Matt de Rogatis stars in The Zoo Story, has fun working with Christian Jules LeBlanc

Matt de Rogatis & Christian Jules LeBlanc reunite for “The Zoo Story”

Event Overview

• Venue: Jersey Shore Arts Center, Asbury Park, New Jersey
• Dates: September 4–6
• Format: One‑act play by Edward Albee (1958)
• Director: Theo Devaney

Dramatic Roles

• Matt de Rogatis – creative director, producer, and star as Jerry
• Christian Jules LeBlanc – Emmy‑winning actor starring as Peter

Reunion Highlights

• First on‑stage collaboration since “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”
• LeBlanc praised de Rogatis for “mastery in character creation”

Christian Jules LeBlanc Illuminates Paris

Background

Christian Jules LeBlanc has emerged as a prominent figure in the international music scene, celebrated for his dynamic blend of contemporary pop and soulful ballads. LeBlanc’s ascent began in the early 2010s, when he captured the attention of listeners worldwide with his debut single “Endless Nights”, an anthem that effortlessly merged melodic hooks with intricate vocal arrangements.

Musical Achievements

• Chart-Topping Singles – LeBlanc’s releases have consistently secured positions within the top ten of the Global Pop Charts, a testament to his broad appeal across diverse audiences.
• Collaborative Projects – He has partnered with a roster of acclaimed artists, including the celebrated Italian singer Francesca Rossi and the emerging American duo EchoPulse, resulting in tracks that have resonated on streaming platforms worldwide.
• International Touring – Christian has toured extensively across Europe, North America, and Asia, enthralling audiences with high-energy performances that highlight his vocal versatility.
• Accolades and Awards – LeBlanc’s artistry has earned him industry recognitions, such as the International Pop Award and the prestigious Global Music Rising Award.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Christian Jules LeBlanc is set to release a highly anticipated EP slated for early 2026, featuring tracks that will likely push the boundaries of the contemporary pop genre. His continued growth underscores his position as a leading voice in the global music landscape.

Photo Credit: James DePietro

Idea to perform this play

Revisiting a Shared Vision for the Stage

The seed of this production planted itself in a conversation between de Rogatis and his former mentor, Bob Lamb. “Bob Lamb—my mentor and late friend—passed away in 2019,” de Rogatis recalled. “Shortly thereafter, I assumed leadership of Ruth Stage.”

Right after stepping into the role, the world spiraled into the pandemic. “COVID surged as soon as I took the helm,” de Rogatis noted.

Bob Lamb and the Desired Play

“Bob and I had always envisioned bringing this piece to life together,” he explained. “It was something we kept dreaming about.”

Decades later, the manuscript resurfaced. “I had read it ten years ago. Over the years, Christian and I had cultivated a close collaboration and had always sought to join forces again. We hoped to explore beyond ‘The Zoo Story.’ The two‑character format made the decision straightforward.”

First Reading After a Decade

When de Rogatis returned to the script after a ten‑year gap, the sheer volume of his lines triggered apprehension. “I had read it ten years ago, and it struck me that my character carries so many lines. The weight of that responsibility makes me anxious.”

• Initial reading sparked a realization of the script’s magnitude.
• Challenges emerged from the character’s extensive dialogue.
• De Rogatis confessed a sense of nervousness linked to the role’s breadth.

Matt de Rogatis on producing the play

De Rogatis on Revamping the Play

De Rogatis opened up about his current project, noting that he is taking the production out of New Jersey after 15 years away from the state. The director is exploring new audiences and navigating the demands of memorizing a dense script.

Key Themes from the Conversation

• Fresh Stage Territory – Returning to New Jersey allows the team to engage a different demographic and test performance beyond New York.
• Learning Curve – The director is mentoring himself through the extensive lines, highlighting the role of practice.
• Excitement and Caution – De Rogatis maintains enthusiasm while acknowledging the work still required for a successful kickoff.

Future Plans and Partnerships

De Rogatis outlines a goal to expand the show to additional cities, with New York City as the ultimate target. The initiative represents a new partnership with Asbury Park and the Jersey Shore Arts Center and could propel future productions to the Big Apple.

Provocative Insight

He emphasized that a repeated portrayal of a character yields the most powerful impact. The director envisions a strategy that begins in New Jersey, transitions to New York, and ultimately solidifies ownership of the play.

Love for the Process

De Rogatis concluded by praising the value of starting in New York while testing the material elsewhere, underscoring the well‑timed synergy of this production approach.

Matt de Rogatis and Christian Jules LeBlanc

Featured in ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.’

Film Production

The casting of Matt de Rogatis and Christian Jules LeBlanc is highlighted in the series “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.”

Photographic Documentation

Photo credit: Miles Skalli.

Additional Cast

• Tina White
• James Glen

Tennessee Williams Festival

Festival Performance Recap

Last year, de Rogatis and LeBlanc delivered a standout Act II of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof during the Tennessee Williams Festival in New Orleans.

Act II Highlights

• de Rogatis described the performance as “the best second act among 76 verifications”.
• He noted that the event attracted roughly 200 attendees in the grand ballroom.
• Both actors credited the experience with encouraging a broader audience connection.

Audience Reception

Participants who had previously witnessed Cat on a Hot Tin Roof productions reported that the Tennessee Williams Festival rendition surpassed the New York presentation. This consensus highlighted the actors’ effectiveness in capturing the essential drama of the work.

Closing thoughts on ‘The Zoo Story’

Matt de Rogatis on “The Zoo Story”

Matt de Rogatis has a clear philosophy about the shows he chooses. He says he never tries to make a statement about politics or social issues through the productions he stages.

What Drives His Choices?

• He is drawn to the psychology of the main character.
• He feels the role has an emotional resonance that compels him to act.
• He rarely wants to stage a play for a reason other than being fascinated by the inner world of the protagonist.

Matt mentions that “The Zoo Story” is a play he wants to do with Christian. He expresses a hope that the audience will enjoy the experience and take away whatever they take from the play.

Final Thought

Matt concludes that he simply wants the audience to believe in the performance and let the play speak for itself.

To learn more about “The Zoo Story,” visit the official Ruth Stage website.

For more updates on Matt de Rogatis, follow him on Instagram.