BY ANGELA HATCHER: One More Production’s latest musical, "The Secret Garden," is a family classic
that is based on the beloved Frances Hodgson Burnett 1900s children’s novel, adapted for the stage by Marsha Norman and is known for its beautiful music by Lucy Simon (sister of well-known pop singer Carly Simon).
A heartwarming and engaging personification of a children’s story for grown-ups, Director Damien Lorton brings charm and fluency to his storytelling with a superb cast and an incredibly rich musical score.
BY ANGELA HATCHER: One More Production’s latest musical, "The Secret Garden," is a family classic
that is based on the beloved Frances Hodgson Burnett 1900s children’s novel, adapted for the stage by Marsha Norman and is known for its beautiful music by Lucy Simon (sister of well-known pop singer Carly Simon).
A heartwarming and engaging personification of a children’s story for grown-ups, Director Damien Lorton brings charm and fluency to his storytelling with a superb cast and an incredibly rich musical score.
The story revolves around a young orphan girl, Mary Lennox (Sophia Scarsi),
who is sent to live with an uncle she has never met, and she finds herself in his sprawling English manor – worlds away from India – the only home she’s ever known. Adapting to her new life, Mary soon learns that Uncle Archibald (Duane Thomas) is still reeling from the loss of his young wife, Lily, who died over a decade ago, and Uncle Archie has no room in his heart for anyone else or anything new.
There are secrets and mystery surrounding the grand old estate, and in time, Mary comes across a locked and neglected Victorian garden. From Mary’s discovery of the overgrown secret garden, a spiritual reawakening and emotional rebirth for all soon begins.
With full acting range, 12-year-old Sophia Scarsi immortalizes the role of Mary, and she doesn’t skip a beat while bringing her skillful interpretation of her character to her audience. As the “Goldilocks” of "The Secret Garden’s" many interpretations of the musical, Scarsi’s performance is not too hot, nor too cold, because she portrays Mary Lennox with just the right amount of 20th Century insight and curiosity to make the story about a precocious young orphan girl seem relevant, fresh, and meaningful.
“She (Sophia) has always loved singing and dancing from a very young age. It started when she was about 4 years old and she’s just gone on from there,” said Sophia’s beaming father, John.
As the ethereal gardener, Lily, Erika Baldwin is the true soul of the show. Her beautiful soprano singing voice and in-depth acting rivet the audience’s attention whenever she appears on stage.
Lily’s emanation of love is so incredibly powerful that she is actually more the guardian angel and less of the beguiling woman who is haunting her loved ones’ dreams and memories.
A highlight is the duet, “Lily’s Eyes,” a powerful and beautifully harmonized performance by Archibald (Duane Thomas) and his physician-brother, Neville (Chris Peduzzi). Another incredible number is “How Could I Ever Know,” sung beautifully by Archibald (Thomas) and Lily (Baldwin).
A special mention must also go to the spirited and blithe Rebecca Silverman portraying the chambermaid, Martha. Other notably fine performances are by Ira Trachter as Ben, Connor Dapkus as Colin, Brandon Taylor Jones as Dickon, Carmen Tunis as Mrs. Medlock, and Nickie Gentry as Rose.
Wally Huntoon’s minimal set design and Jon Hyrkas’ simple touch in his lighting design are creative ways of utilizing empty space that is echoing the isolation and loneliness of the characters.
Again, the key element in this musical is the intricate score, which is quite impressively executed by Toni Helms on piano and a busy Kevin Weed on percussion.
The Gem’s "The Secret Garden" is in full bloom.
"The Secret Garden"
The Gem Theatre
12852 Main St.
Garden Grove
Phone: 714-741-9550.
Runs through Sept. 13.
