REVIEW: THE SECRET GARDEN

BY RYAN M. LUEVANO

A revival of the 1991 musical The Secret Garden is now underway at the Ahmanson preceding a national tour. The musical with book and lyrics by Marsha Norman and music by Lucy Simon boasts that its been “developed for a new generation.” In an interview with the director Warren Carlyle and the creators, Sherry Stern states, “the story stays true to the original, the team is updating the staging and orchestrations for audiences accustomed to a different kind of storytelling than what played on Broadway […] three decades ago.”

The musical is an adaptation of the Frances Hodgson Burnett book of the same name. Loosely stated, the story follows an orphaned Mary Lennox as she’s sent away to live in a manor with her wealthy grieving uncle in Yorkshire, England. There she’s generally miserable until she discovers a secret garden that was kept by her deceased aunt. Mary’s revival of the garden acts a boon to offer hope to all that reside in the manor. Essentially, it’s a British version of Annie with ghosts and without the rest of the adorable orphans.

While the story is the same, the show has been streamlined. The swift direction by Carlyle keeps everything moving at a steady click. This is assisted with the set design by Jason Sherwood that features minimalist picturesque set pieces that easily retract. Overall, the sets are well served except for the large “airy swirl” that hangs above the stage for the entire performance like a broken slinky. While this was meant to “enhance the show’s spiritual qualities” it is a distraction more than anything else. Furthermore, the creators have reduced the show’s run time by about 20 minutes—new generation of audiences does appreciate this trimming. 

The color-blind casting is a refreshing choice. It’s one of the revivals most significant developments providing an accurate reflection of the diversity that day to day life provides. Coming straight from The Music Man on Broadway, Emily Jewel Hoder (Mary Lennox) brings lots of personality to this role. Her performance demonstrates her control, and dynamism as a budding actress, if only she had more to sing. Derrick Davis’ (Archibald) dramatic singing is superb. “A Bit of Earth,” “Lily’s Eyes,” and “How Could I Ever Know?” are among of the most poignant moments in the show. John-Michael Lyles (Dickon) is a treat every time he takes the stage—ebullient energy and a zestful voice especially in “Winter’s on the Wing.”

The Secret Garden is a charming musical that is no doubt a wholesome experience for the whole family. However, even with the new developments, for a family musical, there is still much to digest. In a review of the 1991 Broadway production, New York Times reviewer Frank Rich said it best, “The Secret Garden favors theme over story, as if it were a learned essay about the book instead of a new version that might speak for itself.” Even so, what you get here are exquisite production values, stellar performances and a delightful quasi-operatic score.

TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION

Where: Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., L.A.
When: 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays. Ends March 26. (Check for exceptions.)
Tickets: $40-$165 (subject to change) 
Info: (213) 972-4400, centertheatregroup.org
Running time: 2 hours and 20 minutes, including one intermission
COVID protocol: Masks are recommended. Updates available at centertheatregroup.org/safety

Tickets to this show and 75+ additional productions starting at $20 are available now during LA Theatre Week https://www.theatreweek.com/los-angeles/