About the Show

A fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde. Elle Woods appears to have it all. Her life is turned upside down when her boyfriend Warner dumps her so he can attend Harvard Law. Determined to get him back, Elle ingeniously charms her way into the prestigious law school. While there, she struggles with peers, professors and her ex. With the support of some new friends, though, Elle quickly realizes her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world.

CONTENT NOTE:
Legally Blonde is a high-energy comedy. While it has an empowering and positive central message, it contains mature themes and language that may not be suitable for all audiences, especially young children. The story is a fun, satirical take on college and law school life but includes humor and situations similar to the movie it is based on.

SCENES & SONGS:
ACT 1
Scene 1: Delta Nu Sorority House/Boutique – OMG You Guys (Elle, Delta Nus)
Scene 2: Restaurant – Serious (Elle, Warner)
Scene 3: Sorority House – Daughter of Delta Nu (Delta Nus)
Scene 4: Sorority House – What You Want (Part 1) (Elle, Delta Nus, Harvard Admissions)
Scene 5: Harvard Law – The Harvard Variations (Emmett and Students), Blood in the Water (Callahan and Students)
Scene 6: Harvard Law Hallway – Positive (Elle, Greek Chorus)
Scene 7: Hair Affair Salon – Ireland (Paulette)
Scene 8: Harvard Law/Party/Elle’s Dorm – Chip on My Shoulder (Emmett, Elle)
Scene 9: Dewey’s Trailer/Harvard Law – So Much Better (Elle, Ensemble)
INTERMISSION
ACT 2
Scene 1: Conference Room/Jail – Whipped Into Shape (Brooke, Callahan, interns, ensemble)
Scene 2: Hansen-Harkness Department Store – Take it Like a Man (Elle, Emmett)
Scene 3: Hair Affair Salon – Bend and Snap (Greek Chorus, Elle, Paulette, Ensemble)
Scene 4: Courtroom – There, Right There! (Ensemble)
Scene 5: Conference Room – Legally Blonde (Elle, Emmett)
Scene 6: Hair Affair Salon – Legally Blonde Remix (Vivienne, Esemble)
Scene 7: Courtroom/Wyndham Manor Bathroom/Graduation – Scene of the Crime, Find My Way (Ensemble)

CAST

Elle Woods: Lynette King
Margot: Emberlynn Dilley
Serena: Chloe Sutberry
Pilar: Olivia Evanson
Emmett Forest: Matthew Thelen
Paulette Buonufonte: Kelly Sandula-Gruner
Warner Huntington III: Emerson Dibean
Vivienne Kensington: Amber Miller
Enid Hoops: Haven Miller
Professor Callahan: Aaron Swan
Brooke Wyndham: Kelsie Koves
Kyle the Delivery Guy/Nicos: Iggy Arleth
Elle’s Dad/Winthrop: Dan Templin
Elle’s Mom/Ensemble: Tiffany Barron
Kate/Ensemble: Izzy Pawlanta
Leilani/Ensemble: Rachel Jandernoa
Gaelen/Ensemble: Mady Sharp
Becka/Chutney/Ensemble: Peyton Heron
Erin/TV Reporter/Ensemble: Sarah Jandernoa
DA Joyce Riley/Ensemble: Nicole Buchmann
Dewey/Lowell: Garrett Ramsey
Pforzheimer/Padamadan/Carlos: Alex Port
Judge/Ensemble: Dawn Dancer
Saleswoman/Ensemble: Rana Tekinel
Store Manager/Ensemble: Candice Dilley
Prison Guard/Ensemble: Leon Miller

Special guest “pup stars” Cadie as Rufus and Bingo as Bruiser Woods

PRODUCTION CREW

Directors: Mary Teachout and Laurie Reeves
Music Directors: Jessica Cymbal and Alex Port
Choreography: Jerry Mitchell, Emma Dassance, Emberlynn Dilley and Mary Green
Lights: John Roy Vogl and Garrett Ramsey
Sound: Jeremy Hoard
Properties: Laurie Reeves, Kelly Frazee and Audrey Frazee
Set Construction: Chad Teachout, Anthony Vogl, Jeremy Hoard, James Morrison, Jeremy Teachout, Tyler Tichvon, Candice Dilley, April Vogl, John Roy Vogl, Garrett Ramsey, Matt Thelen, Aaron Swan, Amber Miller and Leon Miller
Set Painting & Decoration: Mary Teachout, Laurie Reeves, Kelly Frazee, Audrey Frazee, Amber Miller, Aaron Swan, Matt Thelen, Lynette King, Leon Miller, Dawn Dancer, Tiffany Barron, Michelle Halgren, and Nicole Buchmann
Box Office: Laurie Thelen
Program Card: Mary Teachout
Publicity: Gruner Graphics, LLC, Mary Teachout
Website and Legally Blonde show logo: Kelly Sandula-Gruner | Gruner Graphics, LLC

 

Ignatius Arleth (Kyle/Nicos): Ignatius “Iggy” Arleth had been involved with the Portland civic players since he was in 4th grade. He has been a youth summer theater director for the past 2 years. He was also assistant director for the production of Back to the 80s in Greenville this summer. His last role at Portland Civic was Pinocchio in Shrek the Musical. Outside of theater he plays the drums, listens to music, watches movies and shows, plays video games, and exercises. He is currently majoring in communications at Lansing Community College.

Tiffany Barron (Elle’s Mom/Ensemble): Tiffany is thrilled to return to the stage in Legally Blonde the Musical! Previous favorite productions include Beauty and the Beast, 1776, The Little Mermaid, and many more. After taking a break from theatre, Tiffany is excited to be back in the spotlight now that life has calmed down a bit. She recently completed flight medic training with the Michigan Army National Guard and is honored to blend her passions for service and performance! Big thanks to her family for putting up with the added stress during practices and performances as well!

Nicole Buchmann (DA Riley/Ensemble): Nicole is beyond excited to be in PCP’s Legally Blonde the Musical! This is her first PCP musical, but she is no stranger to the stage. She most recently was in West Side Story with Starlight Dinner Theatre in Lansing. Before that she has been on stage with other community theaters in Shrek, Hairspray, All’s Well that Ends Well, Bye Bye Birdie and many more. You can also see Nicole on WILX’s lifestyle show, Studio 10. Outside of theater, she enjoys hiking, paddleboarding and cheering on her Detroit teams—go, Lions! She wants to thank her family and friends for their support and encouraging her to get back on stage!

Dawn Dancer (Judge/Ensemble): Dawn is excited to return to Portland Community Theatre, portraying the judge in Legally Blonde.  This is only Dawn’s second time on the stage. She previously portrayed Shirley, the bank teller, in It’s a Wonderful Life. Dawn is retired after 38 years in the Army and the Army National Guard where she spent most of her career in Public Affairs.  Today, when she isn’t on stage, she leads a Portland Girl Scout troop, works in her flower gardens, and is a is Ferris Bulldog Superfan. Dawn would like to thank her vocal coach, Riley, and her kids, Addie and Will, for encouraging her to audition for this show!

Emerson Dibean (Warner): Emerson is pleased to be portraying Warner Huntington III in this production. This is his 8th fall show with the Civic Players, and his 20th overall stage production, having most recently been Corey Jr. in HCAT’s production of Back to the 80s in Greenville. He is currently a student at LCC, and enjoys watching and reviewing films, design work, and video editing (having worked with the Civic Players on previous productions). He is grateful for the many opportunities he has had to develop and hone his talents, from the Summer Theater and High School Drama programs, to the opportunities he has had with HCAT. Emerson would like to thank the Civic Players for the continued opportunity to be onstage beyond school, and he’d like to thank his family, friends, and especially his girlfriend Izzy for their continued love and support in all his endeavors.

Candice Dilley (Store Manager/Ensemble): Candice’s first performance at Portland Civic players was The Plain Princess in summer theater 1994, later followed by Celebration on the Grand celebrating the theater’s 40 year anniversary. Most recently Candice and her children Ember and Xander were part of the theater’s 70th year celebration! She has loved being a part of the theater family for so many years, and hopes to see everyone at the centennial celebration!

Olivia Evansen (Pilar): Olivia is thrilled to be back for her second production with PCP. She is so excited to be playing Pilar. It’s an amazing experience to be part of such a creative and passionate team. When she’s not on stage, you can find her on the volleyball court, spiking and setting her way to victory. Balancing rehearsals and games keeps her busy. Olivia loves theater and really appreciates her friends and family’s support for her passion. She is looking forward to bringing this new character to life and sharing the stage with so much talent!

Rachel Jandernoa (Leilani/Ensemble): Rachel is excited to perform her second musical with Portland Civics Players this year! Rachel plays Whitney, a law student, a sorority girl, and a saleswoman. She enjoys participating in theater in the fall with PCP and in the spring with P-W High School. When not in theater, Rachel can be seen playing her trumpet in her high school band, throwing shotput and disces in track and field, and reading many books.

Sarah Jandernoa (Erin/TV Reporter/Ensemble): Sarah is so excited to be playing several different characters in the chorus including Erin Schultz, a sorority girl, and a TV reporter. Sarah has done several shows with the PCP, her favorite being Shrek The Musical in 2022. When you can’t find her having a blast back stage she is either sleeping, reading, baking or weightlifting. She is passionate about working hard and having too much fun at the same time and she is very excited to share that energy with you in this 2025 PCP Legally Blonde production!

Lynette King (Elle Woods): Lynette is tickled pink to make her on-stage debut at PCP, in the ultimate dream role she’s aspired to play since she was 16. Lynette has been involved with PCP since 2018, mainly backstage handling wigs and special makeup designs for Beauty and The Beast, Wizard of Oz, 1776, and Shrek. Lynette has also performed in several PCP variety shows, and provided emergency vocal cover off-stage for two Descendants performances as Evie. Lynette has been a certified and proud theater nerd since the age of 3 and has also been involved with other various productions at The Revue in Nashville and Thornapple Players in Hastings. Lynette would like to thank the directors and production team of Legally Blonde for boldly breaking stereotypes and the chance of a lifetime to step into Elle’s fabulous shoes, her mother for all the help with the beautiful costumes and to her real-life husband Matthew Thelen (the best Emmett Forrest ever) for being her loudest supporter and forever duet partner.

Kelsie Koves (Brooke): Kelsie is ecstatic to be making her PCP debut as Brooke Wyndham! This is also her first community theatre production ever! She most recently played Polly Baker in Crazy For You at the Wharton Center last summer. Kelsie has been dancing at Duhadway Dance Dimensions for 15 years and competing for 10. She’s most thankful for her parents for supporting her no matter what. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Amber Miller (Vivienne): Amber Miller is excited to be playing Vivienne! Amber is from Freeport, MI. She caught the theater bug in high school and went on to graduate from GVSU with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Theater. Since then, she has performed with various theater companies around the greater Grand Rapids area and has performed in over 28 different shows. This is her seventh show with the Portland Civic Players. Her most recent role with PCP was Lovey Lamour in It Happened On Route 66.When she is not rehearsing for a show, she enjoys singing, art, embroidery, reading, hanging out with her fiancé Aaron and their four budgies, going to Renaissance Faires, and playing DND with her friends.

Haven Miller (Enid): Haven is super excited to be playing Enid Hoops in PCPs production Legally Blonde. Most recently she was seen on the stage in PCPs spring show as Sally in It Happened on Route 66. She is excited to be performing as she was previously working behind the scenes in Greenville choreographing Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with HCAT and assistant directing Legally Blonde with FRCP. She is also currently assistant directing SpongeBob the Musical with Greenville High School. She would like to give a big shout out to her family for taking the drive out to see all of her performances and supporting her. She has a big thanks to her Mom for always helping her practice.

Izzy Pawlanta (Kate/Ensemble): Izzy is so excited to join the ensemble in PCP’s Legally Blonde. This will be her first show with Portland Civic Players and her 8th show overall. Most recently, she played Tiffany in HCAT’s Back to the 80s. When she isn’t on stage, you can find her studying at LCC as a Theatre major, cuddling her cat, or listening to music. Izzy would like to thank her dance teacher, Heather for teaching her everything she knows about dance, her high school theater director, Taylor for encouraging and inspiring her to keep doing theater, and her boyfriend Emerson for encouraging her to audition for this show!

Alex Port (Pforzheimer/Carlos/Music Direction): Alex Port is thrilled to be part of PCP’s production of Legally Blonde as co-music director, Pforzheimer, Sundeep Padamadan, and Carlos. Alex never did theatre growing up, and he’s so happy to have found a family with the Portland Civic Players.  Alex grew up in Ohio where he got his Bachelors in Music Education at Miami University and Masters in Choral Conducting at The Ohio State University. He currently lives in Potterville with his wife Kate and two cats Jupiter and Nelson. He also teaches 5-12 choir at Harper Creek Community Schools in Battle Creek and works at Interlochen Arts Camp during the summers. Outside of work and rehearsal, Alex and Kate enjoy being vegan foodies, reading, solving escape rooms and murder mysteries, and planning their next trip to Disney World.

Garrett Ramsey (Dewey/Lowell): Garrett has been working with the Portland Civic Players for just over ten years. During this time, he has been working off stage doing the lights for 14 shows and this is the first time he will be on the stage! Garrett is super excited to work more directly with all the talented actors on stage and looks forward to helping put on a fun show! Outside of theater, he enjoys rock climbing, listening to books and podcasts, and hanging out with friends and family. He is thankful for all the support from his family, friends, and all the people in this theater!

Kelly Sandula-Gruner (Paulette): Portraying Paulette—the awkward but ever-optimistic hairdresser with a heart of gold—has been great fun! The role is a contrast to last fall, where Kelly donned black horns to play the “evilicious” Malificent in PCP’s production of Disney’s Decendants. Other past favorite roles include the innocent Sgt. Sarah Brown in Guys & Dolls and sweetly ditzy Hope Langdon in Something’s Afoot (Starlight Theatre, Lansing). Kelly has also previously appeared on the PCP stage in the “Pandemic Revue” and as a long-time member of Singers on the Grand. She is also a member of the Lansing Concert Band on French horn, vocalist with the LCB Jazz Big Band and half of the duo Clique Vocals, who perform frequently around mid-Michigan. She holds degrees in both music and commercial art and works as a graphic designer (grunergraphics.com). Kelly and her husband David live in Grand Ledge and have two sons: Nathan (a college sophomore at GVSU) and Declan (a junior at GLHS). She thanks them for their support in all her creative endeavors!

Mady Sharp (Gaelen/Ensemble): Mady is very happy to be in PCP’s Legally Blonde the Musical. This is her third PCP production and her second time doing Legally Blonde. She would like to give special thanks to her parents and aunt.

Chloe Sutberry (Serena): Chloe is thrilled to be playing Serena in PCP’s Legally Blonde the Musical! This is her first PCP musical and her third production overall. Most recently, she performed in Anastasia at Portland High School, where she appeared as a Romanov and several other fun characters. Chloe has also been part of PCP’s summer theater program for the past four years and plans to continue participating for many more. Outside of theater, she enjoys performing with the Portland High School marching band as a member of the color guard. Chloe is beyond excited for everyone to see the show and is so grateful for all the love and support from her friends and family!

Aaron Swan (Callahan): Aaron is excited to be portraying Professor Callahan in PCP’s Legally Blonde. He was born and raised in Stanton, but has also hopped around between Kentucky and Florida. He finally decided to settle down here in Portland a few years ago and found his place in the PCP family as Lord Farquaad in Shrek (2022). He’s been on stage in a more musical capacity since high school and has done quite a few shows with Portland, the most recent as Johnny Jerome in It Happened on Route 66. He likes hanging out with his friends and going on adventures with his fianceé Amber and would like to thank her, his friends, and family for always supporting him and sticking around for him.

Mary Teachout (Director): Mary Teachout has been a familiar face down at PCP for longer than she can remember. She has been in many shows including Camelot, Brigadoon, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Little Shop of Horrors. She has been lucky to direct awesome casts in shows like Cinderella, Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Shrek and Murder on the Orient Express to name a few.  She is super excited to be putting together this phenomenal show with her bestie, Laurie. She serves on the board as the president alongside some incredible folks. She is very thankful for her husband who puts up with her crazy with the theater and all the other craziness in life.

Rana Tekinel (Saleswoman/Ensemble): Rana is so happy to be back for another production with the PCP. She loves working with everybody here at the theater and they are all like a second family. She has had so much fun working on every scene. This will be her eighth show with the Portland civic players. Most recently she was in It Happened on Route 66 and Bringing Down the House. Outside of theater she enjoys hanging out with her siblings and watching scary movies. Thanks to Mary and Laurie for an amazing show!

Dan Templin (Elle’s Dad/Winthrop): Dan loves to entertain, and sings, acts and plays piano with several mid-Michigan performing arts organizations. A fan of many musical genres, he’s done it all from bar-room piano man to barbershop quartets. He’s a long-time member of Singers on the Grand, who have appeared several times on the PCP stage. Dan is also currently active with the LCB Jazz Big Band and vocal duo act Clique (on Facebook @CliqueVocals), who perform around the mid-Michigan area; they have been featured for the past several years at both the annual Michigan JazzFest and BluesFest in Lansing’s Old Town district. His most recent community theater productions were with Lansing’s Starlight Dinner Theatre in Guys & Dolls and Sherlock Holmes and the Great Royal Goose Chase. By day, Dan is a local (non-blonde) attorney and serves as counsel for HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative.

Matt Thelen (Emmett): You may recognize Matthew from multiple productions with the players. He has been Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast, Rutledge in 1776, Shrek in Shrek the Musical and Otis in Route 66 as well as directing Guys and Dolls. Matthew will be playing the part of Emmett Forest. He is over the moon getting to take the stage with his favorite cast and crew again. This time he joins his wife and this will be their second time on the stage together. She’s been his biggest fan over a decade, supporting him to go bigger and be better. Matthew can’t wait to show you just how driven he is and hopes you enjoy the show!

Special Thanks!

The cast and crew would like to thank the following individuals and organizations for their support throughout this production:

PFCU

Sierra Homes

Duff, Chadwick and Assoc.

Gruner Graphics, LLC

Madarang Hoort & Associates Law Offices | Daniel K. Templin, of Counsel 

Portland Community Orchestra

Content and Effects Warning

Legally Blonde: The Musical is a high-energy comedy. While it has an empowering and positive central message, it contains mature themes and language that may not be suitable for all audiences, especially young children. The story is a fun, satirical take on college and law school life but includes humor and situations similar to the movie it is based on.

Meet our Sponsors

The Portland Civic Players would like to say a special thank you to this season’s sponsors.  We could not provide what we do to the community without them.  Their sponsorship and support of the arts in our community is essential for us to continue to provide quality, affordable entertainment.

Portland Community Orchestra

Would you like to be a sponsor for our season?  Check out all the details here!

In Memoriam

It is with grateful hearts and warm affection we remember that little group of talented men and women who had a dream of performing live theatre in Portland over 60 years ago. We also remember those who helped keep the dream alive. Because of their dedication to that dream, we pause for a moment to think of those who worked so hard to establish a firm foundation that has lasted to this very day.

Listed here (in alphabetical order) are those who have passed. They represent steadfast devotion to the Portland Civic Players in every way. We truly hope that all have been remembered here. 

Richard & Betty Anesi 

Dale Barnard Denise (Frye) Bandfield 

Tom & Marilyn Bandfield

Rex Bennett 

Ruth Callihan

Tom & Marie Cook

William & Anne Eddy 

Olive Fitzpatrick 

George & Pearle Frye 

Shirley Habegger

William J. Hill 

Winfield & Lora Hubbell 

Mel & Fram Huhn 

Vada Hummel 

Tom & Pauline Jordan

Alvin & Catherine Kelly 

William & Jennie Koster

Dr. Martin J. Kozachik 

Alan Lazette

Barbara W. Longstreth 

Herb & Verena Miller 

Cree Peake 

David and Ruth Ann Peake

Lillian Phillips 

Brenda Pung 

Chris Rainey 

Adam Reeves 

Floyd Rice, Jr. 

Joe & Caroline (Snooks) Rich 

Donald Rogers 

Margaret Schrauben

Marilyn Shaw

Bob Showerman 

Laban & Marge Smith 

Tony & Catherine Snitgen

Mary Lou Tannery

Richard & Sydell Teachout 

Particia Thelen 

Tommy & Martha (Bea) Thompson 

Marvin & Mary Thrasher 

Jerry Tiemann 

Jim Trierweiler

Willa Utterback

Sally VanPoperin

Don Webert 

David & Brenda Whitaker