(NETCONG, NJ) -- The Growing Stage, The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey, is celebrateing the holidays with The Land of Forgotten Toys weekends through December 18, 2022. This charming tale follows Grace, a brilliant young woman with big dreams and a passion for astronomy, who is stuck at a dead-end job at a toy store three days before Christmas. When she is transported to the Land of Forgotten Toys, everything changes. Christmas is in trouble—and it’s up to Grace and her rag-tag crew of forgotten and broken toys to save it! Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.

The Land of Forgotten Toys has music and lyrics by Dylan MarcAurele with book and lyrics by Jennifer Enchin and Jaclyn Enchin, additional lyrics by Mike Ross and the story and characters by Larry Little. This production is directed by Danny Campos, TGS’s Director of Marketing, with choreography by Noelle Cappuzzo and musical direction by Laura Petrie.

The Land of Forgotten Toys features the talents of 18 professional and youth performers in the cast: Jeorgi Smith (Pinkalicious) of Denville, NJ, as Grace; Jessica Stanzek (Matilda) of Clifton, NJ, as Nikki; Donald Danford (Babes in Toyland) of Rockaway, NJ, as Schmedrick; Lori B. Lawrence (The Wizard of OZ) of Hackettstown, NJ, as Charlotte/Charlotta; Steve Fredericks (The Life & Adventures of Santa Claus) of Hackettstown, NJ as Santa; Nicole Deluca (The Wizard of OZ) of Netcong, NJ as Fun Oven Supreme; Liz Kent (TGS Debut) of Morristown, NJ as Karaoke; Bailey Delahanty (TGS Debut) of Andover, NJ as Queen of the Northern Sky. 

Rounding out the cast is a company of young performers representing Morris, Sussex and Warren counties. 

Performances take place Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 4:00pm and Sundays at 2:00pm.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 Ticket Packages are still available.  

The Growing Stage performs in the Historic Palace Theatre (7 Ledgewood Avenue), Netcong, New Jersey.

The Mission of The Growing Stage, The Children’s Theatre of NJ is to nurture the development of the performing arts through education — and to create, produce and perform works that engage the entire family.

Here are more photos from the production.

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.

John Posada is a New Jersey based photographer specializing in live theatre and music performances. For more than 10 years, John has photographed live music events where he mastered the techniques of timing and capturing fast moving action under challenging lighting conditions to capture that perfect moment that tells a story in a single image. Currently, John has photographed over 110 productions for over 70 different theatres and venues. Click here for John's website.