The Secret Garden is an engaging tale of transformation and healing set against a backdrop of family and community life over one hundred years ago, but it still resonates today – especially among those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic who may find comfort in its themes.
The Story
Based on Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved novel, this exquisite musical brings incredible emotion to its familiar beats. Marsha Norman wrote both the book and lyrics while Lucy Simon composed the score; Warren Carlyle directed and choreographed, with music direction by Rob Berman.
Mary Lennox is a spoiled English orphan sent to live with her distant uncle at his Yorkshire estate Misselthwaite Manor in Yorkshire. While living there, she discovers an abandoned garden belonging to Lily (her late wife) and Colin (his sickly cousin). At first, dismayed by its depressing atmosphere and dour uncle, she quickly warms to Dickon, who joins in helping bring life back into the garden, ultimately discovering purpose and meaning in their lives.
Sierra Boggess shines as a shy but determined Mary. Her performance possesses an elegance and sincerity rarely seen on Broadway musical stages. Derrick Davis expertly supports Boggess as Archibald Craven; Davis’ portrayal plays an instrumental role in driving home the story as his inner turmoil over losing Lily and inability to provide a loving uncleship make him one of the show’s central figures.
Boggess and Davis provide outstanding performances, joined by Emily Jewel Hoder (Lily), Terron Brooks (Ben Weatherstaff), Randi De Marco (Mrs Medlock), Kelley Dorney (Mrs Winthrop), Paulo Gomes (Colin), Ava Madison Gray (Mary Lennox alternate) Reese Witherspoon (Rose Lennox), Paulo Gomes (Colin) as well as Reese Witherspoon (Rose Lennox). Don’t miss this production; book your tickets today at Ahmanson Theatre!
The Music
The Secret Garden has long been one of the most beloved Broadway musicals based on Frances Hodgson Burnett’s 1911 novel of the same name, captivating audiences worldwide with its tale of Mary Lennox and her experiences when sent to live with an emotionally distant uncle in their English country estate. Boasting an engaging score and charming storytelling style, The Secret Garden will continue its run at Center Theatre Group’s Ahmanson Theatre through March 26.
The score of Mary is genuinely captivating, from its haunting operatic-style ballads to its simple English melodies and lyrics that capture children’s innocence in dealing with life’s tragedies in their inimitable way. While Mary herself may be at the forefront of this musical production, other well-played characters, including Martha (Julia Lester), Ben (Mark Capri), and Dickon (John-Michael Lyles), round out its cast beautifully.
Sierra Boggess makes her Broadway debut as Mary Lennox and delivers an exceptional performance that brings sweetness and warmth. Her relationship with Colin (played by Thomas Hopper), in particular, is particularly touching and heart-wrenching.
Darren Clark plays Archibald Craven, a wealthy widower whose recent loss overwhelms him. While Mary remains distant from Archibald Craven, Mary becomes deeply attached to Lily’s garden, which needs caretaking by Martha, her devoted servant, and Dickon, an outgoing local boy she can count on for assistance.
Ultimately, The Secret Garden serves as a reminder that beauty and love can come from unexpected places – even those not immediately nearby. Though its theme may appear old-fashioned or oversimplified compared to modern life, its relevance remains undeniable, leaving an unforgettable, impactful performance that will indeed move the hearts of all who experience it.
The Performances
The Secret Garden features an incredible cast and lush, haunting operetta-style ballads mixed with English folk melodies for an engaging family musical. It reminds us to appreciate nature, laughter, and love’s healing powers and that hope can arise even in darkness and tragedy.
Since 1991, when The Secret Garden made its Broadway debut as a musical, it has become one of the most beloved works. Based on Frances Hodgson Burnett’s novel of the same name, this charming show tells a timeless tale about a young girl finding her footing and healing after tragedy. Focused on children’s perspective of loss and their unique relationship to faith allows them to cope more readily than adults when faced with grief.
At a time of unending turmoil and doubt, The Secret Garden musical offers the perfect antidote. It will leave you with a renewed appreciation of life’s wonders and humanity’s goodness.
Attractive as the story and music may be, what brings this production to life are its actors – Emily Jewel Hoder, Sierra Boggess, and Derrick Davis give exceptional performances as Emily, Mary, ill-tempered Mary, Colin, and their newfound friendship are touched upon deeply; Boggess plays her character perfectly while Hoder, Sierra Boggess, Derrick Davis all deliver incredible turns as actors in this production. Sierra Boggess as Mary brings charm while her singing and delicate dance moves are truly enjoyable spectacles!
Derrick Davis’ performance of Archibald Craven is remarkable. His complex and nuanced portrayal is awe-inspiring, showing us more than the initial impression when his initial hard-edged behavior softens towards Mary and lets down his guard. Davis’ powerful acting and moving singing will linger long after the curtain call.
The Secret Garden at Theatre Rapp is genuinely spectacular with an enchanting set featuring spiraling paper ribbon and a Hobbit-style garden door. Lighting and special effects add a magical layer to this production; seeing it live is worth your admission price.
The Final Words
Suppose you haven’t seen The Secret Garden yet. In that case, its story follows Mary Lennox as she travels from an orphanage in London due to a cholera outbreak that took her parents’ lives to an estate owned by her Uncle Neville’s in Yorkshire where servants wait on her with meals and are sometimes brought drinks and meals as needed. Mary becomes increasingly unhappy here until one night; she hears screaming echo through the manor halls – something told off as simple wind. Soon enough, though, she starts uncovering its mysteries, including its hidden garden, which had not been maintained in over ten years!
Mary discovers a new-found appreciation of herself as she restores the garden, along with an appreciation of her sick cousin Colin’s relationship and Uncle Neville’s unconditional love – while at the same time growing closer to both of them through working on it together. Mary hopes that working on it together with her family brings everyone closer.
This production of The Secret Garden at Ahmanson Theatre runs until March 26 and is a testament to its iconic book and music. As a musical, The Secret Garden speaks to universal themes of healing from trauma while showing how influential art can be for building more loving communities.
While not as lavish and lavish as some revivals of this classic musical, this production still delivers an entertaining and heartwarming experience. Boasting a talented cast – Sierra Boggess as Lily Craven; Terron Brooks as Major Shelley (crazy); Mark Capri as Ben Weatherstaff; Julia Lester as Martha from Into The Woods breakout star Julia Lester as Martha; John-Michael Lyles as Dickon adds his trademark sweet charm; Derrick Davis brings emotional depth as Archibald Craven makes his final moments all that much more powerfully impactful!
Tony-winning Warren Carlyle directs and choreographs this production of The Secret Garden at Ahmanson Theatre, featuring Broadway stars Sierra Boggess and Aaron Lazar as its leads, alongside an ensemble cast featuring multiple vocal styles, all set against a stunning total orchestral score – making for an experience not to be missed!
