We’re proud to unveil our 2026–2025 Season: under the banner “New Voices. New Energy. Same Heart – Embracing the community in community theatre.” Founded in 1919 and performing in the historic Civil War Drill Hall, the Guild’s new season transforms its storied home into a hub for bold stories, diverse artists, and community connection.
Main Stage Productions: Our Season begins with The Old Ladies Bar by Natasha Caroline Lowery Rivers; directed by T.S. Murphy. A world-premiere play set in a legendary, family-run jazz bar, The Old Ladies Bar traces the legacy of historic musicians, deep family bonds, and the power within Black female culture over generations. Co-produced with Kaleidoscope Ensemble, a new BIPOC-led theatre company based in Northern New Jersey. Directed by PGL member T.S. Murphy, who last appeared in our multiply Perry- nominated production of Deathtrap. (September 18–27, 2026)
Then it’s time for Who’s Holiday! by Matthew Lombardo, directed by Bailey Dumlao. Cindy Lou Who is all grown up - and her life did not turn out like a storybook. From a beat-up trailer in the snowy hills of Mount Crumpit, she throws a Christmas Eve party and tells the wild, R-rated tale of what really happened after she met the Grinch, in a one-woman, rhyming-couplet comedy that is absolutely NOT for children. This adults-only holiday cult favorite offers a gift to every adult who has had to sit through The Nutcracker. Director Bailey Dumlao is new to PGL, but they bring an impressive background in artistry that elevates underrepresented BIPOC and LGBTQ+ voices. (December 11–20, 2026)
Next, defrost that winter chill with the warmth of hair dryers in Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling, directed by Joplin James Sell. Laughter, tears, and resilience flow as freely as the hairspray in this beloved story of a close-knit group of Southern women who gather at Truvy’s beauty salon. Equal parts heart and humor, Steel Magnolias offers an emotionally satisfying night of theatre that has become a modern classic - ideal for multi-generational audiences, friend groups, and mother-daughter outings. Directed by Joplin James Sell, last seen on the PGL stage in our Perry Award winning production of The Normal Heart. (January 22–February 7, 2027)
Our last big Mainstage production is Vanya, Sonia, Masha, and Spike by Christopher Durang, directed by Sharon Garry. In this Tony Award–winning comedy, middle-aged siblings Vanya and Sonia’s quiet, routine life is upended when their movie-star sister Masha arrives with her much younger boyfriend, Spike. What follows is a hilariously absurd collision of regret, aging, family expectations, and Snow White costumes, with a wink toward the plays of Chekhov and the anxieties of modern life. Director Sharon Garry is new to PGL, but not to community theatre in New Jersey, where she has directed extensively. (May 7–23, 2027)
Weekend Spotlight - New Event Series: In the spirit of “Embracing the community in community theatre,” the Guild will keep the Drill Hall active with immersive events, musical entertainment, and comedy that invite audiences to participate, not just watch.
Drill Hall Spooktacular directed by Ellyn Essig. A weekend of short haunting plays, spooky songs and some ghosts and ghouls thrown in for good measure. Who knows, our very own Drill Hall ghost may show up? This October event is the perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit. Ellyn is a long time member who celebrated a total SOLD OUT run of Jesus Christ Superstar last season. (October 23–25, 2026)
Leonia Laugh-a-Maniacs directed by Staci Beth Block. Join long-time PGL member and improv genius Staci Beth Block for a high-energy comedy event that will feature an improv troupe of our very own Guild members delivering spontaneous, fast-paced scenes and audience participation. Come to one or both nights, as each will be a totally different show! (March 5–6, 2027)
Bar None directed by Ariel Sanchez. This specially created experience for PGL is a musical theatre showcase set in a bar, where the bartender acts as the narrator, introducing all the different people who come in every night. As drinks are poured and stories unfold, the patrons break into songs and dances from all across musical theatre, bringing moments of comedy, romance, heartbreak, and chaos – but no matter that happens, there’s always a good time at the bar. Ariel is new to the Players Guild of Leonia but not to our stage having performed in West Side Story with SummerStage in 2018. (March 19–21, 2027)
The 2026-2027 season culminates with PGL favorite: The Marshall Playwrights Showcase, highlighting new short plays andemerging voices. This showcase underscores the Guild’s role as a launchpad for new work and gives local playwrights, directors, and actors the chance to collaborate, experiment, and share fresh stories with audiences. (June 11–13, 2027)
New Work Development: This season, PGL introduces our new Artist Incubator Lab, allowing our members and audiences to be a part of the creative process firsthand. These one day events throughout the season will workshop new plays and musicals. Featuring new musical "A Dozen Roses," puppet show "Puppets Galore," new musical "Monsters Aren't Real," and a new play "Let There Be"
Main Stage Productions: Our Season begins with The Old Ladies Bar by Natasha Caroline Lowery Rivers; directed by T.S. Murphy. A world-premiere play set in a legendary, family-run jazz bar, The Old Ladies Bar traces the legacy of historic musicians, deep family bonds, and the power within Black female culture over generations. Co-produced with Kaleidoscope Ensemble, a new BIPOC-led theatre company based in Northern New Jersey. Directed by PGL member T.S. Murphy, who last appeared in our multiply Perry- nominated production of Deathtrap. (September 18–27, 2026)
Then it’s time for Who’s Holiday! by Matthew Lombardo, directed by Bailey Dumlao. Cindy Lou Who is all grown up - and her life did not turn out like a storybook. From a beat-up trailer in the snowy hills of Mount Crumpit, she throws a Christmas Eve party and tells the wild, R-rated tale of what really happened after she met the Grinch, in a one-woman, rhyming-couplet comedy that is absolutely NOT for children. This adults-only holiday cult favorite offers a gift to every adult who has had to sit through The Nutcracker. Director Bailey Dumlao is new to PGL, but they bring an impressive background in artistry that elevates underrepresented BIPOC and LGBTQ+ voices. (December 11–20, 2026)
Next, defrost that winter chill with the warmth of hair dryers in Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling, directed by Joplin James Sell. Laughter, tears, and resilience flow as freely as the hairspray in this beloved story of a close-knit group of Southern women who gather at Truvy’s beauty salon. Equal parts heart and humor, Steel Magnolias offers an emotionally satisfying night of theatre that has become a modern classic - ideal for multi-generational audiences, friend groups, and mother-daughter outings. Directed by Joplin James Sell, last seen on the PGL stage in our Perry Award winning production of The Normal Heart. (January 22–February 7, 2027)
Our last big Mainstage production is Vanya, Sonia, Masha, and Spike by Christopher Durang, directed by Sharon Garry. In this Tony Award–winning comedy, middle-aged siblings Vanya and Sonia’s quiet, routine life is upended when their movie-star sister Masha arrives with her much younger boyfriend, Spike. What follows is a hilariously absurd collision of regret, aging, family expectations, and Snow White costumes, with a wink toward the plays of Chekhov and the anxieties of modern life. Director Sharon Garry is new to PGL, but not to community theatre in New Jersey, where she has directed extensively. (May 7–23, 2027)
Weekend Spotlight - New Event Series: In the spirit of “Embracing the community in community theatre,” the Guild will keep the Drill Hall active with immersive events, musical entertainment, and comedy that invite audiences to participate, not just watch.
Drill Hall Spooktacular directed by Ellyn Essig. A weekend of short haunting plays, spooky songs and some ghosts and ghouls thrown in for good measure. Who knows, our very own Drill Hall ghost may show up? This October event is the perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit. Ellyn is a long time member who celebrated a total SOLD OUT run of Jesus Christ Superstar last season. (October 23–25, 2026)
Leonia Laugh-a-Maniacs directed by Staci Beth Block. Join long-time PGL member and improv genius Staci Beth Block for a high-energy comedy event that will feature an improv troupe of our very own Guild members delivering spontaneous, fast-paced scenes and audience participation. Come to one or both nights, as each will be a totally different show! (March 5–6, 2027)
Bar None directed by Ariel Sanchez. This specially created experience for PGL is a musical theatre showcase set in a bar, where the bartender acts as the narrator, introducing all the different people who come in every night. As drinks are poured and stories unfold, the patrons break into songs and dances from all across musical theatre, bringing moments of comedy, romance, heartbreak, and chaos – but no matter that happens, there’s always a good time at the bar. Ariel is new to the Players Guild of Leonia but not to our stage having performed in West Side Story with SummerStage in 2018. (March 19–21, 2027)
The 2026-2027 season culminates with PGL favorite: The Marshall Playwrights Showcase, highlighting new short plays andemerging voices. This showcase underscores the Guild’s role as a launchpad for new work and gives local playwrights, directors, and actors the chance to collaborate, experiment, and share fresh stories with audiences. (June 11–13, 2027)
New Work Development: This season, PGL introduces our new Artist Incubator Lab, allowing our members and audiences to be a part of the creative process firsthand. These one day events throughout the season will workshop new plays and musicals. Featuring new musical "A Dozen Roses," puppet show "Puppets Galore," new musical "Monsters Aren't Real," and a new play "Let There Be"