When a loved one passes away, it is hard to accept it and move on with your life. However, with the love and support of your family, both are possible over time.
What if you are in so much pain you can't even bear to look at members of your family, including your own children? This may sound inconceivable, but it is the basis of the University Theater's musical production of \The Secret Garden.""
The musical focuses on Mary Lennox, a young girl who loses her parents to cholera and is forced to stay with her uncle Archibald Craven. All she wants from him is love, but he has forgotten how, because he is still grieving over the loss of his wife Lily, and is instead cold and bitter.
Jeremy Vegter, who plays Archibald, believes in the power of love and developed a new appreciation for it while working on ""The Secret Garden.""
""[I learned] the importance, both of enduring love and knowing when to let go when the time comes,"" he said. ""At the same time, you also have to make sure other people know you love them, as well.""
Mary is played by two children, one of whom is Molly Kunz. Molly said she understands now that all people grieve differently, and hopes audiences discover this important message.
""[Audiences] need to realize that people who are mean aren't necessarily acting like that on purpose,"" Kunz said, ""because that's how some people react when they experience a great sadness in their life.""
Mary is soon befriended by the stable boy Dickon who helps her unlock the first secret of the manor, Lily's garden that has been hidden away since she died.
While Mary cares for the garden, she continues to wonder about the crying she hears each night. Soon she uncovers the other secret: her cousin Colin, a sick and angry boy tucked away in a secluded part of the manor. The audience grows with Mary as she overcomes her own selfishness, deciding to nurse Colin back to health so he can see his mother's garden.
Carmen Reinicke, one of the two children playing Colin, realized that the reason why Colin is so angry is because he was never loved and she believes all children in this world need to be loved.
Throughout the story, characters appear on the stage but never interact with the rest of the cast. These characters are the ""dreamers"" of the musical, spirits who are watching over Mary, Colin and Archibald. They include Lily and Mary's parents and help their family learn to survive without them.
Kevin McMahon, the conductor and music director, believes in the idea that relationships heal and he said he thinks that everyone has a spiritual body watching over them.
Susan Craft, who plays the spirit of Lily, agreed, saying she enjoyed getting the chance to convey such positive feelings of love, warmth and faith.
""The Secret Garden"" is a beautiful story about life and love, featuring music that crosses several borders, creating a mix of Indian and British sounds. It takes the classic children's story and brings it to life, touching the hearts of both young and old alike. Come and see this garden, where you can experience the magic of fantasy, song and of course, theater.
