The Secret Garden

The Secret Garden is a challenge for any production company and their audience. I applaud BTG for tackling it, at the same time updating their technology in lighting, set and effects areas.

Director Roslyn Johnson chose her cast well. In return they gave her and Musical Director, Shane Daly, their all. There were many memorable moments: the robust chorus early in Act 1 when the Indian characters moved into the audience to join the onstage English characters (quadraphonic sound!); Neville and Archibald’s duet “Lily’s Eyes”; Neville, Archibald, Rose and Lily’s quartet in Act 2 Sc 2; and the overall performances of the juveniles, Laura Seiler and Jayden McGinlay (the ones I saw), especially in their song “Round-Shouldered Man”.

The use of large period architectural and furniture pieces, moved on by the cast as needed, proved expeditious, and the ‘robin in flight’ (a Victorian-Regency motif indicating improving health) was a nice touch. The final scene with back projection and floral decoration everywhere lifted the finale to another memorable level.

Well directed (acting, singing and movement), well designed (period sets and costumes) and accomplished performances onstage. My only criticism is with the orchestra. A scratchy, insecure overture does not transport an audience from the everyday to another world. In performance, singers were secure enough to avoid being put off-pitch.

Jay McKee

Images: KD Photography