‘The Secret Garden’ Enchants At Academy

Prepare to enter a whimsical world of redemption and beauty with the Academy of Performing Arts latest production, “The Secret Garden.” 

The show is based on the 1911 classic novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett and was adapted into a Tony Award-winning production in 1991 by Marsha Norman, with music by Lucy Simon.

APA’s “Secret Garden” is a visually stunning musical that follows 10-year-old orphan Mary Lennox. After a devastating cholera outbreak where she loses her parents and nanny,  Mary is sent from India to live with her reclusive uncle in Yorkshire Manor. What ensues is a tale of lost innocence, loneliness, grief, healing and learning how to forgive during an unforgivable moment in time. 

Almost two dozen songs throughout the two act show are performed by some of the best local theatrical talent on Cape Cod. With the breathtaking set design by Mark Roderick (who also plays Dickon) and Nick Dorr (who plays Ben Weatherstaff), the design crew created a setting that truly transports the audience to another time and place (wait until you see the magnificent garden reveal in the final scene!). 

The larger-than-life powerhouse of a performance delivered by Sylvie Weimer (a fourth grader from Brewster) as Mary Lennox was awe-inspiring. The role is shared every other night with another local superstar, Mia Nadeau (a freshman at Nauset High School); they both bring Mary’s sassy spirit and spunk to life. Sharing the role of sickly bed-ridden Colin Craven, Mary’s secret cousin, are Toby Goers and Charlie Tobin. The tireless dedication and work that went into preparing to play Mary and Colin, with the dialects, solos and captivating dialogue, proves that these young actors are masters in their craft.

“Secret Garden” is directed by the incomparably talented Jennifer Almeida, who also plays Lily Craven, the spirit ghost of the manor. Playing Lily’s grieving window, Archibald Craven, who is stricken with a hunched back and broken heart, is Terrence Brady. Together, the vocals of Almeida and Brady are a delight.

In the roles of Archibald’s devious brother, Dr. Neville Craven, and in the role of no-nonsense housekeeper Mrs. Medlock are two APA veterans, Randy Doyle and Julia Randall. Other actors rounding out this vast cast are Missy Potash (Martha), Kerry Fitzgibbons (Rose Lennox), Kevin Kenneally (Captain Albert Lennox), Suzanne Fecteau, Rachel Kenneally, Lucas Almeida, Billy Weimer, Mike McCartney and Katie Beatty.

The troupe of young dreamers brings haunting beauty and youth to every scene they are in. They drift on and off the stage by candlelight and are comprised of over a dozen local young actors: Chiara Castro, Fiona Betts, Samantha Kelly, Hazel Yingling, Zoey Macbride, Mia Nadeau, Naomi Betts, Layla Labonte, Sybil Kremer, Gabrielle Castro, Cora Goers, Fiona Mooney, Sylvie Weimer and Toby Goers. Two other mesmerizing dreamers include Fakir played by Ralf Kremer and Ayah played by Keren Castro. 

Buy your tickets soon before this show sells out, and unlock the door to a world of wonder. “The Secret Garden” is sure to be remembered as one of the most beloved shows of the Academy’s 2025 season. 

DETAILS:

“The Secret Garden”

At the Academy of Performing Arts, Main Street, Orleans

Through March 30, Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.

Information and reservations: 508-255-1963, academyplayhouse.org