The timeless tale of The Secret Garden will be performed by the Caloundra Chorale & Theatre Company as their major production this year, thanks to the ongoing support of the Caloundra Community Bank® branch of Bendigo Bank.
Opening night of The Secret Garden will be Wednesday 9 August at 7.30pm with 16 confirmed dates and four stand-by performances scheduled.
Based on the 1911 novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden features melodies by Lucy Simon and lyrics by Marsha Norman.
The Secret Garden is a timeless tale of a special place where faith, hope and love grow.
The cast includes chorale favourites Grant Marks Archibald Craven, Colin Butcher DR Neville Craven, Helen Duffy Lily, Peter Voigt ****on with other notable Chorale favourites Sarah Sullivan, Julie Marks, Derek Silk, Tracey Stoddart and Amanda Zinn. The two children's roles are shared by Annie Hart and Madeline Robbins who play Mary Lennox and Louis Owen and Jake Williams who play Colin Craven.
The Secret Gardenwill be directed by Grant Marks, musical direction by Sarah Sullivan and Neil Booth. Choreography by Helen Butcher, costumes by Merryl Terrey and set construction by Barry Roger.
The story is set in 1906 when 10-year-old Mary Lennox travels to Yorkshire to become the ward of her uncle Archibald Craven after losing her parents to a cholera epidemic in India. Her uncle meanwhile is still grieving ten years after the loss of his beautiful wife Lilly.
Arriving at Misselthwaite Manor, Mary encounters Dr Neville Craven, Archibald's dutiful but bitter brother and is befriended by Martha and her elfish brother ****on, Ben, a crusty old gardener and Archibald's sickly son Colin. Mary finds Lilly's secret garden and enlists the help of her new friends to bring it back to life. The spring earth's healing properties become the catalyst for an awaking in Mary and releases Archibald to the love of a father for his son.
Caloundra Community Bank® branch manager, Ms Pip Fawcett, said The Secret Garden is a classic tale with a story to charm all ages.
"We were so excited when we learnt the Caloundra Chorale and Theatre Company were going to make The Secret Garden their major production this year.
"It's a children's classic that appeals to all generations and shares the story of magic and the healing power of nature," Ms Fawcett said.
Booking details are as follows:
Where: Caloundra Chorale and Theatre Company
Address: 3 Piringa St Wurtulla
When Wednesday 9 August – Sunday 3 September
Performance time: 7.30pm
Tickets Adults concession $25 FOC members $22 preview $20
Bookings are essential – please phone Ann on 5437 2719
