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Artscene Oakville Beaver · FRIDAY, February 9, 2007 35 WEST raises curtain on The Secret Garden Large cast brings to life an emotional musical production By Krissie Rutherford OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF A full orchestra and chorus, a cast of more than 40, operatic singing, intricate sets, lighting and period costumes all bring The Secret Garden to life in the West End Studio Theatre Production of the musical drama, which opened last night. Written by Marsha Norman with music by Lucy Simon, the musical is based on the classic novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Set in the early 1900s, it follows 10-year-old Mary Lennox, whose parents die of cholera. She's sent to live in England with her next closest relative, uncle Archibald. "She moves into this big, old, dark manor house," explains director of the WEST production, Paul Groulx. "It's been grieving for years because Mary's uncle's wife, her aunt Lily, died. "Mary gets there and everything changes. She tries to inspire everyone to feel." ASHLEY HUTCHESON / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER ON STAGE: Megan Anderson (middle) plays 10-year-old Mary in the West End Studio Theatre production of The Secret Garden, which opened last night at the Oakvile Centre for the Performing Arts. It all begins when Mary, played by 14-year-old Megan Anderson, uncovers a secret, walled garden hidden in the grounds. The garden belonged to her aunt Lily, and is neglected and overgrown. "Mary goes in and basically gardens it to life, and in the process brings life to the giant, gloomy manor," said Groulx, noting, "The garden is a metaphor for grieving." The house is full of ghosts, including Mary's parents, who are led by the deceased Lily, played by Deb Tilson. "Lily's trying to get her husband to heal because he's been grieving for 10 years," said Groulx. "The show is about healing. It's about fear, loss and how you learn to deal with that and to become happy." Uncle Archibald, played by Doug Massey, is grieving so much that he can't be near anything that reminds him of his deceased wife, including his young son, Colin. "I'm the sickly boy that's always in bed," said 11-year-old Austin Lichty, who plays Colin. "I'm the one that the father doesn't want to see. He doesn't really want to see me because I remind him of my mother, who passed. The garden is the place where my mom spent a lot of time and owned and he doesn't want to see that either." As Lichty puts it, "The house has just been a dead place ever since my mom died." But things change when Mary hears her cousin Colin crying and finds him in the manor house. "When Mary comes it just lifts the whole house's spirits and it comes alive again," said Lichty. So, too, does his character. "I'm crippled and I'm in a See The page 36 Spend an evening with, The World's Leading Authority on Driving Growth Through Customer Satisfaction! Seating is Lim for this ited one-n engagemight e Oakvillent in ! J.D. PowerI Executive Vice-President - J.D. Power and Associates V The Oakville Economic Development Alliance is pleased to bring you an opportunity to learn how every great company listens to the voice of the customer. February 21, 2007 - 7 p.m. Oakville Banquet and Conference Centre (Wyecroft and Bronte Road, Next to the Holiday Inn Select) For complete details and an on-line reservation form: www .oeda.ca -or- call 905-338-4187 Table of Eight: $600 - Individual Tickets: $75 The OEDA would like to thank these partners with assisting in underwriting this event: