The Secret Garden, The Musical (2017)

Book and Lyrics by Marsha Norman
Music by Lucy Simon
Directed by Casey Long & KC Wilkerson
Music Direction by Bill Strongin
Choreographed by Robert Hahn
Associate Director/Choreographer Miguel Cardenas

Awards and Recognition

  • WINNER! Best Book of A Musical Tony Award
  • WINNER! Outstanding Book of a Musical Drama Desk Award

Reviewer Quotes

“ Spellbinding ”

StageSceneLA

“ A must for families ”

OC Arts & Culture

Based on the popular children’s book of the same name, The Secret Garden follows the story of Mary Lennox, a young British girl born and raised in Colonial India. When the 11-year-old’s parents die in a cholera outbreak, she is sent to Yorkshire to live with a reclusive uncle, his invalid son — and a host of ghosts, spirits, and lost souls inhabiting Mary’s new home. With the help of the spirits, Mary and a young gardener uncover the mystery of the manor’s magical garden, bringing life to the neglected estate as Mary’s own personality blossoms alongside the flowers. Filled with amazing music, elegant choreography, and a heartwarming story of forgiveness and renewal, The Secret Garden is the quintessential holiday musical for all ages.

Adapted from the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett

SEASON PRODUCERS Bette & Wylie Aitken

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Mary Kay Fyda-Mar

  • Save $10 by attending Previews (Nov 24-Dec 1).
  • Save $5 by attending Weekdays (Dec 6-22). Limited availability.
  • Seniors, Students and Military save $4 per ticket.
  • 2-for-1 Tix on Wed, Dec 6 at 7:30pm... Use online code "ML191". Limited availability.
  • $20 Rush Tix available 1 hour prior to the performance. Cash only. Subject to availability.
  • 40% off for Groups of 10 or more.
 

Articles & Reviews

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Audience Buzz

    1. I loved the show. The casting and singing were perfect. The vibe from the staff before and after the show was very positive and funny too.

      — Isabelle T
    2. Thank you for producing this beautiful show. It was of the utmost quality.

      — Anonymous
    3. We love this theater and have been amazed by the high quality of the productions. The cast for this show was incredibly talented and the set was phenomenal. Everyone looked and sounded wonderful.

      — Deanna B.
    4. A top notch performance with wonderful costumes

      — Anonymous
    5. Surprised by the professionalism of the cast, the simplistic but beautiful set designs, the authentic looking era clothing, the acting and singing qualities of the performers and the lovely way the story was told through acting and singing.

      — Kathleen G.
    6. Brought a couple of executives from a film studio in LA and they really enjoyed it and were impressed by the quality of the production. Looking forward to seeing more from Chance, and hoping some more of my favorite shows will land there (Tommy, Ragtime, Chorus Line, Evita, etc) – the Anaheim trip is a bit of a distance from LA, but worth it for your quality of performance!

      — Anonymous
    7. The caliber of the cast vocals were amazing. My husband was impressed with the stage design too. I felt the emotion as the cast played their roles; glad I brought Kleenex. I loved it!

      — Stella
    8. Maya Fischbein (Mary) was unbelievable; an amazing actor for so young!!

      — Anonymous
    9. The Secret Garden is my favorite musical. I have seen quite a few productions, primarily done by community theater groups. This performance was by far the best I’ve seen. The singing and acting were superb…

      — Anonymous
    10. Loved the music, stage, lighting, and acting. Great job! Nice story.

      — Anonymous
    11. My daughter and I were visiting from out of town. We chose to come see The Secret Garden over going to Disneyland. After the performance, my daughter stated that she was happy that we chose the theater over Disneyland. Now she is inspired to read the book. We thoroughly enjoyed the performance. The entire cast had lovely voices. We especially enjoyed those of Dickon and the school mistress. The performance was moving an engaging. We laughed and we cried. We also enjoyed the coziness of the theater. We felt that all the seats have a great view. The creativity of scene changes was fun. It was a lot of fun to meet the cast members and get photographs after the performance. The value of tickets, snack and drinks, the cozy venue experience, and the brilliant performance has us wanting to return to Chance Theater. We will look to see if you have a production playing any time we visit Anaheim.

      — Noriko M.
    12. Adore this company, so glad we got a chance to come down from LA and see your show. Far better than most of the work we’ve seen locally, so we’re glad to add you to our regular rotation.

      — Anonoymous
    13. The skill/talent of the performers was amazing!!!!!

      — Joan Q.
    14. This was my first time to the Chance. Loved the performance and I was blown away by the quality of the pianist, vocals and the emotional performances of the entire cast. Set design was excellent and the lighting effectively transitioned the scenes from indoors to the garden. It was a great experience and I look forward to returning soon.

      — John Z.
    15. I discovered “The Secret Garden”, the musical, several years ago quite by chance (no pun intended), and loved it from the start. I always hoped that one day I’d get to see a production of it somewhere somehow. But I never expected to get to see a production as wonderful as the one I saw at the Chance Theater. It was truly marvelous.

      — Thomas U.
    16. This was the second time my husband and I had seen “The Secret Garden” at the Chance Theater. We enjoyed it the first time 6 years ago and came to see the show again so my 12 year old daughter could also have the experience. She also loved it!

      — Anita H.
    17. I loved the orchestration, your piano player and chorus were amazing, and your child stars were wonderful.

      — Anonymous
    18. Really enjoyed the experience from beginning to end!

      — Chelsey E.
    19. The staging and costuming were excellent; the silhouettes against red, the departed spirits’ handling of props, becoming the garden, etc: Charming. As I mentioned, the adult voices; really fine and enjoyably performed. For the most part a nicely-cast age, appearance, vocally appropriate and adept ensemble. It projected a feeling of people who enjoyed working together. That I did enjoy.

      — Jr.
    20. First time to the Chance. I was seeing my daughter in the performance and traveled from Nor Cal that morning. I was really impressed with the theater, the production level, the costuming, lighting, staging, it all worked very well. The acting caliber was really excellent. You have a well run and presented theater and I wish I lived closer so I could enjoy other shows.

      — Anonymous
    21. I was impressed by the talent and the theater itself. A great find near my home!

      — Anonymous
    22. Have lived in area for over 30 yrs & am upset I’ve never attended Chance before!!

      — Anonymous
    23. Loved the music. A rich and enchanting play.

      — Anonymous
    24. I was amazed by the beautiful voices all of the players exhibited.

      — Anonymous
    25. My husband & I truly enjoyed The Secret Garden. Excellent performance by the young lady. Beautiful singing as well.
      It was a happy/sad or sad/happy ending!

      — Lois C.
    26. I love the after show pictures and interaction with the cast- it really excites and inspires my kids too.

      — Megan
    27. I enjoy how you take classic musical theater pieces and make them your own with the space you have. You always get amazing talent and this was no exception. I like that I can come back and enjoy a show more than once and I usually see the musicals twice.

      — Wayne H.
    28. I really had a lovely time. Thank you all. 🙂

      — Anonymous

Venue Bette Aitken theater arts Center

Bette Aitken theater arts Center
5522 E. La Palma Ave.
Anaheim, CA  92807
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Venue Amenities
  • Full-Service Bar
  • Free Parking
  • Conveniently Located

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