BWW Reviews: Stages St. Louis' Touching Production of THE SECRET GARDEN

Frances Hodgson Burnett's work, The Secret Garden, was initially serialized before being published in 1911 and becoming a children's classic. Several attempts by Hollywood have tried to capitalize on it's dramatic and hope-filled story, with the 1949 MGM adaptation, starring Margaret O'Brien, wonderfully changing from black and white into full-blown technicolor as the garden is revealed in all it's splendor. However. most folks today will probably be more familiar with the the rather staid, but thoughtful motion picture made in 1993, which was fairly well mounted. This current stage adaptation is far more appealing in any number of ways, with stronger acting and a memorably performed score being among the many highlights that are attractive to an audience interested in the material.

Mary Lennox is left an orphan in 1906 when her parents die during a cholera epidemic in India, at a time when the country is still under the control of the British Empire. Mary is taken to live with her Uncle Archibald, who is suffering the torment of losing his wife, Lily, though some ten years have passed. Mary's resemblance to Lily, and her interest in reviving her late Aunt's garden, bring out mixed emotions in her Uncle. A chance encounter with her bedridden cousin Colin, provides additional stress and just the excuse her Uncle needs to flee to Paris, leaving the children in the hands of his brother, Dr. Neville Craven. However, the doctor is intent on sending young Mary off to boarding school while personally overseeing the treatment of Colin. In the end, it's not just the garden that's revived and rekindled.

Alexis Kinney delivers a terrific performance as Mary. She possesses a fine, natural sounding voice that fits her character well. Her duet, "Show Me the Key", with Dickon, is especially sweetly rendered. Peter Lockyer does exceptional work as Archibald, and his strong voice and personality are a good fit for the role, with his acting conveying a wide range of emotion. Lockyer's vocals shine during his solo numbers, "A Bit of Earth" and "Where in the World".

Kelly McCormick is well cast as the ghostly visage of Lily. She has a lovely voice that really carries her material well. Anthony Holds nicely underplays as Neville, the villain of sorts of this piece, who confesses his unrequited love for his brother's wife and practices a form of therapy on young Colin that leaves him a virtual prisoner inside his room. Jon Olsen plays the crippled and spoiled Colin, and provides pleasing vocals that blend nicely with Miss Kinney.

Julie Cardia greatly amuses and touches as Martha the maid, and does exceptional work with the playful tune, "A Fine White Horse", as she tries to cheer up Mary and entice her to get outside and explore. Joseph Medeiros is also good as Martha's brother, Dickon, who provides Mary with the key to Lily's secret garden. Medeiros brings a puckish enthusiasm to the role that lightens the proceedings considerably.

A very strong supporting cast includes: Edward Juvier, Larry Mabrey, Leah Berry, Elizabeth Gray, Matthew Charles Thompson, Christopher Deprophetis, John Flasck, Lori Barret-Pagano and Laura Ernst (for the Colonial India performers), and Zoe Vonder Haar, Joe Vincent, Jon Olsen, Kari Ely, Sean Patrick Quinn, Taylor Pietz, Liegh Wakeford, Ellen Isom, Leeds Hill and Alex Prakken (for the those at Misselthwaite Manor, North Yorkshire, England).

Marsha Norman's book and lyrics condenses the story admirably, but there is some loss of characterization and motivation in the process. The flashback structure that's utilized manages to flesh out some of the details, but too many of these scenes seem superfluous. Lucy Simon's score is pleasant to listen to, and "I Heard Someone Crying" and "Quartet" stand out with their intertwining vocal parts.

Michael Hamilton's direction is superb as always, and captures the drama and joy that bind this tale together. He's aided by the period choreography of Dana Lewis as well as the marvelous music direction of Lisa Campbell Albert. James Wolk's scenic design captures the proper mood for the period and is atmospherically lit by Matthew McCarthy. Stuart Elmore's orchestral designs work especially well with Simon's score.

Stages St. Louis' production of The Secret Garden is an especially well acted piece of theatre that touches the heart and moves the viewer with its emotional revelations. It's a truly superior production that's well worth your time and attention, and it continues through August 21, 2011 at the Robert G. Reim auditorium in Kirkwood, MO.

 

 

 

 

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