This classic tale of a sickly and unloved girl, Mary Lennox, born in India to wealthy British parents is one you’ll not soon forget. Mary is cared for by servants and is a spoiled and selfish child. After losing her parents and the servants to disease, Mary is sent to live with a wealthy uncle. The maid at the new manor tells Mary the story of her late aunt, who would spend hours caring for rose bushes in the garden. After an accident in the garden, her uncle locks the garden and throws away the key.
The Secret Garden will merge our local talents as well as talented artists who have traveled from around the country to be a part of this wonderful opera. Soo Theatre’s Artistic Director, Karen Hughes Beacom will play the part of Lily. Gabbie Pepin, who grew up in the Soo Theatre, returns home from Butler University to play the leading role of Mary. Also returning home is Melanie Clark to play the part of Rose. Other Soo Theatre local favorites include Cindy Smith as Mrs. Medlock, Faith Nayback as Colin Craven, Mary Anne Nakamura as Mrs. Winthrop, Trevor Headley as Albert Lennox, Anna Kowalski as Alice, Jarid DeMolen as Major Holmes, Jim Taylor as Ben Weatherstaff, Theresa McCready as Claire Holmes, Matt Gilbertson as Fakir, Lola Kennedy as Ayah, Ashley Kasper as Mrs. Shelley, Zack Garlock as Mr. Shelley and Iyla Beaulieu and Miranda Allen as two children. .
In addition to our local talent, Dr. Chris Hollingsworth from Texas (Hardin-Simmons University), who was the master clinician for the Vocal & Opera Workshop, will be performing as Archibald Craven. Dr. Hollingsworth is no stranger to our stage. He returns this year with his daughter, Julia, who will play the part of Martha. Also joining us this year is Timothy Schmidt from Southeast Missouri State, to play the role of Dr. Neville Craven. Cody Free, a freshman at Hardin Simmons University will play the role of Dickon with his classmate Jonas Sims playing the role of Shaw.
Come along with Mary as she endeavors to find the Secret Garden and unlock the mysteries of Misselthwaite Manor!
This beautiful Production is being directed by Anna Gartshore and will be under the baton of Dr. John Wilkinson of the Sault Symphony Orchestra.
Tickets for The Secret Garden are $22 for adults and $10 for students. Performances are Wednesday and Friday August 8 and 10 at 7:30pm and Sunday, August 12 at 3:00pm. Please call our office for group discounts.
Soo Opera Chamber Music
Mark your calendar and come to the Soo Theatre, Thursday, August 9th at 7:30pm for a chamber music concert comprised of musicians in the opera orchestra. Both the opera and the orchestra use local talent as well as bringing in some out-of-town musicians and artists. During the day, the musicians often get together and work on chamber music repertoire. This is our third year doing the chamber music concert series during opera week. Featured this year will be the first movement of the Dvorak Quintet, Op. 72 with Benjamin Gulder and Emma Ledford on violin, Dottie Case on viola, Maggie Twining on cello and Paul Ignatowski on bass. The Mozart quintet is also going to be featured with David Pino on clarinet, Sarah and Travis Lockwood on violin, Dottie Case on viola, and Maggie Twining on cello. A horn trio with Tracy Texter and two local talented high school students, Ashley Kasper and Michael Satchell will also be performed. Rob Galbraith and Meg Boucher team up to play one of Haydn’s flute trios with Maggie Twining on cello.
The Soo Opera Chamber Music Concert is open to the public and admission is by donation.
The chamber musicians will also be performing at Mertaugh’s Boat Works in Hessel on Saturday, August 11, from 10am-1pm during the Annual Antique Wooden Boat Show. Stop in at Mertaugh’s for an ice cream or coffee from North Coast and listen for a bit. That same evening, the chamber groups will also perform at 5pm at Les Cheneaux Community Library. The library concert is admission by donation.
Tickets for The Secret Garden are available for purchase on our website: www.sootheatre.org, by calling the office at (906) 632-1930 or by stopping in the office Monday through Friday, 10am-5pm.
Soo Theatre Project, 534 Ashmun Street, SSM 49783 (906) 632-1930, www.sootheatre.org.
Soo Theatre… where there’s something for everyone!
