A bold reimagining of biblical power dynamics will headline this year’s Easter celebrations in Queens, as women step into the traditionally male roles of Herod and Pilate in the upcoming production of The Rope and The Cross.
Broadway World Award winner David Heron will present his Gala Easter Sunday staged reading concert of Easton Lee’s acclaimed drama on April 5 at 7 p.m. at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center (JPAC) in Jamaica, Queens. The one-night-only event will be preceded by a complimentary Caribbean Easter reception at 5:30 p.m., courtesy of The Door Restaurant.
Newly announced cast members Gabrielle C. Archer and Laura Salem Harding will portray Herod and Pilate, respectively—two rulers who determine the fate of Christ. They join veteran Off-Broadway actor Rudolph Shaw, international model-turned-actor Hector Lincoln, Michelle London and Jelani Reid in completing the ensemble.
The production has already generated strong interest, selling out its entire allotment of advance discount tickets within days of release.
They join a previously announced lineup that includes Actor Boy Award winner Oliver Samuels as The Shepherd, CBS television host Zay Harding as High Priest Annas, Shevrado Oliver as Jesus, Jerry Benzwick as Judas, Dianne Dixon as Mother of Judas, and Jamaican theatre stalwart Fleurette Harris as Mary.
Set against the dual backdrops of rural Jamaica and ancient Jerusalem, The Rope and The Cross reimagines Jesus and Judas as young, rebellious but well-meaning Jamaican men confronting oppressive authority figures determined to silence them.
Heron first introduced the gender-flipped casting of Herod and Pilate during the play’s 40th anniversary New York staging in 2019, inspired in part by the global reckoning sparked by the Me Too movement. With playwright Lee’s support, the reinterpretation was met with enthusiastic audience response.
Archer, who takes on the role of Herod, previously appeared in the 2025 Silver Anniversary staging of Heron’s Love and Marriage and New York City at JPAC. Her Off-Broadway credits include The Store at The Castillo Theatre and Black Women and the Ballot at The National Black Theatre, along with several film roles.
Harding returns to the New York stage as Pilate after earlier appearing in the Off-Broadway production Happy Hour. Her screen work includes A Man Apart, directed by F. Gary Gray and starring Vin Diesel.
Shaw will portray The Blind One, a prophetic follower of Jesus. His credits include Moon on a Rainbow Shawl at the late New Federal Theatre and appearances on Law & Order. He is a 2015 recipient of the Pioneer in Theatre Audelco Award.
Lincoln, a former standout from Kingston’s Pulse Model Agency and past host on MTV Caribbean’s TEMPO, will portray High Priest Caiaphas. His screen credits include Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Orange Is the New Black.
London makes her New York stage debut as Sarah, Judas’ fiancée, after performing in Jamaican productions such as Lifesave and Welcome to Jamrock. She has also appeared in the film Kingston Paradise. Reid rounds out the cast as John, marking his professional stage debut.
The production is presented in association with the Jamaica Tourist Board, Mesidor PLLC, Results Promo and Marketing, The Door Restaurant and IMC Media.
Tickets are available online, and additional information can be obtained via the production’s box office infoline at 646-533-7021.
