‘Secret Garden’ Blooms in Ojai

Orphaned in a cholera epidemic that has swept India, 10-year-old Mary is sent back to England, where she is placed in the care of her uncle.

It’s a classic story, adapted at least twice into motion pictures and so rife with symbolism that even a 10-year-old can understand most of it.

“The Secret Garden” at the Ojai Art Center isn’t the musical version of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s story, but a straight drama, scripted by a local playwright who for some reason has left her name off the program. This version is much easier to understand than the musical and contains more of the original work, if fewer songs.

Mollie Solow stars as Mary, whose sensibility and curiosity save the day. Featured among the large supporting cast are Ron Rose, as narrator Major Holmes; George Miller as Uncle Archibald; Joan DeLuca as Archibald’s strait-laced housekeeper; Grace Carter as Martha, a maid who befriends Mary; Bruce Solow (Mollie’s father) as a kindly gardener; Michael Wise as Dickon, a young man who helps Mary discover what’s so “secret” about the walled-up garden behind Archibald’s spooky Victorian mansion; Nicky Crane as Archibald’s son; Chris Palmquist as a comic doctor; and Mandy Meyers as the ghost of Archibald’s wife.

The set design--also uncredited--is impressive, and there are several clever touches under Debbie Court’s direction, including a laser-generated robin and a “garden” of youngsters. While the acting isn’t always what it might be, this “Secret Garden” should be enjoyable to older children, their parents and grandparents.

* “The Secret Garden” continues through May 25 at the Ojai Art Center, 113 S. Montgomery St., Fri. and Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. $12; $10 seniors and Art Center members; $5 children. (805) 646-0117.

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Controversy Reigns: David Mamet’s polemic “Oleanna” is difficult to discuss without appearing to take sides in a fierce controversy or without giving away what’s best revealed as a surprise. Suffice to say that the topic is nearly as sensitive as it was a few years ago, when he wrote the play; it’s set in the world of academe, and there are times when it’s difficult not to scream at one character or the other about what an idiot he or she is being. If you bring a date, take separate cars--you may not be going home together.

Mamet’s a wordy fellow; the play, already short at 90 minutes, would be one-third shorter without all the unnecessary repetition in the first act. Still, that act sets everything else up, so it’s important to pay attention.

Director Jay Varela rotates the two roles among six players and two understudies (when he already has two backups for each part!). This is like having your hair cut at a hairstylists school--while good training for those doing the work, you can never be sure that you’re experiencing the best of the bunch. In any event, the actors are combinations of Martha Benavides, Gabrielle Frankel, Jennifer Leonards, Ephriam Chavez, Vincent J. Ugolini, Jessica Kincade and Andy Justus.

* “Oleanna” at Ventura College Circus Theater, on Loma Vista Road, between Ashwood and Day roads, Ventura. Fri. and Sat., 8 p.m.; 2 p.m. Thur., Sat., Sun. Ends Sun. $7; $5 students, seniors, staff. Recommended for teens and older only. (805) 654-6397.

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Casting Call: Shakespeare in the Park will audition for its production of “The Merry Wives of Windsor” Saturday and Sunday, 1-4 p.m., at the Arts Council Center, 482 Greenmeadow Drive in Thousand Oaks. The show will be performed in several Ventura County and Los Angeles County locations, beginning July 5. Call (818) 991-8317.

The Ojai Shakespeare Festival will audition for “King Lear” on Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. All roles are open. The group is also auditioning for an original production of Shakespearean prose and song, “No Holds Bard.” Both shows run Aug. 1-18. Call (805) 646-9455. The company also seeks teens for its production intern program; applications should be submitted by May 15. Information is available at the same number.