A host of budding actors and actresses from Plains K–12 took to the stage this past week for a lively production of “The Secret Garden.”
The Missoula Children’s Theatre, continuing its mission to bring live theater to more than 1,000 communities across all 50 states and over 15 countries, spent the week in Plains auditioning prospective performers. Those selected dedicated the week to rehearsals, learning their lines, and preparing for the final performance.
The play centers on Mary Lennox, portrayed by local student Pearl Farlin, an orphaned girl from India whose life changes dramatically when she is sent to live with her uncle in England. There, she forms unexpected friendships with both people and the natural world around her.
Among those companions were the Canadian Geese, played by Ellie Kern, Taison Henry, Kade Kinser, Berkeley Henseler, and Esme Steinbach. The Moor Animal Folks, portrayed by Charlotte Morrison, Barbara Braaten, Dakota Holotta, Chelby Paseman, Courtney Winebrenner, Wylie Marier, Anna Brooks, and Nadia Khachaturova, added to the whimsical atmosphere of the production.
“I want to be an actress and singer when I grow up,” said Moor Folk performer Dakota Holotta.
Adding energy and color to the stage were the Giant Bugs That Rock, played by Eleanor Johnson, Dahlia Winkler, Dorothea Schwall, Bailey Ewing, Kael Meaden, and Lilliana Decker, along with the Helpful Fireflies, portrayed by Lincoln Henseler, Sterling Morrison, Hayden McCrea, and Evelyn Johnson. The production concluded with the Secret Garden Vegetables, played by Myles Jones, Scarlet Gonzales Castro, Magnolia Madsen, Kloey Stuart, Sequoyah Khachaturova, Eliana Beaulieu, Connor Martin, Shiloh Pinter, and Theodore Schwall.
Other key roles included Brooke Meredith as Martha Sowerby, Jude Meaden as Dickon Sowerby, Aneliese Sapp as Susan Sowerby, Kyrie Carr as Colin Craven, Addie Revier as Archibald Craven, Isaac Wilder in dual roles as Bilge Rat/Captain Robin and Robin Redbreast, Carly Winebrenner as Mrs. Medlock, Brook Revier as Doctor Craven, and Isaiah Silva as Ben Weatherstaff.
Filled with wonder and imagination, the play follows Mary Lennox’s journey of growth as she discovers friendship, forgiveness, and the power of renewal — symbolized through the revival of the long-neglected secret garden.
Behind the scenes, seventh grader Zander Strack served as assistant director. Reflecting on the experience, Strack described the week as “chaotic,” while Farlin said, “I thought we did awesome. It was so fun. Just being together and doing the play was just awesome.”
Brooke Meredith added, “I thought the play was very good. I enjoyed doing it and spending more time with my friends after school.”
Accompanist Jeanie Gentry, who has volunteered her time to support the arts throughout Northwestern Montana for the past 30 years, emphasized the broader value of music education, noting that it helps students develop skills that carry over into other areas of learning.
Tour director David Saez, now in his fourth season with Missoula Children’s Theatre, portrayed Detective Del in the production while also mentoring the young performers.
“I love to see the kids come to life,” Saez said. “I’ve seen how their roles have changed throughout the week and watched their confidence grow.”
In total, 45 students participated in this year’s production, making it a memorable experience for both performers and the community.
Tour sponsors include Montana Cultural Trust, Montana Arts Council, National Endowments for the Arts and a special thanks to the Plains Woman’s Club.
Brooke Meredith and Brook Revier make final preparations before the start of the play “The Secret Garden.” (Tracy Scott/Valley Press_
Tracy Scott 
Plains student Pearl Ferlan plays Mary Lennox with Missoula Children’s Theatre Tour Director David Saez during the production of “The Secret Garden.” (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
Tracy Scott 
Plains students take part in the Missoula Children’s Theatre production of “The Secret Garden.” (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
Tracy Scott
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