(NETCONG, NJ) -- The Growing Stage: The Children's Theatre of New Jersey, located in the Historic Palace Theatre on Route 183 in Netcong, proudly launches its 44th season this fall. Along with a full lineup of productions, the season includes educational programs for students from Pre-K through high school and special events throughout the year.

Diary Of A Wimpy Kid (October 10-26, 2025). Book by Kevin Del Aguila , Music & Lyrics by Michale Mahler & Alan Schmuckler; Based on the book series by Jeff Kinney. Jeff Kinney’s popular characters take center stage as Greg’s cartoon diary becomes a hilarious and heartfelt musical. Will Greg’s plans to become popular lead him to sacrifice his one true friend? Can anyone avoid the dreaded Cheese Touch? Grab a hall pass and don’t be late for an adventure familiar to anyone who actually survived middle school.

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer™ (December 6-22, 2024). Script Adaptation by Robert Penola; Music and Lyrics by Johnny Marks. Rudolph is back at TGS! Based on the animated television special "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (adapted from a story by Robert L. May and the song by Johnny Marks) and the stage production directed and conceived by Jeff Frank and First Stage with scenic/puppet designs by Brandon Kirkham.

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.

Cinderella: A Salsa Fairy Tale (February 6-15, 2026). Book & Lyrics by Karen Zacarias, Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma. What happens to Cinderella at the ball...game? This bilingual, salsa-and-hip-hop musical flips the classic tale, told from both Cinderella’s and her “stepsister” Rosa’s perspectives. Cinderella, from Puerto Rico, speaks only Spanish, while Rosa—an English-speaking basketball star—makes things tough on and off the court. Who will Coach Prince pick for the big game? Cinderella: A Salsa Fairy Tale is a playful spin on teamwork, empathy, and respect that will have kids cheering in their seats!

Mesmerized: A Ben Franklin Science & History Mystery (March 6-22, 2026). Adapted for the stage by Suzanne Maynard Miller; Based on the book Mesmerized: How Ben Franklin Solved a Mystery that Baffled All of France by Mara Rockliff. Help celebrate America’s 250 birthday! Embark on a journey with Ben Franklin, one of our country’s founding fathers and most famous scientists. Franklin, along with his smart, outspoken young niece, Sarah, travel to France where they discover that people are magically being cured by a mysterious man called Mesmer.

Through fabulous storytelling, fast-paced comedy and drawing from the true stories of Franklin’s many scientific discoveries and inventions, Ben and Sarah employ the Scientific Method to put Mesmer’s mystical powers to the test. Is it science? Is it magic? Or will we all be Mesmerized? Quick witted and filled with surprises, you will never think of Benjamin Franklin the same way again! Young people will laugh as they engage their minds to help solve this mystery.

Nate The Great Musical (May 1-17, 2026). Book & Lyrics by John Maclay; Music & Lyrics by Brett Ryback; Based on the book by Marjorie Sharmat. Nate the Great is on the case! The world’s greatest boy detective awakes, hoping that this day will bring a new case. He gets a call from his good friend Annie alerting him that her new painting of her dog Fang is missing! Nate rushes over to her house to investigate. For the first time in his career, he is stumped. And worse yet, Mom is all out of pancakes. To solve this case, he is going to need to learn to think in new ways and rely on the help of his friends. Nate the Great is a funny, sweet, rollicking good time that celebrates art, friendship, creative thinking, and of course, pancakes.

Season Subscriptions Now on Sale - Subscribers save 20% on tickets and enjoy perks like reserved seating, 10% off additional tickets, unlimited exchanges, and no individual ticket fees. Visit www.growingstage.com or call (973) 347-4946 to purchase. Group rates are also available.

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 the arts.