SPRING VALLEY – From the exotic lands of India to the windswept moors of North Yorkshire, England, the Spring Valley Stagehands bring to life the tale of Mary Lennox and her cousin Colin, adapted from the popular novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett set in 1906.
“The Secret Garden,” directed by Ann Turner and Saskia Schroeder, has several shows left so don’t miss out.
The story follows Mary Lennox, a sour, disagreeable child who is orphaned when her parents die of cholera in India. The only place left for her to go is a gloomy, imposing manor owned by her reclusive uncle Archibald Craven, who is grieving the death of his wife, Mary’s aunt.
Left to her own devices, young Mary makes friends with the housemaid Martha and her brother, Dickon. While wandering the expansive grounds of the English manor house, she gains strength in the fresh air and a curiosity to learn more about the world around her.
A long held secret and a beckoning hidden garden, cut off from the world after a tragedy, inspire Mary to bring not only the garden but her family to life again.
The all-star cast features some familiar faces and voices, along with some new. The powerhouse vocals are definitely a highlight of the show, showcasing the talent of Matt Summers, Wade Gardner, Danika Ramirez and Isabel Vance, along with other beautiful voices.
The young Wood sisters are phenomenal as the orphan Mary Lennox (Cora Wood) and Colin (Annabelle Wood). Their acting could stand up to any professional theatre production in a big city and that’s a fact. It was like watching the movie all over again, thanks to their exceptional acting and mastery of English accents.
The technology and sets that bring the English manor and countryside to life are creative and breathtaking. Just when it doesn’t seem that they can top themselves, the Stagehands take their productions to the next level.
Tickets are available at svstagehands.org for shows at 7 p.m. June 17, 19 and 20 and 2 p.m. June 21 or at the door.
The Stagehands is run completely by volunteers, so donations are always welcome. The group is also raising money to replace the HVAC system of the historic theatre.
Upcoming events at the Stagehands Theatre include the 2026 Folliez annual talent show in September, the annual Community Chorus in December, and “Yeti, It’s Cold Outside,” a holiday comedy that follows the chaotic winter vacation of a stranded family in a remote cabin. Auditions for “Yeti” will be held from 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20 and Monday, Sept. 21 and 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 26. Show dates are Dec. 11-13 and 18-20.
Cast & Crew (in separate sidebar box)
Lily – Isabel Vance
Mary Lennox – Cora Wood
Mrs. Medlock & Dreamer – Larissa Feuerhelm
Dr. Neville Craven – Wade Gardner
Martha – Andy Wildes
Archibald Craven – Matt Summers
Ben Weatherstaff – Gary Lukes
Dickon – Derek Huebel
Colin Craven – Annabelle Wood
Mrs. Winthrop & Dreamer – Lori Peterson
Rose Lennox & Dreamer – Danika Ramirez
Capt. Albert Lennox & Dreamer – Max Vodnik
Lt. Wright & Dreamer – Sam Schmitt
Mrs. Claire Wright – Bridget Wood
Maj. Holmes & Dreamer – Asher Turner
Mrs. Alice Holmes & Dreamer – Adalade Vance
Set Design – Ann Turner
Set Construction – Carter Turner, Gary Lukes
Set Artist – Jae Anderson
Props – Dee Roesler, Saskia Schroeder
Lighting – Matt Summers, Gary Lukes, Riley Hackbarth
Sound – Matt Summers, Gary Lukes, Carter Turner
Technical Artist – Matt Summers
Choreographer – Saskia Schroeder
Costumes – Liz Erickson
Hair & Makeup – Liz Erickson, Jenny Vance, Danielle Nyhus
Backstage Manager – Dee Roesler
Pit Band – Danny Cipriano, Jon Wood, Ann Turner
Social Media, Website, Advertising – Kyndra Gagne, Lori Peterson
Cast photos – Kyndra Gagne
Box Office Manager – Cindy Jensen
