Performances for the Ohio Valley Summer Theater's first-ever rendition of The Secret Garden began last night at Kantner Hall.
This July, Ohio Valley will present The Secret Garden, a story of loss and healing, as a musical. Ohio Valley Summer Theater has teamed up with Southeastern Ohio community members and Ohio University for almost 60 years
The production company chose the musical, based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, because it allowed for more adult themes and more opportunities for adult actors than in past shows, said Gary Molina, managing director.
The Secret Garden tells the story of Mary Lennox, a young English girl who loses her parents to an outbreak of cholera and is sent to live with her uncle, an absentminded man who is preoccupied with the death of his wife.
Feeling bored and neglected, Mary's curiosity leads her to venture into a secluded area of her uncle's property ' his deceased wife's garden ' where she discovers mystery and magic. Mary befriends her cousin Colin, a temperamental young boy who has been ill and bedridden for years.
Director Robert Winters has been putting on shows for Ohio Valley since 1962 and is an active member in the Athens theater community.
The play bills many lead characters ranging in age from 9 to 11. Winters said he considers himself very lucky with the dedicated interest and motivation his young actors have expressed toward the show.
I enjoy performing here because the Athens community is so supportive of the art
said Dedrick Bonner, who plays Dr. Neville Craven. It's so exciting to share the stage with good people and do something you enjoy with a community who enjoys to see it.
Before opening night, the cast engages in pre-show rituals, said Neil Dingow, who plays Dickon.
We will grab our jaw and shake it to loosen it up. We just try to get comfortable Dingow said. It's always fun to watch everyone before the show because everyone is doing
