(From left) Polly Hamm, Amanda McCabe, Darrin Gowan, Brynn Lee, Ellen Vander Missen, Bryan Gallet, Jackson Stollings, Kata Ewigleben, Josh Vander Missen, Heather Hansen, Connor Phelan, Ryley Trottier, Elizabeth Belle, and Mike Lipphardt. (Photo by Rob Slaven / IndyGhostLight.com)
Posted By: Aida Karim May 29, 2026
By AIDA KARIM
news@readthereporter.com
The enchanting children’s classic brimming with magical design and haunting melodies is brought to life in Hamilton County when Main Street Productions (MSP) stages The Secret Garden at Basile Westfield Playhouse, 220 N. Union St., through June 7.
The Reporter spoke with MSP Producer Rachel Kelso about the fantastical production and what audiences should expect.
Kelso told The Reporter The Secret Garden encompasses the story of a young girl named Mary Lennox who has to move to England and live with her estranged uncle. Her entire world is suddenly extremely foreign to her. The girl learns to find herself, bring joy to those around her, and reunite with her family through gardening.
(From left) Darrin Gowan, Bryan Gallet, Elizabeth Belle, Ryley Trottier, Connor Phelan, Josh Vander Missen, Ellen Vander Missen, Polly Hamm, Jackson Stollings, Mary Garner, and Heather Hansen. (Photo by Rob Slaven / IndyGhostLight.com)
Kelso said she sees the show as incredibly magical.
“It’s a show that challenges how you view the world,” Kelso said. “Not only is the set absolutely phenomenally decorated, but the singing is just angelic, the music is transcendent.”
MSP’s cast spans generations. There are young children all the way up to adults in their middle age, with one particular actress, Kata Ewigleben, playing the role of Lily who Kelso says is absolutely fantastic.
“Not only is she like a ray of sunshine, but she has a phenomenal voice,” Kelso said. “She sings all the very, very high notes in the show. It’s incredible to watch.”
According to Kelso, not only is the play about magical things, but there is some potential magic in store for audiences.
Keslo told The Report this play “will absolutely transport you to another time and place where it feels like anything is possible.”
You can see The Secret Garden on stage at Basile Westfield Playhouse, 220 N. Union St., through June 7. Call (317) 402-3341 or go to BasileWestfieldPlayhouse.org to get your tickets.
