Take a magical journey with us that promises to captivate with its elegant music and wonderfully imaginative characters. Opening on Friday, May 1 at 7:30 PM is MCT’s (Methacton Community Theater) production of THE SECRET GARDEN at the Shannondell Performing Arts Center in Audubon, PA. The Secret Garden, with book and lyrics by Marsha Norman and music by Lucy Simon, is based on the beloved 1911 Victorian classic by Frances Hodgson Burnett and is presented through special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc..
Orphaned in India, spoiled 11 year-old Mary Lennox comes to Yorkshire, England to live with her embittered, reclusive uncle, Archibald Craven, and his invalid son, Colin. The estate’s many wonders include a magic garden which beckons the children with haunting melodies and the “Dreamers”, spirits from Mary’s past who guide her through her new life, dramatizing THE SECRET GARDEN’s compelling tale of forgiveness and renewal.
THE SECRET GARDEN is skillfully directed and costumed by Nicolette Adams of Pottstown, assisted by Evan McElhiney of Phoenixville . The musical direction is shared by Raquel García of Upper Darby and Brian Shapella of Telford. Brett Kahn of Philadelpha, Michelle Miller of Audubon and Loretta Rurode of Eagleville are the show’s producers. The stage manager and props mistress is Heather Bernard of Phoenixville. The show’s set was designed and constructed by Michael Addice of Harleysville. Lighting design is by Tom Dinnella of Collegeville and Michael Addice. Sound is courtesy of Ryan Kadwill of Skippack and Ray DiSandro of Audubon. Mike Adams of Eagleville provided the set decoration.
The role of Mary Lennox is being played by Anna Forebaugh of Haddonfield, NJ, with Marco Porras of Cherry Hill, NJ performing as Colin Craven. Geoff Desiato of Lansdale portrays Archibald Craven, along with actors Gary Rantz of Norristown as Dr. Neville Craven, Marie Spidale of King of Prussia as Lily, Cristy Chory of Bryn Mawr as Martha and Daniel Boyd of West Chester as Dickon. Filling out the cast are John Corkum of Creamery as Ben, Brenda Hunsberger of Collegeville as Mrs. Medlock, and Ellen Hromada of Audubon as Mrs. Winthrop.
The ensemble cast of “Dreamers” features Jude Adams of Pottstown, Linda Advena and Mike Dinnella of Norristown, Kathleen Carney and Evan McElhiney of Phoenixville, Madison Devlin of Collegeville, and Kevin Sullivan and Lindsay Zimmerman of Philadelphia.
Do not miss seeing this classic tale performed by a talented cast in this beautifully written production. All performances are at the Shannondell Performing Arts Center, 10000 Shannondell Blvd., Audubon, PA 19403. Show dates are Friday and Saturday evenings, May 1, 2, 8, and 9 at 7:30 PM with a Sunday matinee on May 3 at 2:00 PM and a Saturday matinee on May 9 at 2:00 PM. Regular admission is $17.50. Senior (62+) and student (11 and under) ticket prices are $14.25. Prices include the Lower Providence Township 10% Entertainment Tax. Tickets/Reservations and more information can be found at www.methactoncommunitytheater.org or by calling 610-489-6449.
The Shannondell Performing Arts Center is a handicapped-accessible facility and is open to the public. All non-residents of Shannondell are required to park in the Giant parking lot on Egypt Road across from the entrance to Shannondell. A free shuttle service will be provided to transport patrons from the parking lot to the theater.
Theater/Organization MCT at Shannondell
Theater/Organization Website: http://www.methactoncommunitytheater.org
Theater/Organization Address: 10000 Shannondell Blvd Audubon, Pennsylvania 19403 (Map It)
Theater/Organization Phone: (610) 489-6449
