On November 12, energy and elegance coursed through the theatre of Henry Ford Community College’s Fine Arts building during the opening weekend of the Theatre for Young Audience’s presentation of The Secret Garden.

The show, directed by Judy Fletcher, opens on a 10-year-old girl, Mary Lennox (played by Jenna Sabatini), who is spoiled and sour, and dragged from her home in India to England. She is forced to settle in a dreary old house owned by her Uncle Craven, portrayed by Chris Holland. Mary encounters humorous characters, such as a groundskeeper, nurse, and “creature charmer,” who all open her eyes to a new way of life filled with excitement and hope.

One day, with the help of a friendly robin, she stumbles upon a beautiful garden that she wants to make her own. However, the garden serves as more than just a sanctuary when she meets her ill cousin, Colin (played by Christian Plonka), who is in desperate need of some fresh air and enlightenment.

The cast—also including Marcy Walsh, Monique Tokar, Miekyle Turner, and Ramzi Khzouz—was charming with their convincing accents and quirks. Sabatini was sweet and childlike, which added to the hopeful atmosphere, and she was complemented well by her counterparts.

The play not only offers kind characters, but also an enchanting set, picturesque and idyllic, to portray a bewitching garden and cozy early 1900’s home, thanks to technical director Gerald Dzuiblinski.

The Secret Garden takes the stage on Fridays at 7:00 p.m., Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. through December 5, 2010. The only weekend it will not be shown is over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for students with ID, $6 for children 12-and-under, and $5 per seat for groups of ten or more.

Please contact Gerald Dzuiblinski at (313) 845-9817 or gadzuiblinski@hfcc.edu for further information and/or reservations.