The Secret Garden - A Radio Theatre Production
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgeson Burnett is a beloved classic. A whole new generation of children are experiencing this story, thanks to Radio Theatre by Focus on the Family.
Radio dramas are not new. Before there was television, there was radio. Folks tuned in faithfully to hear their favorite programs. "Don't touch that dial!" They couldn't bear to miss a single episode. A lot of those programs seem pretty hokey nowadays, but the principle remains – tell a good story, add some great sound effects and you'll have them on the edge of their seats.
Radio Theatre from Focus on the Family has not forgotten this concept. They’ve chosen classic tales that have passed the test of time. They’ve used top-notch voice actors and directors, orchestral musical scores and well-crafted adaptations of the original books to create their productions.
Any of these Radio Theatre CD’s would make an excellent present for a child or a family. So next time you can’t decide what to get, remember my recommendation. You won’t go wrong with a story from Radio Theatre.
The Secret Garden
A Radio Theatre Production Now Available from Amazon
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgeson Burnett is a beloved classic. A whole new generation of children are experiencing this story, thanks to Radio Theatre by Focus on the Family. This abridged, five-star production is a welcome addition to any audio library.
Who do you know that would be thrilled to receive this as a gift?
The set is two CDs with a run time of approximately 135 minutes. This purchase qualifies for FREE Super Saver Shipping.
How the Story Begins
Who Doesn't Love Secret Places?
Mary Lennox is a cross, spoiled girl who, orphaned at age ten, had to leave India to live with her relatives in England. She finds life at her new home quite solitary. No one wants to bother with her. She is surpriseded to find that the English servants don't obey her the way the servants in India did. Sensible Martha has her own ideas about how children should be treated, and she had no intention of cosseting Mary. Besides, Martha has many duties and one of them involves keeping secret things secret.
Mary finds a lot of enjoyment in the estate gardens shere she meets the old gardener, and his friend, a tame robin. Here too are secrets. When Mary tried to find out more about the hidden, walled rose garden, she finds herself blocked at every turn. Finally the talkative housemaid lets out why her uncle locked the garden and buried the key - his wife died met an accident there and died from it. The beautiful garden, so well loved and so carefully tended has been locked away for the past ten years. She longs to see it for herself.
One day, it seems that her wish is to be granted. The merry robin redbreast appears to be leading her along the garden path. She follows him and discovers the door to the secret garden, hidden behind a veil of vines. She finds the key and lets herself in. The garden is overgrown, but Mary learn to care for it and she is rewarded by seeing it begin to come back to life.
Mary's health and disposition improve daily. At night, however, she often hears strange crying, which the servants deny. One night, following the sounds, she discovers a bed-ridden boy, an invalid whose disposition and behavior is even worse than her own. They discover they are close to the same age, and cousins.
Mary visits Colin daily and, for the first time in her life, she has someone to think about besides herself. The two children hatch a plan for restoring Colin's health by taking him on outings in secret to the walled garden.
But there are people who think that what is hidden should remain hidden!
Have you read (or heard) A Secret Garden?
Do you know this children's classic book?
A Secret Garden - Credits
Whose Voice Was That?
Storyteller - Joan Plowright
Ben Weatherstaff - Ron Moody
Mrs. Medlock - Prunella Scales
Mary Lennox - Lily Milton
Colin Craven - Garrett Moore
Mr. Craven - Alex Jannings
Martha Sowerby - Cathy Sara
Dicken Sowerby - Thomas Orange
Producer and Host - Dave Arnold
Director and Dramatization - Philip Glassborow
Music Composer - Jared Depasquale
Radio Theatre CDs Make Great Gifts
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Why do Radio Theatre CDs make great gifts?
Whether you are looking for stocking stuffers, gifts to send to folks far away, or a good book to give to someone in a unique way, you can't go wrong with Radio Theatre productions. Plenty of the people on your gift list would appreciate unwrapping one of these radio dramas. I've written this leaf to tell you seven reasons why.