Local Production Of ‘Secret Garden’ Features Newtown Resident In Female Lead

TRUMBULL — Trumbull Youth Association is presenting the musical The Secret Garden at Trumbull High School, at 72 Strobel Road in Trumbull, the weekend of August 5-7.  Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 pm and the Sunday performance is at 2 pm.

The executive producer of the show and director of Trumbull Youth Association is Barbara FitzGibbon. She is also co-directing the show with Marcia Masla.  Musical direction is by Henry Sach and the set designer is Martin Marchitta.

The book and lyrics are by Marsha Norman and music is by Lucy Simon (Carly Simon’s sister).

The story is about an orphan girl (Mary Lennox, played by Diana Curcuruto from Newtown) who goes to live with her widowed Uncle Archibald (played by David Canniezaro) in England.

The uncle has lost his beloved wife, Lily (played by Betsy Simpson of Wilton), during childbirth ten years ago and is still haunted by her memory. His son Colin (Jon Mark) is a sickly bedridden child being cared for in their home by Archibald’s brother, Dr Craven (played by Dan McGannon).

Mary quickly finds the two things she is forbidden to see – her Aunt Lily’s neglected garden and her cousin Colin.

The ghost of Lily guides Mary, Colin and Archibald to find peace and strength. With the help of Martha, Dicken and Ben (Jenna Brown, Kenny Metzger and Sean Jackson), Mary finds the garden and transforms the secret space – and the lives of Colin and his father – forever.

The music is hauntingly beautiful, especially “Come to the Garden” sung by Lily and “Lily’s Eyes” sung by Archibald and Dr Craven. Mary’s song, “The Girl I Mean to Be,” depicts her plight and defines her hopes and dreams.

The Secret Garden is a show for the whole family, although a few thunderclaps and the presence of ghosts may be a little unsettling for the very young.

Tickets are available at Trumbull Town Hall from 10 am to 4 pm during the week and will also be sold at the door before performance. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors.

For further information call 452-5057. Newtown residents can also call Linda Curcuruto (Diana’s mother), at 270-8125.