Widow Keeps Promise, Revives Late Writer’s ‘Beloved’ Mary Magdalene Musical

“Magdalene: the Musical” will be revived Saturday and Sunday at STAR Repertory Theatre in Escondido.

The musical, written by the late Sal Ponti and based on the Biblical figure, Mary Magdalene, was first produced in 1983 and enjoyed a two-year run in Los Angeles.

Directed by Cynthia Leigh, Ponti’s widow, with musical direction by Abraham Fabella, “Magdalene: the Musical” has been recreated by Genesis Opera Theatre to honor Ponti.

“This story has held a special place in my heart for years,” said Leigh, a Tierrasanta resident who saw the original production.

A few years later, now married to Ponti, she told her husband on his deathbed that she would keep his dreams regarding “Magdalene: the Musical” alive.

“I’m thrilled to bring ‘Magdalene’ back to the stage,” she said. “It’s nice to think of Sal looking down from heaven and seeing his beloved musical brought back to life.”

Ponti, according to his 1988 obituary, opened his own venue, the Sal Ponti Theater in Hollywood and wrote and appeared in his own plays while also acting on television.

Saturday’s show is at 7 p.m. and Sunday’s at 3 p.m. Tickets start at $30. STAR Repertory Theatre is located at 329 E. Valley Parkway.