Reviewed by Judy Richter
Frances Hodgson Burnett's novel "The Secret
Garden" has
been a favorite for generations of readers, especially younger ones. Now it has
become a musical that has been an audience favorite since its Broadway debut in
1991. TheatreWorks first produced it in 1995 and now has brought it back as a nicely
wrapped holiday gift.
When
one listens to the recording, Lucy Simon's music seems almost operatic with numerous
ensembles in which individual lyrics are often hard to distinguish. This is not
the case in the TheatreWorks production. Thanks to musical director William
Liberatore (who
also conducts from the keyboard) and the blend by an excellent cast of singers,
each character's thoughts are easy to follow.
Likewise,
Robert Kelley's
staging, aided by a first-rate design team, keeps things clear as live
characters and ghosts often occupy the stage simultaneously. Marsha Norman's book (she also wrote the lyrics)
starts the action in Colonial India in 1906 as a cholera epidemic kills
thousands of people. The victims include the servants and parents of young Mary
Lennox (Angelina Wahler, alternating with Rachel Sue), who is bundled off to the gloomy home of her
uncle in northern Yorkshire, England.
It's
a house of secrets and sadness as her uncle, Archibald Craven (Joe Cassidy), is still mourning the death of
his wife, Lily (Patricia Noonan), some 10 years ago. Still, Mary finds companionship
with three servants: chambermaid Martha (Courtney Stokes), Martha's brother, Dickon (Alex
Brightman), and
gardener Ben Weatherstaff (Daniel Olson).
Eventually
Mary discovers her bedridden cousin Colin (Charlie Ibsen, alternating with Andrew Apy), Archibald and Lily's son. He's
kept hidden away, it seems, at the bidding of Archibald's younger brother, Dr.
Neville Craven (Noel Anthony), who not only secretly loved Lily but also covets the
estate. Mary also discovers Lily's garden, which has been locked behind a tall
wall ever since her death. Thanks to her efforts, along with help from the
three servants, she revives the garden, helps restore Colin to health and
finally rouses Archibald from his depression.
Costumes
by Fumiko Bielefeldt help to distinguish the ghosts from the live people. Besides Noonan
as Lily, the ghosts are played by Sharon Rietkerk as Rose Lennox, her sister and
Mary's mother; Robert Brewer as Capt. Albert Lennox, Mary's father; Mrigendra
Steiner as Ayah,
Mary's nanny; and Adam Theodore Barry as Fakir, a mystic. Other live characters are
portrayed by Leanne Borghesi as Mrs. Medlock, the dour housekeeper; and Steiner as a
headmistress.
Joe
Ragey's fluid
scenic design, complemented by Pamila Z. Gray's lighting and Jeff Mockus's sound, helps the action move
smoothly. The minimal choreography is nicely done by Molly Bell. All of the performers are
excellent singers and actors, but Wahler deserves extra kudos as Mary.This
poised sixth-grader, who already has impressive credits, is totally believable
in the role, a real pro. Except for Brightman, who needs to bring his Dickon
portrayal down a notch or two, all of the performers excel in solos. They also
blend well. This is especially true of Cassidy and Anthony in "Lily's
Eyes."
This
return of "The Secret Garden" is most welcome, a fine way to
celebrate a festive season.