(LEONIA, NJ) -- The Players Guild of Leonia is diving headfirst into their 2025-2026 season with Red Speedo, the razor-sharp, hilarious, and fast-paced play by acclaimed playwright Lucas Hnath (A Doll's House, Part 2). The production runs from September 12-28, 2025 at the Civil War Drill Hall Theater in Leonia, home of the Players Guild. Photographer Chris Hietikko was on hand to take photos.
Set on the eve of the Olympic swimming trials, Red Speedo is an aggressive look at ambition, ethics, and the high price of victory. With intense stakes and tight dialogue, the play asks: How far will someone go to win — and what are they willing to lose along the way?
The cast features Nikolas Elrifi as Ray, an Olympic hopeful with everything to gain, and everything to lose; Michael Smith-Gallo as Peter, Ray’s ambitious brother, caught between loyalty and the truth; Dan Giordano as the Coach who has trained Ray to the brink of greatness; and Katie Toledo as Lydia, Ray’s former girlfriend, pulled back into his orbit.
All photos by Chris Hietikko
Nikolas Elrifi said “What made me love the play was how much hope every single character has – they’re all praying for rain while they drive into the desert. Everything balances on a razor’s edge and everyone wants to win. If you like The Bear, this is a must-see.”
The production runs from September 12-28, 2025 with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm, Sundays at 2:00pm. Tickets are available for purchase online. Civil War Drill Hall Theater is located at 130 Grand Avenue in Leonia, New Jersey.
RED SPEEDO is directed by Chris Hietikko — NJACT Perry Award winner for his thrilling production of Deathtrap at PGL — and produced by Kim Queren and Jodi Reiss. “This play is like a race,” said Hietikko. “It’s lean, fast, and explosive — audiences will feel like they’re right on the starting block with the characters.”
Once again, Hietikko and his production team, have completely reconfigured the Civil War Drill Hall Theatre (built in 1859), by turning the proscenium space into a three-quarter round set, emphasizing the intimacy the theatre affords. Hietikko and his team were responsible for the sold-out 2024 production of Deathtrap at Players Guild, which was nominated for nine NJACT Perry Awards.
The RED SPEEDO production team includes Jeff Parsons (Stage Manager), Pixie Pierce (Costumes), Ed Pierce (Design Consultant), and Mike Magliocca (Fight Direction).
Founded in 1919, the Players Guild of Leonia is one of New Jersey’s oldest community theaters. Dedicated to producing high-quality, thought-provoking, and entertaining theater, PGL continues to be a vibrant hub for the arts in the community.
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