Growing Stage Theatre celebrates tenth anniversary

Netcong —In addition to celebrating the 10th anniversary of the re-opening of the Historic Palace Theatre, Route 183, Netcong, which is home to the Growing Stage, the theatre recognized three of its long-time supporters: Guy R. Gregg, assemblyman 24th District; The Blanche & Irving Laurie Foundation; and Norman Worth, president and general manager, WRNJ Radio. Les Smith, Jr., executive vice president of development of Rockefeller Group Development Corporation was the event chair. Assemblyman Gregg serves as honorary chairman of The Growing Stage’s advisory board; Norman Worth has been a member of the theatre’s advisory board for several years and also sponsors its annual golf outing and the Blanche & Irving Laurie Foundation which has generously supported the theatre through its on-going mission to enhance the cultural and spiritual needs of area residents. In just this past year, The Growing Stage formed its Performing/Teaching Artist Repertory Company, extended its “Main Stage” productions to two matinee productions, continued its work on the construction of the ADA elevator, added to its Midsummer Night’s Dream murals (by Perry Arthur Kroeger), launched its Teen Workshop Series and was approved by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts for inclusion in the roster of artists’ companies eligible to participate in the council’s artist residency program. The historic Palace Theatre (circa 1919) is listed on both the National and State Register of Historic Places.