The Holidays Arrive at The Growing Stage with BABES IN TOYLAND

The Growing Stage, The Children's Theatre of New Jersey, located in the Historic Palace Theatre in Netcong kicks off the holiday season with its original musical production of BABES IN TOYLAND. The show runs November 23rd through December 16th with performances Saturday and Sunday matinees at 4:00 PM and a special Opening Night Performance, November 23rd at 7:30PM followed by a post-show reception. The stage production was adapted from the popular 1934 MGM classic which featured the famed comedy team Laurel and Hardy and was originally inspired by the Victor Hugo operetta of the same name. The Growing Stage's work was conceived by the company's Founder/Executive Director, Stephen L. Fredericks and TGS Artist-in-Residence, Perry Arthur Kroeger, who wrote the adaptation and lyrics which are set to Victor Hugo's music. 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.

The production's story line loosely follows the movie that inspired it. Something is amiss in the Land of Make Believe. Barnaby is threatening Mother Goose with eviction unless her daughter, Bo Peep, marries him. One of the Three Little Pigs is missing and on top of that, even Christmas is in doubt! Who could possibly save the day? Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum? No, really, who could possible save the day?

BABES IN TOYLAND features the talents of four professional equity performers in the cast.

Returning to the Palace are Growing Stage favorites: Danny Campos (Frosty, A Christmas Carol) of Kearny, NJ, as Tweedle Dee; Donald Andrew Danford (Disney's Beauty And The Beast, Boy Sees Flying Saucer) of Rockaway, NJ, as Tweedle Dum; David Spellman (The Story of the Nutcracker, A Boy Called Cinder) of Great Meadows, NJ, as Barnaby and making her Growing Stage debut is Sarah Daniels of Edgewater, NJ, as Bo Peep. Rounding out the cast are 26 performers (adults and young people) from all across the tri-state area.

Ticket prices are $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'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.