We are beyond thrilled to announce THE SECRET GARDEN, a concert experience, performed at the Norfolk Botanical Garden February 15-17, 2019, as a part of the Norfolk Theatre Festival. This Tony Award-Winning masterpiece musical premiered at Virginia Stage Company in 1989 before its acclaimed Broadway run.  The show is soon returning to Broadway, so this is a rare opportunity to see the show and hear this gorgeous music performed live before it heads back to the great white way.

Presented as a staged concert version of the musical in collaboration with the Norfolk Botanical Garden in their newly renovated Garden Auditorium, this performance will pay homage to the beautiful music, lyrics, and Pulitzer Prize winner Marsha Norman’s script. VSC’s Producing Artistic Director Tom Quaintance will direct, with music direction by Joanna Li. The cast includes Broadway veterans Kate Fahrner (Wicked) and Craig Waletzko (Guys and Dolls). 

Based on Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved children’s novel, this magical tale follows lonely orphan Mary Lennox, who is sent to live with her uncle on the Yorkshire moors and discovers renewed life, for herself and her sickly cousin, in bringing a secret garden back to life.

Join us for a Behind the Scenes Event—Friday, February 15, 6:30pm for a pre-show talk with Director Tom Quaintance and Music Director Joanna Li

The Norfolk Theatre Festival will celebrate Norfolk’s cultural heritage and the performing arts organizations that enliven the scene here. Norfolk is home to a gifted performing arts community, vibrant theatre companies, multiple universities with theatre programs, and a nurturing environment for new works. Norfolk also hosts a robust touring Broadway series which draws tens of thousands of residents and regional visitors per season. In addition, the venues that house some of the liveliest performances in Norfolk are among the most beautiful and historic places in this architecturally distinguished city.

Experience unforgettable shows, behind-the-scenes workshops, meet-the-artist events and more. Discover the riches of the Norfolk theatre scene in a whirlwind weekend in February 2019—the perfect Valentine’s getaway or staycation! Visit nfktheatre.com for more information!