Come to My Garden
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Experience the Beauty and Wonder of The Secret Garden at the Mac-Haydn Theatre
CHATHAM, NY (July 9, 2026)—One of musical theatre’s most beloved classics comes to the Mac-Haydn stage as The Secret Garden opens July 9, continuing the theatre’s acclaimed 2026 season.
Based on Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved novel, The Secret Garden follows young Mary Lennox as she uncovers a hidden garden on her uncle’s estate. As the neglected garden begins to bloom, so too do the lives of those around her in this Tony Award-winning musical featuring a soaring score by Lucy Simon and a book and lyrics by Marsha Norman.
Producing Artistic Director, John Saunders, takes the helm as director for the first time this season. Last season Saunders earned the Berkshire Theatre Critics Association Award for Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Jesus Christ Superstar). He is joined by choreographer Anthony Michael Velez who choreographed A Grand Night for Singing last year.
Leading the cast as Lily is Elizabeth D’Aiuto, who just completed her first leg of the national tour of The Music Man, starring as Marian Paroo. Wild Handel, who earned the Berkshire Theatre Critics Association Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a musical last season (Annie) returns to play Mary Lennox. Newcomers Kevin Egan and Colin Czornobil make their Mac-Haydn debut as father and son, Archibald and Colin Craven.
Rich with unforgettable melodies and breathtaking imagery, The Secret Garden offers audiences a theatrical experience that is both intimate and epic. “It's a story that speaks to every generation, and its music has an extraordinary ability to move audiences. We’re thrilled to bring this beloved musical to the Mac-Haydn stage,” said John Saunders. This production continues the Mac-Haydn Theatre’s tradition of presenting beloved musicals with dynamic staging, exceptional performances, and the intimate storytelling that has become the hallmark of the theatre’s summer season.
The Secret Garden runs July 9–19 at the Mac-Haydn Theatre. Tickets are available now at www.machaydntheatre.org or by calling the box office at (518) 392-9292.
Performance Details:
The Secret Garden
July 9, 2:00 & 7:30pm; July 10, 7:30pm; July 11, 2:00 & 7:00pm; July 12, 2:00pm; July 15, 2:00pm; July 16, 2:00 & 7:30pm; July 17, 7:30pm; July 18, 2:00pm & 7:00pm; July 19, 2:00pm.
Mac-Haydn Theatre, 1925 NY-203, Chatham, NY
Tickets available at www.machaydntheatre.org or by calling the box office at (518) 392-9292.
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About the Mac-Haydn Theatre:
Founded in 1969, the Mac-Haydn Theatre strives to present innovative, diverse and professional musical theatre productions to the residents of Columbia County and beyond. We aim to cultivate young talent for careers in theatre and seek to provide a supportive environment for the creation of new musical theatre works.