BEREA, Ky. — The Spotlight Playhouse is closing out a special production this weekend with The Secret Garden, a beautiful and atmospheric adaptation of the classic story by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
The play was adapted for the stage by Dana Hendren, who also directs the production. Hendren is an actor, volunteer, proud parent of Spotlight students, active participant in The Bluegrass Players, and a familiar part of the creative life surrounding The Spotlight Playhouse.
That local connection makes this production especially meaningful.
🌱 A Story of Healing and Growth
The Secret Garden tells the story of Mary Lennox, a lonely girl sent to live at Misselthwaite Manor after the death of her parents. At first, Mary is sharp, spoiled, and unhappy. But as she begins to explore the manor, the moor, and the locked garden hidden away for years, the world around her slowly begins to change.
So does she.
Hendren’s adaptation keeps the heart of the story close. It explores grief, loneliness, friendship, fresh air, second chances, and the healing power of caring for something outside yourself. In the script, Mary asks for “a bit of earth” where she can plant seeds and make things grow. That small request becomes the center of the narrative. A forgotten garden begins to bloom again, and so do the people around it.
The production gives young and adult actors room to explore a story that is quiet, emotional, and deeply hopeful. Mary’s friendship with Dickon, her bond with the robin, and her discovery of Colin all help move the play from sadness toward life. By the end, the garden is no longer just a secret place. It becomes a place where a family begins to heal.
🎭 Celebrating Original Local Works
That theme feels right for spring, but it also feels right for community theater.
This production follows another original work that just premiered at The Spotlight Playhouse, The Booking Committee, written and directed by Todd King. To have two original plays premiere at the Playhouse back-to-back is something worth celebrating.
It says a lot about the talent in this region.
Community theater is often known for bringing familiar stories to life, and that is important. Audiences love seeing stories they already know. But local theater can also be a place where new work is created, tested, shaped, and shared for the first time.
That is what makes this moment so exciting. Dana Hendren and Todd King are both local artists bringing original work to the stage. They are not just helping keep theater alive in Berea. They are actively adding to it.
🌟 A Proud Moment for the Community
For The Spotlight Playhouse, that is a proud moment. It shows that the arts here are not only about performance. They are also about imagination, writing, directing, volunteering, mentoring, and building a creative home where people can try something brave.
The Secret Garden closes this weekend at The Spotlight Playhouse. For audiences who love classic stories, heartfelt performances, and local talent, this is the final chance to see Hendren’s adaptation on stage.
About the Author
Dr. Chad Hembree serves as the Executive Director of Spotlight Acting School, The Spotlight Playhouse, and Spotlight Performing Arts. Affectionately known as “Mr. Chad,” he is an accomplished performer, director, and creative executive who draws on his broad experience to guide students and staff with creativity, care, and a passion for making community events accessible to everyone in Berea.
Upcoming Events in Berea & Beyond
🌿 Community, Arts & Outdoors
- Berea Farmers Market (Chestnut Street Pavilion) — Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Eastern Kentucky University Commencement — May 7–8
- Berea College Commencement — Sunday, May 10
- Madison Central High School Graduation (Alumni Coliseum) — Friday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m.
- Model Laboratory School Graduation — Friday, May 22
- Madison Southern High School Graduation (Alumni Coliseum) — Saturday, May 23 at 10:00 a.m.
🎭 Theater & Performance at The Spotlight Playhouse
(Tickets and info for all shows: thespotlightplayhouse.com)
- Madagascar: A Musical Adventure JR. (Ages 9–14) — Final Weekend! Closes May 10
- The Secret Garden (The Bluegrass Players) — Final Weekend! Closes May 10
- Annie: The Musical (The Bluegrass Players) — May 15–24
- Annie KIDS (Spotlight Acting School) — May 29–June 7
- Creative Arts Camp (“New York, New York”) — June 8–12
- “Oh, Those Summer Nights” Intergenerational Intensive — June 14–27
- Macbeth (The Bluegrass Players) — June 19–28
- Film Acting Camp (Rising 6th–Age 18) — June 29 – July 3
- Seussical the Musical (Ages 14–18) — July 31–Aug. 9