Although “The Secret Garden” was written more than 100 years ago, it has grown to become a staple of Western literature for its sense of loss, mystery and whimsy.

The musical version of this classic novel will be produced by the Mary Moody Northen Theatre this summer.

The novel follows a young orphaned girl named Mary Lennox, who is moved from India to England to live with relatives she has never known.  While there, she discovers a neglected garden on her relatives’ property that she is drawn to and vows to revitalize despite the fears of her uncle and sickly cousin.

The script itself varies slightly from the original in the fact that there is more emphasis on the adult characters rather than the children.

“The Secret Garden” marks many firsts for the theater.

Although the St. Edward’s theater department stays very active over the summer through Summerstock Austin’s musical productions, this is the first time the theater will host its own full-fledged equity musical.

“The added show was to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the theater,” the Managing Director of MMNT said.

This production also marks the first time working with guest director Robert Westenberg. Westenberg is no stranger to the show. In fact, he played Dr. Neville Craven in the original Broadway production of “The Secret Garden” in 1991.

The show is also the first for sophomore Aly Jones.  Jones plays Claire, an ensemble member.

Jones is excited to make her mainstage debut, but even more excited that she does not have to deal with the pressures of school while doing so.

“I’m really excited for this to be my first show,” Jones said. “It’s going to be fun and exciting because it’s in the summer, so you don’t have to worry about classes.”

Jones is also thrilled to work with the iconic Westenberg and sees him as an inspiration for the actors of the department.

“To me, it’s a really big deal because he’s worked on Broadway,” Jones said. “He’s done the things that we eventually want to do.”

“The Secret Garden” is the final production of the theater’s 40th anniversary season and will run June 13-30.

Tickets are available at www.stedwards.edu/theatre