LJCC to present ‘The Secret Garden’

This month, Theatre LJCC will present the opening show of the 2013 season, The Secret Garden, based on the 1911 novel of the same name by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

Orphaned by the cholera outbreak in the British Raj, 11-year-old Mary Lennox returns to Yorkshire to live with her embittered, reclusive uncle, Archibald, 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. The winner of three Tony awards, this enchanting classic of children’s literature is reimagined in brilliant musical style by composer Lucy Simon and Marsha Norman.

Mountain Brook residents Isabel Elkus and Georgia Stewart portray the two leading children’s roles, Mary Lennox and Colin Craven. Mountain Brook resident Ella Kampakis will also be featured as a Dreamer Child.

The Secret Garden, directed by Bonnie Wootan, also stars Clint Pridgen as Archibald Craven and Leah Stout as Lily Craven. Other featured performers include Tanner Gell, David Strickland, Dana McArthur Porter, Ron Dauphinee and Debbie Smith.

Show times are April 4, 6, 11 and 13 at 7:30 p.m.; April 7 at 6 p.m.; and April 14 at 2 p.m. Adult tickets are $15 and students are $12. The Levite Jewish Community Center is located at 3960 Montclair Road. For more visit bhamjcc.org.