The Secret Garden

Based on the book by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Adapted by Michael Shamata and Paula Wing

A cross-generational story of love, loss, and rebirth.  

Set in the late 1800s, on England’s Yorkshire Moors, The Secret Garden revolves around 10-year-old Mary Lennox, a quick-tempered girl who comes to live with her uncle in his lonely old manor after the death of her parents in India. During the course of her stay, Mary discovers her hidden, invalid cousin Colin, and the mysteries of a locked garden. With special care, Mary nurtures the secret garden back into bloom, rejuvenates Colin’s health, and, softens her own heart.  Even her misshapen and miserable uncle falls under the spell of nature’s healing power.

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"a lucid rendering of the turn-of-the century story...The Secret Garden deals with family and friendship, redemption, and other holiday-appropriate themes, but it refreshingly diverts our attention from the winter season to the healing effects of springtime."

TheatermaniaLori Fromowitz
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"The Secret Garden has outstanding dialogue, wonderful adventure and a hauntingly mysterious tone offered by the talented Paula Wing and Michael Shamata. There are many adaptations of this book, but I feel this one is exceptional."

Linda HartzellSeattle Children's Theatre

Production Details

5 Male

4 Female

Children are required for performance

2 Acts

By Michael Shamata

Production History

First produced in 1992 at Theatre New Brunswick, Fredericton.
December, 1992 – Globe Theatre, Regina
December 1993 – Neptune Theatre, Halifax
Summer, 1993 – Stephenville Festival, Stephenville, Newfoundland
November, 2004 – Seattle Children’s Theatre (United States premiere)

More Plays by Michael Shamata

  • A Christmas Carol

    By Charles Dickens, Adapted by Michael Shamata

  • Great Expectations

    By Charles Dickens, Adapted by Michael Shamata

  • The Secret Garden

    Adapted by Michael Shamata & Paula Wing from the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett

  • The Wind in the Willows

    Adapted by Michael Shamata, based on the book by Kenneth Grahame

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