The Secret Garden is an enchanting classic of children’s literature, reimagined for the stage in brilliant musical style by composer Lucy Simon and playwright Marsha Norman. It was last performed at Le Petit Théâtre in 1996, and we are excited to bring it back to the stage for new and returning audiences this December.
Orphaned in India, 11-year-old Mary Lennox (Anna Grace DePaula) arrives in Yorkshire, England, to live with her reclusive uncle Archibald Craven (Hardy Weaver). There, she discovers a hidden garden, once lovingly tended by Archibald’s late wife Lily (Maggie Windler), now locked away and forgotten. As Mary sets out to bring the garden back to life, she discovers the transformative power of friendship, hope, and love. And as the garden begins to bloom again, so does Mary, finding not only a place to belong but a family and a home. This beautiful story of renewal, forgiveness, and the magic of new beginnings is perfect for the entire family this holiday season.
Bringing the rest of the garden back to life (in alphabetical order) are Rachel Abbate (MRS. MEDLOCK), Richard Arnold (DR. NEVILLE CRAVEN), Adriel Aviles (LT. SHAW), Keith Claverie (BEN WEATHERSTAFF), Maddie Fry (MRS. WINTHROP/CLAIRE HOLMES), Olivia Gray (ALICE), David Landreaneau (LT. WRIGHT), Garrin Mesa (DICKON), Maddy Montz (MARTHA), Candice Moses (ROSE LENNOX), Sammy Palumbo III (COLIN CRAVEN), Nathan Parrish (FAKIR), Tatiana I. Rivera-Raffucci (AYAH), Luke Sirinides (MAJ. HOLMES), and Knox Van Horn (CAPT. ALBERT LENNOX).
“Bringing The Secret Garden to the Le Petit stage after 30 years is a wonderful way to celebrate the enduring magic of live theater,” said Nicole Hackmann, Executive Director of Le Petit Théâtre. “I was a young actor at Le Petit when this beautiful musical was last produced, so its return is especially meaningful. The Secret Garden is a timeless story of hope, renewal, and finding a place to belong. It celebrates love and family, and we can’t wait to share it with audiences this holiday season.”
Leslie Castay directs The Secret Garden, with Jauné Buisson as choreographer and Michael Paternostro as the music director. Scenic designs come from Michael Hoover, costume design from Kaci Thomassie, lighting design from Daniel Zimmer, sound design from Jason Doyle, properties design from Deborah Bommer-Morrissey, puppet design from Ken Thompson, dialect coaching from Audrey LeCrone, assistant direction from Hillary Bosarge, production stage management by Savannah Grace Lloyd, and assistant stage management from Claire Schenck.
Unlock holiday memories with The Secret Garden at Le Petit Théâtre, starting with opening night on Friday, December 4th, running through December 27th. Preview night is Thursday, December 3rd, with discounted tickets for all seats. Students of all ages can purchase discounted tickets for all shows, and groups of 10 or more can use code GROUP to save 20% online.
Single-show tickets and Family 4-Packs (2 adult tickets and 2 student tickets per package) are now available for The Secret Garden along with 4-Play packages for the 2026-27 Le Petit Theatre season. Single-show tickets for The Glass Menagerie, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee are also available for purchase.
OPENING NIGHT: Friday, December 4 at 7:30 PM.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE: December 3 – 27, 2026 | For Dec. 3 – 20: Thursdays – Saturdays at 7:30 PM; 3:00 PM Sunday afternoons; plus performances on Saturday, December 19 at 2:00 PM; Wednesday, December 23 at 7:30 PM; Saturday, December 26 at 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM; and Sunday, December 27 at 12:00 PM. Student matinee performance Thursday, December 10 at 10:00 AM (waitlist only).
WHERE: LE PETIT THÉÂTRE – 616 St. Peter St. New Orleans, LA 70116 | 504.522.2081
BOX OFFICE: 504.522.2081 x 1 or lepetittheatre.com
TICKETS: Single tickets range from $40-$95. $20 student tickets are available for every performance. Groups of 10 or more may contact the box office to receive a 20% discount. Discounted preview night tickets available for Thursday, December 3rd performance only.
« back to News