Monday, April 30, 2007

SECRET GARDEN

From: "will stackman" profwlll@yahoo.com

Subject: Quicktake - "Secret Garden" by Marsha Norman & Lucy Simon

from the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Date:Sat, April 28, 1:21 PM

Quicktake on SECRET GARDEN

     Turtle Lane is closing their season with one of the best shows the company has done in a while. Director Michelle M. Aguillon has assembled an ensemble of voices which can handle Simon’s harmonies and Norman’s lyrics, and act as well. Music director Wayne Ward gets the best out of this well-trained group. The design team of Michelle Boll and John MacKenzie has met the show’s scenic requirements with a combination of well-painted scenery and effective projected backgrounds. Robert Itzcak’s costumes suit the period and mood, giving a final touch to this Victorian Gothic romance.

    While not a children’s show “The Secret Garden” is family friendly, as the plucky orphan, Mary Lennox peserveres against her uncle’s depression and his brother’s frustration. Hannah Grace Horsely captures the role and has enough of a voice for the music. Likewise Benjamin Hirsh as her supposedly sickly cousin, Colin. James Fitzpatrick is convincing as his father, as is Michael Goodwin as his doctor uncle. Elizabeth Robinson is luminous as his mother Lily, who died bearing, while Anne Velthouse is in good form as her sister, Mary’s mother, who died, along with her father, in India. It should be noted that more than half the cast are ghosts or “dreamers” as the program has it. Among the living, Michelle Mount makes a fine perky housemaid and Gary Ryan does well as her fey brother. Both were coached in their Yorkshire accents by James Tallach, who plays the old gardener, Ben Weatherstaff.

     Turtle Lane in Newton near the pike has once again proved its worth to the local music theatre community. The show runs through Jun. 3rd with some cast rotations.



"Secret Garden" by Marsha Norman & Lucy Simon Apr 27-June 3

Turtle Lane Playhouse

263 Melrose St. Auburndale MA, (617) 244 - 0169
Turtle Lane

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