PHOTOS from "Jesus Christ Superstar" by Phoenix Productions

(RED BANK, NJ) -- On March 16, 2024, Phoenix Productions presented a special one-night symphonic concert performance of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Count Basie Center for the Arts, featuring a 35-piece orchestra. James Grausam directed the production and photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.

Jesus Christ Superstar is a rock opera based on the last week of Jesus' life. It features Lyrics by Tim Rice and Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and was the first musical by the duo to be produced for the professional stage.  It was also the very first show by Phoenix Productions 35 years ago at Christian Brothers Academy’s Henderson Theater in the summer of 1988.

A timeless work, the rock opera is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally-known series of events but seen, unusually, through the eyes of Judas Iscariot.

The cast featured Remember Jones (Judas Iscariot), Anwar Robinson (Jesus of Nazareth), Lora Nicolas Olaes (Mary Magdalene), Jarrod Scott (Caiaphas), Matt DeMarco (Annas), Marc Goldberg (Simon Zealotes), Randy Cooper (Pontius Pilate), and Frank Ferrante (King Herod).

Director James Grausam has directed several productions for Phoenix Productions at Count Basie Center for the Arts, including: Fiddler on the Roof, The Full Monty, Miss Saigon, Tommy, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Songs for a New World, Smokey Joe's Cafe, Spring Awakening, Elf, American Idiot and more.

Adam Philipson was lead Producer for the first time at Phoenix Productions. Some of his associate producing credits on Broadway include Jagged Little Pill and Outsiders, as well as the West End's Time Traveller's Wife.

The show served as the Count Basie Center’s Winter Gala, honoring SoVonna Day-Goins and Joe Wajda, longtime Phoenix supporters and chairs of the Basie Center’s Phoenix Operations Committee.

Jesus Christ Superstar opened on Broadway in October 1971 at the Mark Hellinger Theatre. Notable names in that cast included Jeff Fenholt as Jesus, Ben Vereen as Judas, and Bob Bingham as Caiaphas. The production was nominated for 5 Tony Awards.

Up next for Phoenix Productions is The Prom with performances at Count Basie Center for the Arts on Friday, May 3 at 7:30pm and Saturday, May 4th at 2:00pm & 7:30pm. This is a delightful musical about an end of the year high-school dance. Four eccentric Broadway stars are in desperate need of a new stage. So, when they hear that trouble is brewing around a small-town prom, they know that it’s time to put a spotlight on the issue…and themselves.

The town’s parents want to keep the high school dance on the straight and narrow—but when one student just wants to bring her girlfriend to prom, the entire town has a date with destiny. On a mission to transform lives, Broadway’s brassiest join forces with a courageous girl and the town’s citizens and the result is love that brings them all together.

For over 35 years, Phoenix Productions has been dedicated to the mission of providing quality theatrical experiences on both sides of the footlights. Since its first production in 1988, they have produced over 100 main stage shows providing on-stage and back stage opportunities for thousands of talented volunteers.

In 2023, Phoenix Productions merged with its home for over three decades, the Count Basie Center for the Arts (99 Monmouth Street in Red Bank), combining and solidifying its regional impact on the performing arts.

Together, Phoenix Productions and the Count Basie Center have a clear vision: to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to do their best work. The organizations’ continued pledge to deepen their commitments to cultural competency, racial equity and social inclusion is at the heart of the Basie Center’s mission as a nonprofit.

Here are more photos from the production.

John Posada is a New Jersey based photographer specializing in photographing live theatre and music performances. Currently, John has spent the last 6 years concentrating on photographing almost 400 theater productions at over 70 different NJ theatres. Click here for John's website.

EVENT PREVIEWS

George Street Playhouse presents "Good Witch Bad Witch" on Thursday

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- George Street Playhouse presents Good Witch Bad Witch on Thursday, June 25, 2026 with performances at 3:00pm & 7:30pm. Gravity-defying vocal acrobatics from Broadway's former Glinda and Elphaba as they sing hit songs of the stage.

---

Shakespeare Theatre's Acting Apprenticeship Company presents "Love's Labour's Lost"

(MADISON, NJ) -- The Acting Apprenticeship Company at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presents Love's Labour's Lost on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 7:30pm in the K.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre. Fall under the spell of Shakespeare's sparkling comedy of romance, wit, and unexpected desire.

---

Yendor Theatre Company presents SOUL-O on Friday as part of the North to Shore Festival

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Yendor Theatre Company presents SOUL-O - an evening of solo theatre performances rooted in culture and community on Friday, June 26, 2026 at Express Newark. The event is part of the 2026 North to Shore Festival.

---

"Golden Girls - The Tribute Show!" comes to Kelsey Theatre on June 27th

(WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- Drag Events Unlimited presents Golden Girls - The Tribute Show! on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at the Kelsey Theatre. This is an evening of hilarious fun with your favorite Sassy Seniors! Live Scenes, Trivia, Games, Musical Performances, Sing-Alongs, and more! Showtime is 8:00pm.

---

State Theatre New Jersey presents Monty Python's Spamalot

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents the national tour of the Tony Award®-winning musical comedy, Monty Python's Spamalot, for four performances from June 27-28, 2026. First seen on Broadway in 2005, the original Broadway production was nominated for 14 Tony® Awards and won three, including Best Musical. It features a book & lyrics by Eric Idle and music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle.

---

The Premier Theatre Company presents "1776"

(RUMSON, NJ) -- The Premier Theatre Company presents the musical 1776 in the Rumson School District Auditorium from June 26-28, 2026. Witness the birth of a nation as our forefathers struggle to craft the Declaration of Independence.

---

The Artist Collective Troupe presents "Once Upon A Mattress"

(HOLMDEL, NJ) -- The Artist Collective Troupe presents their summer musical, Once Upon A Mattress from June 26-28 at The Villas of Holmdel. Winnifred the Woebegone is just a simple swamp princess looking to win the heart of Prince Dauntless. But can she pass the impossible test Queen Aggravain has in store for her?

---

The Summit Playhouse's Kaleidoscope Youth Theatre presents "Beetlejuice, Jr."

(SUMMIT, NJ) -- The Summit Playhouse's Kaleidoscope Youth Theatre presents Beetlejuice, Jr. with two casts from June 25-28, 2026. Based on the blockbuster motion picture turned Broadway show, Beetlejuice Jr. tells the story of a strange and unusual teenager named Lydia Deetz, still grieving the loss of her mother, and obsessed with death.

---

OffBook Productions presents "Assassins the Musical" at HACPAC

(HACKENSACK, NJ) -- OffBook Productions presents Assassins the Musical from June 25-28, 2026 at the Hackensack Performing Arts Center (HACPAC). This is a dark and clever musical from Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics) and book written by John Weidman.

---

Ritz Theatre Cabaret Series presents "Dream On!"

(HADDON TOWNSHIP, NJ) -- The Ritz Theatre Company continues its Cabaret Series with Dream On! on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at 7:30pm. Curated by Connor Twigg, this event features regional artists singing songs from their dream roles.
 

FEATURED EVENTS

George Street Playhouse presents "Good Witch Bad Witch"

Thursday, June 25, 2026 @ 3:00pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ

---

George Street Playhouse presents "Good Witch Bad Witch"

Thursday, June 25, 2026 @ 7:30pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ

---

NYC Music Marathon & Jack Dallas presents The HighWayMan

Friday, June 26, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Demarest Methodist Church
109 Hardenburg Ave, Demarest, NJ

---

Spamalot

Saturday, June 27, 2026 @ 7:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ

---

Spamalot

Saturday, June 27, 2026 @ 2:00pm
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ

---