The Growing Stage Presents JUNGALBOOK Production Streaming on YouTube Live

JUNGALBOOK

WHEN: virtually streaming on Friday, July 17, at 7:30PM and Saturday, July 18, at 4:00PM
WHERE: YouTube Live
ADMISSION: pay what  you can
When you visit www.growingstage.com/studio-series, you’ll see a step-by-step guide on how to place an order and obtain your streaming link.

The Growing Stage, The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey, located in the Historic Palace Theatre on Route 183 in Netcong, New Jersey is proud to present our next Studio Series of the 38^th season, JUNGALBOOK. Written by Edward Mast, JUNGALBOOK is a thrilling and fun-filled adaptation based on Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, which moves the jungle to an inner-city playground as we follow Mowgli navigating his way through the wilds of childhood. This production is directed by Jillian Petrie, TGS’s Company Choreographer.

In JUNGALBOOK, we’re introduced to Mowgli, the human child, who grows up raised by wolves under the guidance of Baloo the bear. The tiger, Sherakhan, wants Mowgli but Bagheera, the lone panther, protects him. Mowgli grows up wild and unconcerned,  believing he’s a wolf; but the tiger works long and hard to poison the wolf pack against him. With rope stolen from the human village, Mowgli meets and destroys Sherakhan, but its use has broken jungle law. Mowgli must choose whether to defy the law or leave the jungle forever.

JUNGALBOOK is an all youth production featuring 13 young performers hailing from Morris, Sussex and Warren counties. This production is a part of our Studio Presentation Series. This series, initiated in the fall of 2009, has succeeded in engaging both patrons and artists. Targeted for specific-aged audiences rather than the wide-reaching family fare of the Main Stage, the series provides community artists with a unique opportunity to participate in the creative process of “trying out” new, more experimental works under the direction of our professional artists. This program allows our company to both cultivate new talent and challenge audiences.

For further information, please call the TGS Box Office at (973) 347-4946.  The Growing Stage – The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey programs are made possible, in part, by funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and contributions from numerous corporations, foundations, and individuals.

Virtual Summer Camp Arrives at The Growing Stage!

Virtual Summer Camp

The Growing Stage, The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey, located in the Historic Palace Theatre in Netcong launches their Summer Arts Camp in a virtual setting this year. Executive Director, Steve Fredericks states, “Throughout this pandemic, The Growing Stage staff has been creating virtual programming to provide our young patrons with the tools to remain active and connected with their friends in the performing arts. Our company’s motto of play, learn, and grow are needed now, perhaps more than ever before for our children and our Summer Arts Camp, now on a virtual platform, allows for that experience to continue uninterrupted!”

About Our Camp

The Growing Stage Virtual Summer Arts Day Camp is designed for young people attending kindergarten in the fall of 2020 through those who have completed 8th grade this June. The program is one of active participation and collaboration in the performing arts.

All sessions include the same drama, dance, music, and art instruction that our camp has become well-known for highlighting creativity, discovery and performance!

What does a camp week look like?

• Each week will have a unique theme.
• Campers will be active participants in the creative process.
• Stage Craft/Art instruction and supplies will be provided with 24/7 video support available.
• Limited screen time with regular breaks scheduled.  
• Camp Performance will be recorded on an exclusive platform with video links provided to each family for your personal viewing pleasure.

For further information and to register, please visit our website at www.growingstage.com or call the TGS Box Office at (973) 347-4946.

The Growing Stage—The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey programs are made possible, in part, by funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and contributions from numerous corporations, foundations, and individuals.

THE GROWING STAGE ONE OF 16 CHILDREN’S THEATRES HONOR FRONTLINE WORKERS WITH NATIONAL TRIBUTE SONG

Amid the global pandemic which has forced the temporary closure of many performing arts venues, 16 youth-serving theatres across the country have come together to share a national tribute, performed by children within each community, to honor frontline workers.

Led by Seattle Children’s Theatre’s Interim Artistic Director Kathryn Van Meter, the project titled So Many Heroes empowers and amplifies the voices of young people during this time.

“We will be forever changed by our current events, and forever connected and bound together by our shared experience of isolation. As we begin to redefine what it is to share space, there is hope in our future because we are resilient…just like the young people in our communities,” said Van Meter. 

Jeff Revels, Artistic Director of Orlando Repertory Theatre and writer for the nationally televised Memorial Day parade, presented the idea knowing that the network of theatres for young audiences could mobilize this tremendous effort. Together, Revels, Van Meter and Rich Gray, songwriter of So Many Heroes, began collaborating on what the national tribute could be.

“We have heard from the doctors and politicians, but not much from the kids of America. Writing musicals for young audiences has taught me how observant kids are. They see everything and absorb it all. They have been processing this like crazy, so, when asked to write this tribute, I knew it had to be in the direct, honest language that kids use,” said Gray, emphasizing the importance of hearing from young people during this time.

WHEN: The tribute, released on Friday May 22, can be viewed on The Growing Stage Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/thegrowingstage
and on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RwnMt1c4YTI

The Growing Stage Provides Online Creative Arts via New Program

The Growing Stage, The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey, located in the Historic Palace Theatre in Netcong introduces

TGS TV: Online Creative Arts 

With all New Jersey schools closed for a substantial amount of time and distance learning now the norm in households, The Growing Stage, The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey is doing its part by providing arts access via the internet for families.

What exactly is TGS TV? A free and easy online hub to incorporate theatre and the arts into your daily schedule of distance learning at home.

Each week, we’ll share a new theme with corresponding educational resources to enhance your child’s learning experience and have a little fun too. And we promise parents that no training is required! “In these extraordinary times our theatre realizes that young people need to stay connected to the things in their lives that encourage the open expression of ideas, creativity and fun. We hope we can provide that, even on a small level to our young patrons through TGS-TV,” said Lori B. Lawrence, Director of Educational Programming for The Growing Stage.

TGS TV kicked off Monday, March 23^rd with SEUSS ON THE LOOSE! During the week, families were able to explore the world of Theodore Geisel, otherwise known as Dr. Seuss, as participants look back at two Growing Stage Seuss productions: SEUSSICAL (2012) & THE CAT IN THE HAT (2017).

Subsequent offerings include:

March 30 – April 3: PIRATES!
April 6-10: FAIRYTALE FUN!
April 13-17: IT’S A BUG’S LIFE!
April 20-24: PINT SIZE POWER!
April 27-May 1: WILDLIFE ADVENTURES

All the themes and resources will always be available at www.growingstage.com/tgstv

The online platform will be shared on Facebook (www.facebook.com/thegrowingstage) and link backed to The Growing Stage’s main site, www.growingstage.com.

What type of resources will you find on TGS TV?

Sticking with The Growing Stage Creative Arts Academy model, the team at TGS will provide 3 areas:

• LEARN – A time to learn about our theme – a “jumping off point” to the things we will explore.
• PLAY – A time to play and explore our theme through theatre based exercises and activities.
• GROW – A time to grow, to expand and to further explore what we have learned through supplemental activities, suggested reading, fun recipes, and links to educational & entertaining videos.

The Growing Stage is 501-c-3 designated organization by the IRS and registered with the Office of the NJ Attorney General. Urgent contributions are needed to keep our limited programming flowing to the young people and families throughout northern New Jersey that depend on The Growing Stage – The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey. Funding will not only support the theatre’s efforts in keeping its staff employed and ensure that productions can resume as soon as possible for its artists – it allows for efforts such as this to be developed and sustained throughout this current health crisis. Help is needed, perhaps more than ever, to keep the creativity open to our families while the theatre doors are shut. As always, your consideration is appreciated.

“ELF The Musical” Kicks Off the Holidays at The Growing Stage!

WHEN: November 29^th through December 22^nd, with performances Fridays at 7:30PM, Saturdays and Sundays at 4:00 PM*
WHERE: Historic Palace Theatre, 7 Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong, New Jersey
TICKETS: $28 for adults, $22 for seniors and $18 for children. 
To purchase tickets, please visit www.growingstage.com or call (973) 347-4946. Group rates and Season Membership Plans are still available.

The Growing Stage, The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey, located in the Historic Palace Theatre in Netcong, kicks off the holiday season with ELF The Musical. Based on the cherished 2003 New Line Cinema hit, ELF the Musical features songs by Tony Award nominees, Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin (Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway, The Wedding Singer), with a book by Tony Award winners, Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone), with direction by Lori B. Lawrence, Director of Educational Programming, choreography by Jillian Petrie and musical direction by Stephen Fox.

ELF The Musical introduces us to Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually a human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with the harsh realities that his father is on the naughty list and his half-brother doesn’t even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.

ELF The Musical features the talents of three professional equity performers in the cast: James D. Lynch (Growing Stage Debut) of Blakeslee,PA, as Walter Hobbs; Lisa Winkler (Frosty, Narnia ) of Mendham, NJ, as Emily Hobbs and Colleen Lis (Growing Stage Debut) of Montclair, NJ, as Deb.  Rounding out the cast are 16 performers (adults and young people) from all across the state including Connor McKenna of Hillsborough, NJ as Buddy the Elf and Olivia Clavel-Davis of Newton as Jovie.

*Sunday, December 1^st at 3PM: See the show at a special time followed by the Netcong Holiday Parade.

Sensory Friendly Performance – On December 22^nd at 4PM, The Growing Stage will present a sensory friendly performance of ELF The Musical.  At this performance, see the full production in a safe, supportive environment.

ELF The Musical is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

The Growing Stage’s programs are made possible, in part, by funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and contributions from numerous corporations, foundations, and individuals.

The Growing Stage presents the final Studio Series Presentation of 37th season!

SIDEWAYS STORIES FROM WAYSIDE SCHOOL
adapted by John Olive from Louis Sachar’s Wayside School novels
directed by TGS Veteran Actor Cara Ganski

WHEN: June 6^th through the 9^th with performances at 7:30 PM on Thursday and Friday, and matinees at 4:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday
WHERE: Historic Palace Theatre on Route 183 in Netcong, New Jersey
TICKETS: $15 for Adults and $12 for Children & Seniors, with group rates available. 
Tickets can be purchased by calling the TGS Box Office at (973) 347-4946 or visiting www.growingstage.com. 

In the play, we’re introduced to Wayside School which is sideways; however, that’s how the builder built it. Instead of making 30 classrooms side-by-side, he built them one on top of the other, which explains why all kinds of crazy things happen there—especially to Myron, Bebe, Leslie, Rondi and Dameon, who attend class on the thirtieth floor. You’ll also get to meet Mrs. Gorf, the meanest teacher at Wayside School, the delightful Mrs. Jewls, and Louis, the yard teacher. And, if you’re curious, you might get to find out what happened to the nineteenth floor!

SIDEWAYS STORIES FROM WAYSIDE SCHOOL is an all-youth production featuring 16 young performers hailing from Hunterdon, Morris, Sussex and Warren counties. This production is a part of our Studio Presentation Series. This series initiated in the fall of 2009 has succeeded in engaging both patrons and artists. Targeted for specific-aged audiences rather than the wide-reaching family fare of the Main Stage, the series provides community artists with a unique opportunity to participate in the creative process of “trying out” new, more experimental works under the direction of our professional artists. This program allows our company to both cultivate new talent and challenge audiences.

The Growing Stage – The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey programs are made possible, in part, by funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and contributions from numerous corporations, foundations, and individuals.

“Mr. Popper’s Penguins” Wraps Up The Growing Stage’s 37th Season

The Growing Stage, The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey concludes its 37^th Main Stage season

MR. POPPER’S PENGUINS 
WHEN: May 3^rd – 19^th with performances Saturdays and Sundays at 4:00 PM
WHERE: Historic Palace Theatre, 7 Ledgewood Avenue in Netcong
TICKETS: $28 for adults, $22 for seniors and $18 for children. 
To purchase tickets, please visit www.growingstage.com or call (973) 347-4946.  Group rates are available. 

Based on the novel by Richard and Florence Atwater and featuring music and lyrics by George Howe and book by Robert Kauzlaric, this production is directed by Lori B. Lawrence, TGS’s Director of Educational Programming with Musical Direction by Stephen Fox and Choreography by Jillian Petrie.

In MR. POPPER’S PENGUINS, money is tight and times are tough in the town of Stillwater. With no houses to paint till next spring, Mr. Popper is stuck at home daydreaming of Arctic adventures, while Mrs. Popper must scrimp and save just to put beans on the table. But with the unexpected arrival of a spirited penguin named Captain Cook, a new horizon opens before them and before long the Poppers have a snowdrift in the living room and a dozen delightful penguins living in the house. With an ever-increasing bill for canned shrimp, what can the wonderfully imaginative Poppers do but train the penguins and take the show on the road! It’s a flipper-flapping musical tale that will make you believe in the power of ingenuity and determination.

MR. POPPER’S PENGUINS features the talents of six professional performers in the cast.  Returning to the Palace are: Joey Sanzaro (The Wizard of OZ) of New York, NY as Mr. Popper; Lyndsey Brown (Disney’s The Little Mermaid, The Wizard of OZ) of High Bridge, NJ, as Mrs. Popper; Donald Danford (Babes in Toyland) of Rockaway, NJ as Admiral Drake/Others; Niall Ng (Babes in Toyland) of Maplewood, NJ as Captain Cook the Penguin.  Making their Growing Stage debuts are Jessica Stanzek of South Brunswick, NJ, as Mrs. Callahan/Others and Sarah Emaline Melton of Union City, NJ, as Greta the Penguin.

Sensory Friendly Performance – On May 19^th at 1PM, The Growing Stage will present a sensory friendly performance of MR. POPPER’S PENGUINS.  At this performance, see the full production in a safe, supportive environment.

The Growing Stage’s programs are made possible, in part, by funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and contributions from numerous corporations, foundations, and individuals.  The Growing Stage continues 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 Presents Two World Premiere New Plays

The Growing Stage, The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey, is proud to present the world premiere productions

JOHN HENRY
by Elise Forier Edie

WHEN: February 8^th through 10^th Friday evenings at 7:30 PM and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 4:00 PM.
WHERE: Historic Palace Theatre on Route 183 in Netcong, New Jersey
TICKETS: $18. SPECIAL DEAL: Purchase a ticket to John Henry & A Better Place To Be for ONLY $25.  To purchase tickets, please visit our website at www.growingstage.com or contact the Box Office at (973) 347-4946.  Special group rates are available.

A BETTER PLACE TO BE
by Stephen L. Fredericks

WHEN: February 15^th through 17^th. Friday evenings at 7:30 PM and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 4:00 PM.
WHERE:  Historic Palace Theatre on Route 183 in Netcong, New Jersey
TICKETS: $18. SPECIAL DEAL: Purchase a ticket to John Henry & A Better Place To Be for ONLY $25.  To purchase tickets, please visit our website at www.growingstage.com or contact the Box Office at (973) 347-4946.  Special group rates are available.

Both productions are under the direction of Stephen L. Fredericks, TGS’s Founder/Executive Director.

JOHN HENRY, the 2018 Laurie Award Winner from the New Play-Reading Festival, brings to life the traditional American folk-ballad about the “steel driving man,” John Henry.  This new play blends music, history and storytelling to tell the tale of the first African American folk-hero. In the story, we’re introduced to Young Jayjay and his best friend Grace, who are the children of railroad workers and live in a camp in the Allegheny Mountains, just after the Civil War. When their fathers’ jobs are threatened by the invention of a steam drill, Jayjay’s dad challenges it by proposing a race though the mountain to prove a man can work better and faster than a machine. The race is on, but when John Henry’s conquest ends in sudden tragedy, Jayjay must find a way to honor his father’s legacy, while still being true to himself. Despite setbacks, and with the help of his friends and family, he finds a way to go forward, and to take his place in the burgeoning, industrial world.

JOHN HENRY features the talents of 9 Professional Equity and Community Artists: Steven Michael Martin, of Manhattan (TGS Debut) as John Henry; Natalie Marie Bailey of Edison (TGS debut) as Polly Ann; Sean Quigley of Lodi (Boy Sees Flying Saucer), as Dan Flynn;  Nicole Elizabeth Zimmerman of Westfield (TGS Debut), as Agnes Bligh; Donald Danford of Rockaway (Babes in Toyland) as Walker Jerry; Daniel C. Gleason of Yardley, PA (TGS Debut) as Boss Huntington; Niall Ng of Maplewood (Babes in Toyland), as Vinnie and rounding out the cast are two young performers: Marcellus Brown of Hackettstown and Jadelyn Anderson of Budd Lake as Jayjay and Grace Flynn.

A BETTER PLACE TO BE, An original piece commissioned by the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) and the New Jersey Theatre Alliance’s Stage Exchange program, brings together the immigration journeys of two young women. First that of TGS Founder/Executive Director Stephen L. Fredericks great-grandmother’s voyage to America in the late 1800’s and that of a young Syrian girl coming today. Weaving poetry, music and folktales from each time and place, the play celebrates our similarities and opens the door for a better appreciation for our differences.

A BETTER PLACE TO BE features 4 Professional Equity Artists: Lori B. Lawrence of Hackettstown (The Wizard of OZ) as Actor 1; Cara Ganski of Avenel (Disney’s The Little Mermaid) as Actor 2; Ashley Leone of Lodi (Box of Stories) as Actor 3 and Philipe AbiYouness (TGS Debut) as Actor 4.

JOHN HENRY and A BETTER PLACE TO BE are funded in part from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and the ongoing support from The Growing Stage’s corporate, foundation, family and individual partners.

8th Annual New Play-Reading Festival at The Growing Stage

WHEN: January 25^th through 27^th
WHERE: the Historic Palace Theatre on Route 183 in Netcong, New Jersey
TICKETS: $5 Suggested donation per reading. 
For further information, you can call the Box Office at (973) 347-4946, e-mail at boxoffice@growingstage.com or visit our website at www.growingstage.com

The Growing Stage—The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey—is proud to announce four plays selected for their 8^th Annual New Play-Reading Festival.

In the New Play-Reading Festival, four brand-new plays for young audiences, chosen from 100 submitted works, will be read by professional and community artists in a casual setting. 

Following each reading, the entire family can participate in discussion of the work with the professional team. One of the four plays will be selected to become a fully mounted Main Stage production in 2020!  The four plays selected for the festival are: Back Cover by Emily Hageman, Bunnyboy by Philip Kaplan, Resonance, MT by Dara Silverman & Jaren Feeley and Dear Anne, From Nina by Claudia Haas.  Funding for the New Play-Reading Festival is provided by the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation.

BACK COVER 
by Emily Hageman
WHEN: Friday, January 25^th at 7:30PM

The unexpected divorce of Madison’s parents relocated her to New York City–a place that she has vowed to loathe. Through incredible coincidence, Madison finds a shoebox full of letters belonging to a young woman named Jessica. A connection is formed that will forever change the course of Madison’s life. Narrated by Madison’s older self, Back Cover is a story of loss, courage, humanity, and the painful–but wonderful–experience of growing up.

BUNNYBOY
by Philip Kaplan
WHEN: Saturday, January 26^th at 4:00PM

Through a series of accidents, Peter, a sixth grader, develops superpowers and becomes Bunnyboy. Now what?  Peter and his friends, Skip and Karen, discover it’s complicated being a superhero – there’s no manual.  And when Bunnyboy has to face an actual super villain, the Animal Master, is he up for the task?  And will he get his homework in on time?

RESONANCE, MT
by Dara Silverman & Jaren Feeley
WHEN: Saturday, January 26^th at 7:00PM

This musical tells the story of a small town in Montana that mines for a resource called “resonance” — the raw material that makes sound — and what happens when they begin to run low on their resource. It’s a parable for climate change and resource extraction — but for kids! — with a wacky premise, music, and lots of opportunities for physical shenanigans.

DEAR ANNE, FROM NINA
by Claudia Haas
WHEN: Sunday, January 27^th at 2:00PM

In February 1940, a young girl in Iowa pulled the name of a pen pal out of a hat. The name was Anne Frank. They had a brief correspondence before the Nazis invaded The Netherlands. The play chronicles the coming of age of four girls during 1940-1942 as the world comes crashing in around them. In Iowa, Nina and Jeannie strive to become “citizens of the world.” In Amsterdam, Anne and Margot try to navigate a world that doesn’t want them. The play is based on newspaper accounts and memories of the Iowa family.

All Youth Production of Classic Novel, A WRINKLE IN TIME

A WRINKLE IN TIME

WHEN: January 17^th through 20^th with performances at 7:30 PM on Thursday and Friday, and matinees at 4:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday
WHERE: The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey, located in the Historic Palace Theatre on Route 183 in Netcong
TICKETS: $15 for Adults and $12 for Children & Seniors, with group rates available. 
Tickets can be purchased by calling the TGS Box Office at (973) 347-4946 or visiting www.growingstage.com.

Based on A WRINKLE IN TIME by Madeleine L’Engle, this adaptation is by Tracy Young. The production is directed and choreographed by Jillian Petrie, TGS Teaching Artist and Company Choreographer.

Join us as we bring Madeleine L’Engle’s beloved novel, A WRINKLE IN TIME from the page to the stage thanks to Tracy Young’s innovative adaptation.  Meg joins forces with Mrs. Whatsit, Charles Wallace, Calvin O’Keefe, and more to battle the forces of evil so she can rescue her father, save humanity and find herself.  This production is a full-length play, using dance and movement to help tell the story.

A WRINKLE IN TIME is an all youth production featuring 26 young performers hailing from Hunterdon, Morris, Sussex and Warren counties.  This production is a part of our Studio Presentation Series.  This series initiated in the fall of 2009 has succeeded in engaging both patrons and artists. Targeted for specific-aged audiences rather than the wide-reaching family fare of the Main Stage, the series provides community artists with a unique opportunity to participate in the creative process of “trying out” new, more experimental works under the direction of our professional artists. This program allows our company to both cultivate new talent and challenge audiences.

The Growing Stage – The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey programs are made possible, in part, by funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and contributions from numerous corporations, foundations, and individuals.

3-Time GRAMMY NOMINATED Artist BRADY RYMER at The Growing Stage!

Brady Rymer and The Little Band That Could

WHEN: Sat., Dec. 22^nd at 11AM
WHERE: The Growing Stage, The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey, Route 183, 7 Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong
ADMISSION: $20 for adults, $15 for children and seniors. 
To order tickets, please visit www.growingstage.com or contact the Growing Stage Box Office at (973) 347-4946. 

This holiday season, three-time Grammy-nominated musician, Brady Rymer, will return home to Northern New Jersey to perform shows for kids, families, and “grown-ups” alike.

Originally from Sparta, NJ, Rymer is the bass player for beloved “Hick-Pop” band, From Good Homes. When From Good Homes disbanded in 1999, Rymer ventured into family music and has since released nine studio albums, three of which were nominated for Grammy Awards. In 2017, Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could released their first holiday album, “Revvin’ Up the Reindeer” which received a 2018 Parents’ Choice Award. The album features 13 all-original rock and roll holiday songs that they will perform at The Growing Stage among his greatest hits. The performance will also offer a sneak peek from his upcoming family album, “Under the Big Umbrella,” to be released in the new year.

“We love having Brady Rymer back at The Growing Stage,” says Danny Campos of the Growing Stage. “His music appeals to all audiences — the kids are dancing in their seats and the parents are singing along. It’s always a real treat for the entire family to enjoy!”

Brady Rymer is one of the top talents in the independent family music scene today.  Rymer’s rootsy, accordion-laced pop and rock music regularly wins critical acclaim and national awards. His “Jump Up” was included in the album Songs for a Healthier America, a compilation of songs that is part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign. He has also been a featured performer with ASHA’s Listen to Your Buds campaign to promote hearing protection with kids. His last release, Love Me for Who I Am, inspired by children with special needs won a 2011 Parents’ Choice Gold award and national acclaim from parents, educators and critics alike. Together with his Little Band That Could, Rymer creates rockin’ live music for kids and families across the country. Brady also plays bass guitar with the Laurie Berkner Band. Rymer lives on Long Island with his wife and two children.

For the latest Brady Rymer news and tour schedule, visit www.bradyrymer.com.

“Wizard of OZ” Auditions at The Growing Stage!

OPEN AUDITIONS:

THE WIZARD OF OZ
directed by Stephen L. Fredericks, the Growing Stage’s Executive Director,
musical direction by Stephen Fox
choreography by Jillian Petrie

WHEN: Monday, August 27, at 7:00 PM for adults and Tuesday, August 28, for young people ten to 17. The call is open and will run from 7:00 to 10:00 PM. 
WHERE: The Growing Stage, The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey, located in the Historic Palace Theatre on Route 183 in Netcong

The production has four AEA roles available with all other parts available to community artists. All auditioning should have a song prepared with printed accompaniment that should be no longer than sixteen measures and reading from the script.

The Royal Shakespeare Company version is a more faithful adaptation of the film. A more technically complex production, it recreates the dialogue and structure of the MGM classic nearly scene for scene, though it is adapted for a live stage performance. Dorothy Gale, a young girl living on a Kansas farm with her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry, dreams of escaping her mundane life. The family’s mean neighbor, Miss Gulch, threatens to impound Dorothy’s cherished dog, Toto, so Dorothy and Toto run away. They meet up with kindly Professor Marvel, who subtly convinces Dorothy to return home. Suddenly a cyclone hits, and Dorothy and Toto, seeking shelter in the house, are transported to the Land of Oz.

THE WIZARD OF OZ opens October 5^th and runs to the 28^th, with an opening Friday night performance at 7:30 PM. All other performances are Saturdays and Sundays at 4:00 p.m. The Growing Stage is a professional member of the Association of Actor’s Equity. There will be four roles available for AEA artists.

Rehearsal schedules are generally two or three evenings during the week, and a weekend afternoon.  All cast members are expected for all performances, with no exception since the company does not cast understudies.

Performers of color, seniors, women, and performers with disabilities are encouraged to attend. An accompanist will be provided. 

The Growing Stage Theatre is located in northwestern New Jersey with no regular mass transportation service available. Own transportation is strongly recommended. 

For additional information, please email the Director at execgst@optonline.net or call the theatre at 973-347-4946.  The company address is: The Growing Stage, 7 Ledgewood Avenue, Route 183, Netcong, New Jersey 07857.

All Youth Production of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” at The Growing Stage

THE TEMPEST

WHEN: June 7th through the 10th with performances at 7:30 PM on Thursday and Friday, and matinees at 4:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday
WHERE: The Growing Stage, The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey, located in the Historic Palace Theatre on Route 183 in Netcong, New Jersey
TICKETS: $15 for Adults and $12 for Children & Seniors, with group rates available.
Tickets can be purchased by calling the TGS Box Office at (973) 347-4946 or visiting www.growingstage.com

Based on THE TEMPEST by William Shakespeare, this adaptation is by Stephen L. Fredericks, Executive Director/Founder of The Growing Stage. The production is co-directed by Stephen L. Fredericks and Jillian Petrie

THE TEMPEST is believed to have been written in 1610–11, and thought by many critics to be the last play that Shakespeare wrote alone. It is set on a remote island, where the sorcerer Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, plots to restore his daughter Miranda to royalty by using illusion and magic. He conjures up a storm, a tempest, which brings his brother Antonio, who stole his rightful title, and King Alonso of Naples, who took part in the scheme, to the island where Prospero and Miranda now live. Antonio and the King believe they are shipwrecked and marooned on the island, but it is really Prospero weaving his magic in order to get the justice he believes he deserves.

THE TEMPEST is an all-youth production featuring 24 young performers hailing from Hunterdon, Morris, Sussex and Warren counties. This production is a part of our Studio Presentation Series. This series initiated in the fall of 2009 has succeeded in engaging both patrons and artists.

Targeted for specific-aged audiences rather than the wide-reaching family fare of the Main Stage, the series provides community artists with a unique opportunity to participate in the creative process of “trying out” new, more experimental works under the direction of our professional artists. This program allows our company to both cultivate new talent and challenge audiences.

The Growing Stage – The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey programs are made possible, in part, by funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and contributions from numerous corporations, foundations, and individuals.

NJ PROFESSIONAL PREMIERE OF DISNEY’S “BEAUTY AND THE BEAST” ARRIVES OCTOBER 6TH

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

WHEN: October 6th through the 29th with performances Friday evenings at 7:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 4:00 PM.
WHERE: The Growing Stage, The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey, located in the Historic Palace Theatre in Netcong
TICKETS: $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and $15 for children. 
To purchase tickets, please visit www.growingstage.com or call (973) 347-4946.  Group rates and Season Ticket Packages are still available. 
The Growing Stage’s programs are made possible, in part, by funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and contributions from numerous corporations, foundations, and individuals.

Step into the enchanted world of Broadway’s modern classic, Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, an international sensation that has played to over 35 million people worldwide in 13 countries. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature, the stage version includes all of the wonderful songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice, plus a book by Linda Woolverton. The original Broadway production, directed by Robert Jess Roth and produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, ran for over 13 years and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical.  This production is under the direction of Stephen L. Fredericks, The Growing Stage’s Executive Director, with musical direction by Stephen Fox and choreography by Jillian Petrie.

Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST introduces us to the classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.

Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST features the talents of six professional equity performers in the cast.

Returning to the Palace are Growing Stage favorites: Emily Cara Portune (Shrek, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Pinkalicious) of Burlington, VT, as Belle; Jason Pumarada (Dr. Seuss’s The Cat In the Hat) of Union, NJ, as Prince/Beast; Jenna Morris (Disney’s The Little Mermaid, The Wizard of Oz) of Hoboken, NJ, as Mrs. Potts; Davis Cameron Lemley (Dr. Seuss’s The Cat In the Hat, Peter And the Starcatcher) as Lumiere; Andy Danford (Dr. Seuss’s The Cat In the Hat, The Neverending Story) of Rockaway, NJ, as LeFou.  Making his Growing Stage debut is Ryan Slone of New York, NY as Gaston.  Rounding out the cast are 23 performers from all across the tri-state area.

Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).  All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI, 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019.

HARVEST FEST TO BENEFIT THE GROWING STAGE, THE CHILDREN’S THEATRE OF NEW JERSEY

5th Annual Harvest Fest

WHEN: Thursday, September 28, from 6:00 until 9:00 p.m.
WHERE: Skylands Stadium Indoor Event Center, 29 Championship Place, Augusta
TICKETS: $50 per person (or $175 for a party of four), and must be purchased in advance.  Attendees must be 21 or older.
To purchase tickets for Harvest Fest or for more information, please visit www.growingstage.com or call (973)347-4946.

All are invited to attend this magical evening of gourmet food, fine wines and specialty beers, live performances, and exciting prizes.

The event features wine and beer tastings from more than 20 vendors, as well as gourmet tastings from fine local restaurants including Perona Farms, Black Forest Inn, Café Pierrot, Krave Caterers, Shakey Jake’s, KCC Raw Bar, The Wheelhouse, Fanucci’s Café, Polo’s Bar & Grill, Alice’s Restaurant, The Windlass, The Chocolate Goat, Andre’s Lakeside Dining and Pine Hill Farm. RoNetco Supermarkets and ShopRite Wines & Spirits are major sponsors of this important fundraiser.

All proceeds from the event benefit both the mission of The Growing Stage and the continued restoration of its home—the historic Palace Theatre. The Growing Stage is a professional, non-profit performing arts company dedicated to theatre for young audiences and families. The company provides distinctive arts programming for children and families including Main Stage productions, classes and educational workshops at the Palace, along with touring productions and residencies statewide.  The Growing Stage begins its 36th Main Stage season with Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST with performances running October 6 through October 29.  Fundraising events such as Harvest Fest help The Growing Stage keep its professional programs affordably priced for schools and families throughout the region.

In conjunction with Harvest Fest, The Growing Stage is holding a raffle to benefit its artistic and educational programs for young people. Three exciting prizes will be awarded:  $2,500 ShopRite Gift Cards; $1,250 ShopRite Gift Cards and The Ultimate Apple Package – Apple iPad, Watch & TV (Value: $900). Raffle tickets are $10 each, and may be purchased weekdays at the historic Palace Theatre, 7 Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong, or by calling (973)347-4946. The drawing will be held at Harvest Fest on September 28th, but winners need not be present.

THE GROWING STAGE OPENS 35TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON WITH “PETER AND THE STARCATCHER”

PETER AND THE STARCATCHER

WHEN: The show runs October 7th through the 23rd with performances Friday evenings at 7:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 4:00 PM. 
WHERE: The Growing Stage, The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey, located in the Historic Palace Theatre on Route 183 in Netcong
TICKETS: FUN-tastic Fridays with all tickets $15!  Saturday and Sunday tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and $15 for children. 
To purchase tickets, please visit www.growingstage.com or call (973) 347-4946.  Group rates and Birthday Party packages are available.

Tony Award Winning PETER AND THE STARCATCHER upends the century-old story of how a miserable orphan comes to be The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up (Peter Pan). A wildly theatrical adaptation of Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson’s best-selling novels, the play was conceived for the stage by directors Roger Rees and Alex Timbers and written by Rick Elice with music by Wayne Barker. From marauding pirates and jungle tyrants to unwilling comrades and unlikely heroes, PETER AND THE STARCATCHER playfully explores the depths of greed and despair and the bonds of friendship, duty, and love. Featuring a dozen actors portraying more than 100 unforgettable characters, PETER AND THE STARCATCHER uses ingenious stagecraft and the limitless possibilities of imagination to bring the story to life.

This production is under the direction of Stephen L. Fredericks, The Growing Stage’s Executive Director, with musical direction by Stephen Fox and Choreography by Jillian Petrie. PETER AND THE STARCATCHER features the talents of five professional equity performers in the cast.

Returning to the Palace are Growing Stage favorites: Josh Carpenter of Brooklyn, NY, last seen in The Secret Life of Hubie Hartzel, as BlackStache; Jeremy Hilgert of Delaware Water Gap, PA, last seen in Peter Pan, as Bill Slank; Lucas Pinner of Glen Gardner, NJ, last seen in The Story of the Nutcracker, as Mack; Izzy Figueroa of Old Bridge, NJ, last seen in How I Became A Pirate, as Sanchez.  Making his Growing Stage debut is Richard Stillman of Montclair, NJ as Smee.  Rounding out the cast are Davis Lemley of Cedar Grove, NJ, as Boy (Peter); Nikki Miller of Hampton, NJ, as Molly; Julie Galorenzo of Verona, NJ, as Mrs. Bumbrake; Marcelo Leal of Jersey City, NJ, as Alf; Robert Allan of Flanders, NJ, as Lord Aster, Dalton Allison of Byram, NJ, as Prentiss and Justin Watt of Hackettstown, NJ, as Ted.

The Growing Stage’s programs are made possible, in part, by funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and contributions from numerous corporations, foundations, and individuals.

PETER AND THE STARCATCHER is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).  All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI, 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019, Phone: 212-541-4684, Fax : 212-397-4684, www.MTIShows.com

WORLD PREMIERE OF PLAY-READING FESTIVAL WINNER TO PLAY 12 PERFORMANCES @ THE GROWING STAGE

THE BOOK OF D
written by Cody Daigle-Orians
directed by Stephen L. Fredericks, The Growing Stage’s Executive Director

WHEN: February 12th through 21st with performances Friday evenings at 7:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 4:00 PM
WHERE: Historic Palace Theatre on Route 183 in Netcong
TICKETS: FUN-tastic Fridays with all tickets $15! Saturday and Sunday tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and $15 for children.
To purchase tickets, please visit our website at www.growingstage.com or contact the Box Office at (973) 347-4946.
Group rates and Birthday Party packages are available.

The Growing Stage, The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey is proud to present the world premiere production of the winner of their 2015 New Play-Reading Festival.

THE BOOK OF D introduces us to D, a young outcast, who escapes into a world of stories. He keeps a book, The Book of D, to grapple with the tough things in his life — his parents’ divorce, his lack of friends, and the reasons for everything. When he makes a new friend, Blu, who introduces him to Greek mythology, friendship becomes a new story for D to write.

THE BOOK OF D features the talents of four professional equity performers. Phylicia Freeman of Burlington, makes her Growing Stage debut in the role of Mom and Eurydice; Izzy Figueroa of Old Bridge, recently seen as Snail in A Year With Frog and Toad, plays Dad, Orpheus, Theseus and The Minotaur; Ginny Bartolone of Montclair, who first performed with The Growing Stage as a child, returns to our stage playing the Teacher and Pirithous and Barbara Haag of Chester, makes her Growing Stage debut as the Bus Driver and Hades.

Rounding out the cast are the following young performers: Sean Cahill of Netcong as D; Julia Mayhood of Stanhope as Blu; Terrell Cannon of Dover as Andy and Lysander; Amanda Beck of Hackettstown as Mia and Hero; Dalton Allison of Byram as Cal; Hana Hassan of Budd Lake as Len and Isabella DiBernardino of Flanders as Rae.

Enhance your theatergoing experience with pre and post show-activities.

• Join us Opening Weekend February 12th through the 14th for post-show talkback sessions with the playwright and creative team.
• Also, a special pre-show writing workshop with playwright, Cody Daigle-Orians on Saturday, February 20th.

THE GROWING STAGE PRESENTS “A CHRISTMAS CAROL: THE MUSICAL” FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

A Christmas Carol: The Musical

WHEN: November 20th through December 20th with performances Friday evenings at 7:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 4:00 PM.
WHERE: The Growing Stage, The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey, located in the Historic Palace Theatre on Route 183 in Netcong, New Jersey
TICKETS: FUN-tastic Fridays with all tickets $15! Saturday and Sunday tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and $15 for children. 
To purchase tickets, visit our website at www.growingstage.com or contact the Box Office at (973) 347-4946. 
Group rates and Birthday Party packages are available.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL the Musical is based on the story by Charles Dickens with music by Alan Menken (Disney’s The Little Mermaid), lyrics by Lynn Ahrens (Seussical) and book by Mike Ockrent and Lynn Ahrens. A CHRISTMAS CAROL the Musical is under the direction of Stephen L. Fredericks, The Growing Stage’s Executive Director with choreography by Jillian Petrie and musical direction by Melinda Bass O’Neill.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL the Musical tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a prosperous curmudgeon who believes personal wealth is far more valuable than the happiness and comfort of others. With an infuriated “Bah! Humbug!” Scrooge summates his feelings of Christmas tidings and charitable giving, but he’s forced to face his selfish ways when three ghosts on Christmas Eve lead him through his Past, Present and Future. Thanks to their guidance, Scrooge recognizes his faults and greets Christmas morning with a cheerful “Happy Christmas” before spending the day reconnecting and sharing love with those that mean the most to him. A CHRISTMAS CAROL the Musical is a spectacular adaptation of Charles Dickens’s most well-known story.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL the Musical features the talents of five professional equity performers in the cast.  John Patrick Cleary of High Bridge, last seen in the world premiere production of And Then Came Tango, plays Scrooge; Danny Campos of Kearny and Lori B. Lawrence of Hackettstown, last seen in The Story of the Nutcracker, plays Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig respectfully (right); Nikole Rizzo of Highlands, who also appeared in And Then Came Tango, plays Mrs. Cratchit; and Cara Ganski of Woodbridge, last seen in Disney’s The Little Mermaid, plays the Ghost of Christmas Past.  Rounding out the cast are twenty six young performers and community artists from all across New Jersey.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL the Musical is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).  All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI, 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019

LAST WEEKEND TO TAKE THE KIDS TO SEE “REALLY ROSIE” @ THE GROWING STAGE IN NETCONG

The Growing Stage, The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey, is proud to open its 2015 - 2016 season with

REALLY ROSIE
music by four-time GRAMMY winner and 2015 recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors, Carole King
lyrics and book by children’s book author and illustrator, Maurice Sendak (Where the Wild Things Are)
under the direction of Lori B. Lawrence, The Growing Stage’s Director of Educational Programming
musical direction by Melinda Bass O’Neill (The original ROSIE in The Growing Stage’s 1991 production)
Choreography by Jillian Petrie

WHEN: through October 18^th with performances Friday evenings at 7:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 4:00 PM.
WHERE: Historic Palace Theatre on Route 183 in Netcong
TICKETS: FUN-tastic Fridays tickets are $15! Saturday and Sunday tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and $15 for children.
To place your reservation, please visit www.growingstage.com or call (973) 347-4946.
Group rates and Birthday Party packages are available.
The Growing Stage’s programs are made possible, in part, by funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and contributions from numerous corporations, foundations, and individuals.

REALLY ROSIE, introduces us to Rosie, the sassiest kid on her block of Brooklyn’s Avenue P, who entertains herself and her friends by acting out show biz fantasies, notably directing and starring in an Oscar winning movie. REALLY ROSIE is a jewel for children and adults. Author, Maurice Sendak, is a winner of a Caldecott Medal, National Book Award, and a National Medal of the Arts. Composer, Carole King, is a winner of a National Academy of Songwriters Lifetime Achievement Award, a Grammy Trustees Award, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Library of Congress’s Gershwin Award for Popular Song. Whether you’re 2 or 100 years old, REALLY ROSIE will lift your spirits and make your heart sing!

REALLY ROSIE features the talents of six young performers in the cast. Kayla O’Brien of Flemington, makes her Growing Stage debut as Rosie. Also making their debuts at the Palace are Sasha Nelson of Sparta as Alligator, Lauren Hertzig of Flanders as Kathy, Jon Wade of Budd Lake as Pierre and Grady Morgan of Great Meadows as Chicken Soup. Nick Profito (Flounder from Disney’s The Little Mermaid) rounds out the cast as Johnny.

REALLY ROSIE is presented through special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.

AUDITION NOTICE: “REALLY ROSIE” @ THE GROWING STAGE

AUDITION NOTICE:

GROWING STAGE presents

REALLY ROSIE (Musical)
Written by Maurice Sendak
Music by Carole King
Director: Lori B. Lawrence
Musical Director: Melinda Bass O’Neill
Choreographer: Jillian Petrie

WHEN: Tuesday, August 11, at 7 PM
WHERE: The Growing Stage, 7 Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong

AGE REQUIREMENT:  Looking for Boys and Girls, Ages 8 through 17!

Rosie, the sassiest kid on her block of Brooklyn’s Avenue P, entertains herself and her friends by acting out show biz fantasies, notably directing and starring in an Oscar-winning movie.

Written by the author and illustrator of Where the Wild Things Are and other popular children’s books, Really Rosie is a jewel for children and adults.

Autho, Maurice Sendak is a winner of a Caldecott Medal, National Book Award, and a National Medal of the Arts.

Composer Carole King is a winner of a National Academy of Songwriters Lifetime Achievement Award, a Grammy Trustees Award, the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Library of Congress’s Gershwin Award for Popular Song.

Preparation: 

• Performers are asked to prepare 16 measures of an upbeat Broadway show tune. 
• Be prepared to learn a short dance sequence and some will be asked to read scenes from the script.   
• Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes!

Other Important Dates:(Please confirm  you’re available for these dates before auditioning):

• Production Dates: October 2 – 18, 2015 (Fridays at 7:30 PM, Saturdays and Sundays at 4:00 PM)
• 1^st Rehearsal will take place the week of August 24th.
• Rehearsal Schedule: Will be set by the 1st rehearsal, however, most rehearsals will take place 2-3 times a week plus an occasional weekend rehearsal.
• Tech Week Rehearsals (MANDATORY): Monday, September 28, 2015 – Thursday, October 1, 2015.

For further information, please contact the theatre at (973) 347-4946 or e-mail: eddir@growingstage.com