Canterbury Tales come to life on stage

NETCONG — The Canterbury tales are considered one of the most influential collections of stories in literature and the Growing Stage is offering a chance to see them performed live. This is the first Studio Series All Youth production of the season at the Netcong theater and there are several locals involved both on the stage and behind the scenes.

"The all-youth Studio Series is an extension of our educational programs, giving young performers the chance to perform on the Mainstage in roles that under other circumstances would be cast with adults," said Lori Lawrence, Director of Educational Programming at the theatre. "It is an wonderful opportunity to further develop their skills and grow as performers."

Lawrence has been involved with the Growing Stage for more than 20 years and the Studio Series since its inception in 2009.

"I directed 'Robin Goodfellow,' an adaptation of Shakespeare’s 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream' last season with an all-youth cast, so when 'Canterbury Tales' was selected this season, I jumped at the opportunity to work with the young performers again," Lawrence said.

Growing Stage veteran and Netcong resident Matthew Fralley is also involved in the show.

"I've been performing at The Growing Stage since I was 10," he said. "I have performed there in over 25 shows there. And about three years ago, they asked me to be there intern and I have been working there ever since. They were in need of a stage manager for a show so I asked if I could and they were more than willing to have me on board for this show."

Cast member Jerome Beyer was quick to join the production as well.

"I got involved with the show because I thought it would be a fun and enjoyable experience, as it still seems to be," Beyer said.

Only Lawrence was familiar with the stories prior to working on this production.

"I was familiar with The Canterbury Tales from having to read them back in High School," she said. “I remember the dread with which the class received the news when we were given the assignment."

Bringing the story to life
Whether or not the audience is familiar with the tales though is unimportant because it translates to the stage well.

"Obviously it would be a little boring just listening to each pilgrim telling their stories so the show bring the characters in the story to life," said Fralley. "Each character is one of our actors playing the part of the tale."

This version of the tales is more relatable as well, according to Lawrence.

"I think this particular script, written by Lindsay Price, presents the tales in such a way as to make them more accessible," she explained. "They are presented with a great deal of fun, highlighting the humor."

Lawrence wants it to be an enjoyable night at the theater.

“It is our hope that audiences will be presented with a very entertaining evening of theatre and students will walk away with a greater understanding of and appreciation for ‘The Canterbury Tales,’” she explained.

“They can expect a good time for family,” Fralley said. “It's entertaining. They can come in and have a good time. And each little tale has a great moral that all family members can take away from the show.”

Beyer seems to sum it up best.
“The audience can expect an enjoyable, hilarious, show great for all ages.”

The Growing Stage, The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey, is located at 7 Ledgewood Avenue, Rte. 183, Netcong. The production will run from Jan. 30 through Feb. 8 with performances Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m. as well as Saturday and Sunday matinees at 4 p.m. Tickets are $12 general admission, with group rates available. Tickets can be purchased by calling the TGS Box Office at 973-347-4946 or visiting www.growingstage.com.