Information Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. February 5, 2026: Jamaican performing icon Oliver Samuels and CBS tv star Zay Harding will headline the solid of The Rope and The Cross, the groundbreaking spiritual epic by legendary Jamaican playwright Easton Lee, returning to the New York stage for a one-night-only Gala Easter Sunday efficiency on April 5.
The particular presentation will happen on the Jamaica Performing Arts Heart, (JPAC), in Queens at 7 p.m., following a complimentary Caribbean Delicacies Easter Reception hosted by The Door Restaurant at 5:30 p.m.
Offered as an unique staged studying live performance efficiency, the occasion is produced and directed by BroadwayWorld Award winner David Heron, in particular association with the property of the late playwright.
Set throughout rural Jamaica and historic Jerusalem, The Rope and The Cross shatters conventional depictions of Christ’s ardour. Lee’s visionary work reimagines Jesus and Judas as modern-day Jamaican males – younger, defiant, and decided to dismantle injustice and inequality.
As state energy closes in by way of deception and manipulation, the 2 rebels uncover a brutal reality: entrenched techniques will cease at nothing to silence change. The result’s a searing political and non secular drama that continues to be as pressing at the moment as when it premiered in Jamaica in 1979.
Samuels, a three-time Actor Boy Award winner, takes on the function of The Shepherd Narrator, guiding audiences by way of the story throughout time and place. With a profession spanning greater than 60 stage productions, Samuels’ movie credit embrace The Mighty Quinn reverse Denzel Washington and Nice Moments in Aviation with Vanessa Redgrave. He just lately accomplished the U.S. premiere tour of Di Prodigal Pickney.
Harding – finest generally known as host of CBS’s The Visioneers With Zay Harding, now in its second season with record-breaking 2025 rankings — portrays Excessive Priest Annas, a calculating energy dealer whose actions assist seal the tragic destiny of Jesus and Judas.
His performing credit embrace American Horror Story, Mistresses, and Hawaii 5-O, in addition to stage roles together with Camelot at American Conservatory Theater.
For Heron, the manufacturing continues a mission to protect and elevate Caribbean theatre on the worldwide stage.
“Two years in the past, we offered the American premiere of Alwin Bully’s McBee at JPAC,” Heron stated. “With The Rope and The Cross, we’re as soon as once more honoring a grasp whose voice nonetheless speaks powerfully. Easton Lee captured the rebellious spirit of Jamaica throughout the period of Prime Minister Michael Manley and drew hanging parallels to resistance in biblical Israel. That stress — historic and trendy — makes this play timeless.”
He added, “Oliver and Zay can be seen in methods audiences have by no means skilled them earlier than. This isn’t simply theatre — it’s a cultural occasion.”
🎭 The Rope and The Cross
📅 Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026
📍 Jamaica Performing Arts Heart (JPAC), Queens, NY
🥂 Complimentary Easter Reception: 5:30 p.m.
🎬 Efficiency: 7:00 p.m.
🎟️ Tickets on sale: Tuesday, February 10
🌐 Tickets: theropeandthecross.eventbrite.com
💰 Early Easter Particular pricing by way of: February 24
📞 Field Workplace: 646-533-7021
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