THE SECRET GARDEN is the story of a young girl named Mary Lennox (Caitlyn Caughell). It's the early 1900s and Mary lives in India with her mother Rose (Cristin J. Hubbard) and her father Albert (Paul Woodson), a Captain in the military. After an outbreak of cholera kills everyone in the house except for Mary, she is sent off to live with her Uncle Archibald (Robert Cuccioli) in a large house in England.

    The house is filled with spirits - including those of Mary's parents and Archibald's late wife Lily (Teri Bibb). And it's filled with many secrets - including a garden that has been locked away behind a high wall since the death of Archibald's wife.

    It's Mary that finally brings the house and garden back to life and releases her loving Uncle Archibald from the torment he has suffered since his beloved Lily died.

    Caitlyn Caughell absolutely steals the show as the precocious Mary. Not only can the 12-year-old act and sing, she has a tremendous on-stage presence that is a pleasure to watch throughout the show. Look in the dictionary under adorable, and undoubtedly you will find her picture there.

    Josh Breslow who plays Archibald's crippled son Colin - who is cured by Mary's friendship and the magic of the garden - plays well opposite Caughell. The pair engage in some classic child-type arguments that delighted the crowd.

    Cuccioli, of course, was terrific as Archibald, despite sporadic equipment problems which appeared to be caused by the actor's long hair rubbing over the end of his microphone when he turned his head. Ah, live theatre! For those of us who saw him in JEKYLL & HYDE, you couldn't help but hear and catch glimpses of J&H in Robert's voice and movements on stage. Some of Cuccioli's voice inflections absolutely send chills down your spine. Let's hope he returns to Sacramento again soon.

    After appearing in THE MOST HAPPY FELLA two weeks ago, Leah Hocking returned in THE SECRET GARDEN as Martha, the chambermaid. Leah's voice seemingly gets better and better and she absolutely won the crowd over with songs like "A Fine White Horse," and "Hold On," as well as several duets with other members of the cast. The kids stole the show, of course, but Hocking was right up there with Cuccioli as far as the reception she got from the crowd at the end of the production. Interestingly enough, Hocking is also a J&H veteran, having played the role of Lucy on Broadway.

    THE SECRET GARDEN is the Music Circus' annual "kids" show, where all children 12 and under are half price. It's a noble idea, but it brings up one of my rare MC gripes. It's hard enough for most of the adults in the tent to see the stage sitting in the low-slung chairs. I can't imagine a small person being able to see much. My 11-year-old is a perfect example. He heard more than he saw, especially considering the fact that the persons in front of his chair were sitting on stadium seats they brought along - raising them up at least an extra four inches. MC improvements are on the way, so I hear. Hopefully improved seating is on the agenda!

    THE SECRET GARDEN performs in the Music Circus tent on the corner of 15th and H Streets through August 8. Monday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range in price from $23-$40. For ticket information call (916) 557-1999, or visit the Music Circus box office at 1419 H Street.
    Next up for the Music Circus is 42ND STREET (Aug. 9-15), starring Alyson Reed, Patrick Quinn and Holly Bosil.