Cinderella: A Holiday Musical in Netcong

By Laurie Gordon
NETCONG — Remember the gal who lost her glass slipper? Check out this Cinderella who has a feisty edge to her and isn't going to wait around to be rescued by someone else. She's going to rescue herself. Cinderella continues it's performance at The Growing Stage through December 17, and this rendition is a phenomenal holiday extravaganza.
A musical by Alyn Cardarelli and Steve Goers, Cinderella: A Holiday Musical, was originally produced in 2003 by Emerald City Theatre in Chicago, IL. This production is under the direction of Lori B. Lawrence, The Growing Stage’s Director of Educational Programming.
Lawrence said, “We're seeing children of all ages and even people come without children to enjoy this performance. The stage and costumes are just beautiful and the actors are amazing.”
In addition to directing Cinderella, Lawrence takes care of all of the educational programing at The Growing Stage including its Creative Arts Academy.
“We have had several schools bring children to see special performaces of Cinderella during the day. We have special Play Bills for attendees at ths shows so there are things for the kids to do while they're waiting for the curtain and when they go home, they take Cinderella with them and learn about Cinderellas in different countries, etc. This further enhances their experience and takes it beyond the end of the show.”
As to the story line, Lawrence said, “I love this version of Cinderella because in the end she doesn't wait to be rescued: she rescues herself.”
Actors in this particular show are Professional Equity Members plus two candidates to become Professional Equity Members. The Growing Stage also uses community actors. The show is choreographed by Jillian Petrie and musical direction is by by Stephen Fox.
With Cinderella:A Holiday Musical, The holidays have arrived, and with them the anticipated Royal Ball. Cinderella’s cruel stepmother and stepsisters are plotting to win the heart of The Prince, but a spunky and barefoot servant girl may just become the belle of the ball. This swashbuckling Cinderella just needs a little help from her Fairy Godmother and one ratty Footman to find her happy ending.
“This adaption of everyone’s favorite fairy tale is a musical holiday wish come true,” said Danny Campos, The Growing Stage's Audience Development Director.
Cinderalla: A Holiday Musical features the talents of eight professional performers in the cast. Fresh off her role in Disney’s Beauty And The Beast as Babette, Ally Borgstrom of Hackettstown returns as Cinderella. Making his Growing Stage debut is Brad Baron of Glen Rock as Prince Jason. Joining them are Dennis Connors of Woodbridge (Disney’s Beauty And The Beast) as Wesley; Davis Cameron Lemley of Cedar Grove (Disney’s Beauty And The Beast, Dr. Seuss’s The Cat In the Hat) as Ratford; Adrienne Reuss of Morristown (Shrek the Musical) as Godmother; Nikole Rizzo of Netcong (Disney’s The Little Mermaid) as Grace; Erin Franson of Morristown (Disney’s Beauty And The Beast), as Stepmother and Allie Ambriano of Howell (Disney’s Beauty And The Beast) as Temperance.
The show is sponsored in part by Sal Davino and Roxbury Mall with additional funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and contributions from numerous corporations, foundations and individuals.
The Growing Stage brings back FUN-tastic Fridays with all tickets $15. Saturday and Sunday tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and $15 for children. Also, Season Ticket Packages and Group rates are available. To purchase tickets, visit our website at www.growingstage.com or contact the Box Office at (973) 347-4946. The Growing Stage is located in the Historic Palace Theatre on Route 183 in Netcong. Performances are on Friday evenings at 7:30 pm, and there are Saturday and Sunday matinees at 4:00 PM.
For further information, contact: Danny Campos at (973) 347-4946 or at marketing@growingstage.com.