‘Secret Garden’ blooms at Light Opera Works

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Sophie Thatcher of Lake Forest is Mary in the Light Opera Works production of “The Secret Garden.” | Photo by Rich Foreman

Updated: January 24, 2012 8:10AM

Light Opera Works has spent the past several weeks cultivating “The Secret Garden.” Now it’s ready to share the fruits of its labor with a production of the Tony Award-winning musical adaptation by Marsha Norman of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s evocative children’s novel.

Eight performances take place between Dec. 26-31 at Cahn Auditorium in Evanston.

“Though there’s an element of darkness, the story is life-affirming,” said director-choreographer Stacey Flaster. “It’s a great family show with a wonderful message.” A longtime associate of Light Opera Works, Flaster served in a similar capacity last season for its production of “Carousel.”

Flaster said she has a talented group of actors. Because they work so well as an ensemble, she hesitates to single out individual performers.

But she notes that the two young leads — Sophie Thatcher as Mary and Matthew Schroeder as Colin — are especially well-suited for their roles. “They’re completely prepared, on top of the material and totally professional.”

Thatcher, a fifth grader at Deerpath Middle School in Lake Forest, said she is “very excited” about her first professional theatrical role, calling it “a great experience.”

To prepare, Thatcher said, “I spent a lot of time thinking about my lines and how to say or sing them. I also learned to drink plenty of water before going on stage.” She has had two years of voice training, most recently with the Music Institute of Chicago at its Lake Forest branch. Thatcher last appeared in “Annie” with Actors Training Center at the Wilmette Theatre.

Schroeder, also debuting at Light Opera Works, has appeared in “Oliver!” at the College of Lake County, among other plays.

“Secret Garden” follows Mary Lennox, a 10-year-old English girl living in India, whose parents have died of cholera. She is sent from the tropical sub-continent to live with relatives in the strange, cold world of Yorkshire, in the north of England. There Mary finds her formidable uncle Archibald still in the throes of grief over the passing of his wife Lily a decade ago. She also meets her 10-year-old cousin Colin, who is confined to a wheelchair.

Mary’s arrival brings dramatic changes to the household. She discovers a sealed-off garden that was once lovingly nurtured by Lily and now lies in ruins. It’s a grim reminder of long-lost happier times, and the child finds purpose in restoring the garden, a move that also improves her state of mind. The garden also helps turn around the rest of the family.

Flaster said symbolism in “The Secret Garden” reflects how Burnett was influenced by nature and its healing elements.

“I’ve tried to convey the play’s message about finding happiness and joy and about listening to yourself, accepting life’s ups and downs without getting overwhelmed by personal grief,” she said. “There’s a lot of material audiences can relate to.”

Tom Witom is a local free-lance writer.