The classic story of an orphan girl who finds life and happiness by tending "a bit of earth," this magical musical has charmed children and adults alike for generations. A Victorian thriller full of mystery and romance, it is based on the classic children's story by Frances Hodgson Burnett and features a Tony award-winning score by Lucy Simon, (sister of Carly Simon) with some of the most beautiful music ever written for Broadway. It includes the songs "Lily's Eyes," "How Could I Ever Know," "The Girl I Mean To Be" and "Come To My Garden," among others.

"The Secret Garden" has been described as an allegorical tale of death and rebirth, in which the three central characters find emotional renewal within a garden that itself is reborn after years of neglect. Beyond the glorious music, beneath the intriguing mystery are layers of meaning for audience members of all ages.

In the story, 11-year-old Mary Lennox is sent to live with her Uncle Archibald after being orphaned by a cholera epidemic in India. He lives in a house on the gloomy Yorkshire moors that he readily admits is haunted - by the memory of his wife Lily who died and by a sad secret he tries to hide from the world. Archibald's ailing son, Colin, has been shut away in a hidden manor room where he is tended to by Archibald's brother, a man with dubious motives. Mary, haunted by her own memories but spirited and curious, discovers the source of this and other secrets, including the key to Lily's garden, which Archibald has forbidden anyone to enter since her untimely death. As Mary proceeds to nurture the garden back to health, it in turn leads to a "rebirth" for her and those around her. In our culture of instant gratification, "The Secret Garden" addresses the time-honored values of commitment, perseverance, and the ability of the human spirit to triumph over adversity.

Directed by Ginny Bishop, the cast of "The Secret Garden" includes Tom Crutcher, Ron Bouffard, Jamie Lupien, Shannon Howard, Courtney Chaney, Sophia Thayer, Nate Friant, Emily Moore, Robo Bishop, Jean Hunt, Mary Linda Rapelye, Roger Marcotte, George Bishop, Judy Bebout, Suzanne Jones, Matt Withee, Ben Row, Jay Lewis, Tom Dewey, Jeremiah Haley, Caitlin Cronk, Rylee Doiron, Anna Sullivan, Nick Mirabile, Maddy Sherrill, Jon Edwards, Caroline Knapp, Jessica Fish, Mae Ciampa, Dean Domeyer, Devin Domeyer, Cole Domeyer, Noelle Timberlake, Mara Gastaldo, Genevieve Taylor, Blair Best, Olivia Canny and Hailey Buthy.

"The Secret Garden" will be presented July 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m. with one matinee on Sunday, July 6 at 2 p.m. Please note the new start time of performances. Tickets may be purchased at the Playhouse box office, at Boothbay Harbor Framers in the Meadow Mall, or by calling 633-3379.