The Secret Garden

Book and Lyrics by Marsha Norman
Music by Lucy Simon
based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Based on one of the most beloved books ever written The Secret Garden is the musical retelling of the story of Mary Lennox, a lonely little girl who must leave her home in India after being orphaned by a cholera epidemic. She is sent to North Yorkshire, England to live with her uncle Archibald, who is still haunted by the memory of his deceased wife, Lily, who died ten years earlier during childbirth. Over the years Archibald has become increasingly isolated and distraught over the condition of his crippled, bedridden son Colin. Mary's discovery of Lily's cherished secret garden changes their lives forever. With its touching story and beautiful score, The Secret Garden is certain to delight theatergoers of all ages.

Director: Tabatha S. Skanes
Musical Director: Stephen Tosh
Choreographer: Kathleen Clark

Character Descriptions: ALL ROLES OPEN please see audition page for more info.

  • Mary Lennox (8-12/Mezzo) A stubborn and spoiled orphan.* British accent

  • Dickon Sowerby (12-18/Tenor) Martha's brother who has a special relationship with animals. * Yorkshire accent

  • Colin Craven (8-12/Boy Soprano or Tenor) Archibald's neglected and isolated son.
    * British accent

  • Archibald Craven (25-45/Tenor) Mary's wealthy, but depressed uncle and guardian
    * British accent

  • Martha Sowerby (16-25/Mezzo w/strong belt) Mary's spunky and optimistic chambermaid. * Yorkshire accent

  • Lily Craven (25-35/Soprano) Archibald's deceased wife who appears as a ghost
    * British accent

  • Dr. Neville Craven (25-40/Baritone) Archibald's evil brother who also loved Lily.
    * British accent

  • Mrs. Medlock (30-50/alto) The cruel housekeeper for the Cravens. * mild Yorkshire accent

  • Ben Weatherstaff (40-65/Tenor) An old gardener who befriends Mary.
    * Yorkshire accent

  • Rose Lennox (25-35/Mezzo) Lily's sister and Mary's mother. * British accent

  • Albert Lennox(25-35/Tenor) Rose's husband and Mary's father. A military man who very much loved Mary. * British accent

  • Fakir (25-40/Tenor) An East India Mystic

  • Ayah (25-40/Alto) Mary's nanny in India

  • The Robin (ageless/must be able to play moderately difficult Penny Whistle and/or Flute tunes without music while moving /dance favorable) - male or female.

  • Mrs. Shelley/Mrs. Winthrope (30-50/Alto) The wife of Major Shelley/The school headmistress. * British accent

  • Major Shelley (35-50/ Baritone) A British Officer. * British accent

  • Lieutenant Peter Wright (20-35/Tenor) A British Officer. * British accent

  • Alice (20-35/Soprano) Rose's friend. * British accent

  • Lieutenant Ian Shaw (20-35/Bass) A British Officer. * British accent

  • Major Holmes(35-50/Bass) A British Officer. * British accent

  • Claire Holmes (30-45/Soprano) The wife of Major Holmes. * British accent

  • Dancers (18-40/experience plus/vocal favorable) male and female

  • Household/Dreamers/Understudies (10-65/S M A T B B/dance favorable) male and female. * British accent

    • Understudy Groupings:

  • Household 1g: us Mary

  • Household 2b: us Dickon/Colin

  • Household 3w/Nurse: us Medlock/Mrs. Shelley/Winthrop

  • Household 4m/Doorman: us Ben/Shelley/Holmes

  • Household 5m/Photographer: us Fakir/Wright/Shaw/Male Dance Swing

  • Household 6w/Jane: us Ayah/Alice/Clair/Female Dance Swing

  • Household 7w: us Martha/Lily/Rose (dance favorable)

  • Household 8m: us Archie/Craven/Albert (dance favorable)
 

This website is generously hosted by Charley and Anet Carlin. Revised January 26, 2009