An overgrown door opens to reveal an abandoned garden, lush with twines of ivy, dreary trees, and the elated discovery of a newfound sanctuary. The young and astute Molly Lennox must learn to escape the sorrows of neglect, and the wrath of Mrs. Medlock, in South Caroll High School s production of  The Secret Garden .

In 1911, Frances Hodgson Burnett first wrote and published  The Secret Garden  as a novel. Since then, there have been multiple film adaptions as well as accommodations for the stage, including a 1991 musical production, which ran on Broadway through 1993. The story follows Mary Lennox, a young orphaned child sent away from India to live with her uncle in Britain. Demise meets her halfway as she lives under the likes of Mrs.Medlock, head housekeeper and destroyer of adventure. However, in Mary s unwarranted exploration of the uncharted territory, she finds the door to a secret garden, and with help finding the key, discovers an entire new world within the overgrown walls.

In addition to the mainstage set, a dynamic, unfolding plug underscored South Caroll s production by replicating a mystical and overgrown garden. Symbolizing the power of secrecy and abandonment, the overgrown yard becomes a refuge for the forsaken children confined within the Craven household.

Haven Snively characterized Mary Lennox with poise and savvy. Chase Cote portrayed Colin Craven, an equally spoiled child who seeks to escape the confining walls of parental neglect. Snively and Cote accentuated the parallelism reflected in their relationship notably, through similar mannerisms and displays of spoon-fed neediness along with whiny accusations. Rejuvenating the light within each other, the visible growth of both Lennox and Craven parallels with the growth of their garden, demonstrating strong revitalization between seemingly impossible characters.

The unique set, designed by Andrew John and Leigh DiMisa, allowed for scenes to flow and parallel each other with ease. The implementation of the multitude of rooms allowed for scenes to play out in the background of another, which served as a compelling motif.

The elegant costumes, designed by Amy Lasick and Rachel Schneider added a poised element to the show by sticking to period and reflecting the socioeconomic differences between the rustic, rundown look of the gardener Ben Weatherstaff to the debonair attire of Uncle Andrew. Makeup designed by Kelly Elasesser married perfectly with costumes, complete with exquisite details such as sharp contour for Mrs.Medlock and boyish freckles for Dicken.

South Caroll s Stagelighters brought a sense of sophistication to  The Secret Garden , characterized by rekindled hope and rustic overgrowth that leaves an aura of warmth in the heart of the audience.

by Katie FitzPatrick of Annapolis