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Cast | Production Team | Crew
Pit Orchestra | Original Artistic Team
CAST
Aubree Allen, She/Her (Chutney, Ensemble) Aubree is VERY excited to be returning to SMCT’s Legally Blonde!! Her favorite recent roles have been a Gargoyle (Hunchback of Notre Dame), Ensemble (Hadestown) and Apostle (Jesus Christ Superstar). This is Aubree’s 12th show with SMCT (and she’s very excited to still be here). “Thank you to my family and all their support and to all my friends who had to deal with my singing and line screaming. Enjoy Legally Blonde!!”
Caroline Allessi, She/Her (Leilani/Delta Nu, Greek Chorus, Ensemble) Caroline is thrilled to be returning to SMCT for Legally Blonde. Previous credits include: Young Sandra (Big Fish), Jennifer (The Rats). Caroline loves solo travel and has been to 15 countries and counting; by the end of 2026, she will have been to 20! “Thank you to everyone who supports SMCT and our work! You are helping us to keep the arts alive and well!”
Marissa Badaczewski, She/Her (Brooke Wyndham) Marissa is thrilled to be returning to SMCT for this year’s production of Legally Blonde. Previous credits include: Josephine (Big Fish), Edna (Bright Star), and Statue/Roma dancer (Hunchback). In addition to stage work, Marissa is an actor in the MN film community as well. Find her in Oxford Comma Film Cooperative’s “Silly Little Wounds” – now on it’s film festival circut run! “Many thanks to my cohort of artists and friends who continue to make storytelling meaningful. Love to Tim and Lily always. <3”
McKenna Blinman, She/Her (Margot) McKenna is super freaking pumped to perform with SMCT (for the first time ever!) in Legally Blonde! Previous credits include: Katherine (Newsies). She’s more than just a performer; McKenna used to teach welding at her school’s workshop! Her bead is immaculate. “To everyone who had to hear me talk about this experience nonstop, I’m so glad you still came. It was SO MUCH FUN! I hope you like it too.”
Grace Chang, She/Her (Delta Nu, Greek Chorus, Ensemble) Grace is incredibly excited to be a part of SMCT’s production of Legally Blonde. This is my first community theater experience! One fun fact about Grace is she works as a therapist at a middle school. “Thank you to my husband, Josh, for encouraging me to audition and to all my amazing family and friends for supporting me through this process!”
Rae Chizek, She/Her (Serena) Rae is thrilled to be back at SMCT, but this time, On Stage! Previous credits include: Graziella (West Side Story), Ensemble (Rent), but I tend to do more backstage work like choreography (Bright Star, SpongeBob), Lighting Design and Set Design (MNtendo), set building (Banjo Kazooie w/ Albino Squirrel Productions). Fun Fact: I have a lot of hobbies: Tap Dancing, Disc Golf, ASL, Figure Skating, Cat, and so much more. “Shout out to my soon to be husband, James! 🙂 Thanks for all the love and support from all my family and friends and my cutest little kitty, Sushi (and newest member, Nacho!). Please enjoy all the energy and positivity Legally Blonde can bring us in these tough times. Keep it Positive”
Emily Christiansen, She/Her (Elle Woods) Emily is so grateful and excited to perform in her first production at SMCT. Previous credits include: Audrey (Little Shop of Horrors), Annette (Saturday Night Fever). One fun fact about Emily is that her twin brother broke her nose in 7th grade while guarding him playing basketball, but it’s fine because he didn’t score. “Thank you to my best friends for being my real-life Delta Nu sisters, and my entire family for supporting me and never missing a show. I love you guys!!”
Nakiya Clausell, She/Her (Ensemble) Nakiya is thrilled to be making her stage debut and feels equal parts excited and nervous. This is Nakiya’s very first production! One fun fact about Nakiya is that she will confidently beat you in a hot tub sitting contest. “Thank you to my loved ones for all the encouragement and support – this means so much. Enjoy the show!”
Chris Dansby, He/Him (Lowell, Bailiff, Ensemble) Chris is overjoyed to be in SMCT’s production of Legally Blonde. Previous credits include: Ghost of Christmas Present (A Seussified Christmas Carol), Captain of the Guard (Shrek), King Louis XI (Hunchback of Notre Dame). Chris is an avid cribbage player “Thank you to my wonderful finance Hannah for supporting me in everything that I pursue! I love you, and hope that everyone enjoys the show!!”
Jensen Drake, She/They (Pilar) Jensen is so excited for Legally Blonde because this is her favorite musical of all time and on her bucket list to be in this show! Previous credits include: Head Mistress (Valley Fair), Alison Bechdel (Fun Home), and Rizzo (Grease). One fun fact about Jensen is that the only bone she has ever broken is her pinky toe! “Shout out to my partner, family and bffs for supporting my passions and dreams!!! I love you all!!!”
Julie Erickson, She/Her (Paulette Bounufonte) Julie is so excited to be back at SMCT for one of her favorite shows! Previous credits include: Clopin (The Hunchback of Notre Dame), Tzeitel (Fiddler on the Roof), Apostle (Jesus Christ Superstar). Fun fact that as a college reporter, Julie once got to interview the book writer of Legally Blonde the Musical, Heather Hach, who hails from her hometown! “Thank you for supporting local theatre and choosing to spend a few hours of total joy and fun with us. We hope you enjoy the show as much as we’ve enjoyed creating it!”
Mason Esposito, They/Them (Winthrop, D.A. Joyce Riley, Ensemble) Mason is happy to return to SMCT for Legally Blonde. Previous credits include: Gargoyle (Hunchback of Notre Dame), Ensemble (Fiddler on the Roof), Ensemble (Low Pay? Don’t Pay!). Legally Blonde was the first musical Mason saw on Broadway! “Thank you to my wonderful friend and roommate Dana – we may not be Delta Nus, but you are the closest thing I have to a sister. Thank you for running lines with me and listening to me run the same thirty seconds of the same song many times in a row. A million thank yous to my Dad, who instilled in me a love of theater from a young age. Legally Blonde was the first show we saw together but it wasn’t the last.”
Leonardo Fay, He/Him (Grandmaster Chad, Nikos, Ensemble) Leo is super excited to be a part of this amazing crew and cast. Previous credits include: Jamie (The Last 5 Years), Bernardo (West Side Story), and John Brooke (Little Women). One fun fact about Leo is that he is a dual citizen. “Thank you to all of my friends and loved ones who supported me through this show and many others. I hope you enjoy the show!”
Tumble Gallion-Gomez, She/Her (Rufus) is excited to make her stage debut as Rufus! Other activities include agility and scent work. Tumble is a four-year-old Miniature American Shepherd. Tumble says “thanks to her new friends for all the pets and extra tasty treats. Would shake paws again!”
Danna Gilbertson, She/Her (Courtney, Cashier, Ensemble) Danna is out of her mind excited and immensely grateful to be joining SMCT for their production of Legally Blonde. One fun fact about Danna is that she just became an Auntie! Her heart is full and her wallet is empty. “This performance is dedicated to my Grandpa, watching from a heavenly seat rather than a physical one. Love you, Grandpa.”
Wren Griffin, She/Her (Jet Blue Pilot, Ensemble) Wren is ecstatic to be apart of SMCT for the first time. One fun fact about Wren is that she has performed in Carnegie Hall with an all women’s choir! “Thank you to the class that I found out was always in session while I rehearsed in a room I believed was soundproof. If I heard you, you definitely heard me. You’re probably not in the audience but I thank you, nonetheless!”
McKenzie Hartke, She/Her (Whitney, Ensemble) McKenzie is honored to be making her SMCT debut in this production of Legally Blonde. Previous credits include: Ensemble/Shelby Understudy (Spitfire Grill). One fun fact about McKenzie is she can solve a Rubik’s cube! “A huge shoutout to all my friends and family who are taking the time to come out and see the show. We hope you enjoy!”
Adam Hebeisen, He/Him (Kyle O’Boyle) Adam is overjoyed to remember to fill out his bio for SMCT’s production of Legally Blonde. Previous credits include: Phoebus (Hunchback of Notre Dame), Jekyll and Hyde (SMCT’s Malice and Mischief), Will Bloom (Big Fish). Adam’s preferred mode of travel is skipping. “Shout out to the DnD group, the Floatsings Whales: friends of giant jellyfish, enemies of giant angler fish, and vanquishers of pirates.”
Jim Hebeisen, He/Him (Professor Callahan) Jim can’t stop smiling as he thinks about being in Legally Blonde! Although he looks a bit different for the role of Callahan, you may recognize him from other SMCT shows like Big Fish (Present Day Edward Bloom), Bright Star (Mayor Dobbs), and Fiddler on the Roof (Tevye). When Jim first appeared at the school where he was principal, the consensus among students is that he should grow back his beard. (Let him know what you think, too!) “Huge thanks for my family for letting me play with my friends again and to the cast of Legally Blonde for making this an amazing experience.”
Gillian Koch, She/Her (TV Reporter, Ensemble) Gillian is delighted to be in SMCT’s production of Legally Blonde. Previous credits include: Ensemble (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat). Although it’s been 22 years since Gillian performed in Joseph, she still remembers all 29 colors (in order) from that song about the dreamcoat. She will probably never forget them. “Thank you to my friends and family for cheering me on through every new adventure. I hope this show brings you as much joy as it’s brought me!”
Jake Mathey, He/They (Boris Rachmaninov, Kiki, Ensemble) Jake is excited for their first show with SMCT! Previous credits include: T-rex 2 (Triassic Parq), Boy/Peter (Peter and The Starcatcher), Jersey Boys (Billy Dixon). One fun fact about Jake is that they won the award for Best Young Actor at the Los Angeles Film Awards in 2020 for their work on the short film “Last Summer”. “Thank you to my loving friends, fomily, and fiancé for always being my biggest supporters. Thank you for being you!”
Maddie Mularky, She/Her (Kate/Delta Nu, Greek Chorus, Ensemble) Maddie is thrilled to be apart of her first SMCT show, playing Kate in Legally Blonde! Previous credits include: Johanna (Sweeney Todd), Ronette (Little Shop of Horrors), Lily St. Regis (Annie). Despite being a singer and dancer on the side, Maddie actually works at Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute as a Fitness Representative for those with neurological disabilities. “Congratulations to the cast and crew who have worked so hard on this show! Thank you SMCT for being amazing to work with, and thanks to anyone who came to support our show!”
Noah Nelson, He/Him (Aaron Schultz, Voice of Bruiser, Ensemble) Noah is so excited to not only return to SMCT but to perform in another production of the musical that got him into theatre. Previous credits include: Riff Raff (The Rocky Horror Show), The Lover (Machinal), Gargoyle (Hunchback of Notre Dame). One fun fact about Noah is that he had this entire musical memorized back during his high school production. “Thank you for supporting local theatre. I hope this show can help lift people’s spirits in these difficult times.”
Sammi Penick, She/Her (Vivenne Kensington) Sammi is thrilled to be playing one of her dream roles in her second production with SMCT, after playing Florika in last year’s Hunchback of Notre Dame. Previous credits include: Disney Cruise Line (Ariel, Cruella de Vil, Bo Peep), Tokyo Disneyland, Genevieve (Foshay!), Penny (Hairspray). When not performing, Sammi works as a flight attendant for Delta. “Thank you to my friends, family, and Dominic for your support! Special thanks to Vanessa and the entire artistic team for creating a safe space to make theater in.”
Brandon Raglow, He/Him (Pforzheimier, Dewey, Ensemble) Brandon is thrilled to be a be a part of Legally Blonde in his SMCT debut. Previous credits include: Jimmy (Thoroughly Modern Millie), Mo (Miss You Like Hell), and Mike (A Chorus Line). Brandon was born in Akron, Ohio. “Thank you Tori for pushing me into doing this show.”
Amber Ringgenberg, She/Her (Court Stenographer, Violinist, Ensemble) Amber is excited to perform her first show with SMCT! Previous credits include: Edith (Blythe Spirit), Gohma/ShyGal (MNtendo Live!), Skullkid/Captain Blubberbeard (MNtendo Live! Expansion Pack). One interesting fact about Amber is she used to Coach/Teach Collegiate Taekwondo Athletes! “Amber is proud to be a part of this production, and wants to thank the audience for supporting local theatre.”
Blueberry Russ, He/Him (Bruiser) Bark bark bark, bark BARK bark bark SMCT bark. Bark bark bark! “Woof!”
Lahiru Samarasinghe, He/Him (Carlos, Dana, Ensemble) Lahiru is leaping for joy to be back at SMCT for Legally Blonde. Previous credits include: Giuseppe Zangara (Assassin’s), Paul (A Chorus Line), and Will (The Brave and The Bold, original show, written by cast member Adam Hebeisen!). Lahiru is a standup comedian, performing around the Twin Cities and Midwest. “Shout out to my dog, Farlow, who would have been too chaotic to be one of the dogs in this show.”
Ryan Schlepp, He/Him (Warner Huntington III) Ryan is excited to be involved in SMCT for his second year, and excited to be performing with an amazing cast. Previous credits include: Gomez (Addams Family Musical), Barnaby (Hello, Dolly!), Fork (Beauty and the Beast). A fun fact about Ryan is that he found a long lost cousin who happened to be his girlfriend’s best friend from another state. “Thanks to my parents for instilling in me a love of the arts, and my wonderful partner Ella for listening to me sing “Serious” about a thousand times.”
Flora Sherr, They/Them (Enid Hoops) Flora is excited to be returning for their third show with SMCT! Some of their favorite past roles include Fraulein Schneider (Cabaret), Alonso (The Tempest) and Catherine (Proof). One fun fact about Flora is they love live music and have been to over fifty concerts (not including house shows.) “Thank you to Edith, my Subaru Outback, for reliably getting me from St. Paul to Columbia Heights every day of rehearsal.”
George Smith, He/Him (Assistant D. A., Ensemble) George is thrilled to be in the ensemble of SMCT’s production of Legally Blonde. Previous credits include: Charles Guiteau (Assassins), Arpad Lazlo (She Loves Me), Seymour Krelborn (Little Shop of Horrors).
Jack Stetler, He/Him (Emmett Forrest) Jack is thrilled to be working with SMCT again for their production of Legally Blonde. You may have seen him in previous productions as Vlad Popov (Anastasia), Herman (Cabaret), or for the long-term fans – the King (The Brave and the Bold). A fun fact about Jack is that he has never been, and never will be a real lawyer! He’s just acting like one! “Thank you to all my wonderful friends and family for always supporting me.”
Misha Suarez, They/Them (Delta Nu, Greek Chorus, Ensemble) Misha is super thrilled to be performing with SMCT for the first time! Previous credits include: Linda (The Wedding Singer), Helene (Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812), and #13 (The Wolves). When not doing theater, Misha is in a band with their best friend in the band Divine Rat! “This show is a favorite of Misha’s and they are so grateful to be sharing this with everyone! Also, listen to “Divine Rat” on all platforms!”
Ana Tsiskarishvili, She/Her (Gaelen/Delta Nu, Greek Chorus, Ensemble) Ana is excited to make her onstage debut. Previous credits include: Pianist (Little Shop of Horrors), Pianist (Big Fish), Pianist (Catch Me If You Can). One fun fact about Ana is that after she moved to the US, she learned how to speak English watching the Lion King over and over! “Just want to give a shoutout to my housemates for dealing with me singing and dancing at home nonstop. I hope it was worth it after seeing the show!!”
Anna Werner, She/Her (Elle’s Mom, Bookish Client, Irish Voice, Ensemble) Anna is glad to be back with SMCT after 2022’s Bright Star. In recent years, she has also performed with Cross Community Players (Hello, Dolly!), Morris Park Players (Falsettos), and Fridley Community Theater (Once Upon a Mattress, Mamma Mia!). Outside of musical theater, Anna is a braillist and writer and enjoys spending time with her greyhound, Logan. “
Katie Ray Werner, She/Her (Judge, Store Manager, Ensemble) Katie Ray is so excited to be a part of SMCT’s production of Legally Blonde. Previous credits include: Andrina (The Little Mermaid), Kelsey (High School Musical). One fun fact about Katie Ray is that she actually went to law school in anticipation for this role! (Or maybe it was unrelated, but still.) “Thank you to my husband, parents, brother, and sister-in-law for supporting me throughout this production. I love you all!”
James Wilsford, He/Him (Elle’s Dad, Ensemble) Bio James, who is always willing to go the extra mile, can’t wait to apply his all for SMCT. While he was willing to bleach his hair, get a face tattoo and wax his chest for this production, he has accepted his role of flagellating himself with a jump rope. His body has taken quite the beating during rehearsals to a degree that would have broken other men his age. However not James! He has shown up with a smile, though there is an enduring suffering behind those eyes. “That body has some stories. He should probably get help and take some Advil.”
PRODUCTION TEAM
Sarah Berg, She/Her (Costumer) Sarah is back for her second year as costumer at SMCT. If you want to learn more about Sarah and her seamstress skills, check in with her after the show! Also ask if she remembered to fill out her bio this year, because her stage manager is still waiting for one. This bio created with love by said stage manager!
Abigail Blue (Program Director) is thankful for another wonderful year with SMCT. She is thrilled to be working with such a talented and dedicated cast. This is her fourth year as SMCT’s Program Director and the first time in almost 10 years to not be performing on their stage. Previous credits include Esmeralda (Hunchback of Notre Dame), Ms. Pinky (Hairspray), and Jenny Hill (Big Fish). “A huge thank you to our incredible production team for their hard work! Their creativity and countless man hours make such a difference.”
Xander Condie, He/Him (Vocal Director) Xander hasn’t been blonde for 28 years and rarely does anything legal. So he doesn’t have much in common with this show, but is still excited to be involved. Previous credits include: Jesus (Jesus Christ Superstar), Motel (Fiddler On The Roof), Ensemble (Hunchback of Notre Dame). Xander’s five year goals include 1) becoming proficient in Microsoft Excel, 2) prioritizing public transportation, 3) deciding which ocean is his favorite, and 4) joining the U of M’s Bumblebee Research Nest Quest Volunteer Team (look it up!). “A HUGE thank you to the cast and crew – everyone has put in so much work!”
James Erickson, He/Him (Technical Director) A skilled builder who works for Target during the daytime. James is also very tall. Like, really tall. And has a mustache. Be sure to congratulate him for not submitting his bio on time for the third year in a row. This message brought to you by his loving stage manager!
Erin Gallion, She/Her (Asst. Director) This has been a delightful production to work on. Previous directing credits include Little Women (St. Mary’s) and God of Carnage (Theatre Salina). Erin is proud to share this experience with her husband, Gabriel, and her extremely food motivated pup, Tumble.
Gabriel Gomez, He/Him (Scenic Designer) Gabe had a blast bringing such a colorful show to the SMCT stage. Previous credits include: Quasimodo (Hunchback), Donkey (Shrek), Baker (Into the Woods). Outside of theatre Gabe designs puzzles as the Artistic Director for the Lodge of Lazarus Crowe. “Thank you to my ridiculously amazing wife, Erin G. and our pup, Tumble for bringing their talents to this production too!”
Christine Janiak, She/Her (Stage Manager) is thrilled to be back at SMCT as the stage manager for Legally Blonde. Previous acting credits include Judas (Jesus Christ Superstar), Paulette (Legally Blonde), and Fruma Sarah (Fiddler on the Roof). One fun fact about Christine is that THE Bill Murray once hit her in the head with a tennis ball! “Thank you to my loving husband for his endless support during this process and to our amazing production team for being absolutely brilliant at every turn. Enjoy the show!“
Ella Kooyer, Any/All (Choreographer) Ella is having a blast choreographing with SMCT for her second year. Gloved Hand (Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory), Choreographer (University of Minnesota’s “Odes to Ooze), Choreographer (Kate Hamil’s Pride and Prejudice). Ella was raised on Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance and her parents took her to the tour stop in Fargo, North Dakota when she was 7. “Thanks to my mom and dad for everything. Thanks to my love Ryan (who plays Warner) for believing in me even when I don’t!”
Laura LaBree, She/Her (Graphic Designer)
Trisha Larson, She/Her (Props Master) Oh my God you guys… Trisha is so excited to be back at SMCT as prop master for Legally Blonde! Previous shows include Fiddler on the Roof and Hunchback of Notre Dame. “Thank you to my family for living in a pink Barbie wonderland as I prepped for this show!”
Vanessa Magowan Horrocks Powers, She/Her (Director) Vanessa is like, so totally excited to be directing ‘Legally Blonde’ at SMCT! Vanessa has had the honor of directing shows at St. Matthew since ‘The Wizard of Oz’ in the Spring of 2014. This theater and these people have changed her life. Some of her best friendships and best memories were formed in this church basement, and this year has been no exception. In addition to her theater work, Vanessa is a prolific, award-winning filmmaker! “Thanks to my friends, my family, and my amazing Ben for being my people, and supporting me and my art. Art is love, art is life.”
Lily Russ She/Her (Asst. Technical Director) Lily delighted to be working with SMCT for Legally Blonde! Previous theater experience includes: Stage Manager (Godspell), Light Board (Evita), and General Techie (Various Shows). One fun fact about Lily is that she is equally passionate about kickboxing and knitting (life is all about balance)! “Shout out to Mabel Bagel and Blueberry (the world’s greatest dogs) for their patience and giving me all the love when I get home late… I promise we’ll go on lots of extra walks after the show.“
Drew Wagner, He/Him (Pit Director) Drew is happy to be reprising his role as resident arm waver for Legally Blonde with SMCT!! Previous credits include: Pit Conductor(HBND), Lighting Designer (Urinetown), and Bassoon (Into the Woods). Unfortunately, there is no crazy lore drop for Drew. He’s just a dude, being a guy. “Hey, you! Yes, you! Thanks for coming out and supporting the arts, and just being you! You rock!”
CREW
Elianna Cherne, She/Her (Spotlight Operator) Elianna is so greatful to have the opportunity to help out for this show! Previous credits include: Auntie Em (Wizard of Oz), Pepper (Annie), Ms. Darbus (High School Musical). Fun Fact! Elianna couldn’t spell her middle name until 10th grade. “Thanks to the cast and crew for all the love and support!”
Abbie Marshall, She/Her (Backstage Assistant)
Jason Zemke (Sound Board Operator) is back assisting with sound for yet another SMCT production – his first being in 2008. Favorite shows include Beauty and the Beast, Big Fish, and Bright Star. When not working for the Three Rivers Park District, in his spare time Jason enjoys refereeing soccer, reading, golfing, and bowling. “Thank you for your continued support of our community theatre. Enjoy the show!”
Cougath, They/Them (Light Board Operator) Shadows stirred, and one formed into flesh. This shadow called themself Cougath and fittingly enjoyed working lights for this performance of Legally Blonde. Previous credits include: Juror #3 (12 Angry Men), Darth Vader (voice only, A Newith Hopeith), Roger (TV Terror). Little is known of Cougath, though there are rumors that they have family in R’lyeh. “Enjoy the performance. If a shadow stirs, pay it no mind.”
PIT ORCHESTRA
Jennifer Albright, She/Her (Clarinet) Jennifer is thrilled to be back for Legally Blonde after making her SMCT’s debut in Fiddler on the Roof two years ago. Jesus Christ Superstar, Ragtime, Blood Brothers. As a four year member of the St. Olaf Band Jennifer was able to play for multiple members of the Norwegian Royal family. “Jennifer hopes that like Elle everyone is able to find their passion and calling in life and be their true self.”
Tim Badaczewski, He/Him (Auxillary Percussion) Tim is excited to be back in the pit for SMCT’s production of legally blonde. Drum set ( Bright Star), Drum set ( SMCT Fall Fundraiser)? Auxiliary percussion ( Mary Poppins), Auxiliary percussion ( Hairspray ). One fun fact about Tim is that he loves helping out with set build, even for productions he is not a cast member in! “SMCT is a great outlet for my wife, Marissa, and I to perform together and connect with our community!”
Walter Baumann, He/Him (Percussion) Walter has reluctantly returned to SMCT, as the prophesy foretold. Drum Set/Percussionist (Jesus Christ Superstar, Hairspray, West Side Story). Fun fact about Walter is that he did not provide a fun fact. “Many thanks to my loving wife for her continued support and encouragement to follow my mediocre drumming dreams.”
Christine Eid, She/Her (Flute / Piccolo) Legally Blonde is a new musical for Christine, and she’s excited to be a part of this production. Playing in the pit for so many shows! I love them all! One fun fact about Christine is that she has played in 22 of SMCT’s productions. “Thanks to my husband, Norm, for continuing to support my love of music.”
Mandy French, She/Her (Trumpet) Mandy is VERY excited to be back in the pit with St. Matts for Legally Blonde. Recent favorite shows to play include, Merrily we Roll Along, Big Fish, any Disney :). She once caught a foul ball at a Twins game by taking off her Twins hat and was on the jumbotron. The Twin’s used that footage for several years as part of the Fan appreciation segment. “Thanks to friends and family for your support! Especially Amy who has to deal with me being gone a lot 🙂”
Lya Jordan (Trumpet) is back in the pit for another year at SMCT. Lya did not submit a bio, but SMCT would like to thank her for assisting in creating the ASL promotional video this year. Lya professionally is an ASL interpreter and we appreciate her expertise as we make our shows more accessible!
Erin Larson, She/Her (Keyboard/Rehearsal Accompanist) Erin, a lover of both community and theater, is jazzed to back with SMCT for Legally Blonde. Previous credits include Pianist (Jesus Christ Superstar), Pianist (Mamma Mia), and Pianist (Urinetown) although she keeps asking to be billed as Queen of the Keys…. Erin also loves spending time with her dog, Cupid, as they train to participate in agility and obedience trials. “Erin would like to thank the audience for their support of the arts and her parents for all those piano lessons!”
Matt Polum, He/Him (Guitar) Matt is delighted to return to SMCT for Legally Blonde! Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf (Into the Woods), Beast (Beauty and the Beast), and Prince (Cinderella). Fun Fact: When living in New York City as a dogwalker, Matt spent a day in Central Part with Paul Giamatti! “To Anna. Thanks for putting up with me babe”
Betsy Preston, She/Her (Trombone) Betsy is happy to be back for SMCT’s production of Legally Blonde. Previous credits include: Trombone (Ragtime), Trombone (Hunchback of Notre Dame) and Trombone (Little Women). One of Betsy’s unique skills is the ability to parallel park a boat trailer. “Enjoy the show!”
Scott Neaderhiser, He/Him (Bass) is back after a brief hiatus, with his last SMCT show being Jesus Christ Superstar in 2023. Scott is a very talented local musician by night, and a CDL truck driver by day. A loving husband, and father, who did not have the chance to submit a bio before they were due. This message brought to you in tandem by the Pit Director and Stage Manager of Legally Blonde.
Maureen Zeleny, They/She (Keyboard) Maureen is keyed up to join SMCT’s production of Legally Blonde! Previous credits include: Keyboard (Hairspray), Keyboard (Aida), Percussion (Beauty and the Beast). As a Piano Technician Apprentice, Maureen assisted in tuning the piano Paul Simon performed on. “If you are reading this because you came to support me, I love you!”
ORIGINAL ARTISTIC TEAM
Nell Benjamin (Composer/Lyricist) Nell co-wrote the score to Legally Blonde, the Musical with composer Laurence O’Keefe, which received Tony Award nominations, Drama Desk nominations, and the Olivier and Helpmann Awards for Best Musical. Nell wrote the lyrics to Mean Girls, which received multiple Tony Award nominations, including for Best Original Score and Best Musical. Nell’s play, The Explorers Club, won the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Off-Broadway Play, the Edgerton Foundation New American Plays Award, and an Alfred P. Sloan Foundation grant. Nell has written book and/or lyrics for Pirates! (or Gilbert and Sullivan plunder’d), Sarah, Plain and Tall, Cam Jansen (Drama Desk-nominated), I Want My Hat Back, How I Became A Pirate, The Mice, Life of the Party and Because of Winn Dixie. Upcoming musicals are: Huzzah!, Life of the Party, Dave. Television writing includes “Unhappily Ever After”, Animal Planet’s “Whoa! Sunday with Mo Rocca”, “Electric Company”, “Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris”, “Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway”, “Julie’s Greenroom.” Benjamin is the recipient of the Kleban Foundation Award and a Jonathan Larson Grant.
Heather Hatch (Book). Heather received 2007 Tony and Drama Desk nominations for her work on Legally Blonde. Graduate of the University of Colorado, Boulder, School of Journalism. Worked at The New York Times Denver Bureau as a research assistant and Sports and Fitness Publishing in Boulder, Colorado, as a magazine editor. Member of Denver’s Comedy Sports improv comedy troupe. Worked on the TV shows “Caroline in the City” and “Dilbert.” Won Walt Disney Screenwriting Fellowship in 1999. Film credits include Disney’s “Freaky Friday” and “What to Expect When You’re Expecting.” Also wrote the young adult novel “Freaky Monday” with Mary Rodgers. Much love to friends and family, especially Jason, Harper and Drake.
Laurence O’Keefe (Composer/Lyricist) Laurence O’Keefe received 2007 Tony and Drama Desk nominations for his work on Legally Blonde. Larry thanks all Blonde producers and creative team. He won the Ed Kleban Award, the ASCAP Richard Rodgers New Horizons Award and a Jonathan Larson award for his music and lyrics. Off-Broadway credits: Bat Boy: The Musical (Lucille Lortel, Richard Rodgers, Outer Critics’ Circle awards), which has received 100+ productions worldwide; music for Sarah, Plain and Tall, lyrics by Nell Benjamin (touring with TheatreWorksUSA). Co-author with Nell Benjamin of Cam Jansen (Drama Desk nomination) and The Mice. Larry is a product of his education with the Harvard Krokodiloes, the Hasty Pudding Theatricals, the Harvard Lampoon and the Actors’ Gang, but especially the incomparable Nell Benjamin