The Secret is Talent Blooms in Porchlight's 'Garden'

Nominated for 7 Tony Awards when it opened on Broadway in 1991 and winner of 3, including best book of a musical, Secret Garden comes to the tiny black box stage at Porchlight Theatre. Based on the enchanting Frances Hodgson Burnett's children's novel and turned into a musical, the story is about Mary Lennox, an orphan from India, who comes to Yorkshire to live with an embittered uncle and his invalid son. The mysterious estate contains a magical garden that could unlock secrets of the past.

17-year-old Mallory Baysek's portrayal of Mary Lennox is nothing less than stunning. Her voice is sparkling and acting so good, that you forget she is so young. She reminds you of a young Sutton Foster with her enchanting facial expressions and brilliant scene work. Baysek gives simply an outstanding performance.

The strength of the cast is what carries this entire performance. Michael Aaron Lindner gives another solid performance as Mary's uncle, Archibald Craven. He has commanding stage presence and a gorgeous voice. His son Colin, played by Drew Mikusha, effectively captures the bratty role. Martha, the chambermaid, and her brother Dickon, played by Angela Ingersoll and Luke Mills, respectively, are both outstanding. They are entertaining to watch and they look like they are having fun in their respective roles, bringing warmth to a rather dark story.

Director L. Walter Stearns does his best to move the actors around in the tiny space. The story drifts between reality and the spirit world, but Stearns' vision to capture and pull you deep into this haunting tale is not realized. Despite an eerie collective of soulful voices, the ghosts blend with the living, which makes the story difficult for the audience to follow. Stearns' choice to cast Nicholas Foster as the manipulative brother, Dr. Neville Craven, is questionable. Foster has a beautiful voice and does all he possibly can with the role. In the end , he is the victim of a poor casting choice.

Most of the costumes by Designer L. Nicholas Saubers are attractive, except the one he created for Lily. There are two bundles attached to the sides of her costume that makes it very distracting to watch her each time she is on stage. Husband and wife scenic design team Richard and Jacqueline Penrod have created a haunting set to perfection. However, when it is time to reveal the beautiful, secret garden, their lack of imagination and detail makes it rather disappointing and not nearly magical enough for the pinnacle of the show.

The acting throughout the show is solid and strong. The voices are unblemished and Mallory Baysek makes this production worth seeing. She looks effortless at all times on stage and is a secret talent ready to bloom.

The Secret Garden
When: Through May 28^th

Where: Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont Ave.

Prices: $28, $30

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