarp97 IG: a_carp97

DARYL ROBINSON

Daryl Robinson serves as the Executive Director Of The Players Guild Theatre, one of Ohio's oldest and most cherished community arts organizations. A proud native of Massillon, Ohio, Daryl attended Bowling Green State University where he studied Music Education, (Vocal and conducting). He has spent over three decades immersed in the local choral and theatre scene - onstage, backstage and everywhere in between. As a performer, Daryl has appeared with the Bowling Green Philharmonic, Toledo Symphony, Akron Symphony, and Canton Symphony. Acting credits include Spring Hill Historic Society, Carnation City Players and The Players Guild to name a few. Daryl was a member of VOCI, formerly Canton Civic Opera for nearly 15 years and served on the Board of Directors and President of the chorus. Daryl is currently a member of the Canton Symphony Chorus. It is an extraordinary honor to help lead the Players Guild into its next chapter, continuing a legacy of artistic excellence, community connection, and the kind of magic that only happens when people gather to tell stories together. Daryl would like to give a heartfelt thank you to everyone for their continued support in helping to fulfill our mission of Keeping Live Theatre ALIVE!

JOSHUA ERICHSEN

recently transitioned from an 18-year tenure as Producing Artistic Director of the Guild to focus full-time on his company, Erichsen Creative Design. He continues to support the Guild as a consultant and advisor while pursuing a wide range of creative projects. Currently, Josh is collaborating with magician and comedian Justin Willman - star of the Netflix series Magic for Humans and the hit special Magic Lover - on the scenic design for Willman’s national tour. He's also teaming up with the award-winning publishing company Vanishing Inc. as a book layout designer. A magician himself, Josh enjoys performing whenever the opportunity arises. Outside of the studio and stage, his greatest joy is life with his wife of 23 years, his “dream girl," and being a proud dad to their two remarkable daughters.

TYRA GRISAK

Tyra will be celebrating her 10th anniversary with the Players Guild this season, during which she has developed numerous meaningful relationships with various patrons. Her greatest fulfillment from her role as guest services manager is seeing the joy that live theatre generates among our audience and everyone involved in the theatrical process. She takes great pride in leading the front of house volunteer team, which continues to grow and thrive. How grateful she is to be where she is in her personal life, and in her professional life with the PGT!

BREANNA ANTONIADES

is excited to be back for her eighth season at the Players Guild Theatre! Prior to her work here, Breanna earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Studies with a concentration of Theatre Production and a minor in Theatre Performance from Kent State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She has been given many titles throughout her fourteen plus years working in theatre, but her favorite title continues to be Production Stage Manager. She could not be happier that she gets to work in a career she is so passionate about! In her free time, she loves playing board games, throwing themed parties, and cuddling with her three adorable cats. She would like to thank her husband Anthony, her family, and her friends for all of their support over the years. Enjoy the show!

ROSS CARMICHAEL

graduated from York College of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in Theatre. Since then, he has worked professionally as an actor, a director, and in technical theatre. Technical credits: Technical Director (Gamut Theatre Group) Scenic Designer (Gamut Theatre: Hamlet; The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe; Every Christmas Story Ever Told; Pericles; A Streetcar Named Desire; TYA) Production Manager (Gamut Theatre, Powerhouse Apprentice Company); Carpenter (Ohio Shakespeare Festival, Gamut Theatre, York College of PA) Lighting Designer (Ohio Shakespeare Festival, Gamut Theatre) Directing credits: FoodPlay Productions.

BOBBY SEVERNS

With a passion for enhancing the theatrical experience through sound, Bobby brings a wealth of expertise this production. In now his third season as resident sound designer, Bobby has been instrumental in crafting immersive audio environments through sound effects, atmospheric beds, and original musical compositions that elevate storytelling and engage Players Guild audiences. Memorable projects include A 360-degree soundscape incorporated into the 2023 production of Stephen King’s Misery, and several original compositions for the environments and battle scenes of 2024’s The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. Bobby has an extensive background in music and live sound, having worked on a diverse range of projects including running his own DJ and Live Sound Reinforcement company (Pro Party DJ) for 25 years, performing hundreds of shows as a solo musician, and developing his own sound effects applications for the Apple iOS platform. Throughout his career, Bobby has collaborated with numerous community and professional theater groups both onstage as an actor/performer and in artistic, technical, and video production capacities. In addition to his work in theater, Bobby is actively involved mentoring through the Scouting America program, teaching K-5th Sunday school, and playing on the church worship team at Passion Hartville. By day, you will find him as a Senior Corporate Trainer for DRB Tunnel Solutions, a company that provides point-of-sale and tunnel control to the car wash industry. Outside work, Bobby is a proud father of three children and devoted husband of more than 25 years to his lovely wife Emily. Bobby is dedicated to using sound and music as powerful tools to bring stories to life and create memorable experiences for audiences. He hopes you find tonight’s performance a testament to that fact. Enjoy the show!

KATE JOSEPH

is pleased as punch to be back for her fifth season working in the costume shop at the Players Guild! Kate is a graduate of the 2022 class at the College of Wooster where she got her Bachelor’s degree in English and Theatre. Kate has worked on every show the last two seasons here at the PGT, but her favorite show recently she has designed was *The Toxic Avenger*. Kate enjoys puppetry, making food for everyone during tech, and being the quick change champion she is. She dares you to do a quick change faster than her, and hopes you enjoy the show!

KRISTIAN KORSGAARD

received his training at Marymount Manhattan College where he earned a BFA in Dance, Magna cum Laude. Kristian spent the next 12 years teaching dance in both Brooklyn and Queens while performing extensively in regional theater. Some favorite shows include A Chorus Line, Nunsense…Amen, Carousel, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Sweet Charity, The Will Rogers Follies, 42nd Street, Crazy for You and Annie as well as traveling to Alaska, Hawaii and through the Panama Canal performing for Holland America Cruise Lines. He also had one glorious year working as a dresser for Beauty & the Beast on Broadway. Having retired his dancing shoes, Kristian stayed in NYC for another 6 years working for a hedge fund group before moving closer to home in 2010 to open a gift shop in Hudson with his husband, Eric. Happy to be back for another show at the Guild!

MATTHEW HEPPE

Graduated in 2011 from Capital University with a B.A. in Theatre Studies and from Kent State University in 2024 with a master's degree in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs. He has worked as an actor and director across Northeast Ohio for 13 years, but considers his “theatre home” to be the Players Guild Theatre (PGT). At the PGT, Matthew has been part of the directing staff since 2018. Favorite previous directorial credits with PGT include Jekyll & Hyde (Director), Elf the Musical (Director), Ghost the Musical (Director), and Jesus Christ Superstar (Assistant Director). Outside of theatre, Matthew works as an Assistant Director for University Orientation and Visit Experience on the Kent campus of KSU, volunteers as an advisor for the Portage County Junior Fair Board, and is constantly working on some type of project for his home in Randolph.

ANDREW BOLDEN

Vocalist, conductor, and composer Andrew Bolden (he/him/his) is a giant ginger who prefers bow ties and bright colors, adores giraffes, and is always looking for his light. He is thrilled to return to the Players Guild as music director for *Legally Blonde*, having previously performed as Charles Clarke in *Titanic*. He currently works as choir director at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Massillon, Ohio; performs with Sonnenberg Station, a Rittman-based men’s choir that concertizes throughout Northeast Ohio; and serves as vice president for the MacDowell Club of Canton. Beyond music, Andrew enjoys gardening, theatre, and cocktails.