Act 1

After losing her parents in a cholera epidemic in India (“Opening Dream”), ten-year-old Mary Lennox is sent to live with her grieving uncle, Archibald Craven, at Misselthwaite Manor (“There’s a Girl”). Haunted by the loss of his wife Lily, Archibald has withdrawn from the world. Mary struggles to adjust to her new home (“The House Upon the Hill,” “I Heard Someone Crying”) but soon befriends the maid Martha, who introduces her to the mystery of a hidden garden (“If I Had a Fine White Horse”).

Exploring the grounds, Mary meets gardener Ben Weatherstaff and Martha’s brother Dickon. Together they uncover clues about the secret garden through “It’s a Maze,” “Winter’s on the Wing,” and “Show Me the Key.” As Mary grows more curious, she asks Archibald for “A Bit of Earth” and discovers how deeply both he and his brother Neville loved Lily (“Lily’s Eyes”).

Mary eventually finds her sickly cousin Colin, who has been hidden away and fears becoming like his father. Despite warnings from Mrs. Medlock and Neville, the children form a friendship. During a violent storm (“Storm I,” “Storm II”), Mary finally discovers the door to the long-locked garden (“Final Storm”).

Act 2

Inspired by the garden, Mary dreams of who she can become (“The Girl I Mean To Be”), while Neville continues trying to send her away. Archibald leaves for Paris (“Race You to the Top of the Morning”), and Mary, Dickon, and Martha begin restoring the neglected garden (“Wick”).

With encouragement from Mary and a vision of his mother (“Come to My Garden/Lift Me Up”), Colin ventures outside for the first time. As the children spend time in the garden, Colin’s health and confidence begin to blossom (“Come Spirit, Come Charm,” “A Bit of Earth (reprise)”).

When Mary faces the threat of being sent away (“Disappear”), she finds strength in Martha’s advice (“Hold On”) and writes to Archibald (“Letter Song”). In Paris, Archibald struggles to move beyond his grief (“Where in the World”) until Lily’s spirit urges him home (“How Could I Ever Know”).

Returning to Misselthwaite, Archibald discovers Colin healthy and thriving in the restored garden. Reunited as a family, they find healing, hope, and a new beginning as the Dreamers invite everyone to “stay here in the garden” (“Finale”).

The Role of the Dreamers

This production utilizes a hauntingly beautiful theatrical device: The Dreamers. These are the spirits of the dead who move invisibly through every scene. Appearing as living memories, flashbacks, or ghosts, they reveal the aching history of Misselthwaite Manor. Through them, we meet Lily, whose absence haunts the estate, alongside Mary’s parents, Rose and Albert.