(NETCONG, NJ) -- The Growing Stage: The Children's Theatre of New Jersey is thrilled to present their 43rd Season, "Pure Imagination."  In addition to a full slate of shows, they have educational programming for young people grades Pre-K through High School and special events announced throughout the season.

Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - October 11-27, 2024. Based on the famous novel by Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory features an original score composed by Marc Shaiman with lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray) and a book by David Greig. The world-famous Willy Wonka is opening the gates to his mysterious factory, but only to a lucky few. Young Charlie Bucket and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a life-changing journey through Wonka’s world of pure imagination including chocolate waterfalls, nutty squirrels and the great glass elevator, all to be revealed by Wonka's army of curious Oompa-Loompas. 

Music by Marc Shaiman; Lyrics by Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman; Book by David Greig; Songs from the Motion Picture by Leslie Bricusse & Anthony Newley; Based on the novel by Roald Dahl

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ - December 6-22, 2024. Based on the animated television special "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and the stage production directed and conceived by Jeff Frank and First Stage with scenic/puppet designs by Brandon Kirkham. Script Adaptation by Robert Penola; Music and Lyrics by Johnny Marks.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ features all of your favorite characters including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph. It’s an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special.

Catching The Moon: The Story of a Young Girl’s Baseball Dream - February 14-March 2, 2025. Catching the Moon tells the spirited story of the Black girl who grew up to become "Toni Stone," the first woman to play for an all-male professional baseball team.

With the crack of a bat, Marcenia Lyle rounds the bases with ease and slides into home. It's the ballfield she knows and loves best. So, when famous baseball manager Gabby Street comes scouting players for summer camp, Marcenia steps up to the plate to compete. She's determined to pursue her passion and defy the naysayers who discourage her from following her dream because she's a girl.

Book and Lyrics by Nichole Jackson; Music and Lyrics by Tyrone L. Robinson; Adapted from the book by Crystal Hubbard.

Her Beautiful Sound - March 28-April 6, 2025; Written by Cris Eli Blak; World Premiere New Play. Her Beautiful Sound is a story about a family, a family dealing with loss and how to find the music to keep on going. It is a family of three women who hold each other up, see each other, and remind each other of the power that lives within their spirits. The overall message of the show is your voice matters, your story matters, and using creativity - whether it be hip hop, poetry, dance, or whatever you choose - can help you heal and can help you realize your strength, and the strength of those around you.

Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical - May 2-23, 2025. Based on the beloved Caldecott Honor-winning picture book, Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical is filled with adventure, song and dancing laundry and an instant 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.

Season Subscriptions ON SALE: Season subscriptions are currently on sale. All subscriptions offer a 20% discount off of regular ticket prices plus benefits including: choice of shows and performances, reserved seating, 10% off additional tickets, unlimited ticket exchanges and no individual ticket fees charged on packages.  Please visit their website at www.growingstage.com or call their Box Office at (973) 347-4946 to purchase subscriptions. Group Rates are available for each production. Performances take place in the Historic Palace Theatre on Route 183 in Netcong, New Jersey

The Growing Stage-The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey is a non-profit professional performing arts center dedicated to theatre for young audiences. Through their programming they provide opportunities for all to learn and grow through participation in the arts.