Review: THE BOX OF STORIES at The Growing Stage Captivates

The Box of Stories, a World Premiere play, is now being performed at Growing Stage, The Children's Theatre of New Jersey through February 24th. Written by J.S. Puller, it is the winner of the 2016 Laurie Award for "Best New Play." The show enjoys excellent direction by the Theatre's Founder and Executive Director, Stephen L. Fredericks. This completely captivating production conveys the message that stories have the power to influence people's ideals, a message for children and adults alike.

In The Box of Stories, Jenna, a college student, returns home for a visit and encourages her little sister Imra to engage in the art of storytelling. At first, Imra resists but soon embarks on an imaginative journey when she discovers stories sealed in a magic box. The two sisters take part in vibrant tales that span the realms of Native American, Norse, African, Greek, Indian, Vietnamese, Celtic, and Middle Eastern mythology. And they meet colorful characters that include the trickster gods Coyote, Loki, and Anansi. The stories depict exciting adventures while they also have great moral value.

The Growing Stage has assembled an outstanding company of five actors. They include Cara Ganski as Jenna; Caitlin Menber as Imra; Marcelo Leal as Loki; Davis Cameron Lemley as Coyote and Ashley Leone as Anansi the Spider. Ganski, Leal, Lemley and Leone seamlessly assume multiple roles to bring the show's tales to life.

The Production Staff has done a great job of bringing The Box of Stories to the stage. They include Stage Manager, Nikole Rizzo; Artistic Associate, Patrick Fragale; Scenic, Mask Design & Painting, Perry Arthur Kroeger; Costume Coordinator, Lori B. Lawrence; Lighting Design, S.L. Fredericks; Light Board Operator, Olivia Weintraub and Backstage Crew, Justin Watt.

Discover the power of storytelling and see The Box of Stories. This charming production shines bright on the Netcong Stage. The play is a beautiful demonstration of the universal power of the spoken word.

The Box of Stories is recommended for grades 3 to 8. It runs for 75 minutes with no intermission. The show will be performed through February 24th at The Growing Stage, The Children's Theatre of New Jersey at the Historic Palace Theatre, 7 Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong. The Growing Stage continues 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 contact the Box Office at (973) 347-4946. Group rates and Birthday Party packages are available.

Photo Credit: Jerry Dalia