Cinnabar Theater’s final show of the ’25/’26 season is the musical version of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic 1911 novel, The Secret Garden. Jane Erwin directed the production now running in Warren Theater on the campus of Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park through June 28.
Adapted by playwright/lyricist Marsha Norman with music by Lucy Simon, it’s the story of 10-year-old Mary (Violet Spears), whose parents (David A. Bradbury & Katie Veale) die during a cholera epidemic. Mary’s sent to live with her uncle, Archibald Craven (Ben Sasnett), in his haunted English manor, Misselthwaite. There she meets young Dickon (Beckett Hepp) and her invalid cousin, Colin (Nathanael Koross). Mary finds the way into her late aunt’s secret rose garden, bringing renewal to it and Misselthwaite.
This adaptation’s a little more mature, but the original is very much for children, so it’s fitting that the children are such strong actors. Koross’ Colin is lovably transparent, never becoming annoying or stereotyped. Hepp’s Dickon is fully grounded and relatable. Also, Hepp’s vocal training and professionalism became apparent when his mic failed. His projection was clear and audible despite the audio issue.
Spears is simply amazing, from the consistent dialect work to the full commitment to dance and movement, to the grounded, realistic portrayal of a young girl trying to find her place. She is a powerhouse on stage.
Also under the umbrella of amazing is the set. Peter Crompton is known for works of art masquerading as sets, and this one is no exception. The watercolor quality of the world he created was furthered by April George’s effective lighting and gorgeous costumes by Donnie Frank.
Unfortunately, that watercolor quality seemed to bleed into many of the adult cast’s performances. Nicole Stanley’s Martha and Jonathan Spencer’s Ben were both vibrant and charismatic. However, the rest, even when mic’d, were hard to hear over music director Brett Strader’s excellent (but loud) band. True, most of them were playing spirits, so the languid pacing and low stakes could have been characterization, but it also kept the “villain” of the story, Dr. Neville Craven (Zachary Hasbany), from ever becoming a true threat. There was also no sense of urgency in Syona Ayyankeril’s Lily, despite her spirit being pivotal to Archibald’s arc.
Cinnabar’s The Secret Garden is a dreamy, beautiful show that, like Colin, needs something to lift it up.
Cinnabar Theater presents ‘The Secret Garden’ through June 28 at Warren Auditorium in Ives Hall at Sonoma State University. 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. Fri–Sat, 7:30pm; Sun, 2pm. $23–$72 inclusive of parking fee. 707.763.8920. cinnabartheater.org.
