“The Secret Garden” could be counted a success when it first emerged on Broadway in 1991. The show ran for more than 700 performances and won three Tony Awards, including one for playwright Marsha Norman’s book.
Other changes have been implemented to bring the show more in alignment with contemporary cultural sensibilities. The approach to casting is now more diverse, and the novel’s colonialist perspective, which the original Broadway production reified in its careless references to India, has been cleaned up.
Life is grim for Mary until she discovers the existence of a secret walled garden that no one is permitted to enter. Archibald Craven, Mary’s uncle, had the entrance locked after his wife died, her beloved sanctuary being too painful a reminder of the grievous loss that has robbed him of all happiness.
The musical doesn’t dispatch bereaved Archibald as quickly as the book does. His somber presence darkens the halls of Misselthwaite Manor and threatens Mary’s freedom. When he eventually leaves for the continent, Dr. Neville Craven , who has been Dickensian-ized by Norman into a greedy villain intent on inheriting his brother Archibald’s estate, plots to rid the household of troublesome Mary .
I’m sure I’m not alone in finding Dickon the most endearing character in the book. The boy who charms wild animals and teaches Mary to appreciate the beauty of rural Yorkshire wins the affection of both Mary and Colin with his ability to accept all creatures on their own recalcitrant terms.
It was 'fine', but cutting two songs from the second act was a bad choice. It took out needed backstory and Archie's character development, not to mention beautiful music. That was really upsetting. Maybe our expectations were too high, but it was underwhelming.
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