Since its release in 1911, it has been made into a movie several times and is presently enjoying success on many stages, including at the Theatre on main in Oconomowoc.

It is a story that continues to appeal to both children and adults because of its inclusion of an orphaned child, its love story and its magical elements. It also reveals a hopeful message, which is always welcome. Loss can be the impetus for growth and love.

Mary Lennox is the center of the show. She was born into wealth to Brits living in India, and although she was pampered by servants, she received little attention from either parent.

When they were struck down with cholera, she is transported to her only relative, Uncle Archibald, who lives in northern England and who, himself, is grieving over the loss of his wife.

Thus she is thrust into another loveless household under the supervision of the cold eye of Mrs. Matlock. But due to the warm welcome and loving care of the Sowerby family, who work for Archibald Craven, especially Martha, Dickon and Mrs. Sowerby, Mary soon sheds her brittle meanness and cynicism.

Mary's natural curiosity leads her to discover her cousin Colin who is trapped in his room and made to believe that he is going to die soon of some spinal ailment. Along with Dickon, she begins to garden and is determined to find the key to the secret garden that Martha told her had been locked up since Archibald's wife and Colin's mother Lilias died. Eventually she shares this secret adventure with Colin and begins to release him from his bedroom prison and negative thoughts by wheeling him into the garden and sharing her joy with him.

Although this is a somewhat uneven production, it has many strengths, as well. There's consistency musicality of the soloists and the ensemble and some very strong performances, especially by Michelle Brien as Mrs. Sowerby, Antonio Peraza as Dickon and Tyler Manfrin as Colin.

The standouts in cameo roles are Emma Grace Bero, Peter Alexander and Cole Winston in their roles as three of the many Sowerby children. The third strength of the show is the evident enthusiasm of the whole cast. Their enjoyment spilled over into the audience.

Haley Maurer as Mary Lennox carries the weight of "star" quite well. Her voice is strong and her attitude fearless, but as she grows into a more loving human being, her face should match that transformation. She is too rigid in her body language. Tyler Manfrin's innocent face and stunning eyes serve him well as the lovable, neglected child, but the miracle of walking is too swift to be believable. Maybe a few stumbles?

The use of dialect is always a challenge, even with professional actors, so with a cast this size, it probably would have been better not to attempt it. The inconsistencies are more distracting than useful as a means of providing authenticity.

Because this story involves many venues, the frequent changing of the set fragmented the storyline a bit. The secret garden could have been enhanced by mellower, more mystical lighting. Perhaps the short hotel scene could have been played in front of the curtain to eliminate one scene change.

Choosing to eliminate the appearance of Lilias' ghost also deprived the story of one of its magical elements. The relationship between the living and the dead is served by this powerful symbol, and after all, this is a drama that underlines that connection.

Director Karen E. Kruger, along with the assistance of Sandy Manfrin, Kimm Mann, and Mary Beth Tell, have put together a very challenging show.