Richard Graham, Quentin Faro, Caroline Logue star in A2CT's Junior Theatre production of "The Secret Garden," opening May 13.

Ann Arbor Civic Theatre’s Junior Theatre presents an original adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic children’s book, "The Secret Garden," directed and adapted by Jacqueline Courteau, May 13-16.

"The Secret Garden" tells the tale of irascible Mary Lennox, a young girl who is sent to live in her uncle’s estate in the moor country. Her only companion is her ailing cousin Colin, who is confined to his bed. While wandering the grounds, Mary finds a secret garden. With the aide of the gardener’s apprentice Dickon, Mary learns about nature and the power of love.

Director Jacqueline Courteau couldn’t find a script she liked for "Garden," so she decided to adapt the story herself. “I’ve loved the book since I was a little girl,” Courteau said in a press release. “I wanted a script that captured the magic I felt when I read the story. In my version, nature is as important as the characters—in fact, flowers, birds, and animals are characters in this script. I also realized how many different visions for a play are possible. I conducted a scriptwriting workshop with young people before I finalized the script. There were 4 groups assigned to write the opening scene, and all four versions were completely different!”

Performances for "Garden" happen in the Perennial Garden at the U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, at 1800 North Dixboro Road. (In case of rain, the show will take place indoors in the Botanical Gardens’ auditorium.) Showtimes are Thursday and Friday evening at 7 p.m., with matinees Saturday and Sunday at 1p.m. and 4 p.m. Tickets are $5 for all seats, and seating is general admission.

Tickets are available at the door or by calling the A2CT box office at 734-971-2228. Information is also available by visiting the A2CT website. "The Secret Garden" is appropriate for ages 4 and up.

Jenn McKee is the entertainment digital journalist for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at jennmckee@annarbor.com or 734-623-2546, and follow her on Twitter @jennmckee.