Ahmanson's Broadway-Aimed THE SECRET GARDEN - Reviews & News Thread

The complete cast of 'The Secret Garden' has just been announced! Helmed by Tony Award winner Warren Carlyle, this new and revisited production will make its debut at the Ahmanson Theatre beginning Feb 19. Secure your seat and get tickets at http://AhmansonTheatre.org

Updated On: 2/27/23 at 02:05 PM

What a cast!!! CONGRATS.

Might it have plans to come to broadway?

Josh Groban would be a good choice for the lead if they need a box office draw. Kelli O'Hara would be ideal casting for Lily too.

BroadwayBaby6 said: "The show with this cast is not aiming for Broadway."

Why not with this cast? Isn’t this essentially a Broadway tryout?

P.S. The original production was very successful, and the target audience - young girls and there mothers - never ceases to replenish itself. I could see this running at least a year and then recouping on the road.

UncleCharlie said: "The demo may replenish itself but tastes change over 30 years. I think young girls and their mothers in 2023, are more interested in shows like SIX than they would be in something like this. But who knows?"

Yes –– Waitress, The Notebook, & Juliet, Funny Girl, Woods, Once Upon A One More Time, Wicked, etc.

This would NEED major names and I do not see anyone lining up to star in this. (Let's not suggest Groban for Broadway gigs for 3-5 more years since he hasn't even opened his latest show yet.) It also doesn't have A-class commercial producers behind it.

Kelley Dorney is playing cholera? Umm…

CATSNYrevival said: "Kelley Dorney is playing cholera? Umm…"

Yeah...this is....interesting



https://playbill.com/article/get-an-exclusive-sneak-peek-at-the-designs-for-broadway-aimed-the-secret-garden-revival

Most if not all Broadway revivals tend to need A-list casting in order to recoup.

This was the first broadway show I watched when I was a kid back in the 90s and do hope a revival will someday make it to Broadway. The MCP concert back in 2016 was sold out and had such an excellent cast. Anyways I hope this production does well. I do think there is space for more family friendly shows on Broadway.

As for 2023 mothers and daughters, I think those of us who watched or were introduced to SECRET GARDEN back when we were kids in the 90s would enjoy experiencing this musical with our own kids today.

The set design is… fine. Nothing really seems too exciting for this. I doubt it has legs for Broadway but maybe a regional tour?

Sierra, John-Michael and Julia. I'm there if it comes to Broadway and they stay with it.

They seem to have added a new Mary Lennox. Emily Jewel Hoder is listed as Mary Lennox, and then there's two alternate Mary Lennox.

Updated On: 2/9/23 at 06:47 PM

The Distinctive Baritone said:
Yes, the girl originally listed is now an alternate. Ouch."

Yes. But the girls may have started to grow out of the part. There has ben several Mary Lennox in this production since it started, quite naturally, since kids grow.

jacobsnchz14 said: "Anyone plan on seeing the show this week?"

sorry not this week, but March 12th. i venture to the Ahmanson...i am very excited to finally see this musical!