Review: BOOK OF D at The Growing Stage is Superb Theatre - Heartwarming and Original

"Life should be how you want to write it - better."

-The Book of D

The Growing Stage, The Children's Theatre of New Jersey is presenting a superb World Premiere play, The Book of D written by Cody Daigle-Orians and directed by Stephen L. Fredericks. The show is on a limited engagement from February 12th through February 21st with Friday to Sunday performances. This is one to see and it's not just for children. It is a meaningful piece of theatre that depicts the trials of growing up and family life in a totally entertaining and original way.

In the play D, a reclusive, imaginative youngster, escapes day-to-day realities into a world of stories. He writes his own book, The Book of D, to reason with the issues in his life that include his parents' divorce, missing his father and his lack of friends. When a new girl, Blu joins his Creative Writing Club, she becomes an important pal to him. Blu introduces D to the dynamic stories in Greek mythology. Their special friendship becomes a story for D to write.

The Book of D weaves Greek myths into the show that include the tales of "Icarus," "Hero and Leander" and "The Labrynth." As Blu reads stories to D, they are staged with some clever twists that help the children learn about love and loyalty. These portrayals also allow cast members to shine in multiple roles.

The inaugural cast for Book of D is fantastic with Sean Cahill as D; Julia Mayhood as Blu; Terrell Cannon as Andy/Lysander; Phylicia Freeman as Mom/Eurydice; Izzy Figueroa as Dad/Icarus/Orpheus/The Minotar; Ginny Bartolone as Teacher/Theseus; Barbara Haag as Bus Driver/Hades/Pirithous; Amanda Beck as Mia/Hero; Dalton Allison as Cal/Informative Greek; Hana Hassan as Len/Blabbermouth Greek and Isabella DiBernardino as Rae/Fawning Greek.

The Production Staff has done a top-notch job of bringing The Book of D to life with scenic, mask design and painting by Perry Arthur Kroeger and lighting design by S.L. Fredericks. The Costume Coordinator is Lori B. Lawrence and the costumes are provided by Scaramouche LLC. The Stage Manager is Becky Nitka, Lighting Board Operator is Justin Wat and the Backstage Crew is Linnea Weston and Caitlin McCormack.

The Book of D is a show that encourages creativity and individuality. Gather your group and plan an outing. In the cold days of winter, this show will warm your heart.

The Book of D is suggested for audiences, ages 8 and older. It runs for approximately 75 minutes with one intermission. The play will be performed at The Growing Stage, The Children's Theatre of New Jersey from February 12th through February 21st on Fridays at 7:30 and Saturdays and Sundays at 4:00. The theatre is located at 7 Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong, NJ 07857. For more information, call 973.347.4946 or visit http://www.growingstage.com/.

About The Growing Stage, The Children's Theatre of New Jersey

Now in its 34th Season, The Growing Stage nurtures the development of the performing arts through education and created, produces and performs works that engage the entire family. Through Main Stage productions, school day matinees, touring performances, classes for all ages and a variety of special initiatives, they provide unprecedented access to the arts for New Jersey children and their families.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of The Growing Stage, Hana Hassan, Phylicia Freeman, Barbara Haag, Izzy Figueroa, Isabella DiBernardino and Dalton Allison

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