The world premiere of “Georgia Mae James Unplugs America” will debut at The Growing Stage, the Children’s Theatre of New Jersey on Saturday, July 9, at 7:30 p.m.

The Growing Stage is in the Historic Palace Theatre in Netcong.

The new play by Elyzabeth (cq) Gregory Wilder is directed by Stephen L. Fredericks, TGS’s executive director.

The play runs through Sunday, July 24, with performances Saturdays at 4 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

“Georgia Mae James Unplugs America is the 2021 Laurie Award Winner from The Growing Stage’s New Play-Reading Festival. The message is sometimes in order to feel connected, you have to unplug. When Georgia Mae is left home alone with her two older siblings while her parents take the train into the city, she comes up with big plans for the night. However, Georgia Mae finds herself disappointed when Imogene and Henry are too invested in the electronic devices to play with her. So, she decides to shut down the power grid so they won’t have any distractions. However, when they realize their parents are now stranded in the city and can’t get home, the three set off on an adventure to restore power. Along the way they meet a variety of people who help them on their journey, and ultimately, they learn about the simple pleasures of being ttogether — and unplugged.

The cast combines the talents of professional, community and young performers in this production: Aria Abato of Landing makes her main stage debut as Georgia Mae James; Abigail Sebastian (Matilda) of Bernardsville as Imogene; Laeton Dawson (The Story of the Nutcracker) of Andover as Henry; Luis Quiles making his TGS debut of Budd Lake as A; Jeorgi Smith (Pinkalicious) of Green Township as B and Aycka Lima (Snow White) of Mansfield as C.

Ticket prices are $28 for adults, $22 for seniors and $18 for children. To purchase tickets, visit www.growingstage.com or call (973) 347-4946. Group rates are available.

The Growing Stage’s programs are made possible, in part, by funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and contributions from numerous corporations, foundations, and individuals. The Growing Stage continues to nurture the development of the performing arts through education, and to create, produce, and perform works that engage the entire family.