TOM TITUS -- Theater Review

Those familiar with the musical version of the early 20th century

novel “The Secret Garden” may have wondered, with some justification just

how on Earth the Trilogy Playhouse ever could re-create the show’s

stunning scenic designs on the Costa Mesa theater’s limited stage

dimensions.

The blooming realization of this effect in the play’s final moments is

the frosting on a most impressively decorated, dramatic and lyrical cake,

baked to near perfection by director Alicia Butler and scenic artist

James Mulligan, with enormous assistance from musical director Sharon

Schwanz and choreographer Jimmy Hippenstiel.

“The Secret Garden” is a highly complicated project, the most

demanding show, both musically and dramatically, the Trilogy has tackled

in its first year at its Costa Mesa location. To elevate the degree of

difficulty, the three key children’s roles are double cast, which

translates to virtually two separate productions.

The three youngsters who performed opening night -- Hailey Villaire

as the young heroine Mary Lennox, Carl Asencio as the spirited young

gardener Dickon and Nicholas Boragno as the sickly lad Colin -- turn in

some of the show’s most inspiring moments. They alternate with Alexa

Wildish, Jonathan Hoover and Troy Butcher, respectively.

Villaire, just 11, tackles the central role of a girl orphaned by a

cholera outbreak in India and sent to live with her reluctant and equally

grieving uncle in England with the skills and nuances of a veteran

actress. Her transformation from a confused, spoiled little brat to a

warm and caring young lady is beautifully accomplished, and her singing

voice, while not overpowering, is quite melodic.

Gregory Michaels injects enormous emotional power into the role of

Archibald, the uncle whose beloved wife died in childbirth and whose son

lies near death himself. His anguish is splendidly balanced by the chilly

figure of his brother, whom he defeated in a battle of the heart, in a

finely etched performance from set designer Mulligan.

The spirit of Archibald’s late wife, Lily, an important presence in

the drama, is amplified by the glorious vocalizing of Amy Glinskas.

Sharie Nitkin nicely humanizes young Mary as her working-class maid and

contributes a joyous solo, “Hold On,” late in the play, while Sharon

Simonian projects a stern authoritarian figure as her guardian, Mrs.

Medlock.

The other two young people are a study in contrasts. Asencio is all

arms, legs and energy as the gardener Dickon, while Boragno suffers and

pouts convincingly as the ailing, sheltered Colin. Michael Osburn is a

staunch, supportive figure as the senior gardener.

Lily’s is not the only spectral personage inhabiting this production.

Those who perished in India also return -- all in ghostly white -- to

form a sepulchral chorus that glides in and out of the live action.

Christopher Scott and Jenessa Willhite head this contingent as Mary’s

parents, while Jenny Jones, Michael Mulligan, Jenny Stumpf and Kandice

Scattolon complete the representatives of the Great Beyond.

Backed by Mulligan’s splendidly appointed garden effects, which are

slid on and off stage smoothly, the Trilogy’s “Secret Garden” blooms

under the loving attention of a cast full of green thumbs. Musically and

dramatically, it is a thoroughly satisfying show.

* * *

The Trilogy Playhouse will shift musical gears from drama to satire

with its next production, the local premiere of “Ruthless,” the story of

a homicidal child star. Auditions are scheduled for from 6:30 to 9:30

p.m. Tuesdays at the theater, 2930 Bristol St., Costa Mesa.

All roles are open and the cast is heavy on women’s and girls’ roles.

“Ruthless” will open May 25 and play through June 17. More information is

available at (714) 957-3347, Ext. 2.

* TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Daily Pilot. His reviews

appear Thursdays and Saturdays.

FYI

WHAT: “The Secret Garden”

WHERE: Trilogy Playhouse, 2930 Bristol St., Costa Mesa

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, and 5 p.m.

Sundays through April 8

COST: $15-$17

PHONE: (714) 957-3347