The Secret Garden at Town Theatre

Book and Lyrics by MARSHA NORMAN Music by LUCY SIMON based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Original Broadway Production Produced by: Heidi Landesman Rick Steiner, Frederic H. Mayerson, Elizabeth Williams Jujamcyn Theatres/TV ASAHI and Dodger Productions Originally produced by the Virginia Stage Company, Charles Towers, Artistic Director

Hidden behind ivy-covered walls and locked doors, The Secret Garden is a story about loss, resilience, and the quiet magic of transformation. When young Mary Lennox is sent to live with her reclusive uncle on the windswept Yorkshire moors, she discovers a household shaped by grief and a forgotten garden waiting to be brought back to life. As Mary begins to tend the neglected earth, she uncovers not only buried secrets, but the healing power of hope, friendship and imagination.

At the center of the story is Mary Lennox, shared by Molly Adams (The Sound of Music) and Town newcomer, Bailey Bostic. She is joined by Colin Craven, her sickly and isolated cousin, in the hands of Carter Ellingson (A Christmas Carol) and Ezra Lindley (Seussical Jr.). Dickon, a gentle, nature-loving young man, is portrayed by Nathan Jackson (The Little Mermaid). Watching over them is Martha, a warm, practical and kind young maid, played by Ashton Boland (A Christmas Carol). Presiding over Misselthwaite Manor as Archibald Craven is Lanny Spires (Broadway: Limited Exposure), a grieving widower who still feels the lingering presence of Lily, in the capable hands of Caitlin Thomas White and Carley Campbell Siglin, both making their Town debuts. Dr. Neville Craven, whose rigid worldview clashes with the children’s growing hope, is played by Austin Means (also in his first appearance on the Town stage). Mrs. Medlock, the manor’s stern but deeply human housekeeper, is brought to life by Carol Beis (The Wizard of Oz). The cast also includes Todd Gustafson (Bright Star) as Ben Weatherstaff and Gracelynn Wall (A Christmas Carol) as Young Mary. Together, these characters form a richly layered tapestry of longing, healing and renewal.

The Dreamers, are people from Mary’s life in India, and are portrayed by Emily Banks (Kiss Me, Kate), Connor Etcheson (Grease), Emily Grace McEntyre (The Little Mermaid), Gavin Slusher (A Christmas Carol) and Ethan Wilson (She Loves Me). Amanda Britt, Jessica Britt, Sam Derrick, Caroline Lindler and Sadie Slusher also join the Dreamers and are making their first appearances in a Town main stage production. Meryn Creasman and Taryn Davis (both of The Little Mermaid), Lauren Suddeth (She Loves Me), Bethany Truel (Annie Jr.) and Town newcomers, Whitney Allen and Laura-Louise Rice, dance as The Restorers, symbolizing healing and bringing the garden and the family back to life.

At its heart, The Secret Garden reminds us that growth often begins in the most unlikely places. With a soaring score, this beloved musical invites audiences of all ages to believe in the extraordinary changes that can happen when allowing something beautiful to bloom.

The show is directed by Jane Cato with music direction by Michael Simmons and choreography by Carly Grosse. Scenic design is by Bob Bramhall with technical direction and lighting design by Jeremy Hansard. Costume design is by Heather Gonzalez, wigs by Jodie Harris, props by Gina Janvrin and stage management by Morgan Ruebusch.

The Secret Garden is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com.