Stephen Fredericks Talks About THE GROWING STAGE 2018/2019 Main Stage Season

The Growing Stage, The Children's Theatre of New Jersey in Netcong has just announced their exciting 2018/2019 Season. The shows include The Wizard of Oz, October 5-28; Babes in Toyland, November 23-December 16; John Henry, February 8-10; A Better Place to Be, February 15-17; Curious George & the Golden Meatball, March 15-31; and Mr. Popper's Penguins, May 3-19.

The Growing Stage's Founder and Executive Director, Stephen Fredericks let us know more about the theatre's mission and upcoming season.

What makes the upcoming season unique?

As with each season we strive to include a mix of well-known classics, adaptations that perhaps provide a different perspective on familiar titles, and new adventures never seen before by any audience. While not every season shares each one, this coming slate does. We're excited to expand our season from four productions to six, with additional special events sprinkled throughout the year. At a time when so many of us are forced to cut back - we're moving forward with even more artistic opportunities for our families to share at the theatre.

Why should audiences join The Growing Stage, The Children's Theatre of New Jersey this season?

With our wide offering this season there literally is something for everyone and every age group - including the adults! Each one of our production will not only be of the highest professional standards, but as importantly will carry the Growing Stage commitment to respect both our audience's intelligence as well as our craft.

What's special about The Growing Stage experience?

Theatre for young audiences and their families is our sole focus as a professional arts organization. We strive to create not merely a moment at the theatre, but a lasting memory that the entire family can share and experience together. Our home, the Historic Palace Theatre, is a restored vaudeville house that allows for not only a unique experience as you walk through our doors, but it is designed to be intimate as well, so that you and your family will truly be a part of total experience.

What's special about The Wizard of OZ at The Growing Stage?

The Wizard of Oz has been a staple part of our theatrical repertoire since we started in 1982. Young people have literally grown up watching this production and some have actually grown up in it - from playing a Munchkin to taking the role of Dorothy. Our theatre's center aisle is literally the Yellow Brick Road! This is a piece that truly is multi-generational from grandparents that perhaps remember seeing it in the theatre to the child just now being introduced to the wonder of Oz and the words of L. Frank Baum. And it's more than a performance, it's a celebration of a truly American fantasy!

Talk a little bit about John Henry and A Better Place To Be - why produce those pieces NOW?

One of the gifts that theatre provides is its ability to broaden our horizons, and to introduce us to things we never might experience on our own within on our own small piece of this planet. John Henry takes a familiar folk tale and broadens it beyond the classic man versus machine plot line. It reveals a family that dreams of a better life, a new tomorrow and to be seen beyond what stereotypes may imprison them. This World Premiere adaptation is truly a beautiful story about family. A BETTER PLACE TO BE reflects on both the story we all share as a country of immigrants as well as the challenge that exists today for families that share the same dream our ancestors once had when coming to America. While the piece is written for young audiences, we believe it encourages conversation of an issue very much in the headlines and an appreciation of how our history connects to today.

Is there anything else you want Growing Stage audiences to know?

The Growing Stage has earned it's recognition as The Children's Theatre of New Jersey through our continued dedication to the mission to nurture the development of the performing arts through education and to create, produce, and perform works that engage the entire family. We seek to be a model of excellence in theatre for young audiences and to develop new arts initiatives that enhance the lives of today's young people and sustain the theatre-for-young-audiences genre for future generations. At The Growing Stage, we believe in the power of the arts to positively affect children's lives and help them grow into empathetic, intelligent adults who cherish the arts and have the skills to succeed in life.

The Growing Stage-The Children's Theatre of New Jersey is a non-profit professional performing arts center dedicated to theatre for young audiences. It is located at 7 Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong, NJ 07857. The Growing Stage is a member theatre of the Association of Actor's Equity that provides opportunities for all to learn and grow through participation in the arts. For more information and show ticketing, please call 973.347.4946 and visit http://secure.growingstage.com/.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of The Growing Stage