The classic novel The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett is perfect, as well as the countless movie adaptations. When it comes to theater, the musical version is definitely high up on the perfection scale. With heartfelt beautiful music, lyrics, characters and story, The Secret Garden is a musical theater little gem that does not get performed on stage as often as it should. This is the musical’s first Chicago production in over a decade.
This enchanting classic of children’s literature is brought to life in brilliant musical style by composer Lucy Simon and Marsha Norman, the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright of ‘night, Mother. Orphaned in India, 11-year-old Mary Lennox returns to Yorkshire to live with her embittered, reclusive uncle Archibald and his son Colin.
The estate’s many mysteries include a magic garden where friendships blossom and sorrows fade. This Tony and Drama Desk award-winning musical is for all ages, and soars in a compelling tale of forgiveness, love, hope, family, and renewal. The Secret Garden features memorable songs including “Lily’s Eyes,” “Come to My Garden,” and “Hold On.”
Currently The Secret Garden is running at the award-winning and intimate Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre (721 Howard Street in Evanston, Illinois). The show runs November 8 2024-January 5, 2025.
The cast is exquisite with strong, convincing acting and powerful vocals. Each performer is incredible, but my friend and I agree that the performances of Will Koski (Lord Archibald Craven), Dakota Hughes (Martha), Lincoln J. Skoien (Dickon), and Brennan Martinez (Lily Craven), and the impressive Theo debut of Joryhebel Ginorio (Mary Lennox), stand out the most.
Rounding out the talented cast include Jeffrey Charles (Dr. Neville Craven), Kailey Azure Green (Colin Craven), Dakota Hughes (Martha Sowerby), Kathleen Pulsdrade (Mrs. Medlock), Bill Chamberlain (Ben Weatherstaff), Nicholas Ian (Captain Albert Lennox), and Rachel Guth (Rose Lennox), Maliha Sayed (Ayah/understudy Lily and Rose), Kate McQuillan (Pit Singer/understudy for Colin and Mary, and Mizha Lee Overn and Evan Morales (he/him, Assassins) as Pit Singers and understudies, respectively.
Usually, The Secret Garden features age appropriate children to play the roles of Mary and Colin, and the overall cast perform multiple roles. In Theo Ubique’s version, the cast has been reduced to less than twenty, and it is an all adult cast. However, in this version it works out quite well.
Another creative factor regarding this small, intimate production is that the staging and direction has the entire cast constantly moving around the set among the minimalist set design, and within the aisles. The small band that performs the musical’s beautiful, haunting score plays in the background, lovingly supporting the ensemble.
The Secret Garden only runs through January 5, 2025. Make your holiday season and start to the New Year a lovely, memorable experience by not missing this little gem of wonderful theater.
For more information and to purchase tickets, call 773-939-4101, or visit the Theo Cabaret Theatre website.
Photos: Time Stops Photography
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