Exciting news: the Renegade Fringe Festival (formerly the Renegade Theatre Festival, 2005–2022) is back--reimagined and ready for a bold new chapter — A vibrant wave of artistic experimentation makes its highly anticipated return in Summer 2026, on August 7th and 8th  in REO Town. This newly re-envisioned event promises an expansive, inclusive celebration of performance, creativity, and community connection.
As we relaunch this beloved festival in a fresh iteration, we are officially accepting applications for artists and companies to bring their work to the festival. We would be honored to have you be part of it.
The application, as well as some history about where we came from and where the festival is going, is now live on our website:
https://www.renegadefringe.org/
The Renegade Festival has always been about celebrating creativity, experimentation, and the vibrant diversity of performance—and this new version expands that vision even further. We are welcoming a wide range of performance styles and voices, and we can’t wait to see what this incredible community has to offer. Applications are open through May 31st, 2026, welcoming multidisciplinary performances that embody the ethos of innovation and artistic risk-taking.Volunteers are also encouraged to join the effort behind the scenes — from guest services to house management — becoming a vital part of the creative engine that keeps the festival moving.
More details about programming, venues, and featured performances will be released in the coming months. Until then, the Renegade Fringe Festival invites audiences to mark their calendars and prepare for a summer experience filled with dynamic artistry, unexpected encounters, and the unmistakable energy of a community ignited through the power of performance.

The Renegade team also wants to take a moment to say thank you. Truly. The Lansing theatre community--you—were the lifeblood of the festival in its original run. Your work, your risk-taking, and your passion made Renegade what it was for over 15+ years. This festival exists because of you.
We hope you’ll join us again and help shape what comes next.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Otherwise, we encourage you to apply and be part of this exciting new chapter of the Renegade Fringe Festival.
With gratitude and excitement,
The Renegade Fringe Festival Team (Shannon Bowen, Ben Cassidy, Sally Hecksel, Melissa Kaplan and Chad Swan-Badgero) Questions? contact us via email [email protected] or direct message from the Renegade Fringe Festival Facebook page.

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Ixion Ensemble’s  current production, "Kindness" by Adam Rapp is seeking a lighting board operator for tech week and the run of the show, April 10, 11, 12, 17, 18 &19 at Stage One @ Sycamore Creek Church - Eastwood, 2200 Lake Lansing Road

If interested please contact [email protected] or 517.775.4246.

April  2026
3/31-4/1 - 7:00p AUDITIONS for Wuthering Heights - The Radio Version at Edgewood Community Church 469 Hagadorn Rd, East Lansing. - AAF
https://audioairforce.com/

4/7–12-7:30pm Tue-Fri; 2pm & 7:30pm Sat; 1pm & 6:30pm  Sun -Clue - Great Hall - WTN
https://www.whartoncenter.com/events/detail/clue

4/10-12, 17-18 - 7pm Fri/Sat; 2pm Sun- 1984 by George Orwell - Adapted for the stage by Nick Hern; Director: Paige Tufford - Dart Auditorium - LCC
https://www.lcc.edu/calendar/event-details/c65e519e-6c84-4bdb-af84-13860c7f6d2c/instances/2026-04-18T23:00

4/10-12 - 17-19 7pm Fri/Sat; 3pm Sun -  Kindness by Adam Rapp directed by Miranda Hartmann - IX
http://ixiontheatre.com/

4/14-19 - 7:30pm; 2pm Sunday - Jane Austen’s Persuasion, Wharton Center Pasant Stage - Tickets at https://www.whartoncenter.com/events/detail/jane-austens-persuasion - MSU
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4/17 - 7pm- Audio Air Force presents Wuthering Heights - The Radio Version at East Lansing Hannah Community Center. - AAF
https://audioairforce.com/

4/17-26 - Fri/Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 2pm - Jukebox for the Algonquin LCPA (Lebowsky Center for Performing Arts - LEB
https://www.lebowskycenter.com/

4/17-19 - Fri/Sat @7pm, Sun @2pm Twinderella, family comedy, directed by Teresa Hurd & Ted Wulfekuhler - Greyhound Intermediate School Auditorium, Eaton Rapids - ICG
[email protected]


4/18-19 & 24-25-26 - Grumpy Old Men musical directed by Mike Stewart - Dinner 6:30; show 7:30; Sundays dessert only 1:30; show 2pm. Waverly East Intermediate School -  PG 13 some adult language, innuendo, mature comedy not suitable for children. Reservations: ‭(517) 243-6040‬ -  STL
https://www.starlightdinnertheatre.com/


4/19 - 7pm - Suitcase by Ahmad Meree directed by Rob Roznowski Islamic Center of East Lansing 920 S. Harrison Road East Lansing https://www.lansingislam.com/event-calendar.html

4/23-24 - 6-9pm - LCC Under the Stars AUDITIONS for Peter Rabbit & Going Medieval! LCC Black Box Theatre, Gannon Building room 1422. Questions? [email protected]8 or [email protected] or call 517-483-1222 - LCC

4/23-26 - 7:30pm & 2pm Sunday - Dandelion - MSU Auditorium Studio 60 lower level - MSU
https://www.whartoncenter.com/events/detail/storefront-musical


4/23 - 5/31 - Bad Books by Sharyn Rothstein, Directed by Tony Caselli. Thurs 4/23 @ 7:30 Pay-What-You-Wish; Thurs 4/23 & Fri 4/24 @ 7:30, Sat 4/25 & Sun 4/26 @ 2; remaining weeks: Thurs @ 2, Fri @ 7:30, Sat @ 2 & 7:30, Sun @ 2 - WT https://www.williamstontheatre.org/shows/2025-2026/bad-books

4/25 2pm & 6pm - Mary Jane by Amy Herzog directed by Rob Roznowski, Immersive Theatre at MSU Learning and Assessment Center 965 Wilson Rd. 6th floor East Fee Hall. 6th floor https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-immersive-theatrical-experience-about-healthcare-mary-jane-by-amy-herzog-tickets-1984569861880


4/23-25 & 4/30--5/2 -7 The Wizard of Oz 62 and over free; 4 and under free!  - Waverly High School 160 Snow Road
https://gofan.co/app/school/MI3772?activity=Musical

4/24-26 Fri 4/24 @7:00, Sat/Sun 4/25-26 @2, The Little Mermaid Junior Fowlerville High School - FCT www.fowlervilletheatre.com

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MSU Friends of Theatre will present two free classes that take you behind the scenes of Jane Austen's "Persuasion," which runs April 14-19. The classes will take place on April 14 and 21. More details follow.

SESSION ONE: The initial class will focus on the structure of the play and the MSU production. Speakers include Melissa Leilani Larson (playwright) and Daniel T. Smith (director).  This session will be held at The Peoples Church, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, from 3 to 5 pm.
THE PLAY: Class participants will have a one-week opportunity to attend the play at MSU’s Pasant Theatre on a day and at a time of their choosing. The play runs from April 14-19. Parking is available in the Wharton Center parking structure or in the Shaw Lane parking ramp.

SESSION TWO: After the play closes, a second discussion-style session will be held at The Peoples Church, on Tuesday, April 21, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. This class will be led by actors and designers from the production. This always promises to be a lively discussion.
When: Tuesday, April 14, 3-5 pm and Tuesday, April 21, 3-5 pm
Where: The Peoples Church is at 200 Grand River Ave, East Lansing. Classes are in the Robertson Room.  Free parking, including handicap spaces, is available on the west side of the church. The Church is handicapped accessible.


Cost: The classes are FREE. To purchase tickets to the play, call the WHARTON CENTER Ticket Office at (517) 432-2000 or toll-free at 1-800-WHARTON.  The cheapest way to purchase tickets is to go to Wharton Center in person.


Registration: Although classes are free, please submit this REGISTRATION FORM 
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdB2UMP0PAKHf-ZqTiSaz_uHIIT8hPXvmsc-iOc9EPMheLZ6A/viewform
to secure a spot. If you have any questions, please contact Kath Clark at the MSU Department of Theatre, mailto:[email protected] or (517) 884-7796. Seating is limited.

Production Description for Persuasion:
Persuaded in her youth to reject young Frederick Wentworth’s marriage proposal, Anne Elliot has not yet found a more suitable match. As the only truly sensible member of her family, Anne shepherds her father and sisters through financial difficulties and medical concerns, amid much letter writing and secret sharing. When Frederick returns as Captain Wentworth after achieving maritime success, he and Anne may have a second chance at love, but will they take the leap? Based on Jane Austen’s last completed novel, this adaptation, by Melissa Leilani Larson, features Austen’s signature wit and charm as it reflects on matters of love, memory and maturity.

Meet the Playwright: Melissa Leilani Larson
Melissa Leilani Larson (she/her) is a mixed race Filipino writer based in Salt Lake City. Her newest play, A FORM OF FLATTERY, is an honorable mention finalist for the 46th Bay Area Playwrights Festival and a finalist for Portland Center Stage’s JAW festival. In October, it was received a staged reading at InHouse Theatre in Los Angeles. Mel holds a BA in English from BYU and an MFA from the Iowa Playwrights Workshop. She is a proud member of the Dramatists Guild, and served the Utah region for several years as Ambassador and then as Regional Rep. She was a 2018 Art Access Mentor. She is a member of Plan-B Theatre’s Lab for new plays, the Playwrights Center of Minneapolis, and Honor Roll!, an advocacy group for female-identifying playwrights over 40.

Meet the Director: Daniel T. Smith
Daniel T. Smith is a dramaturg, translator, director and theatre historian with research interest in seventeenth- and eighteenth-century French theatre, history of sexuality and translation studies. After studying French Literature at the University of Notre Dame, Dan earned degrees in Theatre from the University of Massachusetts Amherst (MFA) and Northwestern University (PhD). He has worked extensively as a professional dramaturg and director at numerous Chicago theatres. His translations for the stage include Don Juan by Moliere and Dangerous Liaison by Madame Beaunoir, among others. He has published numerous articles, translations and reviews in professional journals.
But Dan is more than a theatre professional. His broad scope of knowledge led him to being a three-time “Jeopardy” champion, with his episodes airing in 2009.
Class Organizers: Joan Mattson, Carol Bryson, Jeanie Croope, and Sam Austin.  Faculty Liaisons: Rob Roznowski and Kirk Domer.  
These sessions will conclude the 2025-2026 Behind the Scenes series. Details and registration for the 2026-2027 Season will be announced at a future date.

Here’s a follow-up to the Grumpy Old Men Musical message from yesterday. (See you there opening night?)

Founder/Artistic Director Linda Granger explains below how Starlight Dinner Theatre carries on despite challenges — and how YOU can help.

EXPLANATION OF PRICE INCREASES:
The last thing I wanted to do was to raise prices because I realize most of our audience is older and on a fixed income, but after losing $1,000 on each for our two 
shows once returning to Waverly East (even after a very generous sponsorship from Dr. Dodds), we have no choice if we want to continue operating.  Before Covid, 
we averaged 145 people per performance.  Since returning to Waverly East for Sherlock Holmes and Over the River, we averaged 88 per performance.  
Raised expenses and less income means we may not survive after our October show.

- Our new caterer is $7 more per plate compared to International Catering.  International Catering no longer caters evening events. We realize food prices have 
gone up significantly in the last few years.

- Licensing company is now forcing us to purchase scripts for every cast member, director and stage manager at $11 a script, an expense we never had before


- Our biggest increase has been that Waverly Schools used to let us rehearse at the school for free.  They now want us to pay $35 an hour to rehearse at the school.  
Before Covid, we were able to rehearse at the school at no charge until 10 days before opening when we moved all of our sets, furniture, props and costumes in.  


For 6 weeks before moving our show onto the stage, we rehearsed for 12 hours a week for 6 weeks.  Now with the new imposed fee, that would cost us an 
additional $2,520.  This is on top of tech week and performances which totals $3,025. So the school alone would be $5,545.

We were forced to find less expensive rehearsal space, but that still is money taken out of our budget that was never an expense before.  We tried talking to the school 
Superintendent to no avail. It saddens me that we are one of the few activities our audience, especially our seniors, can attend and we aren't being given any support.
  
HOW YOU CAN HELP: 

REHEARSAL SPACE:  We are currently looking for a space to rehearse, preferably at no cost or a minimal fee.  An organization that supports and appreciates the unique experience we provide to our audience, especially our seniors and the people of Delta Township, would be great.  We are reliable and respectful of the facilities we use.

BECOME A DONOR:  We had many donors before we had to shut down for Covid and school remodeling.  Donors have dwindled down to a few people since then.  
Donations can also be made in memory of a loved one.  Sponsors/Donors will be listed in our program for two years since we are now doing only a few shows a year we
decided it best to list them for two years.
Donation categories:
$1-$99 - SHOOTING STAR
$100 - $249 - SHINING STAR
$250 - $499 - SUPER STAR
$500 - $999 - MEGA STAR
$1,000 - $1,499 - NOVA
$1,500+ - SUPER NOVA
If you would like your donation to be in memory of a loved one, please state "I would like my gift to be in memory of _____________________”
Donation checks can be sent to Starlight Theatre, c/o Linda Granger, 225 Leland Place, Lansing MI 48917

VOLUNTEER OR RECRUIT VOLUNTEERS
We can always use helpers either with the show or the dining room.  Some times all we need is someone backstage helping with costume changes, 
ironing, moving set pieces during blackouts.  This would require being at rehearsals the week before the show opens and all performances.

The dining room and box office needs volunteers for every performance.  Volunteers can come in a help for just one or more shows. 
That volunteer can see the show for free.  They could have a meal at our cost.  We have tried to find a group of students to help in the dining room to no avail.
They would be asked to help set up the tables, serve the food and clear tables before the show starts, (2 hours of volunteer work 5:30 - 7:30). We pay students
$20 for their help. If you know of any youth group, girl scouts, church group, sports team, National Honor Society, etc. that would be interested, please
have them contact me.  Reliability is a necessity. We also need friendly faces to work our box office for all of the performances.  These volunteers can
also see the show for free and only requires 2 hours of work before the show.

The future:  I am working on finding a fun, light hearted show for October.  I realize many of our audience members head south by November and we 
have found that September does not sell, people are still vacationing and getting back into the routine of returning to school, so October is our best choice.  
Front runner right now is the light-hearted mystery/farce  "The Butler Did It". Stay Tuned.

I hope to hear from you and see you at Grumpy Old Men - the Musical.  We have a
very talented directing staff and cast.  I know it will be a real crowd-pleaser.  https://www.starlightdinnertheatre.com 
Phone Linda Granger, Artistic Director 517-243 6040 for reservations and/or questions.

Coming Soon to Starlight Dinner Theatre: GRUMPY OLD MEN - the musical
Book by Dan Remmes, Music by Neil Berg, Lyrics by Nick Meglin
Adapted from the Warner Bros. motion picture written by Mark Steven Johnson, Additional orchestrations by Phil Reno

This show is rated PG13.  Not appropriate for children 12 and under.  If you have concerns about the content, please ask Linda when you make your reservation.

“Grumpy"  is directed by Mike Stewart, Helen Hart as Assistant Director and Choreographer and Cynthia Webb as the Stage Manager. 

Two curmudgeonly neighbors have been feuding for 50 years. Their rivalry intensifies to chaotic heights when they both fall for a charming and eccentric woman who 
moves in across the street. As these two cantankerous competitors fire off one-liners and hilarious songs in equal measure, they might just find a resolution to their 
long-standing differences. Based on the classic 1993 Warner Brothers film starring Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, and Ann-Margret, this hilarious, engaging, and 
unexpectedly heartwarming stage adaptation captures these lovably crotchety characters through twinkling humor, great songs, and the affectionate depiction of a small 
Midwestern town, its quirky residents with a heartfelt look at friendship and second chances. 

Bob Murrell will be playing John Gustafson a conservative, finicky retired history teacher (Jack Lemmon’s role), Ben Diebold will be the cranky retired TV repairman, 
Max Goldman (Walter Matthau’s role) and Jena Beal will be the free spirited, widowed English Professor, charming Ariel, played by Ann Margaret in the movie. 

Show dates:
April 18 (Sat, 7:30 show, 6:30 dinner)              
April 19 (Sun) 2 pm show, 1:30 dessert, no dinner)
April 24-25 (Fri-Sat) (7:30 pm show. 6:30 dinner) 
April 26 (Sun) 2 pm show, 1:30 dessert, no dinner

SOMETHING NEW:  We are adding a Dessert-and-Coffee for an additional $7 for any performance, an add-on option specifically for those who have NOT ordered dinner (thank you Kelly 
for that recommendation).  The dessert will be a larger piece of dessert that is being offered with the meal, which for this show is pineapple sheet cake with cream 
cheese frosting.  This dessert will need to be ordered at the time of your reservation and cannot be purchased “at the door”. 

James Avenue Catering and Bakery will be catering our dinners.  All of the food is homemade and the feedback from Sherlock Holmes and Over the River guests has been VERY positive.
Menu for Grumpy:
• Entree: Herb Roasted Chicken Breast with Sautéed Mushrooms and Asiago White Wine Sauce
• Vegetable: Maple and Honey Glazed Baby Carrots
• Salad: Michigan Salad; mixed greens, pecans, red onion, feta and dried cherries with dressing on the side
• Homemade Pull-Apart Rolls
• Dessert: Pineapple Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Icing
• Coffee and lemonade
(Vegetarian options are available upon request when reserving your seats)
 Dessert Shows (Sundays): Pineapple cupcakes with creamy frosting and a cherry on top or chocolate caramel cupcake provided by “SandyBakes”

RESERVATIONS:  Call Linda at (517) 243-6040.  If you do not reach her, please leave a message with a return phone number.
Prepayment is required either by check or credit card if ordering food.  Credit cards charge $1 per person.
Our website was just launched this week and glitches are still being worked out. 
You can also email Linda at the email address to make a reservation: [email protected]

Below are our new prices for musicals.  
MUSICALS show and DINNER
  Regular - $46
  Seniors (62+) Students (18-22) - $45
  Children 12 and under $28 (Grumpy Old Men is PG and NOT appropriate for children)
 Musicals SHOW ONLY
  Regular - $23
  Seniors (62+) and students (13-22) $21
  Children (12 and under) $16 (Grumpy Old Men is PG and NOT appropriate for children)
* $7 additional for coffee and dessert (this was recently added on as a new option)

Musicals with dessert - 2 Sundays for this show;
Regular, seniors (62+) & students (13-22) $28
Children $20 (Grumpy Old Men is PG and not appropriate for children)

PERFORMANCE LOCATION: Waverly East Intermediate, 3131 E. Michigan Ave. Lansing 48917. Park in the large, side parking lot east of the school.

NOTE to Family Members:  Starlight's policy is to allow returning family members who have already paid once, to attend the show for free.  Just state that you are
a returning family member when making your second reservation or at the door.  If you want dinner/dessert, you would still need to pay for that at our cost.

Linda Granger  (517) 243-6040.
[email protected]
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“Singers on The Grand” returns to Riverwalk  for a journey of timeless tunes Saturday, March 21— One Night Only!

The perfect road trip isn’t complete without the tunes that you love, from an irresistible classic rock anthem, that nostalgic folk tune to play at sunset or the one guilty pleasure that makes you dance while stuck in traffic. “The Grand American Road Trip” rolls into Riverwalk Theatre on March 21st for one night of travelin’ favorites that will transport you from coast-to-coast.  

Singers on the Grand and the phenomenal Grand Band have crafted a celebration of beloved songs from some of America’s most iconic claims to musical fame across the decades. Jam out to “Free Ride”, “Route 66", “Pink Cadillac”, Billy’s “New York State of Mind”, Aretha’s “Chain of Fools” and plenty of others. Join the ride and enjoy a journey of iconic favorites from a variety of genres!

Tickets are $20, or $15 for Riverwalk members available online at: https://app.arts-people.com/?show=301898  or at the door. 
The show starts at 7 pm with doors open at 6 pm.  

Director Katy Brandon McDonough explains, “Our Singers and Grand Band are in top form, showcasing the many diverse sounds of American music from across the country. This year, our show includes many beloved tunes which have stood the test of time and travel."

The Singers on the Grand ensemble vocalists are Joy Eisenga, Kelly Bitz, Bill DeWitt, Ellen Hoard, Charlie Martin, Katy Brandon McDonough, Rachel Paxton, Kelly Sandula-Gruner, Darryl Schmitz, and Dan Templin. Grand Band instrumentalists are Phil Barger, Deb DeWitt, Dave Douches, Dave Gruner, Ernie Toples, Pete Murthum, Bernard Schroeter, and Tyler Smith. Administration & Technical members are Mike Cordes, Marley Bitz, Mary McDonough, Gloria Wilcox, Tim Daniel, Jim Lorenz, Bob Gerhls.

For more info contact Mary McDonough
Email: mailto:[email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/SingersOnTheGrand/

Operas of Consequence and Comedy 

MSU Opera Theatre close out the season with Puccini and Rossini Double Bill.
The MSU College of Music closes its Worthington Family Foundation Opera Theatre Season with a compelling double bill of Italian opera, Puccini and Rossini: Operas of Consequence and Comedy, March 25, 27–29 in Fairchild Theatre, MSU Auditorium.

This fully staged and costumed production pairs two contrasting one-act works--Puccini’s Suor Angelica and Rossini’s La Cambiale di Matrimonio (The Marriage Contract)—performed with the MSU Symphony Orchestra. Puccini’s score supports the opera’s intimate and dramatic story with soaring vocal lines and expressive orchestration. In contrast, Rossini’s lively music moves quickly, with crisp rhythm and energy that highlight his early comic style.

Performances are Wednesday, March 25; Friday and Saturday, March 27–28, at 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, March 29, at 3:00 p.m.


Puccini’s Suor Angelica tells the poignant story of a noblewoman forced into a convent, whose encounter with her estranged aunt leads to a powerful and emotional climax. Puccini’s sweeping lyricism and dramatic intensity frame a story of sacrifice, maternal love, and redemption.


In contrast, Rossini’s first opera, La Cambiale di Matrimonio, offers a fast-moving farce centered on an arranged marriage gone awry. Sparkling ensembles and youthful energy define the score, showcasing Rossini’s gift for comic timing and vocal agility.


“Presenting these two productions together highlights the remarkable expressive range the art form of opera can deliver,” said Melanie Helton, professor of voice and director of MSU Opera Theatre. “One invites reflection through deeply personal sacrifice, while the other celebrates wit and comic chaos. For our students, it’s an opportunity to inhabit two very different musical worlds in a single evening. And for our patrons, it offers a rare immersion in the full spectrum of human experience.”


Conducted by Katherine Kilburn and directed by Helton, the production features set design by Matty Peterson and lighting design by Brent Wrobel. Both operas are sung in Italian with English surtitles.


The performances are generously sponsored by Susan Davis; the Eleanor H. and Harold E. Leichenko Opera Endowment established by Lauren Julius Harris; and the Richard and Joan Witter Endowment for MSU Opera Theatre. The entire Opera Theatre Season is underwritten by the Worthington Family Foundation.


Tickets for Puccini and Rossini: Operas of Consequence and Comedy at the Fairchild Theatre are available through the MSU Music box office at music.msu.edu/events or by phone at 517-353-5340. Reserved seating tickets are $24 for adults, $22 for seniors (age 60 and older) and $14 for students. Information about other concerts, recitals and performances in the 2025-2026 MSU Music Season can be found online.

​Jesus Christ Superstar -  Legendary Rock Opera Takes the Stage at Riverwalk Theatre!
Riverwalk Theatre is set to electrify audiences this winter with Jesus Christ Superstar, the Tony Award–winning rock opera with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. This bold, emotionally charged production opens Thursday, February 26 and runs through Sunday, March 8, 2026 on the Rotary Main Stage.
Director: Josh Martin
Music Director: Kait Wilson
Synopsis: Told entirely through song, Jesus Christ Superstar explores the final days of Jesus Christ, culminating in his crucifixion, through the perspective of Judas Iscariot. Set against a universally known story, the musical reframes these events with driving rock music, raw emotion, and timeless questions about faith, power, devotion, and humanity.
Director Josh Martin is at the helm at Riverwalk Theatre with a vision that blends the intensity of a rock concert with deeply personal storytelling. “The story of Jesus and his disciples has always been about inclusion, welcoming, and treating even the most marginalized people as worthy of love,” Martin says. “That message of kindness and acceptance feels especially important right now.”
Unlike traditional stagings, this production embraces gender-blind casting, a diverse ensemble, and a dynamic use of Riverwalk’s thrust stage to bring the audience into the action. With projections, modern anachronisms, and moments that invite audience participation, Martin’s Jesus Christ Superstar is designed to feel immersive, immediate, and thrilling. “We want the audience to feel like they’re at a rock concert and part of the story,” he adds.
Leading the cast is Meghan Malusek as Judas Iscariot, whose performance drives the narrative with intensity and passion, alongside Quentin Villa as a charismatic and introspective Jesus. Kelly Stuible-Clark brings depth and warmth to Mary Magdalene, supported by a powerhouse cast and ensemble. Martin notes standout performances across the board, highlighting Harvey Rancour’s “pure punk energy” as Simon the Zealot.
Musically, the production is in expert hands with Music Director Kait Wilson leading a formidable group of vocalists, while choreography by Karyn Perry brings explosive movement and energy to the stage. The creative team also includes first-time sound and lighting designers in those roles, fostering fresh ideas and bold artistic choices throughout the production.
“This show has been an important part of my life for decades,” Martin shares. “Seeing this vision come to life with such a talented cast and creative team has been incredible. I truly believe we have something powerful on our hands.”
With its powerful score, inclusive casting, and concert-style staging, Jesus Christ Superstar promises to be a visceral and unforgettable theatrical event — one that invites audiences to come ready to rock and leave with a renewed perspective on compassion, community, and love.

Cast:
Judas Iscariot - Meghan Malusek
Jesus - Quentin Villa
Mary Magdalene - Kelly Stuible-Clark
Caiaphas - Nathan Tykocki
Annas - Erin Biel
Peter - Mason Swayze
Simon the Zealot - Harvey Rancour
Pontius Pilate - Lewis C. Elson
King Herod - Elle Bergan
Ensemble - Elaina Coscarella, Janus Hoang, Sylvia Bunn, Tess Klygis, Riley Hirai, Sage Chick, Colorgio Romello, Mani Collazo Coca, JT Tosolt, Andrew Muylle, Nathaniel Myers, Austin Cox, Ta'vion Doss, and Cuauhtemoc Vargas 
Show Dates:
Performances of Jesus Christ Superstar run February 26–March 1 and March 5–8, 2026 on the Rotary Main Stage at Riverwalk Theatre. Showtimes are Thursdays at 7:00 PM, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM, and Sundays at 2:00 PM. 
Tickets:
$25 Adult
$20 Senior/Student/Military
$15 Child (under 12yrs)
This production is on the Rotary Main Stage, and seating is assigned.
Reservations may be made by purchasing tickets online, in person at the Riverwalk Theatre Box Office, by emailing [email protected], or by calling (517) 482-5700.
In-person advance ticket sales:
• Wednesdays: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM