Philadelphia Historic Plays and Players Theatre Opens 94th Season With the Secret Garden

The musical version of the timeless, children’s classic, “The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett, will be brought to life on the Plays & Players main stage, 1714 Delancey Place, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Fridays, September 23, 2005 and Friday, September 30, 2005 at 8pm; Saturday, September 24, 2005 & Saturday, October 1, 2005 at Noon and 8pm; and Sunday, September 25, 2005 & Sunday, October 2, 2005 at Noon and 3pm. This classic story has enchanted children since it’s original publication in 1911.

Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) September 14, 2005

The musical version of the timeless, children's classic, "The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett, will be brought to life on the Plays & Players main stage, 1714 Delancey Place, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Fridays, September 23, 2005 and Friday, September 30, 2005 at 8pm; Saturday, September 24, 2005 & Saturday, October 1, 2005 at Noon and 8pm; and Sunday, September 25, 2005 & Sunday, October 2, 2005 at Noon and 3pm. This classic story has enchanted children since it's original publication in 1911.

"Join us as we travel to the dreary English Misselthwaite Manor for a story of rebirth," says stage manager Linda Gryn. "Although we aren't creating the same garden you grow in your backyard, you will always remember the feeling of joy you experienced in 'The Secret Garden' come each spring when your own garden grows."

"The Secret Garden" introduces the audience to an eleven year-old girl, orphaned in India by cholera. She is sent to live with her uncle at Misselthwaite Manor in Yorkshire. Flashbacks, dream sequences, a chorus of ghosts, and beautiful music set the stage for the "Garden's" compelling tale of regeneration. The cast includes: Brett Abernathy as "Archibald Craven", Chrissie Gruebel as "Lily", Peter DiMario as "Dickon", Michelle Davis as 'Mrs. Medlock", Bill Egan as "Dr. Neville Craven", and Bill Kent as "Ben Weatherstaff'". "Mary Lennox" is being played by Michaela Shuchman or Kristina Biddle, depending on the performance. "Colin Craven is being performed by Stephen Kent or Eric Leiggi. "Martha" is being performed by Julie Gorham or Christena Doggrell. is being played by either Michaela or Kristina. The remainder of the cast includes: Michael Kuncio, Joanna Link, Lori Reed and Helen McCrane.

"Garden" opened at the St. James Theater on April 25, 1991 with a cast that featured Daisy Eagan (Mary), Rebecca Luker (Lily), and Mandy Patinkin (Archibald). The show received seven Tony Award nominations, including "Best Musical". In addition to winning the award for "Best Scenic Design" (Heidi Landesman), Marsha Norman won for "Best Book of a Musical" and Daisy Eagan became the youngest actress ever to win a Tony for her portrayal of Mary. The production enjoyed a run of 706 performances. Plays & Players' production rejoins the creative team (Producer, Bill Egan and Director, Lance Moore) behind last seasons' production of "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown."

Plays and Players Theatre is located at 1714 Delancey Place, Philadelphia, PA. Tickets are available at the Plays & Players box office thirty (30) minutes before show time. Children's (12 and under) tickets are $10.00 and Adult tickets are $12.00. Reservations can be made at http://www.plays-players.org or by calling 215-735-0630 and requesting a reservation. Plays & Players members and family subscribers attend for free. Groups of 15 or more receive a special ten percent discount on the ticket price. Groups can make advance reservations by calling (215) 735-0630 or by emailing linda@plays-players.org.    

Plays and Players is the only non-profit community theater in Center City, Philadelphia, and is one of the oldest continuously operating community theaters in America. Having remained open since its first production, Plays & Players has produced theater through world wars and the Depression. Historically, Plays & Players is a gemstone. It was the home of the First Korean Congress in 1919. Housed in the theater are original murals painted by Edith Emerson as well as historical tiles, which decorate the lobby.

Plays & Players is dedicated to enhancing the community's interest in the arts, providing a free forum for community members to actively participate in theater, and to maintain and oversee the operations of the historically registered playhouse. Visit http://www.plays-players.org or call (215) 735-0630 for information about upcoming productions, auditions, social programs and rental opportunities.

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