Last week we attended the stage production of The Secret Garden at the Royal Alexandra Theatre in downtown Toronto. This was a musical based on the book by Frances Hodgson Burnett. There were some major differences between the book and the musical which go beyond the “license” of a musical.  Some major parts of the story are changed which I will not discuss so that I do not spoil the musical for those who attend,

One big addition to the musical is a Greek-style “choir” which wafts in and out of the stage providing another “voice” in the story.  I am sure many people enjoyed the show immensely but I found it too new age for my taste.  I prefer the book and its rationale for the new-found health of Colin rather than the magical Indian charms of this production.

Also, the Royal Alexandra’s theater seats did not leave a lot of room for legs.