One of my favorite holiday traditions is seeing a show at The Growing Stage. Each year, their shows are filled with magic and wonder. The lobby is festively decorated and the theatre is filled with holiday cheer. I love seeing all of the families come together with multiple generations sitting together creating amazing memories. This year was no different as The Growing Stage presents another holiday masterpiece, The Land of Forgotten Toys.
Directed by one of my favorite Growing Stage members, Danny Campos, The Land of Forgotten Toys, is a heartwarming and uplifting show about following your own path. Throughout the show, we join Grace on her journey to do something BIG and important with her life. She is an 18 year old who recently graduated high school but feels stuck in her home town in a job she does not love. Her friend Nikki does her best to cheer her up, but it isn’t until the two of them embark on an unforgettable adventure that Grace finds her purpose.
Photo Provided by The Growing Stage
Grace, played by Jeorgi Smith, loves astronomy, and is in awe when she finds herself suddenly staring at Polaris, the Northern Star. Jeorgi does an amazing job of making the audience feel her every emotion and become truly invested in her journey. Nikki, played by Jessica Stanzek, is the upbeat, holiday loving friend who is a forever optimist. Her portrayal of this elf-like character was amazing. She was the highlight of the show for me as she made me smile every time she was on the stage.
The girls are greeted by the Queen of the Northern Sky who shares that the fate of Christmas is in danger. Nikki and Grace set off to find Santa and save the day! While on the Land of Forgotten Toys, Grace and Nikki meet some very interesting and unique toys that are yearning for a home. The young actors who played the parts of the toys did a fabulous job getting the audience to fall in love with them and cheer them along in their dream to find the perfect home.
Photo Provided by The Growing Stage
Amidst the journey, we also meet Schmedrick the scatterbrained Elf, played by Donald Danford. Schmedrick was my son’s favorite character as he brought a lot of fun and enthusiasm to the show. The interaction between Nikki and Schmedrick was also so much fun to watch as it was filled with innocence and joy. Grace, Nikki, and Schmedrick work together to find Santa who was being held captive by the sinister Carlotta, played by Lori B. Lawrence. I won’t give away the ending, but I will say it’s a happy one!
Photo Provided by The Growing Stage
The Land of Forgotten toys is filled with Christmas magic from beginning to end. From the amazing cast to the wonderful music and choreography to the colorful sets and costumes, this show offers a beautiful story of hope, friendship, and happiness. Plus, it has Santa! Who, by the way, is one of the best portrayals of Santa you will find this holiday season. Played by The Growing Stage Founder and Executive Director himself, Steve Fredericks, Santa is a charming soul that embodies all of the nostalgia of Christmas.
I really enjoyed this magical show, and I know you will too! The Land of Forgotten Toys: A Christmas Musical will be at The Growing Stage every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through December 18. Tickets can be purchased on their website.
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