Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 04/12/2026
(l-r) Brandon Monti as Judas Iscariot, Sean Lynch-Littlejohn as Jesus Christ and Maggie Capone as Mary Magdalene. Photo by Sean Lynch-Littlejohn
(LEONIA, NJ) -- The Players Guild of Leonia presents Jesus Christ Superstar across three weekends from May 8-24, 2026. Featuring Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Lyrics by Tim Rice, this is a rock opera based on the last week of Jesus’ life, as seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot.
The first musical by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber to be produced for the professional stage, Jesus Christ Superstar has wowed audiences for over 50 years. 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.
Loosely based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Superstar follows the last week of Jesus Christ’s life. The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers and the Roman Empire.
The iconic 1970s rock score contains such well-known numbers as “Superstar,” “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” and “Gethsemane.” A true global phenomenon and perfect pick for schools, community theaters and professionals alike, Superstar continues to touch new generations of audiences and performers.
Performances take place Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00pm; Sunday matinees at 2:00pm. Tickets are available for purchase online. The theater is located at 130 Grand Avenue in Leonia, New Jersey.
The title role of Jesus Christ will be played by Sean Lynch-Littlejohn of Ridgewood, with Brandon Conti of Washington Township playing Judas Iscariot and Maggie Capone of River Vale playing Mary Magdalene. Joseph Pierone of Paramus as Pontius Pilate, Kay Koch of Haledon as King Herod, Hannah Elarmo of Little Falls as Simon, Bianca Falone-Teresi of Hackensack as Peter, Steven Kirby of New York City as Caiaphas and Jesse Kriesel of New City, NY as Annas round out the other principals.
The Apostles and Ensemble are comprised of Cassandra Barckett of Pompton Lakes, Geyby Aguilar of Jersey City, Katie Lupfer of Tenafly, Dan Park of Glen Rock, Angelina Aragona of Washington Township, Marisa Gore of Englewood, Mike Alexander of Oakland, Scout Schiro of Moonachie and Peter Caust of Glen Rock.
The talented production team supporting Director Ellyn Essig includes Musical Director Argine Safari, Producer Rachel Alt, Assistant to the Director and Stage Manager Kathleen Ruland, Choreographer Marc Leland, Lighting Designer, Set Designer and Builder Gerard Bourcier, Costume Designers Scout and Jo Ann Schiro, Sound Designer Rick Essig, Sound Operator Barry Reed, Lighting Operator Randi Kestin and Backstage Crew member Diane Smith, with original artwork provided by Addison Essig.
Jesus Christ Superstar is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of The Really Useful Group.
Founded in 1919, the Players Guild of Leonia is a non-profit, resident acting company at the Civil War Drill Hall Theater (built in 1859). They are New Jersey's oldest continuing community theater group, and five minutes from the George Washington Bridge and a short bus ride from Manhattan. The historic Civil War Drill Hall Theater is located at 130 Grand Avenue in Leonia, surrounded by the towns of Englewood, Fort Lee, Palisades Park and Teaneck, New Jersey.
EVENT PREVIEWS
interACT Theatre Productions presents "Psycho Beach Party"
(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- interACT Theatre Productions presents Psycho Beach Party by Charles Busch presented as part of OUT IN MAPSO PRIDE 2026 with two performances June 19-20 at The Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts.
The Road Company presents "We've Got Soul: A Tribute to Soul Train"
(WILLIAMSTOWN, NJ) -- The Road Company presents a Juneteenth Arts Celebration with We've Got Soul: A Tribute to Soul Train, performances take place June 19-20, 2026. The Grand Theatre will transform into a celebration of rhythm, culture, and soul with this show!
The Barn Theatre presents The Solstice Showcase
(MONTVILLE, NJ) -- The Barn Theatre presents The Solstice Showcase, its biennial festival of original one-act plays, from June 19-21, 2026. This three-day event showcases new works of up-and-coming playwrights from the NJ/NY area and beyond and other theatrical talent.
Chatham Community Players present a reading of "Indecent" by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel
(CHATHAM, NJ) -- The Chatham Community Players present a reading of Indecent by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel on Sunday, June 21, 2026 at 7:00pm. The play charts the history of an incendiary drama and the path of the artists who risked their careers and lives to perform it.
Cape May Stage presents a reading of "What Would Meryl Do?" by Neal Lerner
(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Cape May Stage presents a reading of What Would Meryl Do? by Neal Lerner on Monday, June 22, 2026 at 7:00pm. This is a one-man comic whirlwind about a desperate man in a small upstate town who decides to teach a class on how to live like Meryl Streep — because why not? Admission is free, but donations are accepted.
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.
Middlesex County's Plays in the Park presents "All Shook Up"
(EDISON, NJ) -- Middlesex County's Plays in the Park kicks off its season with All Shook Up from June 17-27, 2026. Loosely based on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, it's 1955, and into a square little town rides a guitar-playing young man who changes everything and everyone he meets.
Middlesex County Plays-in-the-Park presents "All Shook Up" by Joe DiPietro
(EDISON, NJ) -- Middlesex County's Plays-in-the-Park presents All Shook Up by Jersey's own Joe DiPietro from June 17-27, 2026. Loosely based on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, it's 1955 and into a square little town rides a guitar-playing young man who changes everything and everyone he meets.
"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.
Cumberland Players presents "Reefer Madness, the Musical"
(VINELAND, NJ) -- Cumberland Players presents Reefer Madness, the Musical across two weekends from June 19-28, 2026. When a clean-cut kid from a stand-up American family falls prey to marijuana, his descent into the pit is filled with jazz, sex and violence. This pointed polticial satire will go straight to your head!
FEATURED EVENTS
