AMY BOSLER
Writer-Reviewer
New Village Arts:
Presents . . .
“The Secret Garden”
Meet the Cast & Directors of
THE SECRET GARDEN
Chris Bona, Kevane La’Marr Coleman, Devin Collins,
Kelly Derouin, Jacob Farry, Manny Fernandes,
Dagmar Krause Fields, David S. Humprey,
Sarah Mahaffey, Samantha Rose Steinberg,
Samantha Vesco, Tanner Vidos,
Nadia Guevara (Choreographer, Ayah),
Rosina Reynolds (Director), and Tony Houck (Music Director).
Per Amy Bosler
New Village Arts, ushers in the holiday season with their production of the TONY Award-Winning Musical, “The Secret Garden”, based on the classic children’s story. A story of abandonment, perseverance, and renewal, it deals with themes including death, illness, and ghosts, so may not be appropriate for younger children.
New Village Arts, ushers in the holiday season with their production of the TONY Award-Winning Musical, “The Secret Garden”, based on the classic children’s story. A story of abandonment, perseverance, and renewal, it deals with themes including death, illness, and ghosts, so may not be appropriate for younger children.
The cast performs beautifully under Rosina Reynold’s direction. Sara Mahaffey, does a fine job as MARY LENNOX, the spoiled orphan who discovers the eponymous garden, and is subsequently transformed. David Humphrey (as ARCHIBALD CRAVEN), and Manny Fernandes (as Dr. NEVILLE CRAVEN), show off their amazing vocal ranges to excellent effect - and Humphey’s hunchback limp, was superbly executed - it was consistent, but not over-the-top. Jacob Farry, as COLIN CRAVEN, pretty much steals every scene he’s in.
The cast performs beautifully under Rosina Reynold’s direction. Sara Mahaffey, does a fine job as MARY LENNOX, the spoiled orphan who discovers the eponymous garden, and is subsequently transformed. David Humphrey (as ARCHIBALD CRAVEN), and Manny Fernandes (as Dr. NEVILLE CRAVEN), show off their amazing vocal ranges to excellent effect - and Humphey’s hunchback limp, was superbly executed - it was consistent, but not over-the-top. Jacob Farry, as COLIN CRAVEN, pretty much steals every scene he’s in.
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All the other cast members do double, sometimes triple-duty. The so-called ‘Dreamers’ are ghosts, who haunt the thoughts and lives of our main characters. Their costumes are spectral white, making the quick change from one character to the next very striking. The changes are also accomplished impressively quickly, considering the elaborate design … of turn-of-the-century clothing.
All the other cast members do double, sometimes triple-duty. The so-called ‘Dreamers’ are ghosts, who haunt the thoughts and lives of our main characters. Their costumes are spectral white, making the quick change from one character to the next very striking. The changes are also accomplished impressively quickly, considering the elaborate design … of turn-of-the-century clothing.
My only quibble, was with the Yorkshire accents affected by Chris Bona (DICKON) and Samantha Vesco (MARTHA). They sounded more Irish and Scottish, respectively. I had trouble following some of the dialogue due to their speech - and it seemed incongruous, that a brother and sister who live in the same household, would sound so wildly different from each other. It also bothered me that MARTHA sang with an accent, since people who naturally speak with pronounced accents, don’t sing with one - for example, Tom Jones, Adele, or Ed Sheeran. Overall, the music, directed by Tony Houck, who also conducted and played piano, was beautiful and enhanced the story telling. I was particularly struck by Samantha Rose Steinberg’s soprano. I hope to see and hear more from her in the future.
Despite its dark themes, the story is ultimately about transformation and renewal, and by the end, many members of the audience were wiping away tears. The play is presented in two acts, with a 15 minute intermission. One of the fun things that NVA does, is to make a featured cocktail … that fits the theme of production. The current cocktail is a Thyme and Raspberry Gin and Tonic, which you can take to your seat … and enjoy while watching the performance.
Despite its dark themes, the story is ultimately about transformation and renewal, and by the end, many members of the audience were wiping away tears. The play is presented in two acts, with a 15 minute intermission. One of the fun things that NVA does, is to make a featured cocktail … that fits the theme of production. The current cocktail is a Thyme and Raspberry Gin and Tonic, which you can take to your seat … and enjoy while watching the performance.
Details:
“The Secret Garden”, ran through December 24th, 2017, at New Village Arts, located at 2787 State Street, in Carlsbad. Street parking, is available throughout Carlsbad Village, and there is ample parking in the commuter lot, north of the train station. For available show times and tickets to future productions,
visit http://www.newvillagearts.org/tickets or call the box office at
(760) 433-3245.
“The Secret Garden”, ran through December 24th, 2017, at New Village Arts, located at 2787 State Street, in Carlsbad. Street parking, is available throughout Carlsbad Village, and there is ample parking in the commuter lot, north of the train station. For available show times and tickets to future productions,
visit http://www.newvillagearts.org/tickets or call the box office at
(760) 433-3245.
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