THE SECRET GARDEN
10/15/2016 – 10/16/2016
Cutting-Edge Choreography, Original Cinematic Score, Stunning Multi-Media Scenic Design
A restoration of a garden and revival of the spirit, The Secret Garden is a story of loss, dreams, hope and transformation. Inspired by Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic novel, The Secret Garden is brought to life on stage through a riveting fusion of cutting-edge choreography by Josie Walsh, an original cinematic score by Paul Rivera Jr., and stunning multi-media scenic design by David Bazemore.
Saturday, October 15, 2016 @ 7:00 PM
Sunday, October 16, 2016 @ 2:00 PM
Tickets: $45 adults; $42 seniors (65+); $39 children (12 and under)
For group discounts, please call the box office.
Synopsis
Haunted by the tragic loss of his beloved wife Lillius, the austere Archibald Craven has locked her favorite rose garden along with his heart for good, shutting out all life and light. Mourning her passing he fantasizes about her, reuniting with her spirit in a duet of love, remembrance and heartbreak.
The young Mary Lennox suffers a similar loss as she finds herself utterly alone after the cholera takes her parents life and she is abruptly sent off to England to live with her estranged uncle Archibald. At the train station she is met by the disapproving head servant Mrs. Medlock and thrust into total chaos amongst the servants and Archibald’s neglected, crippled son Colin Craven throwing one of his many tantrums.
Both Mary and Colin strive for the slightest bit of recognition from Archibald to no avail. Alone and heart sunken the two children connect as they are catapulted down an enchanted journey to over come their own loss and fears.
Guided by a friendly robin, Mary and Colin follow the garden path where they awaken a wise old oak tree that becomes Colin’s odd mentors, teaching him to stand, plant his roots and to walk. He is astonished by his physical strength proving he had merely been crippled by his beliefs. It is here that they meet Dickon, the free spirited nature boy. An innocent, yet undeniable love grows between Mary and Dickon creating a subtle jealousy in Colin.
Farther down the path, Mary is met by the shape shifting mistresses of the lock revealing to Mary that she herself is the key and catalyst to open the garden. Once inside, the vine women weave around her as Dickon re appears and their love blossoms.
Meanwhile back in the Manor, Colin and Archibald share an escalating sense of frustration with their deep loneliness and longing to connect with each other. Colin seeks to prove to his seemingly uncaring father that he is a strong boy worthy of his attention, while Archibald is unable to cope with his inability to reach out to those he loves. They are left in a world of colliding opposites, as the essence, which Mary unleashed in the garden, not only intoxicates but also initiates true personal transformation from darkness to light.
Met by a cosmic swirl of vivid color, the garden bursts into full bloom and the miracle of Colin’s recovery becomes apparent to his father, culminating in a newfound relationship and intertwining Mary into their family. All the hurt melts away into a sea of color as their hearts open and spirits soar in this magical secret garden where love reigns.