Review: THE NEVERENDING STORY at Growing Stage is a Fascinating Adventure for All

The Neverending Story is now being performed at The Growing Stage, The Children's Theatre of New Jersey through March 26th. Based on the beloved novel by Michael Ende, the show has been adapted by David S. Craig. The Growing Stage production enjoys excellent direction by Robert Mintz and features a cast of outstanding professional actors and talented community members. Gather your group. This imaginative, adventurous show is ideal for the whole family.

In The Neverending Story, Bastian is a lonely boy and an avid reader who enters a bookshop where he discovers a curious book, "The Neverending Story." As he hides in the attic of his school to read the story, the exciting and absorbing tale comes to life. The book describes the world of Fantasia that is slowly being devoured by a force called "The Nothing." Fantasia's ruler, the Childlike Empress, has fallen ill, and a young hero named Atreyu is given the task to discover her cure. It is believed that once the Empress is well again, The Nothing will no longer be a threat. Atreyu embarks on an exciting, often perilous quest through a land with fantastic characters and creatures. The story's unique blend of fantasy and humanity has a very special appeal for children and adults alike.

The many roles in The Neverending Story are wonderfully portrayed. They include Michael McEntee as Bastian's father; Becky Nitka as The Witch and Urgl; Mark J. Quiles as Gmork the Werewolf and Cairon, the Healer; Sara Hanlon as Ygramal, the Many and Uyulala, the Oracle; Nikole Rizzo as Morla, the Aged one and Maya, the Dark Princess; Sean Quigley as The Bookseller and the Chancellor; Donald Danford as Vooshvazool, the Night Hob and Engywook; Stephanie Turci as The Fairy and Uyulala, the Oracle.

The company is rounded out by Sam Bloch as Bastian Balthasar Bux; Davian Arroyo as Atreyu, the Hunter; Dalton Allison as Antrax, the Horse; Justin Watt as Falkor, the Luck Dragon and Brianna Cumberton as The Childlike Empress. The ensemble includes Arielle Handler, Angela Kovacs, Haley Lang and Allison Takayama.

The Growing Stage presents The Neverending Story with their signature flair. Stunning costumes, creative puppetry, elaborate set design along with wonderfully crafted lighting and sound effects make the show captivating. The Production Staff includes Stage Manager, Cara Ganski; Artistic Associate, Patrick Fragale; Scenic, Mask Design & Painting, Perry Arthur Kroeger; Costumer Designer, Lori B. Lawrence; Costume Assistants, Rachael Dimichino and Mary Saarmann; Lighting Designer S.L. Fredericks and Light Board Operator, Linnea Weston. Additional costumes are provided by Scaramouche Costumes LLC.

See The Neverending Story while it is on the Netcong stage. It is a great show to help you shake off the winter blues and usher in the spring season.

The Neverending Story will be performed at The Growing Stage, The Children's Theatre of New Jersey 3/10 to 3/26. The show runs for 75 minutes with a 15-minute intermission and is recommended for the entire family. Performances are on Fridays at 7:30 pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 4:00 pm. The theatre is located at 7 Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong, NJ 07857. For more information and ticketing call 973.347.4946 or visit their web site at http://www.growingstage.com/.

Photo Credit: Jerry Dalia

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