Hoboken’s Mile Square Theatre is hosting the East Coast premiere of The Supreme Leader, a coming-of-age comedy by Don X. Nguyen that blends absurdity with sharp wit. The production opened on October 9, 2025, and runs through October 26, 2025, marking the first show under the theater’s new artistic director, Chris Cragin-Day. This limited engagement is drawing attention for its clever premise, engaging performances, and unique take on history through the lens of comedy.
The play imagines the teenage years of Kim Jong Un, who is humorously reimagined as “Oony” during his time at a Swiss boarding school. Under the constant supervision of a minder, Oony must prove himself capable of leading North Korea while navigating the challenges of adolescence, including a schoolyard crush on a fellow student named Sophie. The premise allows Nguyen to explore political themes with levity, offering a humorous yet thought-provoking portrayal of one of the world’s most infamous leaders.
The four-person cast brings the story to life with energy and precision. Nathan Malin stars as Oony, while Pimprenelle Noël portrays Sophie. Jonon Gansukh rounds out the ensemble with additional roles, and Kurt Uy plays Oony’s vigilant minder. Audiences have praised the cast for their timing, chemistry, and ability to balance comedic absurdity with the story’s underlying tension.
The production’s design has been highlighted as a standout feature. Set designer Kaelin Elizabeth Fuld utilizes minimalist sliding panels and projections to seamlessly shift between locations, allowing the audience to follow Oony’s journey without distraction. Director Sarah Shin keeps the pace brisk, delivering a 90-minute performance that moves without intermission, maintaining audience engagement from start to finish.
Critical reception has been strong, with reviewers noting the sharp dialogue, creative staging, and compelling performances. NJArts.net described the production as “clever, well-paced, and consistently entertaining,” emphasizing how the comedy succeeds in making historical figures relatable while keeping the laughs coming. Audience reactions have reflected this enthusiasm, with laughter and applause filling the theater, including a recent performance attended by a high school drama class.
The show is recommended for ages 12 and up, making it a perfect option for families, students, and theater enthusiasts interested in exploring unconventional storytelling. Ticket prices are set at $40 for general admission, with preview performances offered at $25. Tickets can be purchased online via the Mile Square Theatre website.
The remaining performance schedule ensures several opportunities for New Jersey audiences to catch this unique East Coast premiere: Thursdays, October 16 and 23 at 7:00 p.m.; Fridays, October 17 and 24 at 7:00 p.m.; Saturdays, October 18 and 25 at 7:00 p.m.; and Sundays, October 19 and 26 at 3:00 p.m.
For more information on this production and other live theater events in New Jersey, visit The Supreme Leader at Mile Square Theatre.
