Secret Garden

[MybabydollOC]

Posted: 10/28/03 at 12:35am

What does everyone think about The Secret Garden??? I think it this show is absolutly amazing. The music is thrilling and the book is great!! I'm not sure why it died a quick death on Broadway....did it??? There have been so many successful regional and community productions that really get into it and the audiences love it. It really has a great following. I noticed that the main complaint was that the story was confusing. I could understand it perfectly but I will agree the musical version is quite deep.

[Seany]

Posted: 10/28/03 at 12:51am

I've always wanted to play Dicken in that version of the show. He's got some really awesome song.

Posted: 10/28/03 at 1:43am

It did not die THAT quick of a death as I recall. Maybe two years on broadway.
It does very very well in regional theaters. I saw it about a year ago done here in the Balt/Washington area... It was well received.

[alterego]

Posted: 10/28/03 at 7:10am

As I remember it, it was a long dull evening of theatre. Yawn. I think it has had the life it has beyond Broadway is because of the publics familiarity with the original book/movie.

[PB ENT.]

Posted: 10/28/03 at 9:01am

It's one of my favorites too....because 1. It's good old fashion family entertainment and that's likely why it does well regionally. 2. It allows for both adult and children male & female leads to shine both vocally and acting. 3. The score is lovely. Many a beautiful "In Lily's Eyes" has been performed. 4. The sets and staging lends itself to some great possibilities depending on the budget. I've seen a few wonderful "garden" scenes. Regardless of the book, the movie, the adaptations...it's an overall "nice" show.

Oh... sometimes I think Broadway is too hung up on the trendy, edgy new stuff that lasts 3 to 6 mos. But if you notice some of the more "family themed" shows continue to be a popular draw. Not that I am opposed to new shows, far from it!
This is just a personal opinion.

Updated On: 10/28/03 at 09:01 AM

[JohnPopa]

Posted: 10/28/03 at 9:16am

I think 'Secret Garden' is a show that proves the power of the cast album. It's a GREAT cast album that makes the show seem a lot better than it truly is. It's a confused show, to be sure. It starts off abstract and nearly sung thru, blasts the audience with numbers that do nothing but provide excuses for exposition, then clunks into a handful of dull book/song scenes that stop the momentum cold. It's songs are overwrought but do well out of context so much that people convince themselves they work in context as well. Which they might if they had a sensible book surrounding them and were part of a show with a pace and a pulse that built to moments, rather than just having them. 'Lily's Eyes' is a glorious song but, really, it doesn't add much to the show. Archie hardly needs another song to express his longing for his wife and Neville's given shading that the rest of the show ignores.

It seems like a lot of people worked way too hard on 'Secret Garden.' Their labors are right there for all of us to struggle through. It's a decent show but has the potential to be something off the charts. It just never reaches it. But it sure sounds nice.

[CharityHope924]

Posted: 10/28/03 at 10:41am

Having played Martha in college and having seen a few other productions, I had counted Secret Garden among my favorites. When I saw it advertised at a local theatre, I forced my boyfriend to go, promising him that he would love it. Unfortunately, the direction was abysmal, and it felt like an eternity had passed before the final curtain mercifully fell. Long story short, it's a beautiful show with a glorious score, but it requires a sure hand at the helm, an excellent director to ensure that the story with all its twists and turns (ghosts and living folks speaking in both the past and present) is presented clearly, and the pacing is quick enough to hold the audience's attention.

[PB ENT.]

Posted: 10/28/03 at 10:55am

valid observations Poppa! True, unless you're familiar with the book/ story, with the stage version one can a bit "lost" or bored in the actual dialogue and placement of some of the songs. The movie makes the live show more a familiar and enjoyable piece, though, don't you think?

Yes, I agree that it COULD be a classic winner with some tweaking and an awesome cast. But in defense of those seeking a lovable musical with all the componets that make it lovable...It IS! in my eyes, at least.

[newyorkuniq]

Posted: 10/28/03 at 3:21pm

The music is gorgeous. "Especially Lily's Eyes."

[Amneris]

Posted: 10/28/03 at 3:43pm

"lily's eyes" is a wonderful song! 2 wonderfully talented friends of mine are singing it next tuesday night at our concert. I also love "How could i ever know"...everytime i hear it, it makes me cry.