Theatre III

10/13/2026

The Secret Garden - Company Highlight

Name: Melissa Penney (she/her)
Role: Mrs. Winthrop/Dreamer

Past T3 experience:
First Show

Favorite flower? Hydrangea
Favorite children's book? Encyclopedia Brown

Melissa is thrilled to be making her Theatre III debut in one her favorite musicals. Returning to the stage after a lengthy hiatus, some favorite past productions include Titanic (Kate McGowan) and She Loves Me (Ensemble) with Arlington Friends of the Drama; The Curse of the Bambino (Betty Danvers) with Theatre To Go; and Steel Magnolias (Annelle) with Wakefield Repertory Theatre. She especially thanks Stephen for picking up extra puppy walks and Laura for all the years of support.

Theatre III presents The Secret Garden, with book and lyrics by MARSHA NORMAN and music by LUCY SIMON, based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

Performances: October 17, 23, 24, and 30, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.; October 18, 25, and 31, 2026 at 2 p.m.
Tickets available now at: https://www.theatre3.org

THE SECRET GARDEN is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com



Photo description: Head shot of Melissa Penney

10/11/2026

The Secret Garden - Company Highlight

Name: Karen Burum (she/her)
Role: Hair, Wigs, and Makeup Designer

Past T3 experience:
Nice Work If You Can Get It, Radium Girls, and Miss Holmes.

Favorite flower? purple iris
Favorite children's book? The Velveteen Rabbit, by Margery Williams

Karen is a Boston-based theater artist specializing in hair, wigs, makeup, and special effects. She enjoys theater’s collaboration and the chance to do something different with every production. Theatre III credits include Radium Girls (Jan ’25), Miss Holmes (Feb ’26), and Nice Work If You Can Get It (May ’26). The Secret Garden marks her 45th production across New England, where her work has received multiple nominations and awards. Special thanks to Director Amanda Giglio, this cast, and T3.

Theatre III presents The Secret Garden, with book and lyrics by MARSHA NORMAN and music by LUCY SIMON, based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

Performances: October 17, 23, 24, and 30, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.; October 18, 25, and 31, 2026 at 2 p.m.
Tickets available now at: https://www.theatre3.org

THE SECRET GARDEN is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com



Photo description: Head shot of Karen Burum

10/11/2026

Come see Theatre III at the Acton-Boxborough Farmers Market today from 10am-1pm. We’re here to share all about our shows this season and how you can get involved!

10/09/2026

We are SOOO happy about how excited our audiences are for this fantastic show! If you haven't bought tickets yet, it's time to do so...we already can't accommodate more patrons on Sunday, October 18, and a couple of other shows are nearly full as well. We still need a few ushers the final weekend as well if you'd like to volunteer!

10/09/2026

The Secret Garden - Company Highlight

Name: Lali Haines
Role: Cultural Consultant

Past T3 experience:
Escape to Margaritaville (Marley); James and the Giant Peach (ensemble)

Favorite flower? Peonies
Favorite children's book? The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe

Lali is delighted to join the wonderful cast and production team on this journey from India to England. She has valued the commitment made by all to be culturally sensitive and respectful while honoring the original story. Prior shows at T3: Escape to Margaritaville (Marley) and James and the Giant Peach (Ensemble). Other favorite shows: Addams Family (Morticia, SLOC); Into the Woods (Witch, CCP); Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Miss Shingle, Vokes); SpongeBob Musical (Sandy, Open Door)

Theatre III presents The Secret Garden, with book and lyrics by MARSHA NORMAN and music by LUCY SIMON, based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

Performances: October 17, 23, 24, and 30, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.; October 18, 25, and 31, 2026 at 2 p.m.
Tickets available now at: https://www.theatre3.org

THE SECRET GARDEN is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com



Photo description: Head shot of Lali Haines

10/07/2026

The Secret Garden - Company Highlight

Name: Ramya Varanasi (she/her)
Role: Ayah

Past T3 experience:
First Show

Favorite flower? Jasmine
Favorite children's book? The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling

Ramya is so happy to be joining Theatre III for this show, marking her theatrical stage debut! A 3D animation instructor and creative educator, she brings lifelong training in traditional Carnatic vocal music and classical movement to the stage. Recently, she appeared as a background extra in the Super Troopers 3 movie. Ramya is excited to be part of this wonderful cast and is grateful to the director, cast, and crew for welcoming her into this magical production.

Theatre III presents The Secret Garden, with book and lyrics by MARSHA NORMAN and music by LUCY SIMON, based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

Performances: October 17, 23, 24, and 30, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.; October 18, 25, and 31, 2026 at 2 p.m.
Tickets at our website www - theatre3 - org

THE SECRET GARDEN is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals.



Photo description: Head shot of Ramya Varanasi

10/05/2026

The Secret Garden - Company Highlight

Name: Reagan Miller (she/her)
Role: Colin Craven

Past T3 experience:
First Show!

Favorite flower? Hibiscus
Favorite children's book? The Book with No Pictures

Reagan is thrilled to join the Theatre III community. She learned that “anything’s possible” portraying Jojo (Seussical, R.J Grey Junior High School) & brings that enthusiasm into her current role. Favorite past roles include Scuttle the Seagull (The Little Mermaid, Theatre with a Twist) & Crush (Finding Nemo, TwT). When not acting or singing, she can be found reading a good book, listening to music on her CD player, & hanging with friends.

Theatre III presents The Secret Garden, with book and lyrics by MARSHA NORMAN and music by LUCY SIMON, based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

Performances: October 17, 23, 24, and 30, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.; October 18, 25, and 31, 2026 at 2 p.m.
Tickets available now at: https://www.theatre3.org

THE SECRET GARDEN is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com



Photo description: Head shot of Reagan Miller

10/03/2026

The Secret Garden - Company Highlight

Name: Nicolle Armistead (she/her)
Role: Dreamer

Past T3 experience:
Other than in my bio, recently I've been in A Christmas Carol (The Ghost of Christmas Past), Something Rotten! (Puritan) and upcoming I will be Co-Producing Midnight and Moll Flanders next spring!

Favorite flower? Iris (Irises by Vincent Van Gogh is a favorite painting!)
Favorite children's book? The Secret Garden! But my favorite picture book is Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein

Nicolle is a T3 board member, kidlit nerd, and lifelong fan of The Secret Garden. She is thrilled to be sharing the stage once again with her father, Tedford. She holds an MA in Children’s Literature from Simmons and has been involved in Child’s Play at Theatre III onstage in Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! (Actor 3) and in her co-producing debut, The Great Race. This marks her third T3 production in a row, following Nice Work If You Can Get It (Vice Squad) and The Great Race.

Theatre III presents The Secret Garden, with book and lyrics by MARSHA NORMAN and music by LUCY SIMON, based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

Performances: October 17, 23, 24, and 30, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.; October 18, 25, and 31, 2026 at 2 p.m.
Tickets available now at: https://www.theatre3.org

THE SECRET GARDEN is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com



Photo description: Head shot of Nicolle Armistead

10/03/2026

Come visit us at West Acton Oktoberfest! We have a shiny new tent and are right next door to our friends at The Bee’s Knees. Learn all about our 2026-2027 season and new audience accessibility!

With The Bee's Knees British Imports

10/02/2026

Our Sunday, October 18 for The Secret Garden is NEARLY SOLD OUT - we are so thrilled! Our matinees are filling fastest, so we recommend getting seats early if you want your choice of locations.

In the meantime, we still need two ushers for that October 18th matinee as well as several ushers for a few other performances - come volunteer with us!

USHERS WANTED!
Theatre III is looking for ushers for our fall musical, The Secret Garden. In exchange for your help, you get to see the show for free!

For info about ushering duties & to sign up:
https://theatre3.ludus.com/volunteer

The Secret Garden
Book and Lyrics by MARSHA NORMAN
Music by LUCY SIMON
based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Performances:
- Saturday, October 17; Friday, October 23; Saturday, October 24; & Friday, October 30, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday, October 18; Sunday, October 25; & Saturday, October 31, 2026 at 2 p.m.

Show & ticket info:
https://www.theatre3.org/upcoming/the-secret-garden

THE SECRET GARDEN is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals.www.concordtheatricals.com