By Alayna Een
Based on Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic children’s story, The Secret Garden (book and lyrics by Marsha Norman with music by Lucy Simon) is a poignant musical that explores the themes of love, grief, and growth—with just a touch of magic. There is something for everyone in this family-friendly play, and the Timpanogos Community Theater’s production is enchanting.
The story follows recently orphaned Mary Lenox as she leaves her home in India to live with her Uncle Archibald in the moors of Victorian England. Her reclusive uncle is haunted by the ghost of his beloved wife, Lily, and concerned about his invalid son, Colin. Mary’s arrival causes a stir in the erstwhile order of the house and its mysterious gardens, and the young girl befriends a dryad-like boy, Dickon, and his sister Martha, who serves in the house. These new friends and Mary’s cousin, Colin, soon join together to revive a secret garden—and with it, restore peace to many wounded hearts.
Sydney Dameron (Lily) has an ethereal grace and a beautiful, clear voice and her actions are effortless and sincere. William Gardner’s Archibald is gruff and consumed by regret, and his poignant longing carries great emotional weight. His tender but unpracticed fatherly instincts strengthen Gardner’s interactions with Mia Moore/Paisley Shepherd (Mary Lennox) and Max Guymon/Josh Moore (Colin) are endearing. Mary starts out as a rather spoiled and unlikable character, but she grows throughout the play, and Mia Moore and Paisley Shepherd (on alternate nights) bear the role well. Colin’s transformation is even more magnificent, and Max Guymon and Josh Moore (on alternate nights) do credit to the role. Rounding out the family is Archibald’s brother, the vaguely sinister doctor Dr. Neville Craven (Dustin Parmley). Parmley captures the nuances of the character, balanced between selfish desires and dedicated—though misdirected—service. He did especially well in the iconic duet “Lily’s Eyes” with Gardner (which is a fitting last name).
The Yorkshire charm is in full force with Dickon (Adam Moore) and his sister Martha (River Robinson). Adam Moore is spritely and lively, with a voice to match, and Robinson’s Martha is a real powerhouse who also captures the funny and friendly parts of the character. “Hold On” is one of my favorite songs in all of musical theatre, and I really loved Robinson’s performance.
A host of ghosts fills out the ensemble, led by Kailey Simmons (Rose) and Jared Saunders (Captain Albert). Their rich choruses and precise and interesting choreography (by Sarah Martin) fill the space and round out the show. The stage itself is a verdant and versatile wonderland, a masterpiece of Caleb Wallengren’s lighting and stage design. A powerful contributor to the Victorian aesthetic is Paige Burton’s costuming, which includes colorful party dresses, military uniforms, dressing gowns, and more.
Rising to the unexpected challenge of joining the creative team later in the game, director Andrew Jefferies guides the show along the many magical and emotional high points, which is a credit to his abilities and the talents of the numerous cast and crew members. So stop and smell the roses of The Secret Garden with Timpanogos Community Theater in American Fork, Utah.
The Timpanogos Community Theater presents The Secret Garden, Book and Lyrics by Marsha Norman with music by Lucy Simon, Based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
The Valentine Theater, 839 E 9th N, American Fork, UT 84003
February 7–22, 2025. Performances at 7:30 PM Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (with a 2 PM Saturday matinee)
Tickets: Available at TAFtix.com
Contact: info@americanforkarts.com
Facebook Page: Timpanogos Theater Facebook Page
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