The story of The Secret Garden is about a garden being brought back to its glory.  Likewise, the glories of 1991 Broadway version were returned to theater lovers in a lovingly staged one-night-only performance of the 1991 Broadway show on Monday, December 5, 2005. 

The look back at the sometimes sad but ultimately affirming tale has music by Lucy Simon and book and lyrics by Marsha Norman (who participated in the preparation for the event and joined the audience).  Director Stafford Arima and the show's original music director Michael Kosarin had a large orchestra and chorus to work with, as well as a strong cast (including one member of the original company, Barbara Rosenblat recreating her role as the housekeeper, Mrs. Medlock, and serving as dialect coach). 

The event was the third annual concert for World AIDS Day, all produced by Jamie McGonnigal and a team of dedicated volunteers.  Co-produced with the Storm Theater, The Secret Garden raised both money and spirits.  The beneficiary was an AIDS charity, The Joey DiPaolo AIDS Foundation, whose Camp TLC (Teens Living with Challenge) offers a special summer experience for HIV-positive young people.  An auction for the same cause preceding the show proved popular.  The cast included notable performers from recent stage musicals, including Laura Benanti and Michael Arden who were in previous productions for World AIDS Day. 

Below are some photos from this heartwarming tale of Mary Lennox who learns about a secret garden on the estate of her uncle.



Max Von Essen and Sara Gettelfinger as the parents of the child at the center of the story, Mary, played by Jaclyn Niedenthal.  With Resha Shetly (far right)

A solo moment for Jaclyn



Celia Keenan-Bolger in the role of Martha, a maid who befriends Mary

David Canary as Ben, the gardener



Kate Shindle made an unbilled appearance as a representative from a strict school where Mary is almost sent.

Arden in the Garden: Michael as Dickon, Martha's brother who understands nature (including human nature)


"Come to My Garden" -- Laura Benanti as Lily,
with Struan Erlenborn as her son Colin


Steven Pasquale as Mary's Uncle Archie
and Will Chase as his brother,
Dr. Neville Craven shared
the showstopping song "Lily's Eyes"


The cast takes a bow.  In addition to those identified above,
the cast included Ben Magnuson and Deborah S. Craig on far right.


The also cast included, among those mentioned earlier,
on far left: Matt Cavenaugh and Jenny Powers, Nehal Joshi. 


Also see Rob's Back Stage Reports on the concert


-- Maryann Lopinto, Rob Lester, Linda



Terms of Service

[ © 1997 - 2012 www.TalkinBroadway.com, Inc. ]