Jan 29, 2026
COM Students performing “Leader of the Pack” at the COM Theatre.
COM Students performing “Leader of the Pack: The Ellie Greenwich Musical” at the COM Theatre.

The College of the Mainland (COM) Theatre will present “Leader of the Pack: The Ellie Greenwich Musical” from January 29 through February 15, 2026, as part of COM Theatre’s 52nd Season.

Directed by Cheramie Hopper, assistant professor of theatre at COM, the Broadway musical celebrates the life and career of legendary songwriter Ellie Greenwich, whose work helped shape the sound of American pop music in the 1960s. The production traces Greenwich’s rise in the music industry through a collection of well-known songs, including “Chapel of Love,” “Be My Baby,” “Da Doo Ron Ron,” “Hanky Panky,” “Do Wah Diddy,” “And Then He Kissed Me,” and the title song, “Leader of the Pack.”

“Leader of the Pack gives our students the opportunity to work on a Broadway hit musical that’s fun and nostalgic,” said Michael McIntosh, assistant professor of theatre. “These songs just make you feel good. They're instantly recognizable, and people don’t need any introduction to be able to sing-along.”

The musical features music and lyrics by Ellie Greenwich and friends, with liner notes by Anne Beatts, additional material by Jack Heifner, and is based on an original concept by Melanie Mintz. The production offers students hands-on performance experience in pop vocal singing backed by a live band and 60s-style choreography.

Performances will be held Thursdays through Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. at the College of the Mainland Theatre. Tickets range from $10 to $20; students from any school receive free admission with a valid ID.