Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic novel takes a mysterious and musical twist in the Village Theatre’s production of “The Secret Garden.” Though often thought of as a children’s story, Marsha Norman’s version involves children but is also about love, loss and the ability to live again.
Director Brian Yorkey ably handles the challenge of the Craven family’s interwoven lives, nightmares from the past and hopes for the future. The monsters in their heads are as hidden as the overgrown garden behind their home, while the Manor’s somber lighting and the family’s dark clothing add contrast to the colorful ghosts dancing through their lives.
With a masterful touch, Yorkey orchestrates the family’s return to the brightness of day, as light and color return to their lives and home. Although young theater-goers might be enthralled by the constantly changing sets and energetic performances of the young actors, the show offers a depth and uniqueness better suited for slightly older children and adults.
Young Mary Lennox (Rachel Beck, who alternates the role with Caitlin Kinnunen) arrives at her Uncle Archibald Craven’s lonely English mansion shortly after her parents die of cholera in India. She arrives with a suitcase full of clothes, anger, and a host of colorful ghosts, including her parents and personal caretakers, to assist her in living through her grief.
Like Mary, Uncle Archie (Dallyn Vail Bayles) is angry, lost and haunted by a ghost – his beautiful wife Lily (Katie E. Tomlinson). Lily died in childbirth. Their son Colin (Josh Froebe) has been sick in bed since birth.
Mary is a hurt and defiant young girl, however she meets her match in Colin whom she discovers one day in his hidden bedroom. Rejecting everyone, he pulls his blanket over his head, spouts orders right and left, and demands kindness because he is “dying.” Mary has nothing to do with it, shouting back, “You’re too nasty to die!” Both Rachel Beck and Josh Froebe are delightful as two children who build a bond forged in mutual sadness and nurtured by the joy they discover in bringing Lily’s secret garden back to life.
The orchestra, directed by Ian Eisendrath, and the singing are outstanding, though at times it is difficult to understand the lyrics. Musical highlights include “Lily’s Eyes,” a loving duet to the memory of Lily by Craven (Bayles) and his brother Dr. Neville Craven (Joshua M. Bott), and “How Could I Ever Know,” a touching and beautifully performed duet between Lily (Tomlinson) and Craven (Bayles).
Tomlinson also delivers a passionate performance, stepping out from behind the portrait of her hanging over Colin’s bed, singing “Come to My Garden” to her young son. Also good are Eric Ankrim as Dickon, a young man who helps Mary bring the garden to life, and Dickon’s sister Martha (Kat Ramsburg), the chambermaid.
Scenes change with ease and quickness, moving from Colin’s room, to Mary’s room, to the garden, and back to the mansion’s study. Sound effects including crackling lightning and thunder further enhance an already captivating performance.
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