"THE SECRET GARDEN," IMAGINE BALLET THEATRE, Peery's Egyptian Theater, Ogden, two performances today (801-395-3227).
OGDEN — There's nothing like watching a dream come true — especially if it's done right.
For the past 13 years, Raymond Van Mason, artistic director of the Imagine Ballet Theatre, has wanted to choreograph a work based on Frances Hodgson Burnett's children's classic "The Secret Garden."
The work finally had its world premiere Thursday, and despite a few light-cue misses, the production was beautiful.
Detailed sets, elaborate costumes and a rich, animated score written by Kurt Bestor highlight the dancers, whose average age is 14.
Van Mason has a secret treasure with these dancers. Audience members will be surprised at the professionalism and maturity of the dancers. Thursday night's lead, Tessa Whiting, who danced the role of Mary Lennox, is only 12, but has strength and poise beyond her years.
One can't help but get caught up in the story line of the orphaned Mary moving to London and discovering the healing powers of a magical garden.
Former Ballet West principal dancer Van Mason and former soloist Steve Mueller make their appearances as Uncle Archibald Craven and gardener Ben Weatherstaff, respectively.
Animals such as rabbits, a fox, a raven, a squirrel and a robin come alive through Van Mason's choreography. Mitchell Perry, who dances the role of Mary's ill cousin, Colin Craven, seems at home onstage, even though this is his first major theatrical production.
Throughout "The Secret Garden," scenes come alive, such as the pas de deux between Archibald Craven and the spirit of his deceased wife, Lily, danced by Kara Nielsen. During this tender scene, the dancers move with limited physical contact, but the emotion is there.
Although it helps to know the story before seeing IBT's "The Secret Garden," the charming work is done in a way that is easy to understand. Furthermore, it isn't heavy-handed.
There are times when the work could have easily fallen prey to preachy pitfalls. There are heart-tugging moments, but the audience isn't melodramatically manipulated. This is no cheesy after-school special.
Instead the 1 1/2-hour performance draws the audience in and makes its point in an uplifting, innocent way.
Intricate sets designed by Van M. Tinkham help the audience's imagination build on the compelling story. The combination of Van Mason's choreography and Bestor's music provides the perfect platform for the tale to come alive.
You can still see "The Secret Garden" today at 2 and 7:30 p.m. in the Peery's Egyptian Theatre in Ogden. And let's hope Imagine Ballet Theatre decides to revive the show sometime in the near future.
E-mail: scott@desnews.com