Mendham Siblings Star in The Secret Garden

Mendham borough brother and sister, Christopher and Abby Simon, are currently starring together in Brundage Park Playhouse's production of The Secret Garden, which opened on October 6th and runs weekends through October 22nd. The musical based on the beloved novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, tells the story of Mary, a 10 year-old orphan, played by Abby, 12, who is forced to relocate to Yorkshire from India after her parents die from a cholera outbreak. Mary moves into a large but dreary manor house with her reclusive Uncle Archibald, a hunchback. Mary soon discovers the old house holds many secrets, including a sickly cousin she never knew existed and a long forgotten secret garden. Mary befriends her servant Martha and Martha's brother, Dickon, played by Christopher, 14. Together the youngsters set to restore the garden to its former beauty. The Secret Garden marks the fifth time that Abby and Christopher have shared the Brundage Park Playhouse stage together and is Chris' tenth show at the theater. The role of Mary is double cast, and Abby shares the role with Lauren Fabio, 14, of Flanders. Abby, a 7th grader at Mountain View Middle School, will play Mary at the 10/14, 10/20 and 10/22 performances. Abby is thrilled to play Mary as she says "The Secret Garden is my favorite show, it has beautiful music. It's such a privilege to play Mary in this wonderful production." The full schedule is as follows: Friday, October 13th and 20th at 8pm, Saturday, October 14th and 21st at 5pm and Sunday, October 15th and 22nd at 2pm. Tickets are $25 and $20 for senior citizens and children under 12. To purchase tickets or for more information, please go to www.brundageparkplayhouse.org. Brundage Park Playhouse is located at 2 Bungalow Lane in Randolph. The production, directed by Ray Gelpke, includes many area adults and youth. So please consider supporting local talent and community theater.