The School of the New Bedford Ballet will present its 38th annual full- length ballet, The Secret Garden, at the New Bedford High School Bronspiegel Auditorium on Saturday, June 15, at 2 pm and 8 pm. Based on the 1911 classic children’s novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden is a touching, family-friendly ballet, created by New Bedford Ballet’s artistic director, Rebecca Waskiel-Marchesseault, with choreography by Ms. Waskiel-Marchesseault, Pamela Mateus, Katherine Bickford, Charis Hall, and James Brown.

The ballet tells the story of Mary Lennox (Makenna LeBlanc-Reis, Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School senior), a young girl who is sent to live with her uncle, Archibald Craven, after her parents pass away from cholera. Mary is a sullen girl, and the realization that she is unwanted by her uncle adds to her displeasure of life. However, the people around Mary – Mrs. Medlock (Sofia Gillen, Fairhaven resident, Lincoln School junior); the maid, Martha (Eva Politano, New Bedford High School junior); and Martha’s brother, animal-charmer Dickon (Nissa Inwood, Westport High School sophomore); slowly break through Mary’s defenses. But it’s the walled-off garden that has been locked away since the death of Mr. Craven’s wife, Lily (Allison Root, Old Rochester Regional High School senior), that ignites Mary’s interest in life. The garden, lifeless from years of neglect, will literally come to life in this production, with animals and flowers danced by New Bedford Ballet students, ages five to eighteen.

The creative choreography and colorful sets and costumes easily become metaphors for the welcome warmth of the upcoming summer months, which will arrive on the tail of a chilling New England winter. Bringing this classical piece of children’s literature to the stage as a ballet will capture the hearts of audience members, as they remember that regardless of the hardships that life sends your way, there are multiple gifts waiting to be discovered.

This performance is being sponsored by Lang, Xifaras, & Bullard; William & Deborah Synnott Family, and Riccardi’s Italian Restaurants and Buffet Catering. Reserved seating tickets are $25, and general admission prices are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, students, and for children 12 years and younger. Special group rates are available for non-profit organizations.

For over 35 years, the non-profit New Bedford Ballet has continued its mission of fostering the artistry of ballet throughout the South Coast. To learn more about the New Bedford Ballet, including child and adult classes and community programs, visit their website, www.newbedfordballet.org.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.newbedfordballet.org. For more information, please visit the New Bedford Ballet website at www.newbedfordballet.org or contact the New Bedford Ballet Office at 508-993-1387.