Mary Lennox (played by Kelsey Frost) sees the garden for the first time.
The Lee Theatre season will conclude with a musical version of The Secret Garden by Marsha Norman and Lucy Simon, opening April 10. Performances will be held April 10 at 8 p.m., April 11 and 16-18 at 7:30 p.m., and April 12 at 2:30 p.m. in the Dixon Center.
The production is a collaboration between Lee Theatre and Lee’s School of Music, featuring more than 25 cast members. Dr. Christine Williams, associate professor of theatre, will direct the play with co-musical directors Dr. Ron Brendel, associate professor of music, and Chery Brendel, adjunct music faculty.
“We are excited to bring this musical to the Lee University stage,” said Dr. Williams. “It was highly acclaimed on Broadway when it premiered in 1991 and won three Tony Awards as well as the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical.”
A tale of clemency and rejuvenation, The Secret Garden chronicles the story of Mary Lennox, an 11-year-old girl orphaned in India. Mary travels to Yorkshire to live with her resentful, reclusive uncle, Archibald, and his enfeebled son, Colin. Among the estate’s many wonders is the magic titular “secret garden,” which beckons to the children with evocative melodies and “Dreamers,” spirits from Mary’s past who offer her guidance for her new life.
“It is a beautiful musical and is sure to delight the whole family,” said Dr. Williams.
Tickets for The Secret Garden will be available at the Box Office located in the lobby of the Communication Arts Building or by phone at 614-8360. The Box Office is open Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m., and tickets will be sold during the week leading up to the show and one hour before curtain time. Tickets will be $15 for adults and $12 for children, seniors, and students.
For more information, visit www.leeuniversity.edu/theatre or email theatre@leeuniversity.edu. Fans may also follow Lee University Theatre on Facebook.