The Secret Garden
by Lucy Simon and Marsha Norman
Timpanogos Arts Foundation, 2025
Director - Andrew Jefferies
Music Director - Chari Bennett
Choreographer - Sarah Martin
Stage Manager - Jane Smith
Scenic & Lighting Design - Caleb Wallengren
Costume Design - Paige Wilson
Sound Design - Chari Bennett
Assistant Sound Design - Nathan Martineau
Props Design - Cindy Andersen
““Director Andrew Jefferies understood the text to the highest level. He managed to incorporate each darker undertone with a magical and light counterpart. Each scene feels purposeful and rich, brimming with the life that the classic story requires. At the end of the show, the audience truly feels as though they have taken a journey with Mary. They have felt the fear of the manor, the safety of her parents and the joy of friendship and family. We learn about love through tragedy. Each actor and creative team member leaves their heart on the stage, entrancing even the youngest of audience members.” Read full review here.
There are few experiences like being brought in as a replacement director in the middle of rehearsals. You have to work quickly to get up to speed, you inherit the consequences of decisions made by the previous director, and you are forced to think outside-the-box to pull everything together with limited time.
I quickly brought organization and artistic vision to a production that had lost its way. I chose to stage this story with the idea that the bonds between family members were continuing to grow - even when separated by death.
“Rising to the unexpected challenge of joining the creative team later in the game, director Andrew Jefferies guides the show along the many magical and emotional high points, which is a credit to his abilities and the talents of the numerous cast and crew members.”
Read full review here.