Jesus Christ Superstar Cast

Jason Steven Kopp (Jesus) is incredibly grateful to be making his debut with Spotlight! He is a New York City-based actor and is honored to bring this role to life alongside such a gifted cast and production team. Over the past decade and a half, some of his favorite credits include The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson), RENT (Roger), Footloose (Ren McCormack), HAIR (Berger), West Side Story (Riff), and Chicago (Billy Flynn). More recently, Jason appeared as Drew in Rock of Ages, earning a Broadway World nomination and critical praise for his performance. A proud 2022 graduate of Marist University, Jason is also the founder of Harmony Performing Arts, where he produces top-tier cabarets and performances throughout New York City and Long Island. Jason extends his deepest gratitude to the entire Spotlight production team for bringing this timeless piece of theatre to life. He dedicates this performance to his girlfriend, Olivia, for continually inspiring him to be the best version of himself onstage and off. Much love to Mom, Dad, and Joe. IG: @koppjason

Oliver Callahan is ecstatic to be performing with Spotlight Rep for his debut NYC show! Previously, Oliver spent four years in the US Army and had the honor to serve as the Assistant Director of the 82nd Airborne Division’s All-American Chorus. After his time in the service, Oliver moved to Seattle to attend the University of Washington pursuing a post-bachelorette degree in Vocal Performance. Upon graduating, he was accepted into NYU Steinhardt’s prestigious Graduate Vocal Performance program in musical theater. @theolivetenor

ALEXANDER (Pontius Pilate, Sound Design). Thrilled to be joining the JCS cast in stage acting and singing debut! Off-Broadway, events and venues: Alex has designed sound and production tech for live performances for many years in the NYC area including, NYRR NYC Marathon (8 years), NYC Pride Parade Main Stage (2 years), and many others. Most recently working with Spotlight shows. They include Sound of Music, RENT, Back to Before, Cinderella Jr., Into The Woods, and most recently Newsies Jr. Alex grew up with theatre and live performance. After a few working years with the improv troupe of the New York Renaissance Festival, he then focused on playing in original rock bands. He is the lead singer and songwriter for Durtneck, and currently plays bass and vocals for Bonz Band. Much love and thanks to Malia, Neva, Charlotte, all my family, and friends.

Monica Ugarte is a graduate from Brooklyn College with a Bachelor’s degree in Theater. She has performed in various productions including: Chicago (Roxie Hart), Les Misérables (Fantine),Baby (Liz) Water by the Spoonful (Yasmine), El Huracán (Alicia/Dr.Kempler/Val), Sunday In The Park With George (Celeste/ Harriet Pawling), Around the World in 80 Days (Princess Aouda), Peter and The Starcatcher (Prentiss), Ride The Cyclone (Constance Blackwood). She is also a stage manager and an aspiring Scenic designer. This is one of her dream shows and is honored to be able to play the role of Mary Magdalene alongside such powerful cast.

George is a versatile performer, vocalist, and arts professional with extensive experience across theater, national and international tours, film, and television. A New York–based artist with a strong foundation in musical theater, George brings both creative excellence and disciplined professionalism to every project he undertakes. His New York theater credits include Folk City – The Musical (Theater for the New City), Warp Speed – A Sci-Fi Musical(The Barrow Group), Nutcracker – The Musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie (The Gallery Players) , An Acute Triangle, and Eastern Standard. National and international performance highlights include touring productions of I Love a Piano, featured vocal work aboard World Cruises, and Cirque Dreams. Regionally, George has performed leading and featured roles in productions such as Seussical (Horton), A Year with Frog and Toad (Snail), Show Boat, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Lucky Stiff, Grease, White Christmas, The Life, and Hairspray, among many others, appearing at respected theaters across Florida, Pennsylvania, Texas, Ohio, and New Jersey. His film and television work includes Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding: The Movie, as well as appearances as a vocalist for the Elton John Special (Bravo), the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting (ABC), and a PBS Christmas broadcast from St. Patrick’s Cathedral. George received professional training in New York City in acting, musical theater, voice, and dance, studying with Ray Virta, Darren Cohen, Diane Zaremba, and Lindsay Chambers.

In 1977, after starring in numerous high school productions directed by Carl William Lesch, he was awarded a scholarship for musical theater at Wagner College. He also attended the Herbert Berghof school of theater in Manhattan. Over the years, he has performed in community theaters throughout Staten Island, Brooklyn and Manhattan. His favorite role being Roscoe in Staten Islands Civic Theater production of Follies in 1987, directed by the late Paul Guest Smith. In 2016 along with P.J. Nelson he put together cabaret acts and performed at the famous Don’t TellMama, in Manhattan's theatre district. He has appeared in many St. George productions, most recently as a lead vocalist and master of ceremonies in their annual Christmas Show. In April of 2025 he had a leading role in the Ghostlight Players production of As The World Goes Round. He states the highlight of his theatrical career was performing the Ave Maria for his Eminence Cardinal Dolan at a 9/11 peace garden dedication.

Mikey Miller (Annas) is a Jersey City-based actor, writer, and educator who is thrilled to be making his Spotlight debut in this bucket-list role! Favorite credits include Fiddler on the Roof (Motel), Into the Woods (Jack), The Little Foxes (Leo), The Foreigner (Ellard), and Clue: The Musical (Professor Plum). When Mikey isn’t acting, he can usually be found guiding high schoolers through the college applications process or searching for the world’s best cookies and cream milkshake. He has his B.A. in English from the University of Pennsylvania. @mikeyemiller / mikeyemiller.com

Samantha Chiodo, an NYC-based RN, is thrilled to be joining Spotlight for their production of JCS! While not at the hospital, she coaches the Varsity Swim Team for Staten Island Academy. Samantha's a passionate singer, who has sung often for FDNY-related functions over the past few years in honor of her late father. She was most recently seen in Spotlight’s Into the Woods as the Baker’s Wife and prior to that in Sound of Music as Sister Berte. Other credits include Ghostlight’s The World Goes ‘Round and their production of The Fall of Falstaff as Doll Tearsheet. Jesus Christ Superstar is a family favorite, and bringing this one to the stage has been such a joy. Love to Mom, Jess, and her favorite angel. Break legs to all!

Jonathan is grateful to be back with his Spotlight family for another show! He has appeared as Dr. Craven in Secret Garden, Smee in Peter and the Starcatcher, in the ensemble of Sing a Song of Sondheim, as Grimwig in the ensemble of Oliver!, as Drosselmeyer in Nutcracker, and as Stanley in the ensemble of Hello, Dolly! Originally from the mile-high city of Denver, Colorado, Jonathan received his BFA from the University of Wyoming. Favorite past credits include Junie B. Jones, Charlotte’s Web, Woman in Mind, and The Lion in Winter.

Meggan Audrey has become a choreographer/director at Spotlight for the past few years working on Chicago, The Wizard of Oz, Kiss Me Kate, The Lion King, Jr, and Newsies, Jr to name a few. She also was most recently seen in Spotlight Repertory Theatre’s production of Into the Woods! Favorite Performance Credits: The Gift of the Magi (Carnegie Hall, Eric Whitacre), Newsies (Spotlight Repertory), Footloose (Surflight), The Producers (Woodstock Playhouse), Chicago (Forestburgh Playhouse), Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Weathervane Theatre). Meggan has also performed as a backup vocalist for Liz Callaway in Lincoln Center and Deke Sharon in Carnegie Hall. TV credits: The John Oliver Show. Graduate of Pace University, BFA. Thank you to Jacques, Mary Lee and the entire cast and crew! Love to Mom, Dad, James and Brad. @megganherod

MaKayla is so excited to be making her Spotlight Repertory Theatre debut in Jesus Christ Superstar! Off-Broadway: Elisabeth Nietzsche in the world premiere of Nietzsche: A New Musical. Select Regional Credits: Waitress (Jenna - Oklahoma Regional Premiere), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Carole King), The Last Five Years (Cathy), and 1776 (Edward Rutledge.) Regional Tour: The Rainbow Fish Musical and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer with Sunrise Theatre Company. A proud Oklahoma native, she graduated from Oklahoma City University in 2022 with a BM in Musical Theatre and an MA in Nonprofit Leadership (Arts Administration.)

Alyssa is thrilled to be a part of this production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Alyssa is a recent graduate of Oklahoma State University, getting her BFA in Musical Theater before moving to NYC in May. She has been previously seen as Celisse in Godspell, Julia in The Wedding Singer, and the Dormouse/ Nigel in Alice by Heart. Alyssa would like to give a special thanks to her family for their constant support.

Olivia is SO excited to be in her first production with Spotlight! She is a New York City-based performer, choreographer, and director. She holds a BA in Theatre and Communications from Manhattanville University with minors in Musical Theatre and Dance. Olivia has spent several summers choreographing at the College Light Opera Company and recently made her directorial debut there with Footloose. Olivia was also a proud performer in Walt Disney World’s Emmy-winning ABC Christmas Special. NYC-based work includes the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players and J2 Productions. She is excited to return to CLOC this summer to direct Pippin! Olivia is so grateful to be part of this production of JCS and would like to thank the team for the opportunity! Shoutout to Jason, her travel partner and teammate.

Max Keppler, 21, is thrilled to return to the Spotlight family for this upcoming production of Jesus Christ Superstar! Max is a graduate from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, where they were a major in Musical Theatre. Some favorite roles include Ernestina in ‘Hello, Dolly!’, Sister Sophia in ‘The Sound of Music’ and Carolyn in ‘Enjoy the Ride’. Doing theatre has always been a passion, and they are thrilled to be a part of this lovely cast to tell this story of joy. Much love to the family and friends who continue to support the journey. @maxmumbles_

This is John’s third production with Spotlight, he made his debut with us in The Secret Garden, then played Admiral Von Schrieber in Spotlights production of The Sound of Music. During his High School and Collegiate years, he appeared in multiple productions including The Wiz, Hair and Grease. He took a break from theater to become a New York City Police Officer, during his time in the NYPD he appeared in and voiced over multiple training videos, and social media campaigns. He recently was the voice of the Winter Village at Bryant Park. He thanks his wife Donna and daughter Jennifer a Spotlight Children’s Theatre Allum, for encouraging him to pursue theatre again.

Hannah is thrilled to be making their professional debut with The Spotlight Theatre Company! Originally from Loveland, CO, they moved to New York to pursue their acting training at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy. They are now a proud alumni and are so excited to be doing what they love as a career. Some of their notable performances include The Addams Family (Wednesday), Beauty and the Beast (Belle), and The Putnam Spelling Bee (Marcy). Hannah would like to thank their friends and family who have continuously supported them in this journey.

Julia is so ecstatic to be a part of this iconic rock opera. Growing up with the original concept album and movie, she has always dreamed of doing Jesus Christ Superstar. Words truly can’t express how much this musical means to her. She is incredibly thankful to Spotlight Theatre Company for this opportunity and experience, and hopes everyone enjoys the show!

Tom is incredibly grateful to the entire team for this opportunity to be in a show that has sister hasn't done yet! Can you believe it? This is Tom's second show with Spotlight (after "The Sound of Music") and he looks forward to many more. Thanks for supporting community theatre!

Connor Burke is so excited to be putting this fantastic show together with such an exceptionally talented Cast and Crew! You may remember him from past performances on Staten Island like Into the Woods (Steward), Kiss Me Kate (Gremio) and The Secret Garden (Albert) with Spotlight, The Importance of Being Earnest (Jack) and Puffs (Ernie Mac & Friends) with SIST, and Urinetown (Mr. McQueen) and The Rise and Fall of Falstaff (Lord Mortimer/Artist) with Ghostlight. He would like to thank his family and friends for all their support, and hopes Aunt Marianna, Aunt Alice, and Aunt Sis are proud of him for finally being a Priest, at least in some form. Break legs, all!

Randy Topper (Ensemble/US Herod) - Much like his dad van, Randy was imported from Detroit where he earned a degree in theatre performance from Wayne State University. After moving to New York in 2001, Randy toured with such companies as Dandelion Productions, National Theatre for Children and Theatreworks USA. He also spent a year in residence at Florida Studio Theatre in Sarasota. Upon returning to New York, Randy co-founded IlluminArt Productions in Staten Island, serving as artistic director for 9 years. Having then earned his MSW, Randy now works during the school year as a social worker at PS 59 and spends his summers at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. Randy is grateful to be back on stage with his Spotlight family having previously performed with them in School of Rock (Ned Shneebly), Baby (Alan), Secret Garden (Ben) Nutcracker (The King/Father) and Oliver! (Mr. Bumble). Other credits include Hairspray (Edna), Joseph…Dreamcoat (Pharaoh) and Blood Brothers (Darrin Wayne). His favorite role continues to be that of partner to Kristi and Daddy to Eden and Shana.

At 62, I decided to return to community theatre—a leap of faith taken nearly 45 years after my last audition. I am forever grateful to my parents, but I want to offer a special thanks to my daughter, Ariel Marcus-Hollenbeck, for being the one to finally say, "do it." Regardless of the role, the true reward has been collaborating with and learning from actors of all generations. I am thrilled to be part of the ensemble in Spotlight’s Jesus Christ Superstar! Break legs to this incredible cast! Past Credits: A Very Ghostlight Christmas Spectacular – Mrs. Claus (Ghostlight Players) § Featured Vocal: "A Holly Jolly Christmas" It Was Hers – Isabella (Women's Playwright Collective) Ed's Place – Frances Moser (First Light Productions) And the World Goes Round – Woman of the Year (Ghostlight Players) Featured Vocal: "The Grass is Always Greener" Blithe Spirit – Mrs. Bradman (Ghostlight Players) The Grapes of Wrath – Mrs. Wainwright (Ghostlight Players) Oliver! – Ensemble / Milk Maid (Spotlight Repertory Theatre Co.) A Christmas Carol – Ensemble / Mrs. Fezziwig (Ghostlight Players) Uncle Vanya – Maria (SI Shakespeare)

Conductor/Keyboard: Emily Croome Guitar: Mario Fontes Bass: Brandon Jackson Drums: Stephen Guerra Synth Programming: Andrew McNamara Orchestral Enhancements: Trevor Woggon