(NETCONG, NJ) -- The Growing Stage: The Children's Theatre of New Jersey is presenting Cinderella: A Salsa Fairy Tale. With a book and lyrics by Karen Zacarías (Ella Enchanted) and music by Deborah Wicks La Puma (Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus), this vibrant production runs weekends from February 6–15, 2026. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
The play poses the question: What will happen to Cinderella at the ball... game?
That’s the surprising climactic moment in this contemporary musical, which delightfully turns the classic fairy tale on its head by telling the story from both Cinderella’s and the “stepsister’s” perspectives. Cinderella, a newcomer from Puerto Rico, comes to visit her “stepsister,” Rosa, in the United States. The catch? Cinderella speaks only Spanish, and Rosa speaks only English. Will these two girls find a way to understand one another at the (basket) ball game? Featuring a fairy godfather and other delightful twists, Cinderella: A Salsa Fairy Tale crosses language and gender barriers while weaving a subtle lesson in empathy, sportsmanship, and respect. Families will be cheering in their seats.
Cinderella: A Salsa Fairy Tale features a professional company of artists including Natalia Isabel Lugo (TGS debut) as Cinderella; Diana Maldonado (TGS debut) as Rosa; Tyler Brian (Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, Arthur & Friends) as Padrino; and Jay Michael Pumarada (Arthur & Friends) as Joey.
The production is directed by Danny Campos, TGS Veteran Artist, with musical direction by Melinda Bass O’Neill and choreography by Cari Sanchez.
Performances take place Saturdays at 4:00pm, Sundays at 2:00pm. Tickets and season subscriptions may be purchased by visiting www.growingstage.com or by calling the Box Office at (973) 347-4946. Group rates are available for all productions. Performances take place in the historic Palace Theatre on Route 183 in Netcong, New Jersey.
Cinderella: A Salsa Fairy Tale is produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois.
Here are more photos from the production.
The Growing Stage – The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey is a nonprofit professional performing arts center dedicated to theatre for young audiences. Through its programming, The Growing Stage provides 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. Currently, John has spent the last 6 years concentrating on photographing almost 400 theater productions at over 70 different NJ theatres. Click here for John's website.
