The Growing Stage: The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey, located in the Historic Palace Theatre on Route 183 in Netcong, New Jersey is thrilled to welcome back audiences in person to present their 40th Season.
The season begins with The Story of the Nutcracker (November 26- December 19, 2021) with book by Stephen L. Fredericks and Perry Arthur Kroeger and music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The Growing Stage’s original adaptation transforms the classic holiday ballet into a fully formed theatrical production laced with the music of Tchaikovsky. The mysterious Uncle Drosselmeir brings his niece, Clara, a very special gift, a Nutcracker. After the family has gone to bed, Clara sneaks out from her bedroom to see her gift. As the clock chimes twelve, the adventure begins! Clara and the Nutcracker, who is really a prince, journey through the Land of Sweets, battle an army of mice, sail on the Lemonade Sea, rescue the Sugar Plum Fairie all to finally reclaim the prince’s crown from the Dowager Mouse Queen and her inept son.
Next up is Boogie (February 11-27, 2022) by Angelle Whavers.The 2020 New Play Reading Festival Laurie Award-winning play. Not being able to sleep due to nightmares, Alex attempts to put an end to them once they discover the Boogieman is the cause. However, after meeting this famous monster, Alex learns the truth about fears and that it’s okay to be afraid because fears are just a part of us.
Following that is Pinkalicious (March 18-April 10, 2022) with music and lyrics by John Gregor. Based on the popular book by Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann, this is the tale of Pinkalicious, who can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor’s office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe–a dream come true for this pink-loving enthusiast. Alas Pinkalicious needs a way out of her pink predicament, and joined by her family they find unity and appreciation in the quirks that define us all.
The season continues with Time Again in Oz (May 6-22, 2022) by Suzan Zeder and composed by Richard Gray. Time Again in Oz is a spellbinding voyage to the magical world created by L. Frank Baum. From its dramatic shipwreck beginning, to Dorothy and her aging invalid Uncle Henry’s encounters with Ozma of Oz, Roquat the Gnome King, an army on roller skates and a time twisting Tic-Toc man, this fantastic adventure explores our relationship to time and each other.
Closing the season is Georgia Mae Unplugs America (July 9-30, 2022) by Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder. Sometimes in order to feel connected, you have to unplug. When Georgia Mae is left home alone with her two older siblings while her parents take the train into the city, she comes up with big plans for the night. However, Georgia Mae finds herself disappointed when Imogene and Henry are too invested in the electronic devices to play with her. So, Georgia Mae decides to shut down the power grid so they won’t have any distractions. However, when they realize their parents are now stranded in the city and can’t get home, the three set off on an adventure to restore power. Along the way they meet a variety of people who help them on their journey, and ultimately, they learn about the simple pleasures of being together — and unplugged.
