Hackmatack Children's Drama Camp Presents THE SECRET GARDEN

The Children's Drama Camp play is a "Spring Version" of Marsha Norman and Lucy Simon's "The Secret Garden." The original, full-length version was performed on Hackmatack's stage in 2006, and both the cast and audiences enjoyed it immensely. The story is set in the early years of the 20th century. A young English girl's personality blossoms as she and a young gardener bring new life to a neglected garden, as well as to her sickly cousin and uncle. According to Katie Rodger, director of the Hackmatack Children's Drama Camp Program, "The shortened version includes a stunning score, memorable story, and many opportunities to showcase individual and group talents." Campers have enjoyed the opportunity to help build and create their own sets and costumes for the show. They are from all the surrounding towns including all the Berwicks, Kittery, Wells, Somersworth and Sanford.

Rodger said, "We strike a balance between a fun and relaxed atmosphere and providing campers with a quality theater learning experience. The process focuses on theater as a tool for building a sense of accomplishment through team work, life skills, creativity, and - most importantly - self-confidence." This is Rodger's 11th year as director of Hackmatack's Drama Camp. In addition to acting in many of Hackmatack's shows in recent years, she is an educator with M.Ed. Special Education, and B.Mus. Music Education.

"Some Hackmatack campers have been coming for years, and still others return after they have "aged out" to serve as counselors. These older campers and counselors are role models and mentors to the newest campers, resulting in a caring, supportive environment that could not be achieved without them."

Ticket prices for the campers' show are $6.00 for students under age 20 and $10 for adults.

Hackmatack is mid-way through the regular season with Monty Python's "Spamalot," now playing through Saturday, August 16; and the final production of the summer will be "The Trip to Bountiful," Wednesday, August 20 through Saturday, August 30. Regular season shows are Wednesday through Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm with Thursday matinees at 2:00.

Hackmatack Playhouse (Route 9, Berwick, Maine) continues a tradition of affordable ticket prices with student, senior, and group discounts. Tickets for regular season shows are $25 for adults, $23 for seniors, Thursday senior special of $20, and $10 for students under age 20. Tickets are available on-line at www.Hackmatack.org or by phone, 207-698-1807.