Cumberland County Playhouse nurturing a second ‘Secret Garden’
Cumberland County Playhouse continues its 2016 season with what is being called “an enchanting adaptation” of the beloved children’s novel “The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett, running from Friday, Sept. 16, through Sunday, Oct. 23.
The musical tale, featuring a score by Sharon Burgett and book by Jim Crabtree, had its American premiere at the Playhouse in 1994.
“The show is one of the most memorably beautiful things we’ve ever done at the Playhouse,” says CCP Producing Director Bryce McDonald.
Director Weslie Webster agrees. “The music is just gorgeous, and the story is simply unforgettable. It’s so sumptuously designed and staged … and it truly touches the hearts of audience members of all ages.”
Crabtree’s “delightful book,” she adds, “delves deeply into the children’s psyches and their relationships with the adults around them — and enables us to bring several of Burnett’s animal characters to life through the imaginative use of puppetry.”
Webster is no stranger to this adaptation of the story: She played the key role of Martha in the premiere production. Also returning in a different role is choreographer Ashley Gentry, who was a member of the original 1994 cast.
Set in 1907 England, “The Secret Garden” revolves around 10-yearold Mary Lennox (double-cast with Alyssa Freeze and Ellie Velker). After she is orphaned in India, she is returned to England to live with her melancholy uncle (Britt Hancock) at his neglected estate. During the course of her stay, Mary discovers her fretful, bedridden cousin, Colin (Chavin Medina), and the mysteries of a locked garden. With special care, this secret garden blossoms along with Mary’s emotional rejuvenation and Colin’s physical recovery, showing the healing power of nature and companionship.
Other featured members of the cast include Nicole Hackmann as Martha, Blake Graham as Doctor Craven, Lauren Marshall as Mrs. Medlock, Quinn Cason as Ben Weatherstaff, Elliott Cunningham as Dickon and Lindsey Mapes as Lilian Craven.
The production is rated G. Also playing is “Lend Me a Tenor,” rated PG-13, through Thursday, Sept. 22.