THE SECRET GARDEN: A NEW MUSICAL STREAMING
FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME
StarVista Music has reissued of The Secret Garden: A New Musical, featuring an extraordinary ensemble of West End talent — Broadway legends Barbara Cook, John Cullum, Judy Kaye, George Rose and Max Showalter, along with child actors Victoria Coote, Paul Glen and Daniel Waller — who came together exclusively for this studio cast recording in London.
Originally debuting at Salisbury’s Playhouse in Watford, England on April 28, 1983, this adaptation of The Secret Garden marked the first musical rendition of Burnett’s classic tale ever created. Three years later, in 1986, a cast of theatrical talent assembled to record this milestone production, preserving it for posterity.
The landmark album is a collection of songs from the first-ever musical stage adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved classic novel and is now available for streaming on major platforms starting today. Stream “The Secret Garden: A New Musical” HERE.
Still available on CD, this is the first time The Secret Garden has been made available for streaming.
The Secret Garden: A New Musical
The album also showcases the songs of the staff of Misselthwaite Manor, sung by Marcia Brushingham, Connie Colt, Carol Dorian, Marian Hampton, Linda Kerns, Karen La Wilder, P.J. Nelson, Jan Neuberger, Larry Cahn, Edward Earle, Tim Ewing, Tony Gilbert, Michael O’Gorman, Craig Pomranz, Dennis Skerik, and Lee Winston.
Robert Sher (Follies, Gypsy and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying) produced the original recording and was a pivotal figure in bringing the album to streaming services today. “This is the only recording of the very first theatrical adaptation of ‘The Secret Garden,’ which became the basis and the musical inspiration for the award-winning Broadway show that followed it a few years later,” explains Sher. “It’s both an artistic gem and an important part of this story’s history and evolution in the theatrical world. I’m really thrilled that fans will be able to discover and rediscover this version through this reissue.”
Featuring London Musicians Orchestra
Music Contractor & Preparation Supervisor: Richard Ihnatowicz, London Musicians, Inc
Album Design & Illustrations: Hilary Knight
Art Direction: Greco & Emmi, Inc.
Associate to Mr. Howard: Stuart Triff
Legal Counsel: A. Chandler Warren, Jr.
Rehearsal Pianists: Dennis Buck, Patrick Holland, Michael Lavine
Recorded at Olympic Studios, No. 1, London, May 7 & 8, 1986
Chief Recording Engineer: Keith Grant
Assistant Engineers: Gerry O’Riordan, Jon King and Toby Allington
Recorded at RCA Studios, Studio C, New York, May 30, 1986
Chief Recording Engineer: Paul Goodman
Recorded at Master Sound Astoria, Kaufman Astoria Studios, Astoria, NY, June 5, 1986
Chief Recording Engineer: Ben Rizzi
Assistant Engineers: Gene Paul & Corky Stasiak
Remastered at Messina Music, New York City with engineer Geoffrey Daking
