Clips From The Secret Garden

Opening Night V.I.P.

On November 18, 2005, after the opening night performance of  the Combined Ensemble's production of The Secret Garden, show composer Lucy Simon led a question and answer discussion with the cast and audience.  The complete recording of this very special event is presented here in video clips, one per question posed.

• Introduction by Jason Brantman
• "Such an incredible Thrill" - remarks by Lucy Simon
• "What [in the show] got replaced, and what got cut?" (audience member)
  
• "How do you figure out the harmony?" (Evie Tzelios)
• "Was this the show you always wanted to write?" (audience member)
• "Coming from a family of singers, how did you become a composer?" (audience member)
• "How did you keep the soul of the book in the music?" (Charlie Cohen)
• "Do you have a favorite song in The Secret Garden?" (Jenna Lowry)
• "What inspired you [to write music at a young age]?" (Gary Francis)
• "Were you ever in any plays?" (Matthew DiMona)
• "Did you have a history of singing in your family?" (Alessandra DiMona)
• "Do you have a favorite musical?" (Todd Ritch)
• "Does Fakir's anthem - Jadu Ke - really mean 'Come Spirit, Come Charm?'" (Steven Kane)
• "Did [the songs from The Secret Garden] all just come to you?" (Hannah Nash)
• Final Thanks and an anecdote about a Secret Garden in La Jolla