Twenty-five cast members will participate in
the production based on Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved
novel. The cast also includes to Gerald Otte Middle School
students. Sarah Lardy will star as Mary Lennox, and Mason Snyder
will take on the role of Colin.
“’The Secret Garden’ is probably one of
the most beautiful stories and musicals ever written,” said
Guest Director Brandon Higdem. “The story entices you
and the music is absolutely captivating. The students have
been talking about this show ever since we announced it as
part of our season.”
Paul Schneider, Dana College Theater director and producer
of the show, said the increase in interest in theater by Dana’s
students has allowed him to pick such an ambitious production.
“It’s a wonderful change,” he said. “But
in order to do it we need a real team. This large cast has
tons of new talent, plus a lot of existing talent.”
The production requires many behind-the-scenes artists, as
well. The lush, romantic story features beautiful period costumes
by Lora Kaup, and enchanting choreography by Michelle Garrity.
Another remarkable set is being constructed, featuring a stark,
cold granite environment complete with ghosts and portraits
to add to the turn-of-the-century atmosphere.
Garrity, who considers her “home” the Omaha Community
Playhouse, but has served as choreographer at Dana for three
years, said she is very excited to be part of this production.
“I am sure the cast of ‘The Secret Garden’ will
be as wonderful as the previous casts I have worked with,” Garrity
said. “The students of Dana’s theater program are
hard workers, eager to learn and open to experiencing new and
different styles and techniques. ‘The Secret Garden’ is
a beautiful and complicated show, and I know that the cast
we end up with will be more than up to the task.”
Schneider said he feels the production has broad audience
appeal that makes this production a must see for Blair in the
fall.
Showtimes will be at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 7, 8, 14 and 15, with
matinee performances at 2 p.m. on Oct. 9 and 16. Admission
is just $5, and Dana’s Lauritzen Theatre in the Madsen
Fine Arts Center seats a little more than 350 people.
“This is definitely a show no one is going to want to
miss,” Higdem said.
Higdem has previously directed “Das Barbecue,” “Brighton
Beach Memoirs,” “Clue:The Musical,” “Parallel
Lives,” and “The Dinner Party” at the Omaha
Community Playhouse. Higdem has directed acclaimed versions
of “Grease,” “Into the Woods,” and “Seussical:
The Musical” for Dana College Theater.
Dana College is a place where all students make things happen — in
their own lives and in the lives of others. Through a highly
supportive faculty and campus community, Dana students develop
interpersonal skills, leadership abilities, and other important
values and knowledge as they make choices about their future.
Dana’s outstanding academic programs in business, education
and social work, among others, ensure that students have the
knowledge, skills and experience necessary to pursue challenging
careers or placement in graduate school.
Dana College is a private, liberal arts institution in Blair,
Neb. To learn more, visit www.dana.edu.
Dana College: Develop talents, Take charge, Build a future — We’re
with you all the way.
— END—
For more information contact:
Sarah Cavanah
Communications Coordinator
Dana College
(402) 426-7216
scavanah@dana.edu |
