Depaul University's THE SECRET GARDEN Opens 10/30

The Theatre School at DePaul University presents THE SECRET GARDEN, written by Frances Hodgson Burnett, adapted by Pamela Sterling, and directed by John Jenkins, as the opening production of the 2010-2011 Chicago Playworks for Families and Young Audiences Series. This
production opens Tuesday, October 30, and runs through Saturday, December 4, 2010, at DePaul's historic Merle Reskin Theatre. Performances are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 10 AM and Saturdays at 2 PM. There will be no performances on November 23, 25, 26, 27, or 30. There will be a special performance held on December 1, at 10AM.

Based on the beloved children's book by Frances Hodgson Burnett THE SECRET GARDEN is the timeless tale of orphaned Mary Lennox and her life in the secluded Misselthwaite Manor in Yorkshire, England. The secret garden blooms with life once again when Mary, Colin, and Dickon unlock the mysteries of their past and bring hope, imagination, and life back to the Manor. Recommended for ages 7 and up.

Tickets are $8. Subscriptions and group rates (15 or more people) are available at (312) 922-0999. DePaul employees, alumni, and college students receive a discount (with ID). Tickets are available online at http://theatreschool.depaul.edu or by calling the Box Office at (312) 922-1999.

DePaul's Merle Reskin Theatre is located at 60 E. Balbo Drive at Michigan Ave., in Chicago. For information about parking, please contact the Box Office. The theatre is accessible via CTA busses (3-King Drive, 29-State Street, 146-Michigan/ Museums and others), and CTA El stops (Red, Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, Purple and Pink).

A wide range of events will be held in conjunction with this production including Community Partner Days, as well as an Ice Cream Social, Opening Day Autographs, Post Show Discussions, and much more! For details or a free Teacher Guide highlighting curriculum connections visit http://theatreschool.depaul.edu or call (312) 922-1999.

The cast features Christopher Allen (Archibald Craven), Adam Brown (Dickon Sowerby), Derek Gaspar (Ben Weatherstaff), Kaitlyn Griggs (Martha Sowerby), Kelsey Peterson (Mrs. Medlock), Leah Raidt (Mary Lennox), Aaron Rustebakke (Doctor Craven), and Colin Sphar (Colin Craven).

The production staff includes John Jenkins (Director), Victoria DeIorio (Composer), Jack K. Magaw (Scenic Design), Holly Haupert (Costume Design), Eric Peterson (Lighting Design), Mike Ross (Sound Design), (Dramaturgy), and Rose Streit (Stage Management).

John Jenkins (Director) serves as the head of the Undergraduate Acting Program for The Theatre School at DePaul University. He has performed and directed professionally in England, Germany, Switzerland, and Australia, as well as throughout the United States. As a member of the San Quentin Drama Workshop, he worked with Samuel Beckett as an actor in Mr. Beckett's direction of WAITING FOR GODOT and ENDGAME and served as movement advisor for Mr. Beckett's production of KRAPP'S LAST TAPE. In Minneapolis, he worked for eight years as an actor, director and teacher for The Children's Theatre Company. John's film credits include a starring role in the independent feature film, PATTI ROCKS, which he co-wrote. He is a qualified teacher of the Alexander Technique.

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