THE GROWING STAGE BECOMES “BUSYTOWN!”

With plays adapted from popular children’s books and stories, there is sure to be something for everyone playing at the Historic Palace Theater in this, the Growing Stage’s 29th season. As a professional member theater of the Association of Actor’s Equity, the Growing Stage provides a unique, affordable opportunity for young people and their families to experience the performing arts. It’s a top-notch company and worth a trip to northwestern NJ!

Busytown
The New Jersey première of a musical adaptation of Richard Scarry’s popular children’s book.

WHEN: Saturday, September 25 through October 24, Saturdays and Sundays at 4:00 PM, with weekday school matinees available. 
WHERE: The Growing Stage—The Children's Theatre of New Jersey, The Historic Palace Theatre, 7 Ledgewood Avenue, Rte. 183, Netcong
TICKETS: $14 for children and seniors, $18 for adults.  The Growing Stage also offers group rates and features several different birthday party packages.
Call 973.347.4946 or visit online at http://www.growingstage.com/

Busytown is always buzzing with activity. But what do people do all day? That’s where Huckle Cat comes in—he’ll take us on a tour of his great neighborhood. And there is so much to see and do, so many wonderful friends to visit. Huckle shows us how Farmer Pig and Grocer Cat work together to bring food to the town. Construction Worker and his crew build new houses, and Fire Chief and the gang keep them safe. Isn’t it wonderful how everyone works together to keep Busytown busy? (Above: Jenna Morris and Robert Farruggia as the Sailors of Busytown.)

Richard McClure Scarry (1919–1994) (last name rhymes with "marry") was an enormously popular American children's author and illustrator who published over 300 books with total sales of over 100 million worldwide.

Under the direction of TGS Director of Education Lori B. Lawrence, Busytown features a cast of professional professional Actors Equity artists familiar to many Growing Stage audiences.  Danny Campos, who was featured in the title role of Frosty, will play Huckle Cat.  Jenna Morris, who played Miss Nitpicker in last season’s Lyle the Crocodile, is joined by Cristina Farruggia, Steve and Maggie Graham, who all performed in the Growing Stage’s production of Peter & the Wolf.  Rounding out the cast and making his Growing Stage debut is Robert Farruggia.  These four artists will play a myriad of characters that round out the world of Busytown.  The musical direction is by Laura Petrie, with choreography by Jillian Petrie. (Above: Jenna Morris, Cristina and Robert Farruggia read Busytown.)

The Growing Stage was founded in 1982, with a Mission to nurture the development of the performing arts through education, and to create, produce, and perform works that engage the entire family. The Growing Stage’s home, the Historic Palace Theater, is the only theater solely dedicated to professional theatre for young audiences in New Jersey.