Theatre 29’s production of the musical “The Secret Garden” directed by Kathryn Ferguson, opened last weekend to enthusiastic audiences. The classic tale follows the story of young Mary Lennox. After losing her parents, she finds family she never knew she had. Through the charms of a mystical garden, she helps renew their love for one another. Reporter Rebecca Havley offers this review of the musical…
Young beauty Bella Oden performs her first leading role as Mary Lennox. After the death of her parents she’s sent to live with her Uncle Archibald Craven. Charles Harvey skillfully portrays this heart-broken hunchback, a tortured soul who finds it hard to love his own son. Colin is innocently played by young talent Rory O’Brien. His uncle, Dr. Cravin, played by Leonard Webber, shines, as does Harvey in the touching duet, “Lilly’s Eyes.” Katie Van Sumeren plays the lost love Lilly, a ghostly presence with an angelic voice. Coupled with Harvey’s vibrant vocals, the duet, “How Could I Ever Know” is a highlight of the musical. Lisa Goldberg is perfectly cast as Martha, young Mary’s maid. Chris Fleischman plays gardener Dickon with a whimsical flair. Ensemble stand-outs include Ron Bottorff as senior gardener Weatherstaff, the stern Mrs. Medlock played by Sarah O’Brien, Mary’s mother Rose, played by Janet Peercy and Martha Boyd as school marm Winthrop. The artistic lighting effects, executed by technician Tresa Oden, and exceptional costumes designed by Kathyrn Ferguson add to her lovely direction of this hauntingly touching production.
“The Secret Garden” will run Friday and Saturday nights at 7 p.m. through September 24 with 2:30 Sunday matinees on September 4 and 18. Tickets are from $8 to $15 and are available at theatre29.org, or by calling the Theatre 29 box office at 760-361-4151.
WE REVIEW “THE SECRET GARDEN” AT THEATRE 29
