Northwest Missouri State University - Tower Yearbook (Maryville, MO)

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Cast mcm- h c r s of The Se- cret Giir- d e n gather to- gether for a group pic- lure. ' h o t o courtesy of The Se- cret Gar- den. The Secret Garden • 23

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Mother and daughter acting team unlock the mysteries of the heart in Broadway musical. By Amy Duggan Magical Garden T he scene began in India in the early 1900s, people were dancing in a large circle. Amidst the circle was a young girl blindfolded. She continuously turned around while each time reaching out for a willing body to help her. Within minutes, the young girl was left standing alone. The opening scene was from The Secret Garden, the Tony award-winning play per- formed at the Mary Linn Performing Arts Center in the fall. In Garden, Mary Lennox lost her parents to a cholera and one of the reasons this appealed to me was to have her epidemic that struck India, so she was forced to live with Archibald Craven, an uncle she had never met. In her new home, Mary not only had to adjust to a new environment and rules, but an atmosphere in which she was unaccus- tomed to. Ten year-old Becca Stevens, who played Mary Lennox, was the star of the show. Becca admitted when she played Mary, she not only found herself among friends, but was comforted while she shared the spotlight with her mother, Carolyn Stevens, who played Lily, Mary ' s late aunt. The first time I had to rehearse a scene with my mom, it was kind of strange because it was not for real life, Becca said. We were just acting. Other musicals Becca performed in included, The King and I and The Sound of Music. Carolyn, who had a history of acting, noted this performance was a learning experience for Becca. I was in awe of her (Becca ' s) talent, Carolyn said, I was so proud of her. Although Carolyn was closer to her other two children prior to the production, Garden brought her closer to Becca. I was probably closer with the other two before the tour all by myself, Carolyn said. As the story progressed, Mary eventually used her deter- mination and found a key to her aunt ' s garden that had been closed after her death. Colin, Mary ' s cousin, also experienced the joy of the garden. After being confined to a wheelchair, Colin took his first steps while in the magical place. This eventually brought Craven, Colin ' s father, closer to his son. Lars Kvalvaag, who played Colin, admitted what atti- tude one brought to the stage could affect one ' s perfor- mance. I sort of had to get into the show, Kvalvaag said. Then I didn ' t remember that I was on stage. Staci Maples agreed the actors ' performances had an impact on the show. I thought they did wonderful for their age, Maples said. They either had a lot of experience or had wonderful training. The play ended with the entire cast gathered in the newly-transformed garden which Mary and her friends had brought back to life. The Secret Garden, not only proved that uncovering one ' s secrets could be helpful, but could also bring together a long-lost family. Bt Stevens Mary Lent holds garden that brou her I far: together. play was year Steven ' s tl must Ph courtes The Sci Gardt 22 • Student Life

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Bass player Dana Williams and guitarist fimmy Olander from Diamond Rio play Norma lean Rihy. The concert was originally planned for Lamkin Activity Center but was moved to the Mary Linn Performing Arts Center. Photo bv Jason Clarke. Lead singer Marly Roe of Diamond Rio sings Love a Little Stronger Over 1,100 tickets were sold for the concert. Photo bv Jason Clarke. 24 • Entertainment