Children blossom in local performance of 'The Secret Garden'
DOWNERS GROVE-The Downers Grove Park District will present three performances of 'The Secret Garden' at the Avery Coonley School, 1400 Maple Ave. in Downers Grove.
The performances featuring local youth actors will be shown at 7 p.m. on Aug. 11 and 12 and at 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 13. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children ages 4 and under and seniors ages 62 and up. Purchase tickets at the Lincoln Center or online at dgparks.org by Aug. 10, or at the door before the show.
Based on the classic novel written by Frances Hodgson Burnett in 1911, 'The Secret Garden' is a heartwarming story that brings music and magic to the stage. Watch as Mary Lennox, a young orphan girl, is sent to live in England with relatives that she does not know. There, she discovers a strange walled garden filled with magic and mystery. With the help of the gardener's apprentice, she coaxes the garden back to life. Through the magical effects of the garden, the young girl is able to restore the health of a friend.
Akeila LeClaire, recreation supervisor and director of the show, has led the young cast through their discovery and exploration of the characters and story. "The cast has worked hard to uncover the emotions and meanings behind the characters. This story begins as a tragedy, and grows into a story of love, inspiration and magic. The audience should be ready for a splendid journey!"
This is the second youth performance directed by the Downers Grove Park District. Children ages 9 to 14 participating in the eight-week drama program have strengthened skills in singing, dancing and acting while learning multiple parts for the performance.
Playing the role of Miss Wiggin, Madeline Riske said, "The Secret Garden has been an experience almost as magical as the garden itself. This play has not only helped me grow in my acting abilities, but also to befriend the amazing people who are a part of the show. If it weren't for this program, I would never have worked with and learned from these wonderful people. The whole cast and crew has worked hard for this performance and I'm thrilled to perform the magic it brings!"
The cast consists of 20 actors in alphabetical order:
Marley Birch-Maid
Alex Brauweiler-Dickon Sowerby
Cecilia DeArcangelis-Mrs. Medlock (Friday and Saturday)
Liberty Haxton-Mrs. Sowerby
Kristen Kras-Cook
Diana Kwak-Lillias/Mrs. Medlock (Sunday)
Cailyn Myers-Mary Lennox
Tess O'Brien-Kanchi
Payton Pautsch-Fairgoer/Servant
Amanda Ragnini-Mrs. Crawford
Jack Reiser-Colin Craven
Ella Reiser-Nurse
Graham Reiser-John Sowerby
Madeline Riske-Miss Wiggin
Clark Seehausen-Dr. Craven
Jack Seehausen-Archibald Craven
Marissa Skeen-Jane Sowerby
Ashleigh Szydlowski-Fairgoer/Servant
Peyton Szydlowski-Betty Sowerby
Anna Walsh-Martha Sowerby
'The Secret Garden' is based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, the book by Tim Kelly and music and lyrics by Bill Francoeur.
About Downers Grove Park District
The Downers Grove Park District is dedicated to providing a wide variety of year-round recreation programs, facilities, parks, open space and natural areas that respond to the articulated needs and desires of residents. For more information, call 630.963.1300 or visit www.dgparks.org.