Secret Garden Opens May 5

Mark your calendars for Memorial Players’ spring musical, The Secret Garden, based on the 1911 novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

Set in the early years of the 20th century, this haunting and delightful tale centers on Mary Lennox, a young English girl born and raised in British India. After a cholera outbreak leaves Mary an orphan, relatives whom she has never met take her in to live with them in Yorkshire, England.

As she and a young gardener bring new life to a neglected garden, her personality blossoms, and her sickly cousin and uncle find new life.

Bill Kamberger, who directed the Memorial Players’ fantastic production of Ragtime in 2016, returns for The Secret Garden. Bill was named Baltimore’s Best Stage Director by City Paper in 2003 and by Baltimore Broadway World in 2015.

The show opens on Friday, May 5 at 7:30 pm. The Players will transform the altar of Memorial Episcopal Church into Yorkshire in the early 1900’s. The cast of just over 50 comes from across the Baltimore region, including seasoned actors who have returned year after year as well as many new faces.

Performances will be held for two weekends, with Friday and Saturday evening shows at 7:30 pm, and Sunday matinees at 3:30 pm. Doors open at 7 pm evenings and 3 pm Sundays. As always, admission is free for all performances, but donations are graciously accepted.

Make a night of it by attending one of the pre-show receptions, hosted at a neighborhood home. It’s a wonderful way to support Memorial Players and the only way to get reserved seating. Purchase your tickets online for these receptions. 

Friday, May 5, 5:30–7 pm, $50/person
Home of Michael Booth and Kristine Smets
1308 Bolton Street

Saturday, May 6, 5:30–7 pm, $50/person
Home of Kristen & Bill Schmitz
219 W. Lanvale St.

Sunday, May 7, 1:30-3 pm, $25/person
Sponsored by the Rev. Grey Maggiano
Memorial Episcopal Church, 1409 Bolton Street

Friday, May 12, 5:30–7 pm, $50/person
Home of Barbara and Patrick Francis
1312 Bolton Street

Saturday, May 13, 5:30–7 pm, $50/person
Home of Terry O’Hara and Molly Rath
1419 Bolton Street

Sunday, May 14, After Party following 3:30 performance, $15/person
Party with the cast after their final bows!