Carl Alette's music and R. Eugene Jackson's expertise turn Frances Hodgson Burnett's famous story into A Magic Garden in the eyes of young people as the plot moves smoothly because of his unique ability to eliminate awkward pauses for scene changes. This talent is also responsible for his excellent scripts for adaptations of such classics as Babes in Toyland, Little Red Riding Wolf, Pinocchio, The Princess and the Goblin, Rumpelstiltskin, The Wind in the Willows, and The Wizard of Oz.

Mary Lennox is left an orphan when her mother and father die of cholera in India. When she arrives in England to live with her reclusive uncle, Archilbald Craven, he will have nothing to do with her. Mary finds Misselthwaite Manor dark, gloomy—and secretive. Mrs. Medlock, the head housekeeper, is very stern and disapproves of Mary's unattractive attitude. Martha, a teenaged housekeeper, tries to befriend the spoiled little girl.

Initially unpleasant, sour, and demanding, Mary soon discovers a walled and locked secret garden where the flowers and shrubs have not been tended for many years. The garden had been sealed by Mr. Craven ten years earlier when his wife died falling from a tree. Along with a newfound friend, Dickon, Mary replants, weeds, and nourishes the garden back to health as she herself becomes less sour and more pleasant. Besides Dickon, Mary becomes friends with Martha, the gardener Ben Weatherstaff, and a robin that lives in the secret garden.

Having heard a distant crying in the huge manor, Mary searches through the hallways and rooms until she finds Colin, Mr. Craven's weak and sickly—and hidden—son. She discovers that he has been bedridden for all of his ten years because he has been told he has a humped back and will soon die. Mr. Craven's cousin, Dr. Craven, secretly hopes Colin will die because the doctor is next in line to inherit his brother's estate. Even Colin's father will have nothing to do with him, fearing that he will lose his son as he had lost his wife. Mary dismisses Colin's claims of illness, telling him of the wonderful life on the moors—and eventually of her secret garden. Encouraged, he visits the garden in his wheelchair, keeping secret his whereabouts from all others.

Over several months, Mary's spirits soar and Colin's illnesses diminish as he gains new strength and happiness. The children watch the garden flourish—as they themselves do the same—and eventually Craven arrives home from his world travels to marvel at the improvements of the garden, of Colin, and of Mary. When Mary opened the door to the garden, she also unlocked a bright and exciting new life for herself and others.

One act, divided into scenes; Set, English manor; Time, 1910; Period clothing. Shadowy "Things" carry props and sing backup.

"A fine musical adaptation of the beloved classic."— Plays for Children and Young Adults

See also: Adaptations of the Classics