Theater News

The Secret Garden Begins Performances at the Court Theatre

The play, based on Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic story, starts tonight.

Katie Pierpont

Katie Pierpont

| Chicago |

May 21, 2015

Tori Whaples plays Mary Lennox in Court Theatre's production of The Secret Garden, which begins tonight.
Tori Whaples plays Mary Lennox in Court Theatre's production of The Secret Garden, which begins tonight.
(© Joe Mazza 2014)

The Secret Garden begins its run tonight at the Court Theatre. The story follows Mary Lennox, who is orphaned after a vicious cholera outbreak in the British Raj. She is sent to live with her estranged uncle on a large estate in England. At Misselthwaite Manor, Mary finds herself haunted by the past of her melancholy uncle, Archibald Craven, as well as her own ghosts. As she explores the complex grounds and mazes of both the manor and her uncle’s life, she makes an incredible discovery that offers hope and renewal for them both.

Based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, the musical features a book and lyrics by Marsha Norman and music by Lucy Simon. It is directed by Charles Newell, and the cast includes James Earl Jones II (Ben), Elizabeth Ledo (Martha), Rob Lindley (Archibald), Aubrey McGrath (Dickon), Alka Nayyar (Ayah), Jeff Parker (Neville), Jennie Sophia (Lily), Allison Sill (Rose), Kevin Webb (Albert), Trent Noor (Colin), Jake Helm (Colin), Marya Grandy (Mrs. Medlock), Maya Hlava (Mary), and Tori Whaples (Mary).

The creative team includes Marcus Doshi (light design), John Culbert (set design), Mara Blumenfeld (costume design), Joshua Horvath (sound design), Doug Peck (musical direction), and Amanda Weener-Frederick (stage manager).

Performances will run through June 21.

For tickets and more information, click here.

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