The Secret Garden presented by Lake Forest Theatre at Gorton Center

Daily Herald - Somewhat Recommended

"...Adapted from Frances Hodgson Burnett's 1911 novel of the same name, "The Secret Garden" follows the emotional and spiritual journey of an initially sour young girl named Mary Lennox (Kailey Albus and Carly Meyer, a Suburban Chicago's Got Talent finalist, alternate in the role)."

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...Still, director Steve Malone might've done better to start small. Although he's populated his cast with competent artists, Malone's use of them is alternately muddy, static, or puzzling. And his decision to keep the orchestra out of sight defeats the benefits of its size: the piped-in music sounds prerecorded. It doesn't help that, as Archibald, Edward Fraim seems forced to sing outside his range."

ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended

"...From where I am sitting, this is a story about hope, about love, and about renewal. Kudos to all of the actors, the musicians, the costume designer (David Lundholn), the lighting designer (David Miller) and a great thanks to Steve Malone for making this all come together. What a wonderful show!"

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...There is a new theater company on the North Shore. Lake Forest Theatre, new to the scene, in its home at The John & Nancy Hughes Theatre, opened its 2016/2017 inaugural season tonight with "The Secret Garden" based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett with the book and lyrics by Marsha Norman and the music by Lucy Simon. First of all, let me say, this was a large production to select for a first and based on the wonder of what this new company brings to the stage, they have set the bar pretty high for the season to follow!"

Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Recommended

"...All of Chicagoland’s musical theater community is rooting for the success of Lake Forest Theatre, the newly realized, longtime dream of Managing and Artistic Director Steve Malone. The company’s inaugural production of The Secret Garden isn’t a flawless production right out of the gate, but certainly hints at some greatness to come. "