Arts & Entertainment

The Round Table Players present "The Secret Garden"

Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic children’s novel, "The Secret Garden", blooms to life in the musical adaptation performed by The Round Table Players Sept. 2, 3 and 9 at 7:30 p.m.; Sept. 4 and 11 at 2 p.m.; and Sept. 10 at 12 p.m. at the of Branford. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased in advance by calling 203-506-6228. Ticket prices range from $10-$50.

Directed by Anthony Festa (Branford), the Tony Award-winning show will be brought to the First Congregational Church of Branford. Jeremy Hutchins (Hamden) and Victor Johnson (Trumbull) are co-musical directors of the cast of more than 20 kids, teens and adults in this hauntingly beautiful theatrical production for young and old, alike.

With book and lyrics by Marsha Norman and music by Lucy Simon, "The Secret Garden" premiered on Broadway in 1991, and received the Tony Awards for Best Book of a Musical, Best Featured Actress in the Musical (Daisy Eagan) and Best Scenic Design.

"The Secret Garden" follows young Mary Lennox (Jacqueline Williams, Hamden/Understudy: Grace McGovern, North Haven) as she moves from India to England following the death of her parents, Captain Albert Lennox (Lenny Adams, West Haven) and Rose Lennox (Heather Cayer, Bristol) in the early 1900s. She is sent to live with her uncle, Archibald Craven (Anthony Festa, Branford), a hunchback who is mourning the death of his wife, Lily (Kelliann Festa, Branford). Also in this gloomy house are Archibald’s brother, Dr. Neville Craven (Jason Lerma, West Haven) and the housekeeper, Mrs. Medlock (Lara Morton, Madison), who tend to Archibald and Lily’s sickly son, Colin Craven (T.J. Blotney, West Haven/Madeline Valdez, North Haven/Understudy: Mia LaGuna, Hamden).

With the help of a servant girl, Martha (Angela Jackson, New Haven); her brother, Dickon (Matthew Johnson, Trumbull); a gardener, Ben Weatherstaff (Victor Johnson, Trumbull); and spirits, called Dreamers, Mary discovers a secret garden. As the garden is tended to and brought back to life, the magic from it extends beyond its walls and into Misselthwaite Manor.

Rounding out the cast as the Dreamers are Emily Adams (West Haven), John Demetre (East Haven), Rachael Dugas (Milford), Alyssa Krinsky (West Haven), Laura Melillo (East Haven), Tony Pendziwater (Branford), Heather Sauer (Orange), Daniel Schmidt (East Haven) and Morgan Shields (Hamden).

Started by a core group of friends who have performed throughout Connecticut and the U.S., The Round Table Players is a fledgling theater company based out of the New Haven area. Dedicated to bringing the most professional, quality performances to audiences, their mission is to serve the community as a source of uncompromising, exceptional entertainment, culture and education. The Round Table Players would like to present an all-encompassing production schedule, focusing mainly on Broadway-caliber musical theater and cabaret shows, and eventually expanding to include drama, comedy and Shakespeare. Pairing up interested youths with more experienced performers is a way for The Round Table Players to act as a mentorship program, as well. Finally, for those searching for an outlet for utilizing their talents, either on stage or behind the scenes, The Round Table Players proudly welcomes support of the local community to help keep the arts alive!

"The Secret Garden"

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Presented by The Round Table Players

Friday, Sept. 2, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 3, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 4, 2 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 9, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 10, 12 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 11, 2 p.m.

Music by Lucy Simon
Book and Lyrics by Marsha Norman
Adapted from the book by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Venue:
First Congregational Church of Branford
1009 Main St.
Branford, CT 06405-7201

Tickets:
$10 Advance Seniors and Students with ID
$12 Advance General Admission
$40 Advance Family Four-Pack
$12 At-the-Door Seniors and Students with ID
$15 At-the-Door General Admission
$50 At-the-Door Family Four-Pack

Find out what's happening in Branfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Tickets and Information: (203) 506-6228 or theroundtableplayers@yahoo.com


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