Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 10/03/2025
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Vanguard Theater presents Topdog/Underdog from October 9–26, 2025. Experience the Pulitzer Prize–winning drama by Suzan-Lori Parks that redefined American theater. A darkly comic and deeply moving story of brotherhood, rivalry, and survival, this landmark play is a must-see for theater lovers and anyone drawn to powerful, intimate storytelling.
This powerful work follows two brothers, struggling to carve out a future while wrestling with their past in a volatile mix of rivalry, love, and survival. Equal parts heartbreaking and electrifying, Topdog/Underdog is a gripping tale of family, identity, and the thin line between winning and losing. With sharp humor and explosive tension, it asks: how do we play the cards life deals us… and at what cost?
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the 2023 Tony award for Best Revival of a Play, Suzan-Lori Parks’ searing and darkly funny play is a must-see theatrical event opening Vanguard Theater’s 10th anniversary season.
Performances take place Thursday, October 9 at 8:00pm; Friday, October 10 at 8:00pm; Saturday, October 11 at 8:00pm; Sunday, October 12 at 2:00pm; Thursday, October 16 at 8:00pm; Friday, October 17 at 2:00pm & 8:00pm; Saturday, October 18 at 8:00pm; Sunday, October 19 at 2:00pm; Wednesday, October 23 at 8:00pm; Thursday, October 23 at 8:00pm; Friday, October 24 at 8:00pm; Saturday, October 25 at 2:00pm & 8:00pm; and Sunday, October 26 at 2:00pm. Tickets are available for purchase online. Vanguard Theater is located at 180 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair, New Jersey.
The cast includes Steven St. Pierre (Lincoln) and Jude Kilumbu (Booth). The production is directed by marcus. Don’t miss this intimate, unforgettable production of one of the most acclaimed plays of the 21st century.
Steven St. Pierre is a Queens NY-raised actor, writer, director, and proud son of Haitian immigrants. He found his way to storytelling after 20 years working with people with disabilities — discovering acting as a path to process, uplift, and connect. He’s appeared in over 25 Film/TV productions, including FBI: Most Wanted, HBO’s High Maintenance, and the Emmy-nominated Tough Love. Steven stars in The Pill, streaming on Amazon and Tubi, and played Lincoln in Suzan-Lori Parks’ Topdog/Underdog at Passage Theatre’s 2025 season.
Jude Kilumbu is a recent graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. He has previously studied at The New School and the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute. Up next, he will star alongside Taissa Farmiga in Jake Hoffman’s upcoming feature, The Problem with Poets.
marcus is honored to make his Vanguard debut directing Topdog/Underdog, what he deems as a love letter to Black Men. His directorial approach focuses on asking, “What conversation is this play having with the world now?”
Recent directing credits include Suzan-Lori Parks’ Topdog/Underdog (Passage Theatre), Chisa Hutchinson’s Redeemed (CATF Theaters), The Wedding Gift (Fordham University), and Surely Goodness & Mercy (Passage Theatre); Katori Hall’s The Mountaintop (Lean Ensemble Theater); and Lolita Chakrabarti’s Hymn (Burning Coal Theatre).
marcus is a multi-hyphenated artist, holding his MFA in Acting from Brooklyn College, MA in Dramatic Writing for Social Change from NYU, and dual undergraduate degrees in Drama and Performance Studies from UNC-Chapel Hill. He is an Assistant Professor of Theatre at Montclair State University.
Founded in 2015, Vanguard Theater is a not-for-profit company changing social and cultural narratives through theater dedicated to DREAM: Diversity, Reciprocity, Education, Activism & Mentorship. Their mission is to be recognized as a model in the theater community for purposeful inclusion of diverse voices and stories; partnerships that propel cross community conversations.
EVENT PREVIEWS
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(FRENCHTOWN, NJ) -- ArtYard presents a performance of You, Me and the Algorithmic Sea on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 7:00pm. This is a sharp, funny, and slightly unnerving live performance from NYC duo Xn0rmL, poet Mark Svenvold and musician/producer Ted Sabety.
The Montclair Theater Festival takes place on Saturday
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The Montclair Theater Festival takes place Saturday, July 25, 2026 from 2:00pm to 8:00pm in Brookdale Park. Step into a day of theater magic, live performances, and community fun! Presented by Vanguard Theater, this vibrant one-day event features family-friendly shows like Suessical: The Musical and Shakespeare’s The Tempest, alongside performances from local artists, food trucks, and hands-on activities for all ages.
Nutley Little Theatre presents "The Worst Fairy Tale Ever"
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The Theater Project presents Kaleidoscope Kabaret
(UNION, NJ) -- Kaleidoscope Kabaret (that's Kabaret with a K), The Theater Project's annual festival of live music and short comedic plays, will liven up the stage of DMK Black Box Theatre in Union Township's new Arts Center from July 24-26, 2026.
Aspire Performing Arts presents Disney's "Descendants: The Musical"
(MONTVILLE, NJ) -- Aspire Performing Arts Company, an award-winning performing arts company based in Wayne, will present Disney's Descendants: The Musical from July 24-26, 2026 at the Barn Theatre in Montville. The production features two casts of young performers and is directed by Joey Nasta with musical direction by Shannen Lynn and choreography by Charlize Dominguez.
Mile Square Theatre presents "Urinetown: The Musical"
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Country Gate Players presents "The Addams Family Musical" (Youth Production)
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(GARWOOD, NJ) -- Before taking their award-winning production to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland this August, Cheese Platter Productions will present one final hometown performance, and one final opportunity for audiences to help send the company overseas.
Woodbridge Community Players present "9 to 5, The Musical"
(WOODBRIDGE, NJ) -- The Woodbridge Community Players present 9 to 5, The Musical from July 23-26, 2026 at The Theater at Woodbridge Middle School. Three unlikely friends take control of their office and learn there is nothing they can't do, even in a man's world.
The 1964 Civil Rights Act Takes Center Stage with "All The Way" at Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey on July 27th
(MADISON, NJ) -- The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) continues its acclaimed Revolutionary Voices play reading series with Robert Schenkkan's Tony Award-winning drama All the Way on Monday, July 27, 2026 at 7:30pm at the F. M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University. This special one-night-only event brings together an exceptional cast to dramatize one of the most pivotal periods in American history.
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