Audition dates announced for ‘The Secret Garden’ musical at The Sauk

The Sauk, Hillsdale County's community theater, will hold auditions for the musical "The Secret Garden" on March-19. This will be the theatre organization’s largest musical production since "Mamma Mia!" in 2019.

This enchanting classic of children's literature is reimagined in brilliant musical style by composer Lucy Simon and Pulitzer-Prize winning playwright Marsha Norman. Orphaned in India, 11-year-old Mary Lennox returns to Yorkshire to live with her embittered, reclusive uncle Archibald and his disabled son Colin. The estate's many wonders include a magic garden which beckons the children with haunting melodies and the "Dreamers," spirits from Mary's past who guide her through her new life, dramatizing The Secret Garden's compelling tale of forgiveness and renewal. The original Broadway production won three Tony Awards, including Best Book of a Musical.

“It is truly one of the most beautiful musicals ever written,” said Sauk Executive Director Trinity Bird, who will direct the production. “The show reminds me a lot of Les Miserables and Titanic in its style. We hope to get an amazing cast of singing actors.”

Children’s auditions are by appointment beginning at 6:30 p.m. March 18 and 2 p.m. March 19. Audition signup is at www.thesauk.org. Boys ages 8 to 12 will be considered for the role of Colin. Girls ages 10-16 will be considered for the role of Mary. Anyone age 16 and up can audition for any of the adult roles. Adult audition time is an all-call. Adult auditions are at 7:30 p.m. March 18 and at 3 p.m. March 19. All ages must prepare 16 bars of a classic show tune (a song in the style of "The Secret Garden") that shows off your vocal range. Please bring sheet music. An accompanist will be provided. All auditioning should come knowing the note names of their vocal range. Auditions will also consist of cold readings from the script. There are roles for 12 men, 10 women, one boy and one girl. All auditions will be held at the Sauk Theatre, 240 E. Chicago in Jonesville. Performance dates are Oct. 14-17 and Oct. 21-24. Additional information and character descriptions available at www.thesauk.org.

Bird will direct this production with musical direction by Kristi Gautsche. Michele Harmon is stage manager. Holli Houtz and Gay Shaw will be vocal coaches. Rehearsals begin March 29. Performance dates are June 9-12 and June 16-19. Tickets are now available at www.thesauk.org.

In the 2021 BroadwayWorld Detroit Awards, this production of "The Secret Garden" won Most Anticipated Upcoming Production of a Musical.

The Secret Garden is sponsored by Jonesville Rotary Club. The show’s orchestra sponsor is Moore Insurance Services Inc. The 2022 season is sponsored by Joyous Journey Photography. The media sponsor for 2022 is WCSR Radio Hillsdale 92.1 F.M. and The Dale 99.5.

This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: The Sauk holding auditions for 'The Secret Garden' musical