THE SECRET GARDEN   Role: Dickon   Production Info: Oct. 5-24, ’99 @ North Shore Mus. Theatre (MA) Director/Choreographer: William Wesbrooks Music Director: Joel Fram

After I first heard the original cast recording of The Secret Garden (and made all of my friends and family listen to it as well), I made up my mind that somehow, someday, I wanted to play the role of Dickon, even if I had to put the show on in someone’s backyard! My wish came true in October 1999 at the North Shore Music Theatre, and I loved every second of it (even the crazy and stressful rehearsal period!). Incredible cast, beautiful set, wonderful costumes . . . and an opportunity to spend autumn in coastal Massachusetts, which is something I’ll never forget. Who knew leaves could turn all those colors?   Click on this link to read more info about North Shore Music Theatre.

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This is Cassidy Ladden (Mary Lennox) and I singing the song “Wick”. This was my favorite part of the entire show, so it wasn’t hard to smile for the camera.

Mary Lennox and Dickon opening the door to the Secret Garden. This photo was staged for the press cameras, so our costumes aren’t quite right. Nevertheless, it’s a cute picture.

Martha (Danielle Ferland) sings “Hold On” to Mary Lennox. What a powerful moment . . . it gave me chills every night.

 
 

Me and My Punky (everyone’s gotta have a nickname!!) This picture was taken backstage in Danielle’s dressing room.

Mark Hardy played the role of Neville Craven, Archibald’s brother. I took this happy photo in our dressing room before the show, because I wanted proof that he wasn’t as mean and nasty as his character!

Cristin Hubbard (who is actually blond and fair!) as the Ayah, and Peter Marinos as the Fakir. Peter created his role in the original production and had LOTS of good stories.

Did they have Skittles in Victorian England? Matt Soursourian as Colin (with Cassidy and Danielle) chillin’ before the show.

 
 

THE BOSTON HERALD, 10/17/99 by Robert Nesti   Much of the charm comes with the performance of Cassidy Ladden...The dark-haired teen has both poise and intelligence, never falling upon cute mannerisms that could break the fragile spell this show weaves so well. She also sings in a crisp, unaffected manner that never draws attention to itself. Everyone in the cast...seems perfectly in pitch with the show’s gentle spirit. George Dvorsky convincingly conveys Archibald’s grief, and he sings beautifully. As do Cheryl Martin (Lily), Mark Hardy (Dr. Neville Craven), Ron DeStefano (Dickon) and Danielle Ferland (Martha).

BOSTON BAY WINDOWS, 10/21/99 by Paul McMahon   This production was directed and choreographed by William Wesbrooks...His work for this particular production proves especially sensitive and brings the piece an often very moving quality, without ever seeming hokey or contrived. Actually, the entire production works very well on all levels: first, an excellent cast of singing actors has been assembled; then the physical production is first rate. The relatively small cast for a Broadway musical is also graced by the delightful Danielle Ferland as the bubbly, high spirited chambermaid Martha, and Ron DeStefano is terrific as her equally infectious brother, Dickon.

THE DAILY EVENING ITEM, 10/14/99 by Rich Fahey   NSMT veterans have come to expect fine performances from such veterans as George Dvorsky and Nancy Johnston, but a trio of younger actors are key players in this production. Cassidy Ladden...shines in the role of Mary Lennox. But NSMT newcomer Ron DeStefano, as the plucky gardener Dickon, and Beverly’s Matthew Soursourian, as the sickly Colin...are also up to the challenge of mixing it up with such heavyweights as Ladden and Dvorsky.

SALEM EVENING NEWS, 10/7/99 by Sheila Barth   In Act II, [Ron DeStefano, as Dickon,] becomes spritely. His eyes gleam during the song “Wick.”