Auditions

Audition -Auditions for Shadow Block Theatre Company¢s production will be held June 14th from 10am to 1pm. Actors should bring sheet music to 16 bars of a classical /musical theatre song to be played by our accompanist. No CDs please.

Actors wishing to audition should contact Aaron Broderick at aaronbroderickpiano@yahoo.com to schedule an appointment.

Synopsis

The Secret Garden is a musical based on the classic children's novel The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
Mary Lennox is a rich, spoiled child who finds herself suddenly an orphan when cholera wipes out the entire Indian village where she was living with her parents. She is sent to live in England with her only surviving relative, an uncle who has lived an unhappy life since the death of his wife 10 years ago. Archibald's son, Colin, has been ignored by his father because Colin reminds him of the loss of his wife, Lily, who died giving birth to Colin.  Archibald’s brother, Dr. Craven also believes that Colin is likely to die at any moment.  Mary’s arrival changes everything.
This is essentially the story of three lost, unhappy souls who, together, learn how to live again through bringing the garden of Colin’s mother back to life.
This is a difficult show to perform, both vocally and in characterization. 

  • Mary Lennox (vocal training, dialect coachable, 10) - Spoiled, stubborn orphan. Softens over time.
  • Archibald Craven (Tenor, 35 - 45) - Mary's wealthy, withdrawn, uncle and guardian.   Slight hunchback.  (Will double as Lt. Shaw)
  • Colin Craven (unchanged voice, Age 10) - Archibald's "supposedly" crippled, isolated son.  (Double as cholera child in India)
  • Lily Craven (lyric soprano, 25 - 35) - Archibald's dead wife, appearing as a ghost and in flashbacks
  • Dr. Neville Craven (Baritone, 25 - 40) - Archibald's mean, secretive brother. Also in love with Lily and very jealous that his brother won her love.
    (Will double as Major Shelley)
  • Martha (Mezzo, Yorkshire dialect, 16 - 25) - Mary's chambermaid. Spunky, high spirited, overwhelmingly optimistic, and mystical. (Will double as Mrs. Winthrop and as Mrs. Shelley)
  • Dickon (Tenor, Yorkshire dialect, 16 - 25) - Martha's brother. Loves the outdoors and has a special bond with animals. (Will double as Lieutenant Wright)
  • Ben (Baritone character voice, Yorkshire dialect, 40+) - Keeper of the Garden. Crotchety older man who befriends Mary.   (Will double as Major Holmes)
  • Mrs. Medlock (Non-singing, 30+) - Housekeeper at the Craven residence. Sharp. Pinch lipped.  (Will double as Claire Holmes)
  • Mrs. Winthrop (Non-singing, 25-45) - Headmistress of school where Dr. Craven wishes to send Mary (Played by Martha)
  • DREAMERS: 
    Ayah (alto) - Mary's nanny in India (Also sings Fakir role)
    Rose (Mezzo, 18 - 35) - Sister to Lily, mother to Mary. Seen first as Mary's mother, then in ghostly form.
    Albert (Tenor, 25-35) - Rose's husband and Mary's father, a military man, who also returns as a ghost.
    Two children  ( Female, 10; Male,10) - Dreamers, killed by cholera in India (Understudies for Mary and Colin)
9130 Red Branch Road - Columbia, MD - 410-997-9352