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Mundelein High to stage 'The Secret Garden' musical

Mundelein High School's theater program presents the musical version of "The Secret Garden" May 1-4 in the school auditorium.

The Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances are at 7 p.m., while the Sunday show is at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors.

Phone reservations are being accepted at (847) 949-2200, ext. 1407, or online at www.mhstheatre.net.

The box office will also be open for advanced ticket sales April 29 to May 2 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The box office is just inside the main entrance of the school, near the main office. Tickets will also go on sale 45 minutes before curtain for each of the performances at the MHS Auditorium, 1350 W. Hawley St., Mundelein.

This family-friendly story, written in 1910 by Frances Hodgson Burnett, has been produced into several stage and film adaptations.

It is the story of Mary Lennox, an 11-year-old girl orphaned in India and forced to move to Yorkshire to live with her embittered, reclusive uncle, Archibald, and his invalid son, Colin.

The estate's many wonders include a magic garden, which beckons the children with haunting melodies and spirits from Mary's past guide her through her new life.

"I have discovered that most people I talk to are familiar with the book and movie, but they are surprised to find out that it was turned into a Broadway-style musical," said Jonathan Meier, the show's director.

"It is a beautiful, haunting score. It is not produced all that often at the high school level because of the difficulty of the music. Luckily, we have a phenomenally talented group of actor/singers to bring it to life onstage at MHS."

The cast is led by seniors Haggai Simon (Archibald), Monica Tipperreiter (Lily), Walter Kasmer (Dickon) and Chamaya Moody (Martha). Sophomore Patricia Roques portrays Mary Lennox.

Other featured roles include Oscar Araiza Bravo (Fakir), Lorrielle Martin (Ayah), Josie David (Rose), Colton Schroetter (Albert), Thomas Ferro (Wright), Aaron Banez (Holmes), Marli Volpe (Claire), Lynn Jones (Alice), Stephen Ferro (Neville), Angela Peterson (Medlock) and Oscar Delgado (Ben).

The role of Colin is played by two young actors, Tim Reiss (Thursday and Saturday) and Holden Meier (Friday and Sunday).

Rounding out the ensemble are Kiley Hernandez, Kristin Doering, Rylee Freeman, Natalie Lawrence, Annie McGrath, Stephen Miller, Gina Otrembiak, Emily Parduhn, Brenden Paul, Karsen Sample, Sarah Andra, Alex Banez, Amanda Emran, Marisa Nuzzo and Kaila Sunders.

Rachel David is the production stage manager.

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