Even the best-kept secret is eventually revealed.
On Wednesday, the Columbia Musical Theatre Society divulged “The Secret Garden” to an eager audience in Roone Arledge Auditorium. Based on the novel of the same title by Frances Hodgson Burnett, “The Secret Garden” captures the desolate, yet hopeful spirit of young orphan Mary Lennox, played by Victoria Pollack, BC ’12.
Sent to England to live with her reclusive uncle Archibald Craven, Mary discovers the key to a sequestered garden, but not before embroiling herself in deep-rooted family troubles. Directed by Mary Jo Holuba, BC ’12, the two-and-a-half-hour play brought life to the stage through the dynamic characters that surrounded Mary.
Pollack portrays the ten-year-old protagonist with poise and emotion—Mary, initially dejected, grows into her identity. Distraught by her parents’ death, Mary at first exudes fury. To the cheerfulness of her chambermaid Martha, portrayed by Leigh Gerber, GS, Mary replies with chilling scowls.
The Dreamers, a chorus of dancers who haunt Archibald’s house, create an eerie ambiance. “Surely it does seem like a frightful dream,” sing the Dreamers. Enhanced by the glowing red lighting and goaded by the pounding percussion of the orchestra, the Dreamers are effective in representing Mary’s darker thoughts.
Mary experiences a turning point when she discovers a key among a tangle of trees, portrayed by a procession of dancers in flesh-colored costumes dotted with green vines. She is revitalized by the joy of entering the secret garden, flashing a rare smile. In the scene when her bedridden cousin Colin Craven reunites with Archibald, who beams at the words “Father, look at me, I’m well!,” Mary seems to have achieved ultimate happiness.
Reflecting the natural essence of the garden itself, the set and costumes of “The Secret Garden” focus on a simple palette of colors—ivory white, soft green, and bold red. The Dreamers’ white clothes enhance their fleeting ghost-like quality, while the light green dress of Mary’s aunt Lily, played by Martina Weidenbaum, BC ’13, reflects the organic nature of the garden. At times, the red lighting flashes upon the stage, dramatizing Mary’s emotional memories of her parents.
After the cast delivered their final bow on Wednesday—to roaring applause—the audience left the auditorium with the melody of “Come to My Garden” still resonating in their minds.
Comments
We're looking for comments that are interesting and substantial. If your comments are excessively self-promotional or obnoxious you will be banned from commenting. Consult the comment FAQ and legal terms.