Review Roundup: Repertory Philippines' THE SECRET GARDEN

Manila, Philippines--Theatergoers have until this weekend to catch Repertory Philippines' take on the 1991 Tony Award-winning musical THE SECRET GARDEN, which features book and lyrics by Tony winner Marsha Norman ("The Color Purple," "The Bridges of Madison County") and music by Lucy Simon ("Doctor Zhivago"), at Onstage Theatre, Greenbelt 1, Makati City. (For last minute tickets, visit TicketWorld.com.ph.)

THE SECRET GARDEN, which was based on the 1911 children's book of the same name by Frances Hodgson Burnett, follows the story of orphan Mary Lennox who is sent to England to live with her uncle Archibald Craven, where her life seems as dreary as her surroundings. But when Mary discovers the long-hidden garden belonging to her late aunt, she decides to bring it back to life and, in the process, transforms the lives of everyone around her. - BroadwayWorld.com

Directed by Anton Juan ("King Lear," "The Maids"), Repertory Philippines' THE SECRET GARDEN features Ashley Factor and Ginger Karganilla as Mary Lennox; Daniel Drilon, Albert Silos, and Noel Comia as Colin Craven; Myramae Meneses and Caisa Borromeo as Lily; Lorenz Martinez and Robbie Guevara as Archibald; Noel Rayos as Dr. Neville Craven; Rebecca Coates and Natalie Everett as Martha, and Red Concepcion as Dickon.

Let's hear what the critics have to say:

Fred Hawson, ABSCBNNews.com: For what was supposed to be a production aimed for children, the book and music of this show can be too morose and depressing and even creepy for comfort. Those pale-hued antique-looking costumes and the seemingly sheet-covered sets add to the lonely and dreary atmosphere. Throughout the show, there were several slow monotonous, occasionally dissonant, songs being sung by a chorus of ghosts, including dear Aunt Lily herself in full white lady regalia. Very young kids can get restless or sleepy with some parts of this.

However, what kept the audience riveted were the performances of the talented all-Filipino cast, who never fail to bring even the most foreign of stories into vivid convincing life. Two children lead this cast: Ashlee Factor (as Mary) and Noel Comia Jr. (as Colin). The two kids did very well indeed. Factor had a harder time earning our sympathy since her character Mary was headstrong and disobedient, yet eventually, she also won us over with her perseverance and a good heart. Comia, on the other hand, gave a winningly charming performance despite being in a difficult role that required him to be a miserable cripple.

Cora Llamas, Philippine Daily Inquirer: Ohm David's set design makes it clear that this is a dark and ponderous world, formed by labyrinthian yet open hallways where Mary journeys, Archie hides, and their separate memories emerge and sometimes collide. Light designer John Batalla's perpetually muted sunset colors support this dour demeanor.

It's bleak throughout; Juan tries to counter the typical British chill with Indian mystique, but even the occasional dances the ensemble breaks into (the choreography is by Dexter Santos) fail to light up scenes, even when the script appears to call for it. This odd result makes the more poignant numbers work powerfully, such as Archie and Neville's soaring duet, "Lily's Eyes"-but the more optimistic musical pieces just tend to fall flat.

Another thing that saddles the transition from darkness to light--remember, this is a quest for a secret garden that would lead to everyone's spiritual and emotional rejuvenation--is the discordant way the characters move throughout the stage. Conflicting cultures clash, ghosts from the past haunt the people of the present, flashbacks materialize to layer into current events-but the blocking is sometimes haphazard that the audience is left to figure out what is going on.

By the time the message reaches them, the moment is over, and the bridge that should have transpired between performers and viewers to keep the latter at least engaged, if not enraptured, is lost.

Photos: Repertory Philippines

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