The Secret Garden at Morgan Auditorium

Inland Valley Repertory Theatre (IVRT), founded in 1990 by Frank and Donna Marie Minano, opens its 2026 season with The Secret Garden. Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved tale blooms anew in this breathtaking musical adaptation by Lucy Simon and Pulitzer Prize winner Marsha Norman. When 11-year-old Mary Lennox is sent from India to live with her grieving uncle and his ailing son on a lonely Yorkshire estate, she discovers a hidden garden — a place of mystery and magic that transforms all who enter.

The Secret Garden’s cast is led by accomplished performers Chanlon Kaufman and Marina Jurica-Preston in the roles of Archibald and Lily Craven. Chanlon, who grew up performing at the Chino Community Theatre and the Candlelight Pavilion, worked with a variety of theatre companies in Southern California before moving to New York City and appearing in the Off-Broadway production of “Lost Boys,” a new musical about the life of author J.M. Barrie. Chanlon now works as an attorney in San Bernardino, after graduating as valedictorian from the University of La Verne College of Law in 2019.

Marina Jurica-Preston, a climatologist and meteorologist with CBS LA, has also enjoyed a long career in theater. A multifaceted individual, Marina completed undergraduate and graduate studies in atmospheric science and music performance at UCLA. In addition to working 20 years as an Emmy Award–winning meteorologist across major U.S. markets, Marina spent four years at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena. Marina’s performance credits include leading roles in national tours (Christine in The Phantom of the Opera) and regional tours (Guenevere in Camelot) and concert performances on Broadway and with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra.

IVRT’s production of The Secret Garden also features many returning performers from past IVRT shows. Amy Sorensen (who portrayed Young Fiona in IVRT’s production of Shrek the Musical last October) will capture the hearts of the audience as orphan (and garden enthusiast) Mary Lennox. IVRT veterans Michael Gallo (Dickon), Molly Billman (Martha), Patrick McMahon (Ben Weatherstaff), and Tiffany Berg McMahon (Mrs. Medlock) also play key roles in the production, and they are joined by IVRT newcomers Ryan Lloyd and John Preston in the roles of Dr. Neville Craven and Colin Craven. Chrissy Harding, co-writer and lyricist of Jo – The Little Women Musical, will direct and choreograph this IVRT production, with music direction by Ronda Rubio.

“At its heart, this is a story about finding light after darkness, friendship that restores, and watching something once forgotten bloom again,” Frank Minano explained when describing his choice to start off IVRT’s 36th season. “With a soaring score, visually rich staging, and remarkable young performers sharing the stage with seasoned artists, this production is designed to move you. It is a beautiful evening to experience with family, to share across generations, and to reflect on together.”

The Secret Garden runs March 28 & 29 and April 4 at the University of La Verne’s Morgan Auditorium. Saturday evening shows begin at 7:30pm and Sunday matinees begin at 2:00pm. Ticket prices range from $55 - $65, with discounts of 20% offered for groups of 10 or more.

In addition to The Secret Garden, IVRT’s 2026 season includes the blockbuster musical Footloose (July 18 – August 2), Plaid Tidings (November 28 & 29), and readers’ theater productions of Ronald Harwood’s comedy Quartet (on July 24) and Terrence McNally’s comedy It’s Only a Play (on July 31). Season tickets, which include all five shows, are currently on sale for $162. All performances take place at the Morgan Auditorium, located on the beautiful campus of the University of La Verne.

Founded with the goal of presenting high quality productions to promote the talents of aspiring actors of all ages, IVRT is a non-profit, regional theatre company that has performed throughout the Inland Valley in various venues. Most recently IVRT was honored by the Inland Empire Magazine with the readers’ choice award for Best Performing Arts Company in the Inland Empire, and it is a past recipient of the Rancho Cucamonga Community Foundation’s Primavera Award for "Outstanding Contributions to the Arts.”

To purchase season or single tickets, visit ivrt.org or call 909-859-4878.