The Secret Garden

Where life begins again!

March 13 - 29, 2009  Performed at The Illusion Theater.
July 28 - August 2, 2009  Performed at Theatre L'Homme Dieu in Alexandria, MN.

Music - Lucy Simon
Book and Lyrics - Marsha Norman
Adapted from the book by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Based on the cherished book from 1909, this moving musical tells the story of a young girl who must move to England to live with her uncle after the death of her parents in India.  Along the way she brings back to life, not only a garden, but also those who surround her. This beautiful show teaches us that through adverse situations, we often find hope and life renewed.  Atmospheric and haunting, “The Secret Garden” will transport audiences to another time and place.

Director - Marlin L. Rothe
Musical Director - Lori Maxwell

PRODUCTION AT ILLUSION THEATER
Scenic Designer - Andrea Heilman
Light Designer - Wu Chen Khoo
Costume Designer - Shannon O'Black
Sound Designer - Collin Sherraden
Rehearsal Accompanist - Emily Hanson
Stage Manager - Joyce Norman
Set Construction - Jay Schueller

Cast
Captain Albert Lennox / Ensemble - John Bruce
Mrs. Winthrop / Ensemble - Lauren Drasler
Colin Craven - Kurt Engh
Mrs. Medlock / Ensemble - Laurie Etchen
Alice / Ensemble - Elizabeth Ghandour
Dickon - Reid Harmsen
Dr. Neville Craven - Thomas Karki
Rose Lennox / Ensemble - Stacey Lindell
Archibald Craven - Steven Meerdink
Martha - Nora Montanez
Lt. Shaw / Ensemble - Andrew Newman
Lily - Suzanne Reyburn
Lt. Wright / Ensemble - C. Ryan Shipley
Major Shelley / Ensemble - Alan Wales
Mary Lennox - Emma Wernecke
Ben Weatherstaff - David B. Young

Musicians
Ryan Engelhardt (Brass)
Jessica Franken (Keyboard 2)
Kim Franken (Woodwinds)
Emily Hanson (Keyboard 1)
Dennis Pollard (Brass)

PRODUCTION AT THEATRE L'HOMME DIEU
Set -  based on Illusion Theater design by Andrea Heilman
Light Designer - Phil Jorgensen
Rehearsal Accompanist - Emily Hanson
Stage Manager - Joyce Norman
Theatre L'Homme Dieu Technical Director - Grant Merges
MMT Technical Director - Jay Schueller

Cast
Captain Albert Lennox / Ensemble - John Bruce
Jane / Ensemble - Lauren Drasler
Colin Craven - Kurt Engh
Mrs. Medlock / Ensemble - Laurie Etchen
Major Shelley / Ensemble - Darren T. Hensel
Dr. Neville Craven - Tim Kuehl
Rose Lennox / Ensemble - Stacey Lindell
Archibald Craven - Steven Meerdink
Martha - Nora Montanez
Dickon / Ensemble - Andrew Newman
Lily - Suzanne Reyburn
Ben Weatherstaff / Ensemble - Marlin Rothe
Mary Lennox - Emma Wernecke

Musicians
Emily Hanson (Keyboard 1)
Lori Maxwell (Keyboard 2)

“There are lovely moments, particularly the duet "How Could I Ever Know?" featuring Suzanne Reyburn and Steven Meerdink, and Thomas Karki lends a sonorous yearning to Archibald's jealous, hidebound brother.” —Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The production is prettily sung, with the voices of Suzanne Reyburn and Steven Meerdink standing out as the grieving uncle Archibald and his dead wife Lily.  And Nora Montanez' maid character comes out of nowhere and shakes the rafters with the poppy anthem 'Hold On.'  With her blonde curls and round face, Emma Wernecke is an appealing presence as Mary." - St. Paul Pioneer Press