In THE SECRET GARDEN, ten-year-old orphan, Mary Lennox, is sent to live with her uncle Archibald Craven, a man who's given up on life after the death of his wife Lily.
Sophie Tahatcher (Mary)
Mary discovers Archibald’s son, Colin, who when born in the garden, was handed to his father as his mother died. Believing he has a defective heart and a hunched back, as does his father, Colin has never left his bed. Archibald’s brother, Dr. Craven, judiciously cares for Colin as apparently his only job. He convinces Mary she will cause his death if she tries to help him, protecting his right to inherit the estate which would pass on to Colin as the son of Archibald.
Mary and Matthew Schroeder (Colin)
The tortured Archibald loves his son but cannot bear to relate to him because of the ever haunting memory of his one true love Lily. Speaking of haunting, throughout the play various people from Mary’s past (her parents, Indian nanny, soldiers that served with her father) and Archibald’s love, Lily, slowly move back and forth across the stage creating a dreamlike aura or perhaps what was in Mary and Archibald’s minds and also providing narrative for the story.
Mary finds the key
With the help of the down to earth (no pun intended) gardener, Dickon, and his sister, the housemaid, Martha, Mary uncovers the mystery of Lily's long-abandoned secret garden, helps Colin leave his bed to stand and walk and unlocks the door to happiness for herself, Colin and her uncle. In the final scene, spring has come, the three unite in a family and the garden once again is alive and covered with roses.
Maggie Portman (Martha), Steve Peebles (Dickon), Matthew Schroeder (Colin), Nick Fister (Archibald) and Sophie Thatcher (Mary)
Based on the novel by Frances Hodgsenes Burnett and the book and lyrics by Marsha Norman, THE SECRET GARDEN was directed and choreographed by Stacey Flaster. Ms. Flaster made her Light Opera Works directorial debut with CAROUSEL in 2010. She has choreographed many productions before CAROUSEL. The music was written by Lucy Simon. It was wonderful to have the live music of a 24 piece orchestra conducted by Roger L. Bingaman, who has performed with LIGHT OPERA WORKS since 1997.
Casting for THE SECRET GARDEN includes Nick Foster (Archibald Craven), Sophie Thatcher (Mary), Brianna Borger (Lily), Maggie Portman (Martha), Travis Taylor (Dr. Craven), Steve Peebles (Dickon) and Matthew Schroeder (Colin). Nick Foster, as the tortured Archibald was convincing and heart-breaking. His duet with Travis Taylor, Dr. Gravin was truly breathtaking. Sophie Thatcher as Mary had the perfect cultured British accent and a clear, appropriately childlike voice. Considering this was her professional debut, she was truly a star. Steve Peebles as Dickon and his performance sister, Maggie Portman as Martha gave stellar performances with their Cockney accents, humor and liveliness. This was a wonderful performance that one should see during this holiday season. Remaining performances are:
- Family Matinee:
Tuesday, December 27 at 2 pm - Family Matinee:
Wednesday, December 28 at 2 pm - Thursday, December 29 at 8 pm
- Friday, December 30 at 8 pm
- Family Matinee:
Saturday, December 31 at 2 pm - Saturday, December 31 at 8 pm
- Sunday, January 1 at 2 pm
Where
Cahn Auditorium
600 Emerson Street, Evanston, IL
Tickets
Main Floor $48, $68, $77 and $92
Balcony $32, $48, $68, $77
New Year's Eve $34, $50, $70, $79 and $94
Ages 21 and younger half-price on December 27, 28, 31 (2 pm)
THE SECRET GARDEN is Light Opera Works' final production of 2011. The 2012 season will begin with CAMELOT (June 1-10), followed by MAN OF LA MANCHA (August 11-26), OPERETTA'S GREATEST HITS (October 5-14) and OLIVER! (December 22-31).
Discounted season ticket packages are available.
PhotosL Rich Foreman
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