(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.
