“The Secret Garden” Mac-Haydn Theatre
Mac-HaydnTheatre, Chatham, NY
by Shera Cohen
While Mac-Haydn Theatre has been mounting musical productions since 1969, and I have been attending musicals even longer, the twain never crossed. Not that I had any negative thoughts about attending, but traveling to Chatham, NY seemed so far away from Springfield, MA. I had also never thought of NY as being a component of the Berkshires geographic area. Apparently, I was wrong, especially since just about every tourist map, magazine, and MapQuest search pointed a bit northwest to a small town called Chatham.
Fortunately, In the Spotlight has a crew of excellent writers with expertise in reviewing coupled with a love of the performing arts. In the case of Mac-Haydn, our reviewer Simon Brighenti had already attended a few M-H shows this season. I am a bit ashamed to say that I used Simon as our reconnaissance man to test the talents of M-H. It was his “job” (okay, we are all volunteers) to return with the findings. Take a look at Simon’s M-H reviews at
www.inthespotlight.org. It is clear that he thoroughly enjoyed each musical.
www.inthespotlight.org. It is clear that he thoroughly enjoyed each musical.
This week was my turn to journey across the line from nearby Stockbridge, MA to New York State. A description of the roads leading to the theatre are the proverbial hills and dales alongside town names that reflected the early Dutch settlements. A bit out in the middle of nowhere, alongside the greenery of the picturesque Berkshire mountains, there was finally a sign with the theatre’s name. Perhaps we were lost, and you really can get there from here, because the ride back to Stockbridge took approximately one-quarter of the length and time. It might take a little exploration to get to M-H. It is definitely worth the trip!
Although not on my Top 10 List of Musicals, “The Secret Garden” was and still is one of my favorite books. For years, it was read to me; I’m sure that many parents recall their children pleading, “Read it again.” Years later, I read it on my own. You never get too old for a classic.
My heart and my memories were full of joy. M-H’s production of “SG” was near flawless, especially given the hurdles that this particular musical demanded for theatre-in-the-round. A large cast, set on a relatively small stage, with a smattering of scenery were the essential production elements. Yet, the set extended beyond the stage walls to immediately capture the attention of the audience with trellises, vines, and fencing around the circumference of the interior. In other words, we were in the garden – dark and sad-looking at first, to grow into splendid colors and warmth by play’s end.
Those in lead roles demanded vocal skills that matched their acting talent. The numerous ensemble pieces were whispery and haunting. “Always, the price of admission for me is “Lily’s Eyes,” a wonting emotional duet by brothers in love with the same woman. I would find it nearly impossible to name a melody as sad yet loving in any other musical.
Yet, the book and the musical are all about Mary – a young, hardened orphan whose life is transformed by the secret garden, and in turn, she transforms the lives of others. Wild Handel (Mary) shined onstage, never scene-stealing, but taking command of her leading role with intelligence, vulnerability, and a pure soprano voice. Without a doubt, this young lady has a future in theatre.
M-H musicians are all pros. Whether the sounds came from the talents hidden backstage or tape recorded didn’t matter to me.
Don’t be a slowpoke like I was. Don’t put off a trip to Mac-Haydn. Upcoming are: “Newsies,” “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” “Hairspray,” and “Daddy Long Legs”.
