SUU Theatre Brings "The Secret Garden" to Life

Published: February 11, 2025 | Author: Kol Gibson | Read Time: 3 minutes

Decorative image for SUU's production of "The Secret Garden." Image of a girl peeking around a garden wall. The Southern Utah University Department of Theatre, Dance, and Arts Administration proudly presents The Secret Garden, the Tony Award-winning musical adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved novel. With book and lyrics by Marsha Norman and music by Lucy Simon, this enchanting production will run February 14, 15, 20, and 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the Randall L. Jones Theatre, with matinee performances on February 15 and 22 at 2:00 p.m.

The Secret Garden tells the story of Mary Lennox, a young girl sent to live with her reclusive uncle on the moors of England after being orphaned in India. As she uncovers the mysteries of her new home, Mary discovers a hidden garden, and with the help of newfound friends, she brings the garden back to life–healing both the garden and the hearts of those around her.

“The Secret Garden tells a story about grief, trauma, fear, and healing,” said Dr. Lisa Quoresimo, the production’s director. “The musical in particular shows how our vision of the world is distorted when we view it through the lens of our grief, trauma, and fears. The personal healing for the characters comes when they find their sense of purpose and a connection is finally made. It shows us that healing awaits us all.”

Audience members are invited to connect with the story in an immersive educational experience before each show, presented by Thunder Theatre, SUU’s student-run club for Theatre Arts Education majors. The Randall L. Jones Theatre lobby will transform into a “tour of the five senses,” featuring stations with different foods and drinks from England and India for attendees to taste and compare, scents to smell, fabrics to touch, a sight scavenger hunt, and music to listen to. These interactive activities will begin 30-45 minutes before each performance.

“The sensory stations are a fantastic way for learners of all ages to connect with the story in ways beyond just sitting and watching the show,” said junior Theatre Education major, Rachel Taylor. “Engaging multiple senses allows audience members to immerse themselves more deeply into the world of The Secret Garden, making the experience even more enjoyable and meaningful.”

Tickets are $16 for adults, $14 for SUU alumni, and $8 for youth and non-SUU students. As always, SUU students, faculty, and staff are entitled to see a performance for free with a valid I.D. Tickets can be purchased at the Utah Shakespeare Festival Ticket Office up to 30 minutes before each performance, online at bard.org/tdaa, or by calling (435) 586-7878.

Don’t miss this opportunity to witness a timeless story filled with hope, mystery, and unforgettable music. For more information about The Secret Garden and other SUU Theatre & Dance productions, visit www.suu.edu/pva/ta/current-season.html.

About the College of Performing and Visual Arts

The College of Performing and Visual Arts (CPVA) at Southern Utah University comprises 41 academic programs including liberal arts (BA/BS) and professional (BFA, BM, BMEd) degrees in art, design, dance, filmmaking, music, and theatre. It includes graduate programs in the fields of arts administration (MFA, MA), music education (MME), and music technology (MM). More than 60 full-time faculty and staff are engaged in teaching and mentoring over 900 majors in the College. CPVA presents over 100 performances, lectures, presentations, and exhibitions each year which are complemented by the Southern Utah Museum of Art (SUMA) and Shakespeare Studies at SUU, and is affiliated with the Tony award-winning Utah Shakespeare Festival (USF). Southern Utah University is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD), National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD), National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), and the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) making SUU the first public university in the state of Utah to be accredited by all four associations. For more information about the College of Performing and Visual Arts, visit www.suu.edu/pva.

Tags: Theater Theatre Theatre and Dance Theatre Arts and Dance Community College of Performing and Visual Arts Theatre Dance and Arts Administration

Contact Information:

Kol Gibson
435-865-8667
kolgibson@suu.edu