By Jayson Larson/TVCC Public Information
The Trinity Valley Community College Department of Theatre is putting the final touches on one of its most ambitious productions in years.
“The Secret Garden: The Musical” will debut at the TVCC Auditorium on Thursday, Feb. 20, at 7:30 p.m. Shows will continue: Friday, Feb. 21, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 22, at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and conclude Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
“The Secret Garden” is an enchanting, classic tale of forgiveness and renewal. The musical adaptation, written in 1992 through the brilliant stylings of composer Lucy Simon and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Marsha Norman, “has a lot of moving parts,” said TVCC Director of Theatre Craig Lee.
“I think this is one of the best new musicals written in a long time,” said Lee, who has a strong background in musical theater. “It was written in a classical sense – the music has a traditional feel to it along the lines of South Pacific or others like that. To do this the way they did it, it’s really cool and beautiful. Some of the musical numbers are real show-stoppers.”
The story is set in Yorkshire, where 11-year-old Mary Lennox has returned to live with her embittered, reclusive Uncle Archibald and his invalid son, Colin. The estate’s many wonders include a magic garden which beckons the children with haunting melodies and the “Dreamers” – spirits from Mary’s past who guide her through her new life.
Lee said the set, designed by Elizabeth Grim, captivates the magic of theater as it takes the audience to 10 different locations during the performance. At times, the scenery will be in motion even as the actors perform.
“The Secret Garden” is a massively collaborative effort that has brought an exciting touch of diversity and color to the TVCC Department of Theatre. Around 25 performers will bring the production alive, including a 10-piece orchestra and singers from the TVCC Music Department, two student-actors from Mabank High School, one from Athens High School and one from Moore Middle School in Tyler – in addition to the members of the theatre department, itself.
“The collaborative process is what I like about theater and what I think is successful about our department,” Lee said. “This is a great opportunity to hear new voices and share different approaches as we prepare. I think that just provides invaluable educational experience for everyone.”
The show stars: Channing Horton, as Mary Lennox; Shelby Frye, as Lily; Willie Hadnot, as Archibald Craven; Alec Irion, as Dr. Neville Craven; Rochelle Shaw, as Martha; Jameson Lange, as Dickon; and Jacob Miller, as Ben. The performance also features Musical Director Kristin Huggins, accompanist Mary Tidwell and Conductor Dr. Lee Hudson.
The show is rated “G” for general audiences. General admission tickets are $10 each, TVCC faculty and staff can purchase tickets for $5 each and TVCC students will be admitted free with a current TVCC ID.