Repertory Philippines adapts ‘Secret Garden’
MANILA, Philippines - Repertory Philippines presents Marsha Norman and Lucy Simon’s adaptation of the classic story The Secret Garden. Based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, the story revolves around the lives of two abandoned youngsters Mary Lennox and Colin Craven who, through the power of love, begin to transform their spoiled and selfish ways for the better. The show runs simultaneously with Rep’s staging of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
Playing the mischievous Mary Lennox are 12-year-old Ashlee Factor and nine-year-old Ginger Karganilla. Between them, they have already starred in five stage productions. Not only is Ashlee already playing a role in Rep’s production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, but she also played one of the lead characters of the theater production house’s adaptation of Scrooge. While Ginger took part in playing characters in Resorts World Manila’s Cinderella the Musical and The King & I.
As for the very headstrong Colin Craven, the role will be played by 11-year-old Daniel Drilon, 10-year-old Albert Silos, and 11-year-old Noel Comia. Apart from playing roles in Rep’s Scrooge, Pinocchio, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Noel had a role in Kids Acts Philippines’ Hua Mulan, which earned him the Best Child Performer Award at the 27th Aliw Awards. Albert’s background includes roles in Resorts World Manila’s King & I and Cinderella and in Gantimpala Theater’s Kanser the Musical. While Daniel has had years of intensive training in the performing arts that landed him lead roles in Rep’s Pinocchio and Scrooge. With director Anton Juan leading them, the entire production is sure to enthrall audiences no matter what age.
The Secret Garden will be staged from Nov. 20 to Dec. 20 at the Onstage Theater in Greenbelt 1, Makati City. Ticket prices range from P500 to P1,000. For details, call Repertory Philippines at 843-3570 and book tickets through TicketWorld at 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.
