Stage 284's 'The Secret Garden' was a Night of Illuminating Success

On March 12, 2020, my cast and I received awful news. After a couple of months of working hard on blocking scenes, choreography, and learning the utmost beautiful music, The Secret Garden could not perform. Having to shut down for safety due to the rising pandemic, nobody was sure when we were going to perform this lovely show in front of an audience.

Last night, Stage 284 treasured a small socially distanced audience with a condensed version of The Secret Garden. As both an audience member and an ensemble member of this unique production, it’s a night that nobody is going to forget. In this difficult time which has made it impossible for audiences to gather together for theater, Katie Clarke and Kathleen Tringale made the impossible possible.

When my castmates and I first learned of the news that we were going to have a chance to put The Secret Garden to its feet, a mood of uncertainty was present. Until last night, nobody knew how successful this production would turn out. With a little theatre magic that has not been seen for six months now, The Secret Garden illuminated its creative essence.

Only a small number of cast members were allowed onstage at once. However, ensemble members gathered together separately to film a few scenes in Patton Park in Hamilton next to The Community House prior to the performances. It was a fun evening gathering back together - only wearing masks this time. We all noted how strange it was that we hadn’t seen one another for six months.

For those who have never heard the story of The Secret Garden, it is based on a novel written by Frances Hodgson Burnett. A young girl whose parents tragically died is sent to live with her estranged uncle. While living in this mansion, Mary discovers secrets. These secrets lead her to a hidden garden.

Taking place out in Patton Park on the gazebo surrounded by beautiful lighting, filming scenes that differed from our original blocking appeared on a projector behind the actors. All cast members pre-recorded their songs a week prior to the showing.

Despite the dropping temperature, the cold did not stop the actor's charismatic energy from capturing audiences with a wonderful show. Young actors Mara Stein (Mary), Lucine Revette (Mary), Jake Bassinger (Dickon), Ciaran Mohan (Colin) and Gabrielle Funchion (Colin) shined their remarkable talents in the two showings of The Secret Garden.

Ali Kincha (Lily) deserved a handful of applause for her stunning voice. As did Tom Ostrowski (Archibald) and Jason Schaum (Dr. Kraven) where they bicker about what is right for the children. Audiences especially enjoyed Amanda Lane as the witty Martha. Becky Axelrod (Mrs. Medlock) was a memorable character as was Kathleen Madden (Ben), Crystal VanArtsDalen (Rose), and Richard Stein (Albert).

Audience reaction is one of my favorite parts of the show. The disappearing ensemble of ‘ghosts’ on the projector screen was a fun gothic effect. From laughter, applause, and just the overall excited energy The Secret Garden lifted hearts.

The show was very different. A good different. As we have been living a new normal we all have had a chance to come together to reflect on our lives and what we are thankful for. As cast member Amanda Lane described, “Different can be beautiful and wonderful for exactly what it is.”

I cannot forget to give a big thank you to my directors, Katie Clarke and Kathleen Tringale, stage manager, Sarah Bergeron, accompanist, Ben Tan, and an entire crew of wonderful helping hands to make this show come to life. They made the impossible happen.

I am so thankful that we were able to put The Secret Garden to its feet. It’s a night that we will all treasure and hopefully find unique ways to put on shows during this uncertain time. Keep theater alive.