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Regional Reviews: Phoenix The Secret Garden
The plot adheres close to Burnett's novel as it follows young Mary Lennox, a recently orphaned girl with no manners who is sent from colonial India to the moors of Yorkshire to live with her reclusive widowed uncle, Archibald Craven, in his imposing manor. There, Mary uncovers secrets behind locked doors, including her sickly cousin Colin and a long-neglected garden that holds the key to healing and redemption. The garden, and Mary's involvement with those around her, becomes a powerful symbol of growth, renewal, and the beauty that can emerge from even the bleakest circumstances. Though Canfield's adaptation overall is strong, and it does a wonderful job in breathing life into Burnett's characters, there are moments when the pacing falters slightly. A few scenes repeat information already well established, while there are a couple scenes that aren't truly necessary or that run on a tad too long, and trimming these could streamline the story and tighten the pacing without sacrificing depth. Nevertheless, the emotional core remains intact and Canfield's script hits every necessary beat in the well-regarded story–from sorrow to joy, isolation to connection–ensuring the audience stays deeply invested in the characters and plot throughout. Also, Canfield's direction makes wonderful use of the usually static Taliesin space to keep the many scene changes short, with good use of the aisles and movable curtains to add variety to the production. Stacey Walston's lighting perfectly captures the mysterious elements and, with Dawn Conry's simple but effective set and prop designs and the audience's imagination, the venue is transformed into the many locations in the show including the blossoming secret garden. Angee Lewandowski's costumes are character and period appropriate, and Essie Windham's puppet designs add a nice whimsical touch. However, while the sound design by Canfield features some effective sound effects and an appropriate musical underscore, there are many times when it overpowers the dialogue. The cast deliver standout performances across the board. As Mary, Wyatt Murphy strikes the perfect balance between stubbornness and vulnerability, evolving gracefully from the nasty and defiant girl to one who cares for those around her as the story progresses. Cam Blackwell is extremely likable and a magnetic presence as Dickon, the warm-hearted animal whisperer who Mary befriends, while Bethany Baca as his sister Martha brings comic relief and grounded emotions that help Mary blossom. Colin's transformation from spoiled, bedridden boy to spirited youth is both moving and believable from Clinton Vance's portrayal. With childlike awe and a sense of wonder, Murphy, Blackwell, and Vance create believable youthful portrayals of these characters. Bonnie Beus Romney brings haunting beauty to her scenes as Lilias, Colin's mother who is the ghostly figure of love and loss, and Ryan Glover instills Archibald, a man whose sadness weighs him down, with a quiet sense of melancholy in a moving portrait of grief, while Chris Elliott as Doctor Craven, his brother, brings some complexity to the plot. Becki Zaritsky adds a layer of tension as the strict Mrs. Medlock, who rules the manor but softens as the household begins to change around her, and Devon Mahon brings non-stop charm and humor to the role of the lovable gardener, Ben Weatherstaff. Jessica Lindsey Parsons and Maurice Anthony round out the cast in several supporting roles and are used quite effectively as characters who continually comment on the action. James Cougar Canfield's stage adaptation of The Secret Garden is a heartfelt, beautifully acted tribute to the classic book. While a touch of tightening and shortening of some scenes could improve pacing, with strong performances and imaginative staging, Southwest Shakespeare Company's premiere production resonates with pure emotion, which makes it a rewarding experience for both longtime fans of Frances Hodgson Burnett's novel and newcomers alike. The Secret Garden, a Southwest Shakespeare Company production, runs through April 13, 2025, at Taliesin West, 12345 N Taliesin Drive, Scottsdale AZ. For tickets and information, please visit http://swshakespeare.org or call 480-644-6500. Playwright/Director/Sound Designer: James Cougar Canfield Cast: |
