NETCONG — The Growing Stage — The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey announces their 2013 – 2014 season.
Shrek the Musical
Shrek the Musical opens the 32nd season and is the first New Jersey premiere running Sept. 27 through Oct. 27, Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays and Sunday matinees at 4 p.m. The production is based on the Oscar winning DreamWorks film that started it all with book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire and music by Jeanine Tesori.
In a faraway kingdom turned upside down, things get ugly when an unseemly ogre — not a handsome prince — shows up to rescue a feisty princess. Throw in a donkey who won't shut up, a bad guy with a short temper, a cookie with an attitude and more than a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you've got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero — Shrek. Full of all-new songs, dancing and scenery, Shrek the Musical is part romance and part twisted fairy tale.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, running Nov. 22 through Dec. 22, Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday matinees at 4 p.m.
This stage presentation tells the timeless story of a true misfit who transforms into a beloved hero. Set in a magical, holiday world in and around the North Pole, and populated by characters — from a talking snowman to flying reindeer – the production will feature Johnny Marks’ well-known Christmas songs and the Christmas spirit of the television special, adapted by Robert Penola, which has been seen by more than one billion people since 1964.
The Secret Life Of Hubie Hartzel
In 2014, the World Premiere of The Secret Life Of Hubie Hartzel by Susan Rowan Masters graces the Palace stage, running Feb. 7 through March 2, Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday matinees at 4 p.m.
This story is about the perils of life in fifth grade. Humor helps to lighten this radio-style entertainment for all ages as Hubie deals with his problems. He’s failing school, he’s stuck with an impossible older sister, his beloved family cat is sick, and he’s the target of Ralph Marruci, class bully. But he has an escape — daydreaming.
He imagines himself a prizefighter and draws caricatures in class of his teachers, family and friends. Everyone, that is, but the new art teacher — he has a crush on her. Unfortunately, Hubie’s attempts at coping with life backfire, and he winds up in more trouble than before. When the perfect plan for revenge on Marruci blows up in his face, Hubie finds the courage to stand up to the bully and do the right thing.
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical
The final main stage show of the season and second New Jersey premiere is Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical running April 18 through May 18, 2014, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 4 p.m. and a special opening night performance on Friday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m.
The story: girl loves stuffed animal. Girl loses beloved animal. Girl fights to get animal back. But throw adventure, song and dancing laundry into the mix and you get a children's classic. Six-time Emmy Award winner Mo Willems teams up with Grammy Award–winning composer Michael Silversher to create this heart-warming and hilarious musical.
Based on the beloved Caldecott Honor–winning picture book, Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical follows Trixie, her father, and her favorite stuffed bunny on a trip to the laundromat. The trip brings excitement to the lively toddler, until she realizes she has left her Knuffle Bunny back at the laundromat. Trixie does everything in her power to make her father understand the emergency, but her father fails to see the issue at hand.
Ticket Information
The Growing Stage continues Fun-tastic Fridays with all tickets $15. Saturday and Sunday tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for children and seniors. 2013-2014 Season Ticket Packages go on sale June 1. To place a reservation or order a ticket package, visit www.growingstage.com or contact the Growing Stage Box Office at 973-347-4946 or e-mail at boxoffice@growingstage.com. Group rates and Birthday Party packages are available.
The Growing Stage-The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey is located in the Historic Palace Theatre on Route 183 in Netcong.