top of page
The Secret Garden
Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved victorian classic, The Secret Garden, blossoms anew in this heartwarming, family-friendly musical by Pulitzer Prize-winner Marsha Norman and Lucy Simon. When young Mary Lennox loses her parents to a cholera outbreak in India, she is sent to live with her uncle, hermit Archibald Craven, who lives in an imposing, secluded manor on the British heath. Inside the house upon the hill, Mary finds a reclusive, long-suffering collection of lives in need of reconciliation. Since her aunt Lily’s death, Mary’s uncle has pushed away his surviving loved ones, leaving his bedridden son, Colin, alone. Sickly Colin, hidden away in the depths of the manor, bears the guilt of his mother’s death on his crippled shoulders. When Mary discovers her Aunt Lily’s hidden garden, locked shut and overgrown with vines, stubborn Mary is determined to revive the beauty that once was. Determined, Mary begins to peel away the layers of sadness that cover the house and the garden, showing us the power of love and acceptance that “one small girl” can have when she “wants things to grow.”
PoiemArtistry takes this classic musical and transforms the stage into a canvas on which to paint a picture of restoration and healing. Beautiful ballads, authentic costuming, and relatable characters combine to make this a memorable highlight of the new year.
Meet the Cast of The Secret Garden
Darrio Connor (Lieutenant Wright)
Darrio is excited to return to the Poiema Stage in this production. This is his fourth production with Poiema. Darrio played “Captain Smith in Titanic the Musical, “Emperor Tiberius” in The Robe and “The Man on The Screen” in Singin’ in The Rain. Darrio is a trained actor/model from Los Angeles, California. He has worked with actors such as Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, Kim Cole, Kid n Play, Sanaa Lathan and Patrick Neal Harris to name a few. Being a part of this production and working with these fine and talented actors are the icing on the cake. Thank You and Enjoy the show.
Katy Eldred (Mrs. Shelley)
Katy is performing in her third production with PoiemArtistry, first appearing in The Robe (Salome) and White Christmas (Ensemble). After some extensive travels that included being an au pair for a French family in Ireland, living on a sailboat near the Chesapeake Bay, and wrangling cattle on horseback under the hot midwestern sun, she returned home to practice theater. At HRT in Dunn, NC, she played “Lorraine Sheldon” in The Man Who Came to Dinner. While she spends her days as a scheduling manager for Family Medical Supply, she spends her evenings with Poiema and any free time working on her middle-grade novel. She is so grateful to be a part of such a talented cast and crew who teach the craft of theater. Enjoy the show!
Louise Farmer (Dreamer/Mrs. Winthrop)
Louise is delighted to be a "Dreamer" and also play the role of “Mrs. Winthrop” in The Secret Garden. Besides studying the Bible with several friends and doing regular water exercise classes, she enjoys cultivating her own "bit of earth" in downtown Raleigh. She has appeared previously in three other Poiema productions including Titanic, Singin’ in the Rain and The Robe, as well as several productions around the Triangle.
Tom Farrell (Ben Weatherspoon)
Tom is excited to be a part of his 4th PoiemArtistry production. He appeared in Similitude: The Great Adventure Begins (Mr. Legality, Titanic (First Class Stewart Henry Etches), and The Robe (Pontius Pilate). He returns again for The Secret Garden!
Anastasia Gibson (Claire Holmes)
Anastasia is grateful and excited to be making her theatrical debut with Poiema Arts. She is an actress/singer/writer. Anastasia has been singing her whole life, including competing in an Assemblies of God fine arts ensemble in Washington, DC in 2003. She has had some film experience, including receiving a Best Supporting Actress award in the 2016 short, “Artichoke: The Art of the Choke.” More recently, Anastasia had a main role in a webisode series, Necroland, and is excited to expand her talents to the stage. She would like to thank the Lord for leading her, her parents and good friends for their support, and Michael Green/Poiema Arts for giving her this opportunity!
Alex Gossett (Dickon)
Alex is performing in his second production with PoiemArtistry. His introduction to theater was last spring when he was a part of the Broadway dance class with Studio Poiema. Alex is a junior in high school and homeschooled. He loves to play the piano and listen to music. He enjoys playing sports, especially baseball, volleyball, spike ball and ultimate frisbee. Alex is also a part of a homeschool speech and debate club, where he won first place at a tournament in the informative speech category and then competed at the National Championship.
Chelsae Green (Co-Director/Production Stage Manager)
Chelsae is honored to be part of PoiemArtistry and Poiema Arts, Inc. Originally from Ohio, she grew up in Raleigh where she received her dance education through several studios in the area, as well as North Raleigh Christian Academy. In 2011, she graduated with a B.A. in Dance Studies from Meredith College. Upon graduation, she accepted a teaching position at NRCA, where she taught dance and was the Assistant Theater Director and Choreographer for seven years. Some of her favorite and most memorable shows to produce and choreograph have been Phantom of the Opera, West Side Story, White Christmas, Secret Garden, and Mary Poppins. Chelsae and her family owned and operated a performing arts studio for 13 years before opening Poiema Arts in 2017. She has instructed hundreds of students in ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, contemporary, and musical theater. Chelsae is an ABT® Certified Instructor and has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive, Pre- Primary through Level 7, and Partnering of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. She currently serves as a member of the Poiema Arts Board of Directors and Dance Director/Choreographer for PoiemArtistry.
Isaac Green (Dr. Neville Craven)
Isaac has been around theater since he was 4 years old and has been active in theater since he was 11 years – acting, dancing, singing, and directing. Isaac is an accomplished tap dancer and enjoys all styles of dance. He has been a part of over 10 musicals including Pirates of Penzance (Frederick), Godspell (Jesus), Pride and Prejudice (Mr. Bingley), West Side Story, The Nutcracker Ballet, White Christmas, Similitude: The Great Adventure Begins (Worldly Wiseman), Seussical the Musical (The Cat in the Hat), Titanic (Thomas Andrews), Singin’ in the Rain (Don Lockwood), and White Christmas (Phil Davis). He has also had extensive training in stage flight operation, design, and directing. Isaac is thankful for the opportunity to work and perform with the cast and crew of PoiemArtistry!
Michael Green (Archibald Craven)
Michael Green hails from the land of the Buckeyes – Ohio. He graduated from Central Bible College in 1984 and has studied theater, mime, and dance for nearly 45 years. Prior to directing theater, he and his wife served in pastoral ministry for over 20 years in Columbus, Ohio as well as Raleigh, North Carolina. From 2001 - 2018, Michael served on the staff of North Raleigh Christian Academy as the Director of Fine Arts, directing an award-winning theater program. The NRCA Squire Theater was one of the first private schools in the nation to produce Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera and Disney’s Mary Poppins. Over the past 30 years, Michael has directed over 65 plays and musicals while helping to begin several local dance and theater groups. He is excited about this current phase of God’s journey as he, his family, and the Board of Directors for Poiema Arts, Inc. continue to build both a regional school for the arts, Poiema Arts Conservatory, and a professional performing arts company, PoiemArtistry, that will expand God’s Kingdom to the nations.
Sarah Hargett (Mrs. Medlock)
Sarah started acting with Mr. Green in 2006. Role highlights include
"Lady Bracknell" in The Importance of Being Earnest, "Lucy" in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, "Charlotte Cardoza" in Titanic, and "Diana" in The Robe. She also acts with Field of Dreams Performing Arts, where she was "Betty Bumbrake" in Peter and the Starcatcher, "Mrs. Phelps" in Matilda the Musical, and is currently rehearsing for Clue, where she will play "Miss Scarlet." She's thankful to Mr. Green for helping her find her love for acting, and to Chelsae and Lyndsae for teaching her to dance!
"Lady Bracknell" in The Importance of Being Earnest, "Lucy" in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, "Charlotte Cardoza" in Titanic, and "Diana" in The Robe. She also acts with Field of Dreams Performing Arts, where she was "Betty Bumbrake" in Peter and the Starcatcher, "Mrs. Phelps" in Matilda the Musical, and is currently rehearsing for Clue, where she will play "Miss Scarlet." She's thankful to Mr. Green for helping her find her love for acting, and to Chelsae and Lyndsae for teaching her to dance!
Micah Hay (Dreamer)
Micah is eager to be in his 3rd production with PoiemArtistry. He first appeared in Seussical, the Musical as a “Cadet”, followed by Titanic as “Jack Thayer”. Micah has always loved the arts, and began with taking vocal & piano classes at the Central Academy of the Arts. Micah loves Jesus and is grateful for a Christ-centered environment here at Poiema where he can continue to grow in his theater skills to use them for the glory of God in this year's production.
Rebekah Hay (Ayah)
Rebekah is thrilled to be in her 6th production with Poiema. Rebekah has been a part of Poiema for 3 years, and performed in the acting and dance ensembles for Similitude: the Great Adventure Begins, Seussical the Musical, Titanic the Musical, and Singin’ in the Rain, and White Christmas. She has taken dance lessons for 14 years, and loves dancing and singing, as well as playing guitar. Rebekah has loved every minute of being in Poiema, and it has stretched her and brought her out of her comfort zone in ways she never imagined. She would like to thank her parents for encouraging her to try new things, and the Green family for believing in her.
Beth Hilbert (Mary Lennox)
Beth is excited to be making her PoiemArtistry debut! She has most recently appeared in North Raleigh Arts & Creative Theatre’s production of Matilda the Musical (Amanda/Acrobat). In 2022, as a member of NC Theatre Conservatory’s Performance Company, she performed in productions of Shrek the Musical (Wicked Witch/Ensemble) and Working (Amanda/Ensemble). Beth also appeared in Raleigh Little Theatre’s Cinderella (Mouse/Pony). An 8th grader at Magellan Charter School, She is thrilled for the chance to bring “Mary Lennox” to life! She would like to thank Moonlight Acting Studio, NC Dance Institute, and her voice coach, Mary Kathryn Walston, for all the training and support they’ve bestowed upon her. Beth also wishes to thank her parents, friends, and family for all their years of love and encouragement, which has made this moment possible!
Abigail Jordan (Martha)
Abigail is delighted to make her debut with PoiemArtistry, and thankful to Michael, Chelsae, and the creative TSG team for believing in her and including her in this beautiful adventure! She has performed with, directed, stage managed, and designed makeup for dozens of productions with Triangle theaters including Harnett Regional, Solace, Cary Players, Forest Moon, Actor’s Comedy Lab, Raleigh Little Theatre, Neuse Little Theatre, Towne Players of Garner, Sonorous Road, NRACT, and Bare Theatre. Thanks to my incredibly patient family for their unfailing encouragement and support - ILYMGB! May the gardens of your hearts forever be filled with seeds of hope, rooted with joy, and blooming with kindness!
Samantha Lanphere (Stage Manager)
Samantha is excited to be on stage again with PoiemArtistry. Samantha has performed in three shows with Poiema: Similitude: The Great Adventure Begins (Dance Ensemble), Seussical the Musical (Bird Girl), Titanic (Kate Mullins), and Singin’ in the Rain (Stage Manager), and White Christmas (Ensemble). Samantha has had 20 years of dance training with various studios in the Triangle as well as education with Dance Masters of America in New York. Samantha would like to thank her family and friends for always supporting her. Without them and their constant encouragement, she would not be performing today. Samantha is currently working as a nanny.
Riley Oltmans (Rose)
Riley has been in theater for 5 years and this is her fifth show with PoiemArtistry. This is her eleventh production that she has been involved in. Riley has trained in dance for 4 years. Some of Riley’s favorite roles were “Mary Warren” in The Crucible, “Leisl” in The Sound of Music and “Mary Lennox” in The Secret Garden (2017). Riley would like to thank her mom and dad for always being supportive of her and to her grandparents for helping her become more confident. She would also like to thank the Green family for everything they have done and how much they have helped her improve.
Alex Peters (Lieutenant Shaw)
Alex is thrilled to be part of his third production as a member PoiemArtistry. He has been involved in the arts for over a decade now, having been in several musicals, plays, and has participated in various vocal and instrumental ensembles showcased at a number of major North Carolina colleges. Alex was offered several scholarships in the arts while graduating from high school and plans on furthering his education through one day earning his doctorate in music performance while balancing his budding career in the finance & investment industry. He thanks God for helping him remain disciplined in his pursuit of excellence and allowing him to spread the gospel through the arts, as well as his mother for supporting his passions and keeping him grounded. Alex would also like to give a special thank you to Poiema Arts for all that they pour into their members and community; he aspires to remain with Poiema Arts for as long as they’ll have him.
Justin Smith (Captain Albert Lennox)
Justin is excited to be making his theater debut with PoeimaArtistry and The Secret Garden. While this is first time acting, he has spent nearly 30 years singing in vocal ensembles, choirs, and as a frontman for bands, even coming in 2nd place in 96 Rock’s Battle of the Bands in 2010. He enjoys spending time with his family and is also an accomplished amateur golfer and chef.
Amy Traphagen (Lily)
Amy graduated from Anderson University in 2019 earning her BFA in Musical Theatre. While attending college, Amy performed with Mill Town Players and choreographed for Stagecraft Children's Theatre. Upon graduation, She started working for Walt Disney World where she took several entertainment and management classes. Amy has previously appeared in shows such as Fiddler on the Roof (Hodel), Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins), Pirates of Penzance (Mabel), Big Fish (Sandra Bloom), The Marvelous Wonderettes (Cindy Lou), Titanic (Kate McGowan), Singin in the Rain (Kathy Selden), and White Christmas (Betty Haynes). She was an Irene Ryan nominee - KCACTF, Nominee for Broadway Board for Best Actress, ACSI Distinguished High School Student in the Arts Award, and Member of the International Thespian Society. Amy currently works as a Talent Acquisition Specialist with Syneos Health. She would like to say a special thank you to her parents, Mike and Karen Blom, as well as her husband, Dillon Traphagen, for their continued support.
Asa-Seth Williams (Fakir)
Asa-Seth is excited to perform in The Secret Garden after performing in The Robe (Melas) and White Christmas (Ensemble). He is 14 years old and was raised in rural northeast Missouri, but his family moved to Raleigh, NC in 2022. Asa loves theater and has been featured in multiple Christmas plays through his school. He enjoys art and loves to draw animals. Asa has been playing the French horn for 4 years and can also play a little piano. He has studied Tap, Broadway, Theatre Lab, Voice and Mime with Studio Poiema and is excited to continue his theatrical journey with PoiemArtistry.
Ethan Woodard (Colin Craven)
Ethan is a 5th grade student at Christian Life Academy. He has been a part of PoiemArtistry since the spring of 2020. In 2021, he was cast in Similitude, The Great Adventure Begins (Mimetes), Seussical the Musical (Jojo), Titanic (Bell Boy), Singin’ in the Rain (Young Don), and White Christmas (Ensemble). Ethan has a wild imagination and has a great love for the arts and animals.
Keanan Woodard (Major Holmes)
Keanan is a sophomore and honor roll student at Christian Life Academy. He has a love for astronomy, outdoor activities, and baseball where he played on the summer All-Star baseball team in 2021. Keanan has been a part of PoiemArtistry since the spring of 2020. He appeared in the productions Similitude, The Great Adventure Begins as (Younger John), Seussical the Musical (Grinch), Titanic the Musical (Quartermaster Robert Hitchens/George Widener), Singin’ in the Rain (3rd Assistant Director) and White Christmas (Ezekiel Foster).
bottom of page