The Secret Garden

The Secret Garden
Denver Center Theater Company
Denver, CO
April 11- May 28, 2017

The Secret Garden has been a favorite book for generations and that much was evident by the makeup of the audience. It was listed as family friendly show and based on the subject matter that much is true. However, the way the story was presented wasn’t terribly clear for the children in the audience. Having a creature in a blue mask send the actors to the edges of the stage was a confusing way to say that they all died from cholera. And since many of the main characters are dead, there needed to be a clearer way to differentiate them from the ones who were alive.

The sets were beautiful, simple and set the mood. The lowering of different light fixtures from one room to the next was a nice touch. The end scene in the garden brought color into a world we hadn’t realized was so drab.

The costumes were lovely. The actors changed outfits enough times for us to see the passage of time. However some difference in the clothing of the spirits and the live characters they were haunting would have helped. Mary’s mother Rose, in particular was hard to follow as her dress and hairstyle were similar to one of the ensemble members.

The strength of this production was the performances of the actors. Mary seemed to be the only one whose accent caused problems with understanding her. But her singing and harmonies with the other actors were thoroughly enjoyable. The performances of Dickon and Maggie shone every time they took the stage. Lily’s vocals were spectacular. And despite the incredible talent around him, Archie was mesmerizing. From the beginning the audience could feel his pain and the release from it was an epiphany not often experienced in theater.

The Secret Garden is a beautiful, haunting production which ultimately demonstrates the power of love. It is filled with hope and emotion.