Catholic Central to perform ‘The Secret Garden’

STEUBENVILLE -- Catholic Central High School will present "The Secret Garden." Performances will be held at 7 p.m. March 7-8; and at 2 p.m. March 9. The performances will take place inside the Berkman Theater in Lanman Hall at Steubenville Catholic Central High School.

This stage musical, with book and lyrics by Marsha Norman and music by Lucy Simon, is based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The story is set in the early years of the 20th century.

At the age of 10, Mary Lennox, an English girl born and raised in the British Raj, is orphaned by a cholera outbreak. She is sent away, taken from India to live in the manor of a brooding uncle she has never met in the moors of Yorkshire, England. There, her personality blossoms among the other residents of the manor as they bring new life to a long-neglected garden.

"The Secret Garden," premiered at the St. James Theater on Broadway in New York City on April 25, 1991. It closed Jan. 3, 1993, following 709 performances. It won the 1991 Tony Awards for Best Book of a Musical, Best Featured Actress in a Musical and Best Scenic Design.

Costume designer Theoni V. Aldredge was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Costume Design. Catholic Central's cast features: Maisy Symington as Mary Lennox, Daniel Free as Archibald Craven; Jack Leonard as Dr. Neville Craven; Thomas Symington as Colin Craven; and Emiliana McCalister as Lily.

The cast and crew total more than 80 students on stage and behind the scenes.

The show is led by Director Joe Hahn. Assistant director is Naomi Nelson. Kimberly Nicolosi has stepped in as the vocal music director and choreographer and Zeke Paulowski directs the orchestra. Emily Ward serves as stage manager and is assisted by Elizabeth Schmiesing.

Officials stated these individuals form "a great production team."

"The Secret Garden," is sure to please people of all ages, officials commented.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for students and seniors 65 years of age and older and for children 3 and older. A family max ticket is $44 and children 3 and under are free.

Tickets will be sold at the door or can be purchased at the school office. Doors open a half hour prior to each show.

Catholic Central High School is located at 320 West View Ave. For information, call the high school office at (740) 264-5538.