Come step into a world of mystery and magic as Abbotsford Children’s Theatre (ACT) presents The Secret Garden for its spring performance. Twenty local children will take to the stage to perform this play based on the classic novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
The story centres around a young girl named Mary Lennox during the early 1900s. She is a spoiled and difficult child who is uprooted from her life in India after her parents die. Mary is sent to live with her uncle in England, but she feels alone as her uncle is rarely home and his son Colin is considered too sick to leave his room.
Things change for Mary when she learns about a garden that is walled in and locked up on her uncle’s estate. With the help of the gardener’s apprentice, Dickon, she works to bring the garden back to its former glory. Along the way, not only do plants and flowers bloom, but Mary grows as a person and helps those around her bloom too.
As Mary says in the play, “There are memories and miracles ever so fine in this secret garden of mine.”
During ACT’s three shows, audience members will also be able to peruse and enjoy “The Secret Card-en.” Various indoor and outdoor plants will be adorned with gift cards as part of ACT’s raffle fundraiser. All monies from the raffle go to supporting this non-profit group that provides local children with an opportunity to take part in live theatre.
The Secret Garden performances take place Friday, April 27 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 28 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. at the Abbotsford Arts Centre Community Arts Addition (2329 Crescent Way).
Tickets are $12 in advance and $14 at the door. They are available online at abbotsfordchildrenstheatre.org or in person at The Reach Gallery Museum, Tourism Abbotsford, and Jazz-Ma-Tazz.