By Shelley Bromberg, MsBrom.Com
originally published: 10/10/2016
One of the many benefits of theatre in New Jersey is having the opportunity to see a great performance of a play locally that you missed while it was running on Broadway. Such is the case with the Growing Stage and its current New Jersey professional premiere of five-time Tony Award® winning play, Peter and the Star Catcher, at the Historic Palace Theatre in Netcong.
Written by Rick Elice, Peter and the Star Catcher is based on the best-selling novel, Peter and the Starcatchers, by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson and directed by Roger Rees and Alex Timbers with music by Wayne Barker. This musical prequel answers the age-old question: How exactly did Peter Pan become The Boy Who Never Grew Up?
No surprise, then, that on its opening night, The Growing Stage’s Children’s Theatre of New Jersey kicks off its 35th season with an audience filled with smiling adults and children who are very excited and eager to learn more about a beloved character from their childhoods.
In tonight’s performance, both children and adults journey on a fantastic trip back to the Queen Victorian era of 1885. It is evident through much applause, laughter, and children’s giggles that they are delighting in pillaging pirates, jungle savages, colorful mermaids, magical elements, and lost and found treasures. The audience joyfully takes in the creative use of pantomime, props, puppets, and simple materials used to create ocean waves.
There are about a dozen actors in this production who bring over 100 characters to life. The ensemble is strong and energetic and the action is fast-paced. Most notable are actors Josh Carpenter (Black Stache), who enlivens the stage with his humorous antics and Davis Lemley, who honestly portrays a believable lost orphan who will eventually find his voice and name, Peter.
In addition to Carpenter, the cast features a strong array of EQUITY actors including Izzy Figueroa (Sanchez/Fighting Prawn), Jeremy William Hilgert (Bill Slank/Hawking Clam), Lucas Pinner (Mack/Grempkin), and Richard Stillman (Smee/Gregors).
Nikki Miller beautifully brings to life the role of energetic Molly Aster, and Julie Galorenzo is to be commended for her lively portrayals of Mrs. Brumbrake and Teacher. Rounding out the ensemble is Robert Allan (Lord Aster), Stephen Fox (Captain Scott), Dalton Allison (Prentice), and Justin Watt (Ted).
The play is cleverly directed by Stephen L. Fredericks, The Growing Stage’s Executive Director. The cast is strong on the musical numbers, which can be attributed to the effective musical direction of Stephen Fox. Jillian Petrie does a fine job with lively and energetic choreography.
Fourth graders, Delaney and Roisin, were giggling and taking in the humor throughout the performance. When asked during intermission what they enjoy most, Delaney reveals that she likes the funny character of Black Stache. Roisin states that she loves Molly because, “She is kind and can do anything with the star dust.” Clearly, it is a family-friendly and fun event for kids and parents who are eager to use their imaginations!
For those of you not familiar with the Historic Palace Theatre, it has a rich and vibrant history of its own. Built in 1919, the theatre has been a noteworthy entertainment venue for over 50 years.
According to the Growing Stage’s website, the theatre first began showing silent movies and vaudeville shows, and it was later used for community events. In the mid-1930’s, actors of the day — Celeste Holm, Gale Sondergaard, and Bert Lytell — performed as a troupe first here and then later on the Great White Way.
The Growing Stage purchased the Palace in 1995 and has worked vigorously on the building’s restoration, raising and re-investing over $2 million in the project.
The facility is listed on the National Registers of Historic Places. It can fully seat 240 patrons and the balcony and art gallery is adorned with beautiful murals painstakingly completed by Perry Arthur Kroeger, company artist-in-resident.
Peter and the Star Catcher runs through October 23 and performances are Fridays at 7:30 and Saturdays and Sundays at 4:00. The upcoming season includes a Halloween Magic Show starring Morley the Magician and the ever-popular A Christmas Carol, the musical running November 18-December 18. For tickets or more information go to www.growingstage.com.
PHOTOS BY Jerry Dalia
For more by Shelley Bromberg, visit MsBrom.Com
About the author: Shelley Bromberg,
www.MsBrom.com
George Street Playhouse Presents Vicki Lawrence & Mama: A Two-woman Show
Friday, November 13, 2026 @ 7:30pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJWritten by and starring
Vicki Lawrence Two Performances Only
Vicki Lawrence, the legendary actress, comedian, and singer, brings her signature wit and charm to the stage in Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two-Woman Show. Best known for her iconic role as Thelma Harper, or "Mama," from The Carol Burnett Show and Mama’s Family, Lawrence delivers a hilarious and heartfelt performance that takes audiences on a journey through her extraordinary career. From her Emmy-winning years alongside Carol Burnett to her chart-topping hit, “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia,” she shares behind-the-scenes stories, comedy, and music—all with her trademark humor. Whether reminiscing about her Hollywood adventures or embodying the feisty Mama, Lawrence proves that laughter is timeless.
Kean Department Of Theatre Presents "the Drowsy Chaperone"
Friday, November 13, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Kean Stage - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJMusic and lyrics by
Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison
Princeton’s Famous Triangle Show: Roswell That Ends Well
Friday, November 13, 2026 @ 8:00pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theatre)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJIf you’re feeling all alone in the universe – or even if you’re not – Triangle’s newest musical comedy is for you! Join us as Triangle explores what it means to have friends in high – or should we say “sky”? – places. Extraterrestrial visitors, crazy conspiracy theories, and intergalactic shenanigans power this year’s annual laugh-fest of witty jokes, lavish production numbers, and, of course, Triangle’s famous kickline. Can interplanetary goodwill blossom in the dystopian desert of our current times? Get your Triangle tickets now and learn if
Roswell That Ends Well!
George Street Playhouse Presents Vicki Lawrence & Mama: A Two-woman Show
Saturday, November 14, 2026 @ 2:00pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJWritten by and starring
Vicki Lawrence Two Performances Only
Vicki Lawrence, the legendary actress, comedian, and singer, brings her signature wit and charm to the stage in Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two-Woman Show. Best known for her iconic role as Thelma Harper, or "Mama," from The Carol Burnett Show and Mama’s Family, Lawrence delivers a hilarious and heartfelt performance that takes audiences on a journey through her extraordinary career. From her Emmy-winning years alongside Carol Burnett to her chart-topping hit, “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia,” she shares behind-the-scenes stories, comedy, and music—all with her trademark humor. Whether reminiscing about her Hollywood adventures or embodying the feisty Mama, Lawrence proves that laughter is timeless.
Kean Department Of Theatre Presents "the Drowsy Chaperone"
Saturday, November 14, 2026 @ 2:00pm
Kean Stage - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJMusic and lyrics by
Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison
EVENT PREVIEWS
Ferrell Studios presents "Carrie, the Musical"
(PLAINFIELD, NJ) -- Ferrell Studios presents Carrie, the Musical at the Plainfield Performing Arts Center from November 12-15, 2026. Based on the classic novel by Stephen King, the musical poses the question: What happens when someone is pushed too far?
Centenary Stage Company's Fringe Festival presents "Ghost Dance: Picture of a Madman"
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Fringe Festival continues with Ghost Dance: Picture of a Madman, a captivating one-woman play written and performed by Erica Knight. Running November 12–15, 2026, in the Kutz Theatre at the Lackland Performing Arts Center on the campus of Centenary University. The production explores the turbulent life and legacy of Ralph Albert Blakelock, one of America's most celebrated yet tragically overlooked nineteenth-century painters.
Fool Moon Theatre Company presents "Love, Loss, And What I Wore" at The Eagle Theatre on November 12th
(HAMMONTON, NJ) -- Fool Moon Theatre Company presents a special, one-night-only presentation of the hit play Love, Loss and What I Wore on Thursday, November 12 2026 at Eagle Theatre. This exclusive event is a benefit for the Funny Farm Rescue & Sanctuary in Mays Landing. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Middlesex College presents "She Kills Monsters"
(EDISON, NJ) -- Middlesex College Visual, Performing and Media Arts presents She Kills Monsters by Qui Nguyen from November 12-18, 2026 at the Performing Arts Center - Studio Theater in Edison. She Kills Monsters tells the story of Agnes Evans as she leaves her childhood home in Ohio following the death of her teenage sister, Tilly.
CherryBlossomPlayers:LLC presents Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher"
(NUTLEY, NJ) -- CherryBlossomPlayers:LLC presents Edgar Allan Poe's The Fall of the House of Usher from November 12-14, 2026 at Philhower Chapel at Vincent United Methodist Church in Nutley. This is an exciting new original adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's classic tale.
Theater League of Clifton presents "1776" in November
(WAYNE, NJ) -- Two hundred and fifty years ago, a group of opinionated, stubborn and deeply divided delegates gathered in Philadelphia and somehow managed to create a new nation. This November, the Theater League of Clifton brings their story to the stage with 1776, the Tony Award-winning musical about the tumultuous days leading to the Declaration of Independence. Directed by Maren Sugarman, the production will be presented November 13–15, 2026, at the Wayne Community Center.
Lomotion Live presents "Etiquette" by David Lee White
(BOONTON, NJ) -- Lomotion Live presents Etiquette, a timely and biting comedy by playwright David Lee White, directed by Lauren Moran. The production will run November 13–15, 2026 at Lomotion Live at Parsippany Arts Center in Boonton.
NJ Rep presents Theatre Brut Short Play Festival 2026: "Through The Window"
(LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- What happens when we look through a window? Do we see the world as it really is, the world as we wish it could be, or something we never expected? New Jersey Repertory Company (NJ Rep) invites audiences to discover the unexpected with NJ Rep presents Theatre Brut Short Play Festival 2026: "Through The Window" a festival of eight original short plays presented over two weekends, November 13–15 and November 20–22, 2026 at the West End Arts Center in Long Branch.
Bridge Players Theatre Company presents "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical"
(BURLINGTON, NJ) -- Bridge Players Theatre Company presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical weekends from November 13-28, 2026. In this musical adaptation of the funny and touching holiday classic, The Herdmans – widely known as the "worst kids in the history of the world" – crash Sunday School lured by the promise of free snacks and end up hijacking the annual church Christmas pageant!
For the Whim Productions presents William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream"
(BRIDGETON, NJ) -- For the Whim Productions presents William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream from November 13-20, 2026 at the Ashley McCormick Theatre in the Hopeloft in Bridgeton. A whimsical comedy where fairies, lovers, actors, and our audience collide in an enchanted forest, blending magic, romance, and mischief. The production is directed by Heidi Dugan.
