(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's 2026 SUMMERFEST season comes to a memorable close with the upcoming production of Maltby & Shire's Closer Than Ever, featuring Broadway veteran John Leone, an original cast member of Jersey Boys, leading a talented four-person ensemble. The acclaimed musical revue begins July 30 and runs through August 9 in the Kutz Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center on the campus of Centenary University.
Directed by award-winning director Sara Louise Lazarus, Closer Than Ever brings together Leone, whose Broadway credits also include Les Misérables, returning Centenary Stage Company favorites Julie Galorenzo and Cassandra Krajcik, and actor, singer, musician, and audiobook narrator Alex Perone, who makes his CSC debut. Music Direction is by John Bowen, and the production also features live accompaniment by Mr. Bowen on piano and Evan Finkbeiner on bass.
Featuring music by David Shire and lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr., Closer Than Ever is a heartfelt and humorous collection of songs and stories exploring the experiences that connect us all — from relationships and family to ambition, aging, and the unexpected moments that shape our lives. Through a series of beautifully crafted musical vignettes, the production captures both the comedy and emotion found in everyday human experiences.
"We are thrilled to bring Closer Than Ever to the CSC stage as the finale of this year's SUMMERFEST season," said Christopher Young, General Manager of Centenary Stage Company. "With John Leone's Broadway experience, Sara Louise Lazarus's incredible direction, and this remarkable ensemble, audiences can expect an intimate, engaging, and unforgettable evening of musical theatre."
Performances of Closer Than Ever will be held July 30 through August 9 in the Kutz Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center, located at 715 Grand Avenue, Hackettstown, New Jersey.
Tickets range from $30 to $35 for adults, with discounts available for students, children, and groups. Thursday evening performances feature CSC's popular Buy One, Get One Rush Ticket Special, available when purchased in person at the Box Office beginning at 5:00 PM on the day of each Thursday performance.
For tickets and additional information, visit centenarystageco.org or call the Centenary Stage Company Box Office at (908) 979-0900. The Box Office is open Monday through Friday from 1:00pm to 5:00pm and two hours prior to each performance. The Centenary Stage Company box office is located in the Lackland Performing Arts Center on the campus of Centenary University at 715 Grand Ave. Hackettstown, NJ.
SUMMERFEST 2026 is sponsored by Explore Warren, a project of the Warren County Tourism Partnership.
The 2025–26 Season of Performing Arts at Centenary Stage Company is made possible through the generous support of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, The Shubert Foundation, the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, the Sandra Kupperman Foundation, the John and Margaret Post Foundation, the New Jersey Theatre Alliance, CSC corporate sponsors including Heath Village, Visions Federal Credit Union, Explore Warren, and the many members and supporters of Centenary Stage Company.
