(NETCONG, NJ) -- The Growing Stage: The Children's Theatre of New Jersey is presenting a holiday production of Ella Enchanted weekends until December 17, 2023 on Saturdays and Sundays.  Written by Karen Zacarias with music by Deborah Wicks La Puma, Ella Enchanted is adapted from the book by Gail Carson Levine and introduces us to Ella of Frell, who is given the "gift" of obedience by Lucinda, her misguided Fairy Godmother. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.

Due to the “gift”, Ella is forced to do anything people command her. On her adventure to rid herself of the curse, she must outwit ogres, sidestep giants, befriend a prince, survive her step-family, and ultimately find the power to be her true self.

This production is directed by Lori B. Lawrence, Director of Educational Programming with musical direction by Melinda Bass O’Neill and choreography by Cari Sanchez.

Ella Enchanted features Jeorgi Smith (Land of Forgotten Toys) of Denville, NJ as Ella; Davis Cameron Lemley (The Hardy Boys) of Cedar Grove, NJ as Prince Charmont; Jessica Stanzek (Land of Forgotten Toys) of South Brunswick, NJ as Mother; Meg Foley (Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus) of Livingston, NJ  as Hattie; Christina Freeman  (TGS Debut) of Chester, NJ as Olive; Kiersten Morgan (TGS Debut) of Woodbridge, NJ as Lucinda; Nikole Deluca (Land of Forgotten Toys) of Netcong, NJ as Dame Olga; David O’Neill (Go, Dog. Go!) of Mount Olive, NJ as Sir Peter and Anna Polyachenko (TGS Debut) of Staten Island, NY as Enchanted Creature.  Rounding out the company are 8 young performers representing Morris, Sussex, Warren and Union counties.

This production runs December 1-17, 2023 with performances on Saturdays at 4:00pm, Sundays at 2:00pm and a special opening night performance on Friday, December 1, 2023 at 7:30pm. Tickets are available for purchase online, or by calling the Box Office at (973) 347-4946 to purchase tickets and season subscriptions. Group Rates are available for all their productions. The Growing Stage: The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey is located in the Historic Palace Theatre on Route 183 in Netcong, New Jersey.

Ella Enchanted is produced by special arrangement with The Gersh Agency, 41 Madison Avenue, 29th Floor, New York, NY 10010.

Here are more photos from the production.

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.

John Posada is a New Jersey based photographer specializing in photographing live theatre and music performances. For more than 15 years, John has photographed live events where he mastered the techniques of timing and capturing fast moving action under challenging lighting conditions. Currently, John has spent the last 3 years concentrating on photographing almost 200 theatre productions for over 70 different theatres. Click here for John's website.