Art Center Theater presents: The Secret Garden Coleman Auditorium Gualala Arts Center
Fri,   December   8, 7:00 p.m. Sat,  December   9, 7:00 p.m. Sun, December 10, 2:00 p.m.   Thu, December 14, 7:00 p.m. Fri,   December 15, 7:00 p.m. Sat,  December 16, 7:00 p.m. Sun, December 17, 2:00 p.m.

Photos by Bill Ballagh

Gualala Art Center Theater's upcoming holiday production is based on Frances Hodgson Burnett's enchanting classic, The Secret Garden, a favorite around the world. It is about the healing power of love and the miracle of rebirth. It is also a brilliant musical by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, Marsha Norman (Night Mother). Lucy Simon, who began her composing and recording career at age 16 with her sister Carly, wrote the lush and lyrical score.

Orphaned in India, eleven year old Mary Lennox (Joselyn Malik) returns to Yorkshire to live with an embittered, reclusive Uncle Archibald (Phil Atkins) and his invalid son (Davina Allen). Misselthwaite Manor is haunted by Lily (Sandra Moore) Archie's beloved wife who died in childbirth. Among the manor's living residents are Archie's brother, Dr. Craven (Tim Johnson); Mrs. Medlock (Katie Atherton) the housekeeper; Dickon (Keelyn O'Brien) a magical youth who can talk to animals, his sister Martha (Olivia Harrison) and Ben (Bill Ballagh) the gruffly loveable gardener. The estate includes a magic locked garden that is awaiting love and care - as are major characters in the play.

Flashbacks, dream sequences, a chorus of ghosts, (headed by Bryan Morse) and some of Broadway's most beautiful music dramatize a compelling tale of regeneration. This Tony Award winner is a treasure for children and adults. Directed by Lynne Atkins, with musical direction by Don Krieger and Sita Milchev, this is an elegant, entrancing production. It creates a world where lost loves are found, lost lives are saved, spring comes again, and beauty reigns.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children when purchased in advance, and $20 for adults and $15 for children on the day of the performance. However, don't count on tickets being available at the door, at any price - recent Art Center Theater Holiday shows have sold out! So purchase your tickets early at Gualala Arts, the Dolphin or by phone - (707) 884-1138. This one is not to be missed!