Prince William Little Theatre’s The Secret Garden brought a musically captivating interpretation of the classic story to life. With music by Lucy Simon and book by Marsha Norman, this Manassas production features some of the best vocal talents in the greater DC theater community.
The story of The Secret Garden explores themes of grief, healing, and renewal. The lush score blends haunting melodies with uplifting harmonies, mirroring the emotional growth of the characters. The musical follows Mary Lennox (Anna Jones), a recently orphaned British girl who is sent to live with her reclusive uncle, Archibald Craven (Alden Michels), a grieving widower haunted by the death of his beloved wife, Lily (Shelby Young). Archibald’s brother Dr. Neville Craven (Lanny Warkentein) also mourns the beautiful Lily while battling intense jealousy of his brother caused by the unrequited love. The manor is dark and somber, but Mary soon finds the company of Martha (Avery Heisey), Dickon (Cam Powell), Ben Weatherstaff (Michael Blinde), and Mrs. Medlock (Daisy Hougan). The ensemble is referred to as the Dreamers (Savannah Lagana, Luke Dollery, Noah Nicoletti, Andrew Harasty, Darcy Heisey, Gilde Breidenbach, Brianna Lau), and they frequently haunt the halls and surrounding property and reenact various scenes from the past, including Mary’s departed parents Rose Lennox (Emily Burnworth) and Captain Albert Lennox (Spencer Pilcher).
Mary learns about a mysterious, locked garden that once belonged to her late Aunt Lily. With the help of her new friends, Mary finds the key to the hidden garden and begins restoring it. The garden blooms back to life along with the spirits of those around her. Mary also discovers that the manor holds other secrets, including her cousin Colin (Shane Siegel), a sickly boy who has been confined to his room, convinced he is too ill to live. The garden’s magical transformation and Mary’s influence inspire a sense of hope: Colin gains strength, and Archibald returns home to discover his son standing for the first time. The family finds healing, love, and new beginnings through the power of nature and connection.
The production was anchored by an exceptional portrayal of Mary Lennox from Anna Jones. Jones is a pint-sized powerhouse as she navigates the tumultuous journey of Mary’s anger, curiosity, and sheer determination. Avery Heisey as Martha and Cam Powell and Dickon both bring a wonderful warmth to their relationships with Mary, and their scenes proved to be the most uplifting and enjoyable.
The Secret Garden is known for its rich music, and the cast delivers on the vocal talents required for the musically demanding score. There are several standout numbers that showcased the beautiful voices of the cast: “Quartet” featuring Archibald, Neville, Rose, and Lily; “Show Me the Key” with Mary and Dickon; and “Lily’s Eyes” with Archibald and Neville. Shelby Young and Alden Michels’ vocal performances are particularly polished. Young’s crystalline voice shone especially in “How Could I Ever Know,” showing her precision and emotional depth as she sings to her beloved. Michels’ “Race You to the Top of the Morning” was one of my favorites of the evening as he reads a story to his sleeping son. Not only was the song beautifully sung but also his performance captured Archibald’s desire to grasp onto a glimmer of hope while in the depths of his grief.
The score was well-executed by the orchestra, led by Director and Music Director George Fulda, and musicians Sophia Perreault, Katherine Bahm, Connie Pittman, Bradley Johnson, Matthew Scarborough, Carlos Figuerias, Teresa Robin Harris, Jane Hughes, Justin Baughman, Ben Greniven, Tim Smith, Claire Bradfuhrer, Anne Sullivan, and Rebekah Greniven.
Prince William Little Theatre’s The Secret Garden was a moving production, offering audiences a touching reminder of the power of nature, love, and resilience. It proved to be a memorable theatrical experience that leaves audiences remembering that “the secret garden is always open. Open, and awake, and alive. If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.”
Running Time: Two hours and 15 minutes, with one 15-minute intermission.
The Secret Garden plays through March 23, 2025, presented by Prince William Little Theatre performing at Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10960 George Mason Cir, Manassas, VA. Purchase tickets ($20–$30) online.
The program is online here.
The Secret Garden
Book and Lyrics by Marsha Norman
Music by Lucy Simon
Based on the Novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett
CAST
Mary Lennox: Anna Jones
Archibald Craven: Alden Michels
Lily: Shelby Young
Dr. Neville Craven: Lanny Warkentien
Martha: Avery Heisey
Dickon: Cam Powell
Colin Craven: Shane Siegel
Ben Weatherstaff: Michael Blinde
Rose Lennox: Emily Burnworth
Captain Albert Lennox: Spencer Pilcher
Mrs. Medlock: Daisy Hougan
Alice/Jane: Savannah Lagana
Lieutenant Wright: Luke Dollery
Lieutenant Shaw: Noah Nicoletti
Claire Holmes/Mrs. Winthrop: Darcy Heisey
Fakir/Nurse: Gilde Breidenbach
Aya: Brianna Lau
Major Holmes: Andrew Harasty
PRODUCTION TEAM
Producer: Becky Gould-Levine
Director: George Fulda
Musical Director: George Fulda
Stage Manager: Samantha Fulda
Assistant Director: Samantha Fulda
Assistant Music Director: Jill Figuerias
Assistant Stage Managers: Jill Figuerias and Maria Forte
Costume Design: Riley Leonhardt
Set Design: Mia Villani
Lighting Designer: Andrew Harasty
Hair Designer: Emily Lagana
Properties: Mary Jo Ford
Dialect Coach: Alden Michels
