The Growing Stage is open for its 40th season with a production of “The Story of the Nutcracker” running through Dec. 19, with a cast that includes a number of Warren County residents.

Performances are Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

“The Story of the Nutcracker” is The Growing Stage’s adaptation of the traditional folk tale. The Growing Stage’s founder and executive director Stephen L. Fredericks, of Hackettstown, wrote the adaptation along with Perry Arthur Kroeger. The traditional score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky is used in the production.

Located in the historic Palace Theatre on Ledgewood Road in Netcong, The Growing Stage attracts talented young people from all over northwest New Jersey, including a number from Warren County.

In this production some of the Warren County performers are:

Grace Noel of Hackettstown in one of the largest roles, Johanna Stahlbaum/Sugar Plum Fairy, the captain’s wife and mother of Clara and Fritz. She has a bachelor’s degree in theatre arts from Anderson University, Anderson, Indiana and has performed with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and danced at the Kennedy Center.

Kayleigh Hannah of Hackettstown is a snowflake, flower, one of Oskar’s children, mouse and soldier in the various ensembles. Her favorite role is the snowflake. Kayleigh joined the Growing Stage this fall to focus on developing her acting and singing skills. She sings in her sixth grade choir at St. Therese’s School in Succasunna.

Josephine (Josie) Hardy of Allamuchy Township is a flower, snowflake and one of Oskar’s children. She has taken acting classes and done the Growing Stage summer camp since she was 4-years-old. This is her first mainstage production, although she was a footman and a rose in a virtual production of “Alice in Wonderland.”

Emily Lazarzewski portrays and servant and a mouse and loves the fight scenes. She has been acting since age 6 and done many productions as TGS.

Tickets for the show are $28 for adults, $22 for seniors and $18 for children. They are available at www.growingstage.com or by calling 973-347-4946. Group rates and season subscription packages are still available.

The Growing Stage takes all necessary precautions during the pandemic and requires face coverings for all patrols and staff regardless of vaccination status. For more information, email boxoffice@growingstage.com.

Productions at The Growing Stage are made possible through partial funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.