FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Secret Garden

Source: Rebecca Norris
Synopsis, Audition & Character Information

Corona, CA., February 26th, 2003 - The Corona, California-based Gingerland Theatre Company is proud to present The Secret Garden, a musical based on Frances Hodgson Burnett's 1911 novel. The show will open in Corona, California on June 6th, 2003.  The Friday and Sunday shows will be held at the Fender Museum, while Saturday night's show will be held at the Crossroad's Christian Church in a 3,500-seat auditorium.

The musical is about ten-year old Mary Lennox, who is a homely, spoiled rich girl living in colonial India with her very aloof parents. Her parents frequently attend elegant parties while leaving her with servants who tend to her every whim. But when her parents are killed, Mary's life changes drastically. She's shipped off to England to live in the enormous manor home of Lord Archibald Craven, an old friend of her father's, and his invalid son Colin. Lord Craven has become a miserable recluse since his wife's death, ignoring his son and leaving the household management to Mrs. Medlock, an iron-handed, old-school authoritarian. In this cold environment the children -- with a little help from spirited maid Martha Sowerby and her younger brother Dickon -- manage to find happiness in a special garden hidden away for years.

Artistic director Susanne Spirit and musical director Rebecca Norris will be holding the cast auditions on Saturday, March 15th, from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. at the Fender Museum of the Arts (365 N. Main, Corona).  Auditioners will be expected to sing (with tape, cd, or sheet music accompaniment), read (a chosen monologue or a segment of the script provided) and move if necessary.  All ages are welcome to audition.  Principle roles in the show are as follows: Mary Lennox, 10-12, Colin Craven, 10, Dickon, 12-15, Martha, 14-16, Archibald Craven, 40's, Neville Craven, late 30's, Lily, 30's, Ben, 50's.  Supporting characters and a chorus of children (angels) and dreamers will be cast as well.

A production staff, including crews for set, backstage, props, costume and make-up, is needed, as well as a small orchestra.  The production calls for Celtic instruments, such as flutes and drums, as well as strings and synth keyboards.  For more information on cast auditions, orchestra or staff positions please call Susanne Spirit at (909) 208-6889 or e-mail SusanneSpirit@aol.com.

Character Breakdown by Name/Age:

Mary Lennox, 10-12
Colin Craven, 10-12
Dickon, 12-15
Martha, 14-17
Archibald Craven, 40s
Neville Craven, late 30s
Lily Craven, 30s
Ben Weatherstaff, 50s
Mrs. Medlock, 50s
Mrs Winthrop, 30s

Angels & Dreamers
Rose, 30s
Albert, 30s
Alice, 30s
Major Holmes, 30s
Lieutenant Shaw, 20s
Fakir, 30s
Ayah, 20s

For More Information Contact:

Gingerland Theatre Company
19430 Dry Gulch Road, Corona, CA 92881
Tel: (909) 208-6889
Email: Susannespirit@aol.com

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Copyright © 2003 Gingerland Theatre Company
Last modified: 03/13/03