Avoid the traffic... take the
Ferry
to Martha's Vineyard - '97 Summer Schedule.
Avoid the traffic... take the
Ferry
to Martha's Vineyard - '97 Summer Schedule.
The Little Theatre of Fall River's
production of the musical "The Secret Garden" is poised and refined, sparked by
some touching performances.
Based on the classic children's story by Frances Hodgson Burnett, the musical
recalls the tale with some vivid images and emotions. Young Mary Lennox suddenly
finds herself an orphan when her parents die of cholera in India. She is whisked
away to her uncle's house in Northern Yorkshire, England. Archibald
Craven is a grim, brooding man whose wife (Mary's mother's sister) died in
childbirth. His son, Colin, is dying slowly. Into this drab and dark setting,
Mary brings her own special presence and brings more to life than the neglected
garden. Alayne Sadler is sheer
charm as Mary Lennox. She has a powerful, robust voice that is tinged with
delicacy. She sings with power and grace and shines throughout. Lisa Garrett Reynolds combines an
ephemeral elegance with a winning singing voice as the ghost of Lily, her dead
aunt. She is winsome and rich in the role. With verve and vigor, she delivers
songs such as her duets with Archibald, "A Girl in the Valley" and "Come to my
Garden." Jay Burke is robust
and vivid as Archibald, Mary's dour uncle. He captures Archibald's confusion and
pain with veracity and poise. Mr. Burke has a stunning voice, robust and rich,
full of lush power and refined emotions delivered with sincerity. The duet
"Lily's Eyes," which he shares with Gary Bigelow, who plays his brother,
Neville, is a showstopper with chilling power and dazzling effect. Christopher Melanson is winning as the
dying young Colin, who has been told all his life that this day could be his
last and is weary from strain -- until Mary arrives. He has a solid voice and
vividly portrays the ailing young man with poise and finesse. Mr. Bigelow as Dr. Neville Craven is a
man caught up in his overwhelming responsibilities to his brother Archibald and
his sick nephew. Yet he is still concerned with his future and the manor lands.
Mr. Bigelow has a rich, resonant, deep voice that is at once full of raw might
and nuance. In his duet and in songs like "Disappear," he shines, his wonderful
voice at full power. Jessalyn
Sadler is the chambermaid, Martha, who is Mary's first friend at the manor. Ms.
Sadler's accent is impeccable and her voice a deft mixture of sweetness and
robust vitality. Her second act song, "Hold On" is another showstopper of pure
delight, rich and vibrant.
John Dias as her lively brother, Dickon, proves a delight as well. There is
further fine support coming from Shandell Rapoza and John Ashley as Mary's
ghostly parents; Ron Robinson as the gardener, Teri Weed as the housekeeper,
Jeff Belanger as the fakir, and the rest of the large cast. Director Robbie Morgan Burke makes
this, her directorial debut, a memorable one, full of vivid images and robust
performances. She makes the most of her fine cast, guiding them with finesse and
elegance, moving everything ahead with verve and poise. Jane Fiore Bigelow is on the mark with
sensitive and astute musical direction. Set designer Fernando Goulart delivers
a vivid garden, by turns airy and brooding. Shawn G. Elliot's lighting design
helps bring those impressions to life. "The Secret Garden" will repeat at 8
tonight and Sunday at Bristol Community College's Arts Center. Tickets are $15.
For reservations and information, call (508) 675-1852.
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