The Growing Stage: The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey is presenting Catching the Moon: The Story of a Young Girl’s Baseball Dream weekends from February 14-23, 2025. It tells the spirited story of the Black girl who grew up to become “Toni Stone,” the first woman to play for an all-male professional baseball team.
Adapted from the book by Crystal Hubbard, Catching the Moon: The Story of a Young Girl’s Baseball Dream has Book and Lyrics by Nichole Jackson and Music and Lyrics by Tyrone L. Robinson. The production is directed by Stephen L. Fredericks, TGS Founder/Executive Director with musical direction by Melinda Bass O’Neill and choreography by Cari Sanchez.
Catching the Moon: The Story of a Young Girl’s Baseball Dream is a musical based on the children’s book of the same title written by Crystal Hubbard. It tells the story of Marcenia Lyle, a young, Black girl growing up in the 1930s who went on to become Toni Stone, the first female to play as a regular for an all-male professional baseball team.
The Growing Stage in Netcong is only the second theater company to perform this inspirational show, so Jersey Arts spoke with actor Nyah Anderson, who plays Marcenia Lyle, and Steve Fredericks, Growing Stage Founder/Executive Director and the show’s director, to hear more about their production.
Book and Lyrics by John Maclay
Music and Lyrics by Brett Ryback Based on the Arthur books series by Marc Brown
Cast Size: 7 (4M, 3W)
Run Time: 75 minutes
Big things are happening at Lakewood Elementary School! Mr. Ratburn’s class is asked to write and perform a big show for all of Elwood City. Everyone is so excited! Everyone, except for Arthur. What should he do? Arthur feels more nervous as the big performance gets closer and closer. With the help of his family and friends Buster, Brain, Francine, Muffy – and even little sister D.W. – Arthur learns the importance of being his best, unique self. All aboard for an incredibly fun ride with this world premiere musical!
Adapted by Scott Zenreich
Music by Patrick Emile From the book by Eric Kimmel
Run Time: 60 min
Cast Size: 2M + Ensemble
Ages 8+
In a small Russian village the presence of wicked goblins keeps the town from celebrating Hanukkah, until one man, Hershel of Ostropol, takes it upon himself to evict the mischievous residents from the haunted synagogue at the top of the hill. An original adaptation of the Caldecott honored book, HERSHEL AND THE HANUKKAH GOBLINS is a premiere holiday production with an original klezmer score, feats of puppetry, and stunning visual effects.
Written by Ernie Nolan Based on the book by Adam Rubin and illustrated by Daniel Salmieri
With optional music by Chris LaPorte
Cast Size: 7 (2M, 5AG) + 1 voice over
Estimated Run Time: 60 Min
Audience Recommendation:All Ages
You know what Dragons really love? Tacos of course! A boy and his dog are watching a TV show about dragons when they unexpectedly get caught up in the ‘Dos and Don’ts’ of what to serve to dragons to eat. Dragons love tacos, but if they accidentally eat spicy salsa…watch out!
Book & Lyrics by Tim J. Lord Music & Lyrics by Avi Amon Based on the short play by Tim J. Lord
Cast Size: Six (2W, 1M, 3AG)
Most enjoyed by ages 9+
Be brave and create a world that is better for everyone. One week ago, a massive flood wiped away most of Arcady, leaving behind only 14 year-old Artemis Sims and the town’s library. As she tries to find a way back to her Aunt Maggie’s house, she soon learns of a new danger-a committee determined to claim the town for themselves.
New Mouse City was in danger! An evil professor was threatening us all with his terrible inventions. The authorities called upon me, Geronimo Stilton, to thwart his plans by traveling on a top secret mission–to outer space! I was totally unprepared to go. But moldy mozzarella, my trip was out of this world!
By Russell Davis
Runtime: 60 min.
Cast: 3F, 2M
Ages: 5+
Commissioned/Produced by People’s Light and Theatre Company
There’s a monster in Nicki’s house. He eats her bed, then her room, and her parents too. When the monster finally threatens to eat Nicki’s very thoughts, she decides to confront him. With the help of a sly cat named Pharpar, Nicki joins a gang of traveling performers and discovers a way to turn her fears into amazing feats of imagination. A flying horse, a unicycling bear and world-class juggling make Nicki’s circus show a wildly fun and fantastical event.
Original Sound and Projection Designs for the show (developed at Nashville Children’s Theatre) available to rent with the show license
The inspirational true story of an athlete turned civil rights trailblazer. When king of the boards” Perry Wallace is recruited and accepted to Vanderbilt, his future not only changes, the country’s changes as well. Wallace makes history as the first African American to play college basketball in the deeply segregated Southeastern Conference. But how do you do something you love while surrounded by hate? This powerful world premiere based on the New York Times bestseller is a portrait of fortitude, portraying how Wallace met unthinkable challenges head on.
By Lynne Alvarez Adapted from the novel by Rudyard Kipling
Runtime: < 60 min.
Cast: 6 actors
Ages: 5+
Commissioned/Produced by the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, produced again 2004-05.
This delightful adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic novel chronicles the adventures of a mongoose taken in by a family of British colonials, and his fight to defend his family from the menacing cobras Nag and Nagaina.
Cast size: 13+ with potential doubling
Run time: 70 minutes
Ages: 6 +
A funny, frolicking, fresh look at the timeless tale of the legendary hero Robin Hood. When Robin, LittleJohn and Friar Tuck are captured, it falls to Marian and the Merry Men-in-training to come to the rescue. Full of swashbuckling adventure, breathtaking daring-do,and laughs aplenty, this new take on a classic tale is suitable for the entire family.
