Northland Pioneer College (NPC) Performing Arts Department is proud to present The Secret Garden, a charming musical based on the beloved classic children’s novel of the same name, beginning Thursday, November 14, 2024, at the college’s Performing Arts Center, located in Snowflake, Arizona. Additional performances will be held on November 15, 16, 21, 22, and 23.
Set at the end of the 19th century (1895), The Secret Garden follows the story of 11-year-old Mary Lennox, a somewhat spoiled and sour-mouthed orphan who, after her parent’s sudden death, must leave her home in India and return to Yorkshire to live with her uncle Archibald and his disabled son Colin. Rife with anger and grief over the loss of her parents and the move, Mary’s frustration is amplified by her bitter and reclusive uncle and her cousin’s miserable condition. After finding a secret key, she discovers a magic garden hidden within the vast estate. She is drawn to the garden by haunting sweet melodies and encounters with “Dreamers,” who are spirits from Mary’s past. Life blossoms within the garden's walls, and Mary’s heart and temperament soon heal. She decides to tell her secret to her bedridden cousin Colin and coaxes him to join her on adventures in the garden. They discover the secret that there are more than just flowers are blooming within the hidden garden’s gates.
The Secret Garden originally opened on Broadway at the St. James Theatre on April 25, 1991, and ran for a total of 709 performances before closing in 1993. Based on the novel by Francis Hodgson Burnett, the musical's script and lyrics are by Marsha Norman, with music by Lucy Simon.
“I am thrilled to be involved in this production,” said Dyan Roosma, the production’s director. This is her first NPC production, and along with music director Mindy Flake, choreographer Becky Eagle, technical director Ashley Nudson, and production designer Carson Saline, has worked tirelessly over the last semester to bring the magic of The Secret Garden to life on the stage. Roosma explained, “This production has been a true collaboration of the creative team. It has been a process that I have enjoyed.”
Roosma has always loved live theater and has been involved in a wide range of productions. “This is going to be an outstanding rendition of this beloved tale,” she said. “The cast members bring magic to this story; it’s amazing how much talent we have here in our White Mountian communities. There are so many incredible vocalists and performers. It made it very hard to choose the cast for this production. Listening to these voices on the live stage is pure magic. I love it. They are incredible.”
The lead for the production, Mary Lennox, is played by two local performers who are only ten years old. Grace Flake of Snowflake and Izzy Reek of Pinetop/Lakeside. “The girls carry the show and do a fantastic job,” she said. In addition, she noted the audience will fall in love with LauraLyn Scott of Taylor, who plays Martha (a chambermaid and motherly figure to Mary). “She brings life and energy to a play that at times is rather dark,” she said. “Light truly shines out of her; it is just beautiful,” she said. “This production has amazing themes of recovery, redemption, and hope,” Roosma explained. “So while parts of it feel heavy, I hope people leave with a sense of light and a sense of hope for the future.”
Showings of The Secret Garden will run for two consecutive weeks, on Nov. 14, 15, 21, 22, and 23, beginning at 7 p.m. Two additional 2 p.m. matinee performances will be held on Saturday, November 16and 23. Advance tickets are $16 for general adults, $13 for students, and $14 for senior citizens. Get your tickets early by visiting www.npc.edu/tickets. All shows will be held at the Performing Arts Center, 1611 S. Main in Snowflake.
NPC’s production of The Secret Garden is presented through a special arrangement with Concord Theatricals, www.concordtheatricals.com. The original production was directed by Susan H. Schulman and featured Daisy Eagan, Alison Fraser, Rebecca Luker, John Cameron Mitchell, Mandy Patinkin, and Robert Westenberg. Questions can be addressed to NPC Faculty in Theatre and the production’s producer Carson Saline, at (928) 536-6247 or by email at carson.saline@npc.edu.
