(NETCONG, NJ) -- The Growing Stage: The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey is thrilled to kick-off their 44th Main Stage Season with Diary of a Wimpy Kid weekends from October 10-26, 2025. Based on the book series by Jeff Kinney, the musical has a book by Kevin Del Aguila, music and lyrics by Michale Mahler & Alan Schmuckler. It is directed and choreographed by Jeorgi Smith (TGS Performer/Teaching Artist) with musical direction by Ethan Smith (TGS Teaching Artist).
Diary of a Wimpy Kid introduces us to middle school–ugh, it’s the worst. But Greg is determined not to be at the bottom of the popularity chart. He’ll leave that to his weird neighbor, Fregley. Or maybe Greg’s best friend, Rowley Jefferson. But it’s not going to be Greg…no way.
In Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Jeff Kinney’s popular character takes 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.
The production features a cast of 20 young people and professional artists hailing from Essex, Morris, Somerset and Sussex counties. Their professional artists include Donald Danford (Knuffle Bunny) of Hopatcong, NJ as Frank Heffley/Others; Sydney Allen (Charlie And The Chocolate Factory) of Denville, NJ as Susan Heffley/Others; Davis Cameron Lemley (Charlie And the Chocolate Factory) of Cedar Grove, NJ as Joshie/Others and Hailey Lynn Sullivan (TGS Debut) of North Plainfield, NJ as Fregley’s Mom/Others.
This production runs October 10th through October 26th with performances on Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 4:00pm and Sundays at 2:00pm. Tickets are available for purchase online or by calling the Box Office at (973) 347-4946. Season subscriptions and group rates are available as well. Performances take place in Historic Palace Theatre on Route 183 in Netcong, New Jersey.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing Global.
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.
