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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 - Tara Waters
Vice President - Mike Gahan
Treasurer - Kyle Rappe
Secretary - Tiffany Behning
Kim Moore Bessler
Carol Charnock
Kim Danek
Benjamin Simpson
Stacey Swickert

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

Director's Note

Welcome to the Blue Ridge Mountains, and to the luminous world of Bright Star. When we began this journey, we were drawn to one central, powerful idea: propinquity. The word itself means nearness in place or time, but its emotional weight is far greater. It is the profound longing of the human heart for connection—the search for a person who understands your soul, for a place that feels like home, for the missing piece of your own story.

Bright Star is a masterful exploration of propinquity—both its powerful presence and its heartbreaking absence. The story unfolds in two eras, following two characters on a collision course with destiny. In the 1920s, we witness the fierce, undeniable closeness between young Alice Murphy and Jimmy Ray Dobbs, a bond torn apart by circumstance and cruelty. Twenty years later, we meet Billy Cane, a young writer returning from war whose ambition is fueled by a deep need to connect with the literary world and uncover a past he doesn’t fully understand.

The genius of Steve Martin and Edie Brickell’s music is that it feels like propinquity itself. Bluegrass is storytelling in its purest form, passed down through generations, meant to be played and sung together. It is the sound of community, of shared joy and sorrow. It is the soundtrack for lives that are destined to intersect.

In a world that can feel increasingly disconnected, Bright Star is a powerful and necessary dose of hope. It is a story that believes in second chances, in redemption, and in the idea that the threads that connect us are stronger than time and more resilient than loss. Tonight, this very theatre becomes a space of propinquity.

Thank you to our incredible cast, crew, and musicians for pouring their hearts into this tale. And thank you, our audience, for being here to complete the circle.  May the story and the music bring you closer to your own bright star.

- Suzanne L Donohue

To read more about the true story Bright Star is based on:

Iron Mountain Baby:  https://alchetron.com/Iron-Mountain-Baby

SPECIAL THANKS

Sherry Quade, Tommy Scott-King, Ted DeMarco Logue, Jen Vorm, Nancy Belle, PTP Board of Directors, PTP Publicity, House Managers, the volunteer box office staff and ushers, and all who pitched in after the program went to print!

Song List

Act One

I“If You Knew My Story”................................................Alice, Billy, Company
“She’s Gone”..........................................................................Billy, Daddy Cane, Margo
“Bright Star”............................................................................Max, Margo, Billy, Florence, Edna, Ensemble
“Way Back in the Day”.................................................Billy, Daryl, Lucy, Alice, Ensemble
“Whoa, Mama”....................................................................Alice, Jimmy Ray, Ensemble
“Firmer Hand / Do Right”...........................................Daddy Murphy, Mama Murphy, Alice, Ensemble
“A Man’s Gotta Do”.........................................................Mayor, Jimmy Ray, Stanford
“Bright Star Underscore”...........................................Daryl, Lucy, Billy, Alice, Ensemble“Asheville”.....................................................Margo, Edna, Florence, Billy, Ensemble
“Picnic Dance”
“Underscore (By Your Side)”
“What Could be Better”.............................................Stanford, Ensemble, Jimmy Ray, Alice,
                                                                       Mama Murphy, Daddy Murphy
“I Can’t Wait Part I”
“I Can’t Wait Part II”........................................................Alice, Daddy Murphy, Stanford, Dr. Norquist, Mayor,
                                                                       Jimmy Ray, Spirits, Ensemble
“Bright Star”...........................................................................Billy, Daryl, Lucy, Alice, Stanford, Ensemble
“Please, Don’t Take Him”...........................................Mama Murphy, Daddy Murphy, Alice, Stanford,
                                                                       Ensemble
“A Man’s Gotta Do (Reprise)”..............................Mayor, Ensemble

There will be one fifteen minute intermission between acts. 

Act Two

II“Sun’s Gonna Shine”....................................................Mama Murphy, Alice, Spirits, Daddy Cane, Margo,
                                                                        Ensemble
“Heartbreaker”.....................................................................Jimmy Ray, Mayor
“The Shiny Penny”
“Another Round”
“Another Round Playoff”..............................................Daryl, Lucy, Billy, Ensemble
“I Had a Vision”.....................................................................Alice, Jimmy Ray, Well-Dressed Woman
“Always Will”............................................................................Margo, Max, Edna, Florence, Billy, Ensemble
“Sun’s Gonna Shine (Reprise)”.............................Alice, Daddy Murphy, Mama Murphy
“Finale”..........................................................................................Daryl, Lucy, Jimmy Ray, Alice, Billy, Margo, Ensemble

Cast

Production Crew

Producer........................................................Sheila Hyman-Wrabley

Director............................................................Suzanne Donohue

Musical Director......................................Hunter J. Martin

Stage Manager.......................................Rachel A. Howard

Assistant Stage Manager..............Curtis Walls, Ada Donohue

Choreographer.......................................Jaira Mason

Set Design.....................................................Parker Hughes, Chris Magee

Set Construction.....................................Chris Magee

     Set Construction Crew .............Scott Hanson, Thomas “Swaz” Swazuk, Danielle LeDoux, Aidan
                                                       Carter, Elizabeth Finley, Katharine Finley, Clarence Parrish,
                                                       Rachel A. Howard, Travis Howard

Set Painting...................................................Sheila Hyman-Wrabley

     Set Paint Crew.....................................Brian Wrabley, Lisa Magee, Breana Fisher, Seth Lohr, Ashton
                                                       Gordon, William Frech, Whitney Leveling Valcarel, Sevy
                                                       Valcarel, Riglee Valcarel, Cosette Valcarel

Lighting Design.........................................Aidan Carter

     Light Board Operator...................Knox Johnson

Sound Design.............................................Jason Klonkowski

     Sound Board Operator..............Rory Daetwyler

     Sound Assistants.............................Tiffany Behning, Charlotte Flade

Set Decoration Design......................Rachel A. Howard, Sheila Hyman-Wrabley

Property Design.......................................Rachel A. Howard

     Properties Crew................................Elizabeth Finley, Kelly Phipps, Julie Fox, Tracy Labrie,
                                                       Emily Miller

Costume Design......................................Christy Orthner

     Costume Crew...................................Diana Hancock, Teresa Anich, Chloe Crouse, Carol Russell,
                                                       Alexa Byrd

Hair & Make Up Design......................Whitney Leveling Valcarel

     Hair & Make Up Crew...................Bernice Rhodes, Danielle Ward

Intimacy Coach........................................Kelly Carlson

Dance Captains.......................................Erich Engel-Cope, Justin Hancock

Program Design.......................................Jason Klonkowski

Photography...............................................Sardar Aziz, Mary Demarco-Logue, Connie Murphy

Headshots.....................................................Jason Klonkowski

Orchestra

The Orchestra

Piano, Accordian.....................................................Emily Zawada

Keyboard, Accordian, Autoharp...............Chloe Crouse

Guitar...................................................................................Joe Scrittore

Mandolin..........................................................................Troy Abbott

Banjo....................................................................................Joel Fox

Fiddle...................................................................................Holly Gutierrez

Violin/ Viola...................................................................Kelley Williams

Cello.....................................................................................Kirsten Barton

Upright Bass.................................................................Ryan Gravelle

Drums.................................................................................James Rieder

Meet the Company

Becky Norris Kuhn

Alice Murphy

is so grateful for the chance to share in this beautiful story. She was last seen on the PTP stage in I Love You, You’re Perfect Now Change. Past favorite credits include PTP’s 9 to 5 the Musical (Judy), PTP’s Beauty and the Beast (Belle), NTP’s Into the Woods (Bakers Wife), Wedding Singer (Julia), The Sound of Music (Liesl), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey). Becky can also be seen performing in concerts around the area. None of this would be possible without the support of her amazing husband Brian and their beautiful daughters, Josie and Delaney. “I love you, a bushel and a peck.”

Patrick Dolan

Billy Cane

was most recently a support singer for Ride the Cyclone (St. Mary’s College of Maryland). Previously, he was seen as Donald in You Can’t Take It with You, ensemble in Hello, Dolly, and Bob Cratchit/Ghost of Christmas Future in Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol (PTP). Patrick has also appeared in many productions at CSM and McDonough High School. It is Patrick’s profound hope that this musical will inspire and encourage you to follow your own Bright Star.

Rae Ehlen

Daddy Cane

has been performing actively most of his life in Fredericksburg, VA and the surrounding areas since 1987. He’s happy to extend the radius to make his debut with PTP in Bright Star. Closer to home he has been seen recently as J. B. Biggley in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Max Prince in Laughter on the 23rd Floor, and Dr. Armstrong in And Then There Were None. Favorite roles include Rick Steadman in The Nerd, Tito in Lend Me a Tenor, Rooster in Annie, Scanlon in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, and the multi-personality killer in Voices in the Dark. He’d like to thank his beautiful wife Debbie for her support. (Thank you honey!)

Ashton Gordon

Margo Crawford

fell in love with Bright Star in high school and cannot imagine a more meaningful show to mark her return to the stage. She has previously performed in productions such as A Wrinkle in Time (CSM) and Oliver! (CSM), and appeared in numerous shows at La Plata High School, including Cabaret, The Little Mermaid, and Legally Blonde: The Musical. When she isn’t performing, Ashton teaches Pre-Kindergarten and coaches Color Guard for Anne Arundel County Public Schools. She is deeply grateful to her friends and family for their unwavering support, and to the incredible cast and crew of Bright Star for making this experience so special.

Jacob LeJeune

Max

is extremely excited to make his return to the PTP stage. You may recognize him from his numerous productions throughout the years, notably as Robin in The Adventures of Sherwood (NTP), Jester in Once Upon a Mattress (PTP), and Scrooge in Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol (PTP). He hopes you enjoy the show and would like to thank his family and all of you for the endless support. Remember, you are enough, and tomorrow is always another day.

Mikayla Nairn

Florence/ Spirit

is so excited to be performing in her second show at PTP alongside her incredibly talented mom, Gina! She is a senior at McDonough High School, where she is vice president of Drama Club. You may have previously seen her on their stage as Wendy in Peter Pan and Wendy, Ocean in Ride the Cyclone, and Gretchen in Mean Girls. Outside of theatre, she is in the biomedical program at McDonough, vice president of Mock Trial, and an active member of a VEX Robotics team. She is forever grateful to her family for all their love, and would especially like to thank her best friend Brett for being her ride or die!

Rebecca Helen

Edna

is thrilled to be in her 2nd production at PTP stage. Rebecca graduated from Liberty University, where she got her BFA in Acting with a minor in Carpentry and Welding. When Rebecca is not on stage she loves working at her job as a barista at B. Doughnuts. Rebecca would like to give a shout to her parents for supporting her and God for giving her this opportunity. Enjoy the show!

Jay McKulka

Daryl Ames

is thrilled to make his PTP onstage debut! While he recently served “unseen” behind the scenes for PTP’s Hello, Dolly!, he is no stranger to the spotlight, having recently starred as Jack in Into the Woods. His extensive credits at NTP include Freaky Friday: The Musical, These Shining Lives, Puffs, and Brighton Beach Memoirs. Jay is incredibly grateful for this talented, supportive cast and sends his love to family and friends. Enjoy the show!

Tara Waters

Lucy Grant

is happy to be back onstage after spending the past year directing Bye Bye Birdie and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Her last appearance at PTP was as Woman 2 in I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. With nearly 30 years of experience performing and directing from Maryland to Maine, some of her favorite roles include Amy in Company, Lucy in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and Adelaide in Guys and Dolls (WATCH nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress). Tara also serves on the Board of Directors here at PTP. She sends all her love to her four C boys and her husband, Steve — they are truly her brightest stars

Taylor Scott Hines

Jimmy Ray Dobbs

is overjoyed to be a part of this incredible show with such a phenomenal cast and crew, celebrating his 10th show here at PTP. He shares a special connection to the setting of Bright Star, sharing deep family ties to the North Carolinian Appalachias and all the rich family history it provides. Previous show credits have seen him in Witness For The Prosecution as Mr. Mayhew (CSM); Young Frankenstein as Victor Frankenstein/The Monster (PTP); and Alice In Wonderland as Cheshire Cat (HBP). Taylor would like to thank his Spring Dell teammates, super supervisor, and of course cool Kev; his awesome college professor AnnMarie and all his fellow peers over at CSM; his family both near and 6-7 hours down the I95; and finally his enduring partner of 10 amazing years, Aaron. Taylor dedicates his performance to his unforgettable Aunt Brenda Sue Bolch of Hendersonville, NC. Enjoy the show, and remember, the sun will shine again.

Wilson Johnson

Daddy Murphy

is blessed to be a part of this wonderful cast. Favorite roles include Bob Ewell in To Kill a Mockingbird (Riverside Theatre); Boolie Werthan in Driving Miss Daisy (Lake of the Woods (LOW) Players and Fauquier Community Theatre); and Hector Nations in Foxfire (LOW Players). Other local theatre credits include: Oliver (Mr. Sowerberry); Scrooge the Musical (Jacob Marley); Man of La Mancha (Sancho), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Jacob), The Mousetrap (Major Metcalf); The Fantasticks (Bellomy); Trip to Bountiful (Sheriff). All praise to God for this wonderful cast and crew, and always to his Florine for her support.

Gina Nairn

Mama Murphy

is thrilled to be making her PTP stage debut! Her musical credits include Worship Leader at BRIDGE Church and member of River Rock band; former leader of G Frequency band and Godspeed Praise Band. She is excited to finally perform with her amazing daughter Mikayla with the incredible support of her husband George, and dedicates her performance to the memory of Holli Hempel White. Oh, and she thanks Brett for talking her into this! @sunnydawnmusic

William Frech

Mayor Josiah Dobbs

While William first joined the Port Tobacco Players under the stage playing guitar in the orchestra pit for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, he makes his debut on the PTP stage in Bright Star. William has also performed in Witness for the Prosecution (NTP) and Taming of the Shrew (Historic St. Mary’s City).

Mike Gahan

Stanford Adams

became involved with The Port Tobacco Players in 1996 when he thought he was merely going to be the chauffeur for his daughter, Erin. Since then, he has become involved in dozens of productions both on stage and behind the scenes. He is the current Business Manager. Much love and thanks to Debbie.

Erich Engel-Cope

Dr. Norquist

is thrilled to return to the PTP stage in Bright Star, after recently making his directorial debut with Disney’s Freaky Friday (NTP). Mr. Engel-Cope has been seen onstage as Don Price in Big Fish (NTP) and the Baker in Into the Woods(NTP)(Triple Notch Award Outstanding Achievement as a Lead Actor in a Musical). Mr. Engel-Cope has also performed as Cornelius Hackl in Hello, Dolly! (PTP) and the title role in The Wedding Singer(PTP). Mr. Engel-Cope would like to send out his love to Michael for being his champion.

Susan Sweeney

Spirit

is excited to return to the PTP stage! You may have recently seen her in the ensemble of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (PTP), The Prom (CSM) and Young Frankenstein (PTP). Susan was an instrumental music teacher who spent over 35 years performing in pit orchestras. Retirement has allowed her to finally pursue her dream of being ON stage. You’re never too old to chase your dreams! Thank you John and Katie for your love and support.

Julie Fox

Government Clerk/Spirit

is delighted to be making her debut with PTP and is honored to be working with this mega-talented cast and crew. Julie has been involved in community theaters in the Annapolis area for 50 years. She was last seen as the Charwoman in A Christmas Carol (Colonial Players of Annapolis). Her favorite roles include Miss Hannigan in Annie (NTP) and Monette Gentry in Always a Bridesmaid (New Direction Community Theater). Julie also has performed original stand up comedy throughout Maryland. She was a regional finalist in the last season of Nick@Nite’s reality television show, The Funniest Mom in America. She dedicates her performance to the brightest stars in her life: her dear husband, Joel, who is also the amazing banjo player in this production, her twin daughters, Suzanne and Sarah and her very best friends. (You know who you are.)

Rachel Taylor

Well-Dressed Woman

is pleased to make her return to the PTP stage. Rachel previously performed in PTP’s Hello, Dolly, though she was most recently seen as Katherine Blake in Freaky Friday (NTP) and as Cinderella in Into the Woods (NTP). She is excited for the opportunity to grace the PTP stage once more alongside a wonderful cast, crew and production team.

Voice of Station Master

Brian Donohue

M. Justin Hancock

Ensemble

is thrilled to be invited to the cast, sharing the PTP stage with so many friends. Last seen as Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The 75th Anniversary Show, Hello, Dolly!, The Dentist in Little Shop of Horrors and Tobias Ragg in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Other notable credits include Canada’s Opera on the Avalon, Sweeney Todd. New York Loft Opera - Rossini’s Otello and Verdi’s Macbeth. Tenor Soloist for the Chesapeake Choral Arts Society’s 2025 season. An active member of the community, he can be found throughout as a guest soloist for special events and as a cantor for many of the local churches. Thank you everyone for your continued support toward the theatre and artistic programs within the community - without your support, we would never be able to share our stories. Love to all!

Jaira Mason

Ensemble

is pleased to choreograph and appear as a featured dancer in Bright Star, marking her first collaboration with PTP. Previous choreography credits include Cry-Baby (Eye of the Storm Productions), Descendants (Plum Point Productions), high school cheer routines, and the original devised work Psychedelic Disco. Performance credits include ensemble/A-line dancer in Something Rotten! and Rags (Eye of the Storm Productions). Jaira began her career as an All-Star cheerleader, earning multiple Grand Championships, including BATC National Champion (2019) and The One Champion, and later trained in dance, theatre, cheer, and color guard. She has studied in NYC with New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts on scholarship, received a scholarship to Open Jar Studios, and has completed multiple Broadway masterclasses. Also a Bronze associate- trained Ballroom and Latin dancer. (Arthur Murray)

Stephen Martin

Music, Book & Story Author

is one of the most well-known and pervasive talents in entertainment. His work has earned him an Academy Award, five Grammy Awards (two for comedy, three for music), an Emmy, the Mark Twain Award and the Kennedy Center Honor. As an author, Martin’s work includes the plays Picasso at the Lapin Agile, The Underpants, and Meteor Shower. Also an accomplished banjoist, Martin created the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass, an award established to reward artistry and bring greater visibility to bluegrass performers.

Edie Brickell

Music, Lyrics & Story Author

released the debut multiplatinum album SHOOTING RUBBER BANDS AT THE STARS with New Bohemians in 1988. Her recent works include a 13-track collaboration with Steve Martin titled LOVE HAS COME FOR YOU. The album won a Grammy for Best American Roots Song and inspired the musical Bright Star. Their second album, SO FAMILIAR, is out now.

Ada Donohue

Assistant Stage Manager

is a first-year student at Muhlenberg college where she is studying theatre. You may have previously seen her on PTP’s stage as ensemble in The Wizard of Oz in 2024, or as Mary Warren in The Crucible in 2019. Ada graduated from McDonough high school in 2025 where she also participated in theatre. She would like to thank her mom for being her rock and shining on through everything!

Suzanne L. Donohue

Director

is honored to be directing Bright Star for PTP. Her work with PTP has been recognized with multiple WATCH nominations, including Outstanding Director of a Musical for Annie and Honk!, and Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play for her role as Stella in A Streetcar Named Desire. Some of her other PTP directing highlights include Death of a Salesman, Hairspray, and Oliver!. Onstage at PTP, her favorite roles have included M’Lynn in Steel Magnolias and Lottie in Enchanted April. Throughout the region, other directing favorites include Pippin, How I Learned to Drive, and The Children’s Hour for (CSM), and The Gulf, American Buffalo, Vinegar Tom, and Crimes of the Heart (HBP). Other memorable on-stage roles include Lina in Clean, Teenage Greek Chorus in How I Learned to Drive, Jessie in ‘night, Mother, Sally in Tally’s Folly, and Lucy in Alligators. Suzanne sends her endless love and thanks to her family—Brian, Thomas, Charlie, Ada, and Robert—for their constant support.

Rachel A. Howard

Stage Manager

is thrilled to join the PTP family for what promises to be the first of many productions to follow. She studied theatre production and stage management at Misericordia University and Regent University before entering a career in business management, traveling the country throughout her husband’s military career. She has stage-managed over 30 theatre productions such as Cabaret, The Music Man, Carousel, Hello, Dolly!, The Sound of Music, The Wizard of Oz, Oklahoma!, A Chalk Garden, Crossing Delancey, A Shayna Maidel, Godspell, Crimes of the Heart, Our Town, Twelfth Night, and Into the Woods. When not backstage you can find her at dog shows where she judges and volunteers with the Afghan Hound Club of America. Rachel would like to thank Suzanne and Sheila for the opportunity to support this amazing troupe of talented actors and volunteers. Additionally, special thanks to Ada and Knox for their support backstage! Much love to her husband Travis, her parents Barb & Russ, mother in law Diane, and her many, many dogs and cats for their love and support!

Sheila Hyman-Wrabley

Producer / Set Painting

is thrilled to be producing this wonderful story to be shared with you, our audience. She has produced several shows for PTP: Little Shop of Horrors (with Keith Linville); You Can’t Take It with You; and Chicken & Biscuits. Traditionally, Sheila’s “handiwork” would be seen through her Hair & Makeup Designs-But she has now added Set Painting to her theatrical resumé. Sheila would like to thank her very understanding husband, Brian for his continued love & support. She also would like to dedicate this show to one of her favorite Producers: Janet Bourdeaux; who first introduced Sheila to Bright Star several years ago; when Janet asked her to be the Hair & Makeup Designer for that production. “No distance is too long between Friends”.

Jason Klonkowski

Sound Design

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.

Chris Magee

Set Design / Lead Carpenter

has been working with PTP for about 14 years now. His first show as set design and lead carpenter was Hairspray with Suzanne. Previous WATCH nominations include Spamalot, Hello, Dolly, and Young Frankenstein. He is happy to be able to help with this project. He wants to thank all the volunteers that came in to help get this built; especially Scott and “Swaz”. Thanks to Sheila, Rachel, and Suzanne for making this “emergency” build an easy one. One more to go.

Hunter J Martin

Music Director

is thrilled to be serving the PTP in this capacity. In 2015, Martin moved to Southern Maryland and began his career as Director of Bands at Leonardtown High School. He has since graduated with a Master of Music in Music Education degree from the University of Florida, been recognized as the 2025 SMCPS Washington Post Teacher of the Year, and either conducted or performed in the pit orchestras for several musicals, including Freaky Friday, Into the Woods, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, White Christmas, and Something Rotten, among others. Martin wants to thank his family, friends, colleagues, and students for their continued support and for always being a consistent source of inspiration!

Jaira Mason

Choreographer / Featured Dancer

is pleased to choreograph and appear as a featured dancer in Bright Star, marking her first collaboration with PTP. Previous choreography credits include Cry-Baby (Eye of the Storm Productions), Descendants (Plum Point Productions), high school cheer routines, and the original devised work Psychedelic Disco. Performance credits include ensemble/A-line dancer in Something Rotten! and Rags (Eye of the Storm Productions). Jaira began her career as an All-Star cheerleader, earning multiple Grand Championships, including BATC National Champion (2019) and The One Champion, and later trained in dance, theatre, cheer, and color guard. She has studied in NYC with New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts on scholarship, received a scholarship to Open Jar Studios, and has completed multiple Broadway masterclasses. Also a Bronze associate- trained Ballroom and Latin dancer. (Arthur Murray)

Christy Orthner

Costume Design

is delighted to be making her main stage design debut with PTP for Bright Star. She grew up in North Carolina, which makes designing for this show feel especially close to home. While this is her first main stage production, she has loved costuming shows at area schools, Encore Kids with PTP, and with HBP. Christy sends heartfelt thanks to Suzanne for walking beside her beyond the theater, to her costume crew for always going the extra mile, and to her family for cheering on her love of being creative.

Whitney Leveling Valcarcel

Make-Up and Hair Design

has observed behind the scenes moments of Sheila Hyman’s creativity including The Wizard of Oz, and Young Frankenstein. She has also assisted Danielle Ward with Airness, helped painted sets for Bye Bye Birdie, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, among others. It is an incredible learning experience to be a part of the creative process in bringing a story to life on stage. PTP continues to impress her and joining the team for Bright Star has been an honor. Thank you to Sheila Hyman for believing in her and give her the opportunity.

Curtis Walls

Assistant Stage Manager

is excited to be part of his first theatre production with PTP. He works closely with the stage management team as part of the run crew, assisting with prop movement and backstage transitions throughout the show. Curtis is grateful for the opportunity to support the cast and crew behind the scenes.

Orchestra

Troy Abbott

Mandolin

Bright Star is Troy’s twelfth production as a pit member, and his sixth here with PTP. Though he’s primarily a guitarist, the opportunity to play bluegrass mandolin is a fun opportunity to stretch his musical chops. The variety and quality of talent here in our Southern Maryland community is extremely impressive, and Troy’s excited to finally be able to actually see the show live, rather than being tucked away under the stage! Thanks for coming to share this with us!

Chloe Crouse

Accordion, autoharp, piano, crotales and glockenspiel / Costume Crew

has played piano for I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (PTP) and Bye, Bye, Birdie (PTP), and Keyboards/costumes/hair for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (PTP). She is looking forward to serving as rehearsal pianist for Legally Blonde this summer, after playing keyboards for the show recently at Patuxent High School and in 2011 in Pensacola, FL. Her favorite past shows include The Magic Flute (Ridgecrest Opera workshop) serving as Music Director and Keyboards, Pippin, Chicago, and Beauty and the Beast (Case Footlighters) as Rehearsal Pianist and Piano, and The Christmas Carol (RMES) on drums. After Bright Star, next up is Into the Woods in April (CSM) on piano. This is the second show that multiple “hats” have been worn, plus MAKING multiple hats. Thank you to everyone on the costume team for letting me join in sharing creativity and talents to make everyone on stage look as good as they sound! A big shout out to Sam, Teresa, Caroline and Ian for supporting me in giving time and love to this show! Much love to all the amazing people at PTP who put so much energy and passion into bringing these shows to life.

Joel Fox

Banjo

is making his debut performance with the PTP and is honored to be working with this talented band and great theater. Joel has been playing bluegrass music nationwide with various musicians and bands for more than 45 years, most notably his 2 sisters, Kim and Barb Fox in the Fox Family Band and 3 Fox Drive. They were honored to perform at both the Grand Old Opry and the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville TN. His banjo influences include Earl Scruggs, JD Crowe, John Hickman, Bela Fleck and Scott Vestal to name a few. Joel can be found playing with his current band “The Acoustic Social Club” throughout the year. www.acousticsocialclub.com Joel is very excited to be performing with his wife, Julie in this production of Bright Star. There are not many plays that involve banjo so this is a rare treat that they can both share the stage together. Joel dedicates his performance to his amazing wife Julie and twin daughters, Suzanne and Sarah.

Ryan Gravelle

Upright Bass

has been hauling an upright bass around for most of his life. He spent six years touring the country as a professional bluegrass musician, playing everywhere from small-town stages to big-city venues. Closer to home, he has produced multiple shows with NTP and directed a youth performance troupe through more than 150 performances, helping young performers find their own love of the stage. He also plays bass with the country band The Grits. Bright Star marks Ryan’s return to bluegrass music, and it feels a lot like coming home. He’s excited to take the stage with PTP and share this story. When he’s not making music, he’s usually cheering on his wife Sarah and their five kids — Nicholas, Hannah, Jacob, Gracie, and EmmaLou. He’s grateful for the chance to make some good old-fashioned string music.

James Rieder

Drums, Musical Spoons

has played drums for Nightmare on Broadway(NTP)(2022), The Mystery of Edwin Drood(NTP)(2023), Matilda (NTP)(2024),Broadway Backwards(NTP)(2026), and Legally Blonde (Patuxent High School) (2025). He’d like to thank his girlfriend Rachel for supporting me and putting up with all of his loud drum noises and all the friends he has made at PTP over the years - it was only a matter of time before we shared the stage together!

Joe Scrittore

Acoustic & Electric Guitar

is thrilled to be strumming acoustic and electric guitars for this production of Bright Star. He’s had the pleasure of playing at PTP in shows such as The 75th Anniversary Celebration, Ragtime, Little Shop of Horrors, and more. He wants to express his heartfelt gratitude and love to his amazing family for their unwavering support.

Emily Zawada

Piano

is delighted to be doing her first show with the PTP. Usually offstage, this will be Emily’s first time onstage and in costume! She has previously played for NTP’s productions of Freaky Friday, Matilda, and Into the Woods, alongside other local shows. You can also see her supporting St. Maries Choral Arts as their collaborative pianist. She hopes you enjoy the show and the catchy bluegrass tunes!

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