More than 80 Ballard High School students are inviting the community into "The Secret Garden" for the school's 2010 spring musical.

Ballard High School's "The Secret Garden," a musical adaptations of the 1909 children's novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, opens March 11.

"After doing many of the traditional high school musicals over the past couple of years, we wanted to do a newer show," said Courtney Rowley, Ballard music teacher and director of the spring musical. "'The Secret Garden' is one of the masterpieces of contemporary American musical theatre."

It's the story of a young English girl born in the British Raj in the early 20th Century. She is sent to live with relatives in Britain at 11 after her parents are killed in a cholera outbreak. There she brings new life to a neglected garden, as well as her cousin and uncle.

"'The Secret Garden' is counted among the finest musical dramas, noted for its haunting music and for exploring the human emotions surrounding grief and healing," said Kathy Adolphsen, a parent volunteer on the Ballard High School Music Board.

Rowley said putting on "The Secret Garden" can be challenging because of the sheer amount of music in the show, much of which takes place while dialogue is being spoken, necessitating perfect timing.

"Although challenging, the musical score is tremendously melodic and hauntingly beautiful," she said. "Seeing our students produce such a sophisticated and highly artistic show is extremely rewarding."

Ballard High School senior C.J. Eldred, who plays Archibald Craven, has been accepted into the University of Michigan's musical theater program, one of the most prestigious in the country.

Adolphsen said the program only accepts about 10 men each year.

Eliza Palasz, who plays Martha, qualified for nationals in the Thespian Society's Solo Vocal Performance.

She is the first Ballard High School student to do so in more than 15 years, Adolphsen said.

The show begins at 7 p.m. on March 11 to March 13 and March 18 to March 20 at Ballard High School.

Tickets are available for $12 at the Ballard High School box office, which is open from 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays. Tickets are also available www.showtix4u.com or 1.866.967.8167.

Click on the image above for a slideshow from a March 8 dress rehearsal of "The Secret Garden."