THE SECRET GARDEN
BY FRANCES HODGSON BURNETT
ADAPTED FOR THE STAGE BY NEIL DUFFIELD


Directed by Philip J. Hickman
August 12 – September 5, 2021

An orphan girl is sent away from the only home she’s ever known into a world that seems to be decaying in front of her eyes. A boy who has been hidden away and believes himself to be incapable of a real life is challenged to grow in ways he never expected. A long-neglected sanctuary is rediscovered, sowing seeds of life and hope that blossom from the weeds and wreck of everything the children had once expected.

Cast

JULIANA CHIANESE (Mary Lennox) is a sixth-grader at Bloom-Carroll Middle School. In her free time, she plays basketball and softball, shows her alpaca in 4-H, and takes voice lessons. She is excited to be in her first show with Actors' Theatre!

MEGAN GIFFORD (Martha) is excited for her first production with Actors' Theatre! Megan graduated from Gahanna Lincoln High School in May and will be attending The Ohio State University in the fall to study early childhood education. She has appeared in Disney’s The Little Mermaid, (Pickerington Community Theatre), Bye Bye Birdie, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Gahanna Community Theatre), In the Heights, Holding it Together, Godspell JR. and The Seven Torments of Amy and Craig (Gahanna Lincoln High School). She would like to thank her parents for their endless support. To God be the glory. Enjoy the show!

CATHERINE CRYAN (Mrs. Medlock) is back for a fourth summer in the park! Cat is a BFA graduate of The Ohio State University and a proud member of the MadLab ensemble. A Founding Mother of The Tipping Point Theatre Co., Cat will be appearing in MadLab's production of Let's Hope You Feel Better this autumn. Love to Ken et al.

LIZZIE HUELSKAMP (Dickon) is excited to be making her debut with Actors' Theatre! Lizzie has dreamed of being in The Secret Garden ever since she was 4 years old and she tried to interrupt a performance to climb the stage and re-cast herself as Colin. Lizzie would like to thank Phillip, Megan, and the entire cast and crew for finally making her dreams come true.

MICHAEL BROADHURST (Colin) is excited to perform with Actors' Theatre! Favorite previous roles include Flick in A Christmas Story: The Musical (Weathervane Playhouse), Bruce in Matilda (Dublin Scioto), and Winthrop in The Music Man (King Avenue Players). He is in 6th grade at Hilliard Tharp and enjoys visual art, dance, and outdoor sports. He would like to thank all his teachers for sharing their encouragement and expertise!

CHRIS JOHNSON (Ben Weatherstaff) is appearing in his first Actors' Theatre show and is honored to be onstage with such wonderful talent. His latest shows include Talley’s Folley with The Hilliard Arts Council, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder with Gallery Players, and multiple shows with Shhh Radio Productions. He would also like to thank his amazing life partner, Marrett Laney, for all the help memorizing the script -- couldn’t do it without you!

SHAUN BROWN (Mr. Craven) is excited to get back on stage and see an audience. Having recently portrayed Lord Montague in ATC’s Romeo & Juliet, Shaun appreciates The Secret Garden having a happier ending. Much love and appreciation to his real-life family, Jennifer and Will.

KATHERINE DUNHAM (Puppeteer) is excited to be a part of The Secret Garden with Actors' Theatre. She is a junior at the Arts and College Preparatory Academy. Some of her favorite productions that she has been in have been Frozen JR. with CCT and The Last Lifeboat with Lovewell. She would like to thank her parents and family for supporting her in everything she does.

Production Team

PHILIP J. HICKMAN (Director) has been the artistic director of Actors' Theatre since 2015. He is deeply grateful to the community for the support that has made it possible for ATC to return to the stage. All love to Mikelle.

JESSICA SUTHERLY (Stage Manager) is a current senior at Wittenberg University. She is a theatre major and a technical theatre minor with a focus in carpentry. She currently works as the technical director for Troy High School's musical. In addition, she is also on the OHEDTA board of directors.

BEATRICE FELDBUSH (Assistant Stage Manager) is a junior at Ohio University, majoring in stage management. The Secret Garden is her first production with Actors' Theatre, and she is thrilled to work with such wonderful, dedicated people.

BRENDAN MICHNA (Set Designer) does a lot of theatre work all over the city.

CATHERINE RINELLA (Sound Designer) This strange humanoid creature portrays herself as a sound designer, audio engineer, radio board-op, and audio drama nerd. She haunts the radio airwaves on WCBE 90.5 FM as weekend host and creator/producer of Midnight Audio Theatre. Runs on coffee.

ROWAN WINTERWOOD (Lighting Designer) is a staff member of Actors’ Theatre of Columbus, where recent credits include OR, (Director) and Romeo & Juliet (Stage Manager). She has designed lights for CATCO is Kids and Evolution Theatre Company.

REBEKAH PRIEBE (Costume Designer) has been a costume designer for over 10 years and has designed in Ohio, Kansas, and New York. She is an assistant professor of theatre at Cedarville University where she teaches costume and makeup design. She is grateful for the opportunity to return to Schiller Park this summer!

DON KNOBLAUCH (Prop Designer) works for Columbus Children's Theatre as a builder, designer, painter, and instructor. He is happy to return to Actors' Theatre. His first show with ATC was in 1989 playing the role of Hugo in Bye Bye Birdie (please don't do the math). Don wishes to thank his family and friends for their continued support.

KELSEY HOPKINS (CCT Acting Coach) is a resident and teaching artist with Columbus Children's Theatre, and coaches students all over central Ohio. Graduating from WSU with a BFA in musical theatre, she has appeared on stage in Columbus, including ATC productions, as well as theatres around the country.

BETH JOSEPHSEN (Movement Coach) has been with ATC for 12 years as an actor, director, and staff member. When not in the park, Beth works in the community bringing theatre programming to schools and organizations around town. Beth would like to thank her husband for all of his love and support. IG: @beth.josephsen

JOY HEINO (Board Operator) has stage managed and assistant stage managed a dozen productions, worked as sound designer for four, and wrote and produced two musicals throughout her time in college. Now she's so excited to be working with the folks here at the Actors' Theatre and kick off her post-graduation career!

SARA BODDE (Production Manager) is excited to be returning to the park for 2021! She has over 10 years of experience working in technical theatre including working on stage and production management with Actors' Theatre for the past four years.

MEGAN LEAR (Producer) is thrilled to have found a home at ATC. She is excited to be back in the park and to share the summer with you and this amazing team. Much love to Cody, Lily, and Mom.

Special thanks for musical contributions to: