Adapted and Directed by Felicity Hesed
Acrobatic Design by Evan Tomlinson Weintraub
Based on the Book by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Premiered at Circus Center in June 2022 and remounted at the Children’s Creativity Museum in June-July 2023.
After a pandemic leaves young Mary Lennox orphaned, she is sent to live with her estranged Uncle in a mysterious Manor filled with secrets. When Mary discovers the gardens outside, a world of possibilities is revealed. The beloved tale of resilience and renewal is brought to life like never before with an original blend of circus performance and classic storytelling. This timely story explores trauma, grief, and the healing power of nature, play, and community.
The Secret Garden
The Secret Garden Trailer
What People Are Saying about The Secret Garden…
“The Secret Garden is one of the most inspiring and nourishing shows I have seen in a long time. It renewed my sense of wonder, and I started to enjoy nature again with fresh eyes. It’s so easy to be in my own world on my phone, but The Secret Garden reminded me of a time when we would connect and make new friendships through play. ”
— dena, audience member
“As someone who has worked in theater and circus, separately and together, for decades, The Secret Garden was a thrill to watch. The story is seamless and the style beguiles you into a world that is complete and enthralling. The languages of circus and theater beautifully complement each other, often in ways that I have never seen before. For audiences young and old, it is a magic story well told; for folks in the performing arts, it is a revelation.”
— Jeff Raz, former Cirque du Soleil performer and author of The Secret Life of Clowns
“The acrobatic research and creativity had my eyes glued to the stage, I was constantly anticipating how they would make everyday moments, like opening a door or riding a bike come to life using only the actors onstage. But what really had me in awe was the theatrics that accompanied the acrobatics. It was a complete production, with great acting, not just a demonstration of acrobatic skills.”
— Devin Henderson, performer in 7 Fingers’ Dear San Francisco at Club Fugazi
“I think anyone who sees this show will have a hard time walking away dry-eyed. It was incredibly moving! One does not expect to be moved, as in the soul cannot contain such beauty...at a circus show. Delighted, yes! Amazed, yes! Entertained, totally! And this show was all of that! But at the same time, it was artistry that engaged the spirit. Because the story was so skillfully interwoven with beautiful physical expression, it brought the audience into the presence of magic. In the way that good storytelling should.”
— Mara, audience member
“It was wonderful! Very poetic. I love that the performers went above showing acrobatic skills and told us a story of perseverance, hope, and love.”
— Claudine, audience member
“The Secret Garden was a sensory banquet and an emotional journey. It balances the storytelling power of theater and the magical lyricism of circus in a rare and beautiful way.”