The Habersham Community Theatre’s newest production, The Secret Garden, is a heartwarming tale that you and your family won’t want to miss.
A musical based on Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved 1911 novel captivates audiences with its heartfelt story of grief, renewal, and personal growth. With a beautiful score by composer Lucy Simon and a book and lyrics by Marsha Norman, the musical adaptation premiered in 1991 on Broadway, bringing a new dimension to the classic tale. Its themes of family, loss, and the power of nature resonate deeply with audiences and continue to leave a lasting impression.
A journey of healing
At the heart of The Secret Garden is the journey of Mary Lennox (played by Emma Johnson and Charlotte York), a young orphaned girl who, after the death of her parents, is sent to live with her reclusive uncle, Archibald Craven (Zachary Smagur), in a remote English estate. The mansion, which is surrounded by an overgrown, neglected garden, is a place filled with sorrow, secrets, and unresolved grief. The story weaves together the emotional journeys of several key characters, including Mary, her emotionally distant uncle, the spirit of his late wife, Lily (LeAnne Challenger), the isolated and sickly Colin (Hudson Garrett), and the garden itself, which symbolizes both the healing and the sadness that each of them must face.
When Mary arrives at Misselthwaite Manor, she is spoiled, rude, and withdrawn. However, as she discovers the secret garden, which has been locked away for years, she begins a transformative journey. Guided by the ghostly presence of Lily and aided by new friends like Dickon (Jonas Corbin), a kindhearted young boy with a deep connection to nature, and Martha (Dacey Gates), Mary slowly learns to open her heart and find healing. In the process, she helps not only herself but also the people around her, especially her uncle, Archibald Craven, who must confront his own grief and guilt over the death of his wife.
The characters’ emotional growth is beautifully mirrored by the garden’s restoration, which transforms it from a dark, dead space to one filled with vibrant life. This powerful metaphor for renewal is central to the musical’s message that love, care, and time can heal even the deepest wounds.
The unique cast
The unique blend of the cast, directed by Susan Watson, brings the story to life and draws the audience into the musical’s deeply rooted themes of loss, grief, recovery, and healing. The journey is relatable and will draw out emotions that impact anyone who has ever felt the heartbreak of losing someone they love. In the garden, hope and resilience are found and recognized. Along with the characters, the audience experiences the evolution from grief to healing, isolation to connection, and darkness to light.
The production opens Wednesday, April 2, through 5 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, April 6 at 2 p.m., April 9 through 12 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 13 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available to purchase online. You can also call 706-839-1315. For more information, visit Habersham Community Theater.
