Civic Theatre Presents Family Musical

   The Secret Garden is based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett and was conceptualized by Pulitzer prize-winning playwright Marsha Norman and composer Lucy Simon, sister to singer/songwriter Carly Simon.

   The classic tale centers around 11-year-old Mary Lennox, who is orphaned in India and sent to live in Yorkshire , England , with her embittered, reclusive uncle and his invalid son. Mary's new home is filled with generations of family members unable to rest in peace, a staff that is tight-lipped about the secrets of the house, and a walled garden just beyond her reach. The Christian Science Monitor says the musical “revels in theatrical imagination and achieves the irresistible appeal that moves audiences to standing ovations.”

   Featured in the cast are Maddy Whitby (Granger) as Mary Lennox, Vince Kelly (Elkhart) as Archie Craven, Chris Witman (Elkhart) as Neville Craven, Dana Clark (Elkhart) as Lily, Karen Johnston (Elkhart) as Mrs. Medlock, Charles Arnold (Howe) as Ben, Liberty Cantzler (Elkhart) as Martha, Aaron Nichols (Elkhart) as Dickon, Jessica David (Goshen) as Rose, and Taylor Greene (Bristol) as Colin Craven.

   Included in the ensemble are Patty Bowers, Brock Butler, Kate Fann, Stephen Habbeger, Chris Habbeger, Dave Hoien, Cecily Janz, Laurel Perdue, Shirley Robey, Jane Santerre and Stephanie Zonker of Elkhart, Jenna Coleman and Adam Miller of Goshen, Aden Bachtel of Bristol, Karen Payton, Jane Payton and Audrey Whitby of Granger, Ashley Stevens of Constantine, Michigan, and Marla Strickler of Jones, Michigan.

   The production is directed by Craig Gibson ( Elkhart ) and John Jay Shoup ( Elkhart ). The vocal director is Trish Habbeger ( Elkhart ); Jerry O'Boyle (Nappanee) is the choreographer; and the costume designer is Jennifer Medich (Walkerton).

   The Secret Garden is made possible in part by support from the Indiana Arts Commission, with funding from the State of Indiana , the National Endowment for the Arts, and Gaska Tape, Inc. For more information about Elkhart Civic Theatre , call the business line at (574) 848-5853.

   The award-winning Elkhart Civic Theatre will present the musical The Secret Garden on November 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19 at 8PM and Sunday, November 13, at 3PM at the historic Bristol Opera House in downtown Bristol , IN. Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $13 for students and seniors aged 62 and older. Tickets are available for purchase by phone, Monday through Friday, 1-5:30PM , at (574) 848-4116.

   In order to ensure the enjoyment of all patrons, babies and toddlers cannot be admitted.