On April 23, 2021, the Port Tobacco Players community lost one of our brightest lights. Greg Rumpf was a longtime member of our family, performing onstage, pitching in backstage, and helping out anywhere and everywhere in between. Greg was a friend to everyone he met and was always willing to lend a hand however he could. Greg first appeared on the PTP stage in Inherit the Wind in 2004, before playing Selsdon in Noises Off and the Duke of Norfolk in A Man for All Seasons. Following these productions, Greg memorably played Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, where he brought the house down with laughter at every performance. Greg went on to stand out in The Producers and Assassins, playing multiple ensemble roles in both shows—most notably his hilarious Sabu and his jovial “Big Bill” William McKinley. But it was his turn as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof where he got to show his full range as an actor, creating dramatic and emotional moments that were a balanced contrast to his comedic side. Greg was then seen on stage in Death by Chocolate and The Tempest, followed by his last role with the Players as Pontius Pilate in Jesus Christ Superstar in 2018. Over the years Greg also performed in various one-acts with PTP and lent a hand to numerous shows backstage and in various technical roles. Greg designed props, helped build sets, worked running crew, and even designed masks and sculptures, but his true passion for photography and visual effects was in the spotlight when he served as headshot photographer and visual/special effects designer for countless shows. He even earned a WATCH nomination as part of the special effects team for The Who’s Tommy. It was always exciting to see Greg's name on a cast list or audition form. He was the definition of a team player, always raising up those around him and supporting the production in any way possible. He may not have looked it but he was the greatest cheerleader you could know. He was the friendly face in the audience supporting his friends, no matter the endeavor. He was also an incredible talent. For instance, he was so excited to play Tevye, bringing so much love and humor to that role. Greg’s contribution to PTP will live on in every story that is told, every memory recounted, and every photo we look back on fondly. Live theater is fleeting in that it is only here for a moment, but our love for Greg will hold strong forever. Port Tobacco Players mourns the passing of Bridget Masin O'Neill, a wonderful actor who has graced our stage, on April 12, 2021 in Charlottesville, VA. Bridget was born May 31, 1936, in Sayville, New York, the third daughter of Joseph Anthony Masin and Eileen Vunck Masin. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon A. O’Neill, Jr., her sisters Joan Wauhop and Mary Ellen Gregory, and her daughter Mary Egan O’Neill. She is survived by her other children and their spouses, Eileen and Jeff Early of Madison, VA, Gordon and Nancy O’Neill of Lloyd Point, MD, Sally and Clay Bailey of Nashville, TN, Joseph and Ginger O’Neill of Charlotte Hall, MD, and Peter O’Neill of Annapolis, MD; and also by eleven grandchildren, Sarah Early Zeitler, Meg Early, Gordon, Alex, and Anna O’Neill, Bridget, Ferriss, and Charlie Bailey, Masin Drury, and Hannah and Haley O’Neill. She loved all of her grandchildren dearly and spoiled them as best she could. Bridget earned her nursing degree from Alexandria Hospital School of Nursing in 1957, and after working for 2 years in Northern Virginia, she married Gordon and moved to Charles County. She returned to nursing around 1980, working at Physicians Memorial (Civista) Hospital in LaPlata, Maryland, for over 30 years and was beloved by her colleagues and patients alike. She also found a passion for theater through the Port Tobacco Players, also dragging Gordon onto the stage. Together they participated in and supported this community theater for many years and made many good friends along the way. Bridget also found great satisfaction from gardening, entertaining family and friends, and decorating for the Christmas holidays at their historic home, Mount Republican. She enjoyed life to the fullest and as she often said, “If we had to go now, we’ve had a good time.” A Mass of Christian Burial will be said at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 15848 Rock Point Road, Newburg, MD on Saturday, May 1 at 11:00 am. Per COVID-19 guidelines, masks must be worn at the service, and social distancing practiced. A private burial and gathering of family will follow the service. Memorials may be made to the Port Tobacco Players, P. O. Box 2030, La Plata, MD 20646-2030 or online at www.ptplayers.com/donate.html or the Greater Maryland Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, 1850 York Road, Suite D, Timonium, MD 21093 or online at www.alz.org/maryland .
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AuthorPort Tobacco Players Archives
January 2024
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