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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
Ben 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

At its surface and heart, Legally Blonde the Musical is a joyful, high-energy story, but beneath the sparkle and humor is something deeply meaningful: a challenge to ourselves and the boxes we place others in. Elle Woods walks into Harvard carrying the weight of assumptions about who she is, what she wants, and what she’s capable of. Time and again, she is underestimated, dismissed, and defined by others’ expectations. And yet, she refuses to shrink, to conform, or to trade in the very qualities that make her unique.

Stereotypes can place unfair limits on how we see one another, shaping expectations before we even get the chance to truly connect, but they are not set in stone. They can be questioned, challenged, and ultimately broken when we choose to see people for who they really are rather than who we assume them to be. Elle doesn’t succeed by abandoning herself. She succeeds by embracing every part of who she is and proving that kindness, authenticity, and determination are strengths, not weaknesses. That journey is one I hope resonates beyond the stage and our audiences carry with them.

This production celebrates the idea that there is no single way to be “serious,” “smart,” or “successful.” We are all more than the labels we’re given. In our staging, we’ve leaned into the richness of diverse identities, perspectives, and experiences. After all, the world of this show, like our own, is strongest when it reflects the full spectrum of who we are.

As you watch, I invite you to question the assumptions we all carry, to celebrate individuality in all its forms, and to remember that no one belongs in a box.

-Ben Simpson

  Director / Choreographer

SPECIAL THANKS

Patty DeCarlo, Nick Brown, Ashton Gordon, Krissy McGregor, Maura Lacey, Ed & Helene Simpson, Port Tobacco Courthouse, Illusions Hair Salon, Grace Lutheran School, St. Charles High School, Shear Heaven Salon, 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 I

“Omigod You Guys”

Elle, Serena, Margot, Pilar, Ensemble

“Serious”

Elle, Warner

“Daughter of Delta Nu”

Serena, Margot, Pilar, Ensemble

“What You Want”

Elle, Serena, Margot, Pilar,Ensemble

“The Harvard Variations”

Emmett, Enid, Ensemble

“Blood In The Water”

Elle, Callahan, Warner, Vivienne, Ensemble

“Positive”

Serena, Margot, Pilar, Warner, Vivienne, Ensemble

“Ireland”

Paulette

“Chip On My Shoulder”

Elle, Emmett, Warner, Ensemble

“So Much Better”

Elle, Warner, Ensemble

Act II

“Whipped Into Shape”

Callahan, Warner, Brooke, Ensemble

“Delta Nu Nu Nu”

Elle, Brooke

“Take It Like A Man”

Elle, Emmett, Ensemble

“Bend and Snap”

Elle, Serena, Margot, Pilar, Paulette, Ensemble

“Gay or European?”

Elle, Emmett, Callahan, Warner, Vivienne, Brooke, Enid, Ensemble

“Legally Blonde”

Elle, Emmett, Enid

“Scene Of The Crime”

Elle, Serena, Margot, Pilar, Emmett, Warner, Vivienne, Brooke, Ensemble

“Find My Way / Finale”

Elle, Emmett, Paulette, Vivienne, Enid, Ensemble

Cast

Production Crew

Orchestra

The Orchestra

Creative Team

Meet the Company

Lisa Fleet

Elle Woods

Lisa (She/Her) is excited to debut her first leading role with Port Tobacco Players this summer! Lisa recently graduated from Towson University with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and is excited to be back home! Fun fact about Lisa, she did competitive A Cappella in college with her group, Off Track, where they went to perform at Finals in New York City back to back! She wants to give some thanks to her dad (Derrick), sister (Natalie), and partner (Kent) for always encouraging her to do shows even though she drives them nuts!!

Erich Engel-Cope

Warner

Erich is thrilled to return to the Port Tobacco Players’ stage in Legally Blonde! Mr. Engel-Cope has been seen in PTP’s productions of Bright Star (Ensemble), Hello, Dolly! (Cornelius Hackl), and The Wedding Singer (Robbie Hart). Mr. Engel-Cope recently made his directorial debut at The Newtowne Players with Disney’s Freaky Friday, where he has also performed in their productions of Big Fish (Don Price) and Into the Woods (The Baker - Triple Notch Award Outstanding Achievement as a Lead Actor in a Musical). Mr. Engel-Cope would like to send out some SERIOUS love to his husband Michael, and his family and friends for all of their love and support.

Isaiah Wilson

Emmett Forrest

Isaiah is an active stage performer in the Southern Maryland community. His recent credits include Rapunzel’s Prince in Into the Woods, Judah in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and the Escapologist in Matilda the Musical. In 2024, he was recognized for his outstanding performance as Coalhouse Walker Jr. in Ragtime, earning a nomination from WATCH. As a rising social creator, Isaiah enjoys creating theatre-centric content on instagram and tiktok (@isaiahwilsonn_). A passionate lover of musical theatre, he is excited to be back on the ptp stage for Legally Blonde!

Becky Norris Kuhn

Vivienne

Becky is thrilled to be back on stage here at the Port Tobacco players. She was last seen as Alice Murphy in PTP’s Bright Star. She has performed in featured concerts throughout Southern Maryland. Some concerts include A Princess Concert, Women of Country Music, and An Evening of Jazz. Favorite theatre credits include 9 to 5 (Judy), Beauty and the Beast (Belle), Into the Woods (Baker’s Wife), and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Woman 1). Becky is eternally grateful for the support of her husband Brian and their beautiful daughters, Josie and Delaney. “I love you, a bushel and a peck.”

Alexandra MacKeown

Brooke Wyndham

Alexandra [She/Her] is so excited to be making her Port Tobacco Players Debut as Brooke Wyndham in Legally Blonde! She has had an absolute blast throughout this process and is so grateful to the Cast, Crew, and Creative Team for welcoming her with open arms and making the process so enjoyable! Some of Alex’s most notable recent performances include Heather Chandler in Heathers with Stage Door Productions and Hermia in A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Actors Theatre of Columbus. If you want to see more of her work you can find her at alexandramackeown.com! Alex hopes you enjoy the show!

Sarah Gravelle

Paulette Bonafonte’

Sarah is so excited to Bend and Snap with this amazing cast and crew! Favorite stage credits include Big Fish (Sandra Bloom), The Sound of Music (Maria), 9 to 5 (Violet Newstead), Hello, Dolly! (Irene Molloy), Beauty & the Beast (Mrs. Potts), and She Loves Me (Amalia Balash). You can catch Sarah performing locally at venues like The Rex, St. Mary’s College, Taphouse 1637 and Port of Leonardtown Winery. She is the choir teacher and co-theater director at Esperanza Middle School. She sends love to her 5 incredible children and her smoke show husband - thank you for always being my Greek Chorus!!

Amanda Hastings

Enid Hoopes

Amanda is thrilled to return to the PTP stage with this incredible cast and crew! She has previously performed in Ragtime (Emma Goldman), The 75th Anniversary Show, 9 to 5, Hello, Dolly!, and Once Upon a Mattress. She has also performed at NTP and CSM. Amanda has also worked as a sound operator and designer for multiple shows at PTP and NTP. Outside of community theater, Amanda is a Chemistry Teacher at Lackey High School, where she helps run their drama and a cappella programs.

Destiny Flournoy

Margot

Destiny is beyond excited to be making her stage debut at Port Tobacco Players! She participated in Lackey High School’s theatre program all four years of high school, volunteers for their costume department, and refers to theatre as her oxygen. Off stage, she can be found reading, gaming, or watching the Legally Blonde MTV Pro-Shot (again). She wants to thank her mom Schniene, her brother Dominique, her boyfriend Jonathan, her entire family, and her new found PTP family for making this show rock!!!

Kae Williams

Serena

Kae is ecstatic to make her PTP debut in this production of Legally Blonde! This is actually her second production of Legally Blonde where she made her high school theatre debut as Brooke! She has appeared in many shows since then such as Into the Woods and The Prom in 2025 at CSM. She gives special thanks to her friends and family for always encouraging her artistic endeavors!

Megan Hinton

Pilar

Megan is making her Port Tobacco Players Debut. Other credits include Mary Poppins, Mulan, and Peter Pan at Northern Middle and Silver Spring Stages Tartuffe. Was most recently in TAPS production of Peter and the Starcatcher as Ted. Thanks to the cast and crew for the opportunity to learn and grow! all socials @meganannhinton

Samuel Johnson

Professor Callahan

Samuel is excited to be returning to Port Tobacco as Callahan. You may have seen him previously as Reggie in Chicken and Biscuits or as the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz. His love for the theater stems from his experience seeing Cats on Broadway as a child and getting to meet the cast. His goal in acting is to provide that same type of magical experience that transports the audience to whatever scene he is in and makes you smile. Special thanks to Tamekia, Mia, Noah and all my family and friends who have supported my return to the stage. Remember, you are never too old to dream!

Danny McKay

Kyle/Dewey/Winthrop

Danny has returned to La Plata after 40 years away, but has been involved in community theatre since high school, and choreographed a few as well. Some recent favorite roles include: King Sextimus in Once Upon a Mattress; Dwayne in 9 to 5; Ed in Torch Song; Sam in BINGO the Winning Musical; and Al DeLuca in A Chorus Line.

Danielle Baker

Ensemble/Elle Woods Understudy

This is Danielle’s first production with the Port Tobacco Players, although, you may have seen her as Samantha Brown in The Mad Ones with the Newtowne Players. She would like to thank her family for supporting her and helping her to learn these tracks. She hopes you enjoy the show!!

Madisyn Clark

Ensemble/Cashier

Madisyn is thrilled to be making her PTP debut in Legally Blonde. As a performer and choreographer, Madisyn’s favorite shows have included For Colored Girls, The Wiz, The Magic Kente Cloth, and Frost. Madisyn graduated from Georgetown University with a Bachelor’s in Psychology in 2022. She dedicates her performance to her son Jyce in hopes that it inspires him to always follow his dreams!

Jameer Fitzgerald

Grandmaster Chad/Carlos/Ensemble

Jameer is excited to be part of this production of Legally Blonde. This is his first show in three years! Previous credits include Ragtime (Ensemble), Once Upon a Mattress (Sir Luce) and Hello, Dolly! (Ambrose Kemper) Jameer would like to thank his friends, family, and the cast and crew for their support, and hopes everyone enjoys the show.

Jordyn Harmon

Kate/Chutney

Jordyn is so excited to be in her third MainStage production at PTP! You may have previously seen her as Ursula Merkle in Bye Bye Birdie. She’d like to thank her high school choir teacher, Kristen Helming, for helping her grow confident in her voice, her best friends Nya Mashego and Ada Donohue, and especially her mom for always being her biggest cheerleader.

Jayden Holmes

Ensemble/Dance Captain

Jayden is excited to be back on stage with this amazing cast! Favorite credits as dance captain include: Into the Woods (CSM), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (PTP), Bye Bye Birdie (PTP), and The Prom (CSM). Education: A.A. Theater & Dance from College of Southern Maryland, B.F.A. Musical Theatre and B.S. Multiplatform Production at Morgan State University. Holmes thanks God, his family, mentors, and friends for the love they show him!

Rachael Howell

Courtney/Elle’s Mom/Judge/Paulette Understudy

Rachael is absolutely thrilled to be part of this fabulously fun production of Legally Blonde — a show she has loved ever since high school! Past performances at Port Tobacco Players include Bye Bye Birdie (Gloria Rasputin - WATCH nominee) and Hello, Dolly! (Mrs. Rose). She also recently appeared in Newtowne Players productions of Pride and Prejudice (Jane Bennet/Anne De Bourgh) and Witness for the Prosecution (Romaine). She sends love and gratitude to her beautiful family, especially her husband Steve, for their unwavering support and for always helping her keep life positive. And a very special shout-out to her sister, Liz, for fan-girling over the Bend and Snap with her all those years ago.

Chris Limjuco

Ensemble/Callahan Understudy

Christopher is thrilled to join his first PTP production! He studied classical acting and vocal performance at Ave Maria University and holds a Master’s in conducting from Shenandoah Conservatory. Favorite credits include Balthazar in Amahl and the Night Visitors, Peter Quince in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, touring Acis and Galatea in Spain and Portugal, and performing in Native American Inspirations at La Biennale di Venezia. @chrislimjuco

Jaira Mason

Greek Chorus/Delta Nu

Jaira Mason is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of Legally Blonde and has found the experience both meaningful and rewarding. Her previous performance and choreography credits include Bright Star (PTP) as choreographer and featured dancer, Cry-Baby (Eye of the Storm Productions) as choreographer and A-Line dancer; Descendants (Plum Point Productions) as choreographer; Rags and Something Rotten! (Eye of the Storm Productions) as an A-Line dancer. Jaira began as an All-Star cheerleader, earning multiple Grand and National Championship titles, including recognition at “The One” virtual competition. She has served as both her high school cheer captain and a member of the competitive dance team. She has studied at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, completed numerous Broadway masterclasses, and earned a Bronze Associate certification in Ballroom and Latin Dance through Arthur Murray.

Chantal Palchak

Ensemble

Chantal is delighted to return to PTP! After several years away from performing, she returned to the stage last summer in PTP’s Bye Bye, Birdie!. Professionally, Chantal works as an engineer. On the side, she enjoys a good fantasy book, writing heartfelt stories, and curating mood playlists. She thanks the cast, crew, and her loved ones for their never-ending love and support, and hopes you enjoy the show!

Jing Xi Qin

Elle’s Dad/Pforzheimer/Ensemble

Jing Xi is returning to perform in his 12th musical production with PTP! Some past productions you may have seen him in are Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Bye Bye Birdie, PTP’s 75th Anniversary, Ragtime, Hello, Dolly! (WATCH Nominated Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Ensemble), Disney’s Beauty and The Beast (WATCH Nominated Outstanding Ensemble) and Once Upon a Mattress. He feels very blessed to have PTP be his home base to perform shows. Jing Xi grew up in Charles county and currently works at the Naval base Patuxent River as a Systems Administrator. He is very thankful for all friends and family that come to watch and support him.

Sara Reed

Ensemble/Reporter

Sara is excited to be in her second show at PTP. She previously performed in the ensemble of Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat. She has over 16 years of training in ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, breakdance, and Polynesian dance styles, and also spent three years teaching Latin dance styles including bachata, merengue, and salsa. She would like to thank her family for their constant love, encouragement, and support throughout her years in the performing arts.

Ren Smith

Ensemble/ Emmett Understudy

Ren is excited to be back for their third production with Port Tobacco Players. Ren is an International Thespian Society award winner and rising junior Musical Theatre major at Christopher Newport University. Ren has been performing non-stop since their sophomore year of high school, and is excited to be the understudy for such a big role in such a big show. Ren would like to give endless thanks to their mother who always pushes them to be the best they can be.

Rachel Taylor

Whitney/Ensemble

Rachel is pleased to make her return to the Port Tobacco Players stage. Rachel previously performed in PTP’s Hello, Dolly!, though she was most recently seen in the Newtowne Players’ Freaky Friday as Katherine Blake and Newtowne’s Into the Woods as Cinderella. Legally Blonde the Musical is a long-time favorite of Rachel’s. While the show presents wonderful opportunities to play a handful of fun and lovable characters, it also carries a powerful message; only you can determine your potential. She considers herself truly blessed to work alongside such an amazingly talented cast, crew and production team.

Rebecca Tillman

Ensemble

Rebecca is happy to be in her 3rd 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 and working out. Rebecca would like to give a shout to her family for supporting her and God for giving her this opportunity. Enjoy the show!

Ian Trent

Ensemble/Dance Captain

Ian is beyond excited to be back at Port Tobacco Players for this totally iconic production of Legally Blonde: The Musical! You may have previously spotted him flipping across the stage in Hello, Dolly! with Port Tobacco Players or causing musical chaos in Freaky Friday with Newtowne Players. Ian is so grateful to be surrounded by this insanely talented cast, crew, and creative team while living out his Delta Nu dreams one bend-and-snap at a time. So grab your pink, channel your inner Elle Woods, and enjoy the show!

Brett Wood

Aaron/Ensemble

Brett is thrilled to be returning for his eighth musical production with PTP! Some recent credits include Benjamin in PTP’s Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, Harvey Johnson in Bye Bye Birdie, Nikko/Tinman in The Wizard of Oz, and Little Boy in Ragtime. At McDonough High School (MHS), he has appeared as Prince Oliver in Between the Lines, Peter Pan in Peter Pan and Wendy, Damian in Mean Girls, Noel in Ride the Cyclone, and SpongeBob in The SpongeBob Musical. Outside of theatre, Brett is a recent graduate from MHS. He was also the President of the Maryland State Thespian Officers. He would like to thank his family, friends, and company for making this process so memorable. He also gives a special shout out to his best friend Mikayla for being his ride or die!

Brenden Wrenn

Sundeep

Brendan hopes you enjoy the show.

Cinder

Bruiser Woods

CINDER is ready to bring some serious Gemini energy to the stage, proving that while he may be microscopic, his talent is absolutely massive. As a Papillon, Cinder naturally commands any room he enters, usually by vibrating at a high frequency and demanding to know why he isn’t currently being carried. When he heard Legally Blonde was looking for a dog who is “fabulous, fiercely loyal, and comfortable in a variety of bright pink ensembles,” he knew the role of Bruiser was his. Frankly, he considers Elle Woods to be his entourage. He would like to thank his handlers for opening his treats at the correct speed, the wardrobe department for respecting his angles, and the rest of the cast for not stepping on him.

Rory

Rufus

RORY is thrilled to be making his theatrical debut in Legally Blonde, a production that finally recognizes his profound dramatic range. Formally known in high-society circles as CH Rimfire’s The Color of Magic at Bag End, Rory is a purebred Redbone Coonhound who usually spends his days perfecting the art of baying at structural drywall and tracking the elusive backyard squirrel. Rory has a B.A. in sad eyes from Bone University and an M.A. in Howling that can be heard all the way to the Chesapeake Bay. He would like to thank his human family for driving him to rehearsals, the cast for scratching that one spot right above his tail, and Paulette for giving him his big break. He dedicates tonight’s performance to the delivery guy, whoever he may be.

Mary Bailey

Co-Producer

Mary has been a theater mom for over 20 years at PTP . This is her first role as co-producer . Seeing a show come from auditions to the stage gives her an even bigger appreciation for all the behind the scenes work that goes into a production . She thanks everyone for being patient with her . She dedicates this show to her son Kyle who has taken her along on his love of the theater and to her mom who was so excited to see the show and will have the best seat of all from above .

Samantha Cagle

Costume Designer

Samantha is delighted to be making her debut at Port Tobacco Players. She has assisted with costume designs at St. Charles High School for their shows Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Shrek the Musical, Footloose, and Legally Blonde. She is a National Board-Certified teacher starting her tenth-year teaching Family and Consumer Science at St. Charles. She is forever thankful for her big loving family for all of their support.

Mary DeMarco-Logue

Set Painting

Mary has been with PTP since her childhood, growing up on the stage & later moving into technical roles. Currently, she is the director of the Encore Kids, whose Spring show Honk! Jr was just performed on this stage a few weeks ago. This season, she also designed & painted for Airness, Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat & assisted with paints for Lend Me a Soprano. She is also part of the Curtain Call Cinema team. When not at the theatre, Mary can be found teaching visual art & the arts to homeschoolers with Wonder & Bloom or making & teaching various arts & working as a photographer under her own brand of The Folkhaus. Keep up with her at linktr.ee/thefolkhaus!

Gary Bernard DiNardo

Properties/Set Dressing

Gary (he/him/speaker’s preference) never would have guessed his first show with PTP would be Legally Blonde OR that he would be on the design team, but he is THRILLED. #MadProps - Climates and creations from his agency “Propular Effects,” can be seen across the DMV. Some of his favorite prop and special effects work includes Everything is Wonderful, Xanadu, and Dead Air at DS, and The Legend of Georgia McBride at MCP. He holds a BA in Theatre, a BSN, and an MSHSA. He was last seen onstage as Eric in Everything is Wonderful. Other roles he’s played at DS include the eponymous role in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Arnold (Torch Song), and Emory (The Boys in the Band). He’s received two WATCH Awards for acting - MCP’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Puck) and HBP’s Bent (Max). He thanks his parents and Ed for their support which could’ve bolstered the Titanic. propulareffects@gmail.com

Rachel and Dr. Travis D. Howard

Animal Handlers

Rachel and Dr. Travis are thrilled to support the cast, crew, and their starring four-legged family members in this production of Legally Blonde. Rachel brings a rich background in fine arts, stage management, and business leadership, alongside her passion for volunteering. Most recently, she stage managed PTP’s production of Bright Star. Travis, a retired U.S. Navy officer and current cybersecurity executive, balances his technical career with part-time college lecturing and mentoring youth leadership programs. Together, they share a deep love for theater, community volunteering, and their vibrant pack of show dogs and cats.

Mia Johnson

Assistant Stage Manager

This is Mia’s second show working behind the scenes at PTP. First being Wizard of Oz as co make-up artist. Aside from that she has done a total of 11 other shows throughout highschool and 1st year of college. Mia would like to thank her friends and family for support and encouragement. And a special thanks to her dad Sam Johnson for doing another summer show at PTP with her and building memories, as to every else she hopes you Enjoy the show!!!

Jason Klonkowski

Sound Design / Projections Designer

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.

Brian Kuhn

Vocal Music Director

The 2021 Charles County Washington Post Teacher of the Year recipient Brian currently serves as the choral director at St. Charles High School in Waldorf, Maryland. An accomplished music director and educator, Brian has directed music for numerous PTP productions including Godspell, Little Shop of Horrors, Ragtime, Bye Bye Birdie, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, and PTP’s 75th Anniversary Show. Brian is grateful for the opportunity to share his passion for music and theatre and is especially appreciative of the constant love and support from his family — his wife, Becky, and daughters, Josie and Delaney.

Melissa Linsky

Co-Producer

Melissa is excited to be co-producer of Legally Blonde at PTP! She’s been backstage for several PTP productions, including James and the Giant Peach, The Crucible, and Cinderella. She is grateful to Ben for the opportunity and guidance, and is looking forward to being part of more shows. Melissa would like to thank her husband, Scott, for being so supportive of her theater adventures.

Marcuse Marshall

Set Design

Marcuse hopes you enjoy the show.

David C. Monk

Music Director

David retired from the position of Director of Instrumental Music at North Point High School on July 1st of this year, a position he held for the last eight years out of his 32 years in education. He will retain his position as Principal Conductor for the Southern Maryland Concert Band, and as an adjunct faculty member at the College of Southern Maryland. Dave Monk is performing in his 39th PTP production and his 66th musical/opera production overall. His credits include 645 performances of Miss Saigon in Stuttgart, Germany. Dave has also served as Principal Trumpet for the First U.S. Army Band at Ft. Meade, Maryland; trumpet soloist with the Bessunger Kammerorchester in Darmstadt, Germany; and trumpet player with Godspeed Praise Band in Southern Maryland. Dave currently lives in Charlotte Hall with his wife, Cheri, and has two daughters, Sydney and Sammi.

Caitlyn Murphy

Co-Hair Design

Caitlyn is excited to participate in her seventh show at PTP. This past winter she did hair & makeup design for Joseph and The Technicolor Dreamcoat. Previously she was the hair and makeup designer for Bye Bye Birdie, a dresser for I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, she assisted with makeup and hair for 9 to 5 The Musical, she was the assistant stage manager for the 75th Anniversary: An Evening of Song, and she was on the Makeup & Hair Crew for Ragtime. 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 led set construction for several PTP shows including Joseph and The Technicolor Dreamcoat; Bye Bye Birdie; I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change; Young Frankenstein; 9 to 5 The Musical; 75th Anniversary Show: An Evening Song; Ragtime; Hello, Dolly! (WATCH Nominated 2022) and Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol. He also assisted with set construction for Lend Me A Soprano, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors, and Elf the Musical. Previously for approximately 10 years, Chip was the Technical Director for McDonough High School (MHS) shows overseeing technical crews preparing for shows, assists with set construction as needed and overseeing the running crew during shows. 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.

Shemika Renée

Co-Hair Design

Shemika is excited to celebrate her 20th year at Port Tobacco Players! She is a WATCH Award nominated and winning designer, who has worked with theatres throughout the DMV and SoMD. In addition to designing and performing, she is also known as “Ms. Story” of “Ms. Story’s Living History”. She’s grateful to work on this, her second production of Legally Blonde, her previous design experience being with St. Charles High School’s production in 2023.

Tommy Scott

Lighting Design

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 other 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 14th season and 51st show here at PTP. Favorites include Into the Woods, The Who’s Tommy, Sister Act, Next to Normal, Deathtrap, You’re a good man, Charlie Brown, Macbeth, Little Shop of Horrors, Beauty and the Beast, Ragtime WATCH nominations: The Sound of Music (PTP) Brighten Beach Memoirs (PTP) Dixie Swim Club (PTP) Blithe Spirit (PTP) 1776 (PTP) Christmas Schooner (PTP) Wait until Dark (PTP) Young Frankenstein (PTP) Othello (PTP) WATCH Awards: Fiddler on the roof (PTP) Spamalot (PTP) Macbeth (PTP) Tommy is grateful to his husband Michael for understanding that all life outside of the theater ceases to exist during tech weeks.

Paulette Schriner

Costume Design

Paulette hopes you enjoy the show.

Tessa N. Silvestro

Stage Manager

Tessa is back in the stage manager role for the first time since Little Shop of Horrors in 2022. A longtime member of PTP, Tessa has worked on many shows throughout the years and in many different capacities. Favorite past onstage appearances include Emilia in Othello, The Wicked Witch in The Wizard of OZ, Roz Keith in 9 to 5, and Dolly Levi in Hello, Dolly! Tessa was also the director for PTP’s productions of Lend Me a Soprano, Ragtime, Beauty and the Beast, Elf the Musical, White Christmas, The Christmas Schooner and Annie. She sends thanks to her girlfriend for her constant support both on and off the stage. Next up for Tessa is directing the 2027 summer musical, Frozen!

Benjamin Simpson

Director/Choreographer

Legally Blonde marks Ben’s 20th show as Director and/or Choreographer at PTP. Some other Directorial and/or Choreography credits include The Sound of Music, Godspell, See How They Run, Calendar Girls, Sister Act, Working, Guys and Dolls, Hello, Dolly!, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors, Fiddler on the Roof, White Christmas, Elf The Musical, and most recently The Drowsy Chaperone at LTA. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Musical Theatre and Dance from Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, NC. During the day Ben teaches acting and film at St. Charles High School, and in 2024 was named Maryland Theatre Teacher of the Year.

Simone Smith

Assistant Stage Manager

Simone hopes you enjoy the show.

Whitney Leveling-Valcarel

Make-up Design / Properties Crew

Whitney is so excited to be working in a new arena within Port Tobacco Theater. Very thankful to Ben Simpson for giving me the opportunity to work in props and set dressing while having a hand in an old favorite; make up. I’ve been working behind the scenes with PTP since 2024 and appreciate every and any new opportunity I get to work with such talented professionals.

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