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Regional Reviews: Phoenix The Secret Garden Also see Gil's reviews of Blithe Spirit, The Mousetrap, The Barricade Boys: Broadway at the Movies, Cheyenne Jackson's Midlife Torso Tour, Come from Away
The plot follows young Mary Lennox, a spoiled and lonely child who is orphaned in India and sent to live with her reclusive and sullen uncle, Archibald Craven, at the gloomy Misselthwaite Manor in Yorkshire. As Mary explores the house and its grounds, she discovers the house and its inhabitants are full of secrets, including a long-neglected walled garden and her sickly cousin Colin, who has been hidden away from the world. With the help of the kindhearted maid Martha, her brother Dickon, and the watchful gardener Ben Weatherstaff, Mary discovers the garden, but will she be able to restore it, and those around her, to life? The musical is based on Frances Hodgson Burnett's beloved 1911 novel, a classic of children's literature that has resonated for generations. Opening on Broadway in 1991, the musical won multiple Tony Awards and has become a favorite of youth and community theatre companies. Both the novel and the musical explore themes of grief, isolation, and the healing power of nature and human connection. The adaptation, with music by Lucy Simon and a book and lyrics by Marsha Norman, deepens these ideas through its score, which includes soaring ballads, gorgeous duets, and ensemble numbers, which give emotional voice to the feelings of the sorrowful characters. Some characters and relationships from the novel were expanded by Norman and Simon to give the piece even more depth. The entire Fountain Hills cast bring warmth and nuance to their characters. Charlotte "Cha Cha" Giffen beautifully portrays Mary with a compelling transformation from grumpy defiant girl to someone who has genuine compassion for those around her. Her line delivery is assured and her singing bright in this captivating depiction of the beloved character. Chad Millar delivers a rich portrayal of the haunted and restrained Archibald Craven, yet there is also a charm that peeks out from underneath his harsh exterior that lets us see the loving man he once was. As the ghost of Archibald's wife Lily, Lacey Dixon is luminous and expressive with a warm singing voice. Jesse Berger offers a tense, tightly wound presence marked by bitterness and regret as Neville, Archibald's brother; Berger and Millar's soaring duet of "Lily's Eyes" is just one of many musical highlights in the production. As Rose, Mary's mother and Lily's sister, Emma Giffen brings the right tone of defiance and confusion toward the decisions her sister makes, but we also see from her clear portrayal the warmth she finds in her relationship with her daughter; it's an added bonus that real-life mother and daughter are playing mother and daughter in the show. Colin's journey from fragile despair to joyful confidence is handled with sensitivity by Alaric Harris-Wylde, while Zeke Collins radiates optimism, wonder, and an abundance of charm as Dickon, along with a soaring singing voice that shines throughout. Ross Collins is appropriately gruff yet tender as Ben, and, as Martha, Morgan Goldberg beautifully shows the character's practicality and kindness that provides a grounding force throughout the piece along with a powerful singing voice that makes "Hold On" especially resonating. Jamie Bauschka is appropriately stern as Mrs. Medlock. The large ensemble cast do great work with clear singing voices, including Dana Graybeal as Mary's father and Cris Mory who shines on a few solos. Peter J. Hill's direction leans fully into the emotional heart of the show, allowing quiet moments to breathe and musical climaxes to soar under Kathleen Berger's music direction that ensures rich harmonies and confident vocals across the cast. Hill's set is minimal but highly effective, using immersive moving projections by Hill and Elias Matthews to fluidly transport us between India, the manor, and the garden itself. Mickey Courtney's costumes and Hill's lighting beautifully evoke the Edwardian period and the shifting moods of the story. Andrew McDuff's choreography blends seamlessly with Hill's direction to effectively move the story along, especially in the large ensemble numbers that center on the many spirits who inhabit the mansion. The Secret Garden is a moving musical and the production at Fountain Hills honors the spirit of both the novel and the musical. It is a gentle yet powerful reminder that growth and healing are possible, even in the most unlikely places. The Secret Garden runs through February 22, 2026, at Fountain Hills Theater, 11445 N. Saguaro Blvd. Fountain Hills AZ. For tickets and information, please visit www.fhtaz.org or call 480-837-9661. Director/ Set Design / Lighting Design: Peter J. Hill Cast: (in alphabetical order): |
