Presents
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by Marsha Norman
Music by Lucy Simon May 18-June 10, 2001 Sunday at 2pm 610-279-1013 |
Directed by Fran Doyle
Musical Direction by Fred Crumrine
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Lily: Marietta Rizzone Mary Lennox: Katie Burke Archibald Craven: Chuck Wilson Dr. Neville Craven: John Doyle Martha: Rebecca Gallatin Dickon: Jason Stockdale Ben Weatherstaff: Charles Wagner Colin Craven: Kyle Kupecky Mrs. Medlock: Carolyn Dascher Rose Lennox: Melissa Rudy Captain Albert Lennox: Wes Stohler Major Holmes: J. Andrew Keitch Lieutenant Wright: Mike Hogan Claire Holmes: Kathy Beish Fakir: Sam Hines Ayah: Melissa Natale |
Read reviews of the production
The musical, The Secret Garden, is based on a book by Frances Hodgson Burnett. It is the story of Mary Lennox whose parents died during a cholera epidemic in India. Mary is sent to England to live with her uncle, Archibald Craven at Misselthwaite Manor. There she discovers her cousin Colin, a sickly child, and a secret garden. As Mary and her friends, Dickon, Martha and Colin tend the garden they grow and blossom right along with the flowers.
This beautiful story, with book and lyrics by Marsha Norman and music by Lucy Simon, will be a delightful evening of theater for the whole family.
"I am excited to bring this stunning musical play to the Centre Theater stage. It is a superb play for the whole family to enjoy. The story is uplifting and you will leave feeling wonderful" says director Fran Doyle.
Katie Burke is well cast as Mary, externalizing the character's intelligence and grounded sensitivity. Even at her young age, she is already securely in touch with the complex art of understatement, without risking the loss of an audience's attention. Her singing voice is strong on pitch and sweet in tone.
Chuck Wilson turns in a deeply felt performance as the grieving Archibald. He is charged with some of the most telling and vocally demanding material - the role was originated by Mandy Patinkin on Broadway - and Wilson's sturdy voice does full justice to the ballads placed in his motherly watchfulness.
Jason Stockdale shines as Dickon, projecting a likable stage presence while exuding a singing voice anchored by equal parts strength and suppleness. Rebecca Gallatin brings the proper earthy humor and robust singing to the ever-jovial Martha. As the spoiled Colin, Kyle Kupecky comes on convincingly.
John Doyle brings to the table a powerful presence and fittingly stern characterization as Archie's grim brother Neville, the cynical doctor who believes Colin's chances of a longer life are better supported by bed linens and drawn curtains than by sunshine and fresh air.
Charles Wagner, as the crusty head gardener, Ben, and Sam Hines, Melissa Rudy, Wes Stohler and Melissa Natale, as the Dreamers, contribute cogent supporting performances. Fred Crumrine's keyboard accompaniment and musical direction grace the score with deft regard and emotion-to the point where the absence of the customarily soaring full orchestra goes entirely unnoticed (and might even edge toward superfluousness). For all its vast and irresistible complexities "The Secret Garden's" message is a simple one-to sow love and nurture it as best you can-a premise well cultivated by the Centre Theater regarding this rare rose of a play.
Gary Puleo
The Times Herald
Directed by Fran Doyle, a large enthusiastic cast brings out the subtle pleasures in Marsha Norman's book and lyrics. The musical, with 18 songs, is also nicely dressed and imaginatively staged.
Charming Katie Burke is a forthright Mary Lennox but somehow never avoids the cuteness of being a child actor. Kyle Kupecky, as Colin "the poor cripple boy," works earnestly at his task, but falls into the same category.
Marietta Rizzone, in the role of Lily, all but steals the show with her beautifully trained singing voice and solid acting skills.
John Doyle is highly effective as the mean-spirited Neville Craven. His last scene adds a solid finishing touch. The duet, "Lily's Eyes," is a memorable moment by Chuck Wilson and Mr. Doyle.
Jason Stockdale is exceptionally fine in the role of Dickon, working magic with his vocals and his "conjurin' stick." Also outstanding are Rebecca Gallatin as Martha, Kathy Beish and Mrs. Winthrop and J. Andrew Keisch as Major Holmes - all noticeable standouts in their supporting roles.
There is no doubting Chuck Wilson's acting skills and great singing in the role of Uncle Archibald, the figure of aloofness and inner pain. But Archibald's deformity is totally absent here (I can't image why, since it is centrally relevant to the story), and Mr. Wilson is exceedingly youthful and much too vigorous for the role of an old crippled doctor - broken man, lost in his sorrows.
Dante Bevilacqua
Ticket
based on the classic Children's novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett
(610) 279-1013