On Thursday, November 8, JCC's much anticipated production of The Secret Garden will open at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center in Deal.

A magical musical about friendship and determination, The Secret Garden tells the tale of young Mary Lennox, who brings to life not only a garden but also those who surround her. Based on the classic novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, this Broadway musical won a 1991 Tony Award and Drama Desk Award.

The play marks the debut of 10-year-old Janet Chrem of West Deal in a Center Drama production. A regular in the JCC's Youth Performing Arts program, Janet looks forward to her first adult production with Center Drama, a theater troupe that recently celebrated 60 years of theatrical excellence.
A fifth grader at Hillel Yeshiva, Janet is following in the footsteps of other young actresses who started out in JCC's Youth Performing Arts and went on to perform in JCC's Center Drama, under the leadership of professional directors. They include 11-year-old Madeline Fabricant of Ocean Township, who starred in numerous Youth Performing Arts productions before landing the role of Cousin Laurie in this summer's Center Drama production of Neil Simon's Brighton Beach Memoirs.

TV/Film star Ashley Tisdale of High School Musical fame credits the JCC's Performing Arts program for launching her career. Ashley, who grew up in Ocean Township, appeared in several productions at the Deal JCC, eventually landing the lead role in a Center Drama production of Annie Warbucks. Ashley made a celebrity appearance last year at the JCC, during which she thanked the center for encouraging her dreams.

Helping young people discover their talents is a longtime goal of JCC's Youth Performing Arts Director Marlyn Michaels. Marlyn will be recognized at the JCC, on December 8, in a special tribute to her 25 years of commitment to the arts.

“The Secret Garden is going to be a wonderful experience for Janet. I am proud of her, as I am proud of all of my students,” said Marlyn. “She has a beautiful voice. Performing on stage has helped Janet develop much more confidence in herself.”

The Axelrod Performing Arts Center has become a stage of choice for actors and theater aficionados from the community and beyond. “Experiencing this magnificent theater is a pleasure, from both sides of the curtain,” said Deborah Murad Nesser, a New York City actress and singer who has attended and performed in many Axelrod productions.

For tickets to the play and information about other upcoming events, please contact the box office at (732) 531-9100 x142 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Tickets are $25; $20 for seniors; and $15 for students and children under 18.


**Family Day Special Offer: Sun. Nov. 11, only: For every adult ticket, get one discounted child
ticket for $10.

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Jill Garbi, a graduate of Boston University's College of Communication, is marketing director for the JCC of Greater Monmouth County.