Maple Grove Actor Performs in “The Secret Garden”

Fifteen-year-old Andrew Tamarkin is no stranger to the stage.

An acting enthusiast since he was young, the Maple Grove youth continues to seek out a variety of roles, including his most recent at Stages Theatre Company in Hopkins.

“When on the stage, I feel as if I have entered a new realm; portraying a character that differs from yourself is simply remarkable in my perspective,” Andrew said.  “I have always loved to perform and entertaining the audience is something I love. I don't fully understand why I enjoy it so, but I guess it’s just the way it is.”

The Maple Grove 10th grader attends the Saint Paul Conservatory for the Performing Artists. He’s appeared in performances such as "Caroline, or Change" and "As you Like it" through Saint Paul Conservatory for the Performing Artists at the History Theater. At Stages Theatre Company, Andrew has been in performances such as  “Princess Academy”, “Click Clack Moo”, “Goodnight Moon” and “Wizard of Oz.” He also appeared as James Rogers in "The Will Rogers Follies" at the .

“He started showing interest at a very young age,” his parent’s said of Andrew’s interest in performing on stage.  “He was always singing and dancing. He used to write shows for family events and cast his cousins and siblings in it. He has been writing for many years now and also plays piano.”

Andrew’s current role as Dickon Sowerby in “The Secret Garden” is his eighth time on appearing in Stages performance. Dickon is a boy who loves the outdoors and helps Mary the find the secret garden, according to Andrew.  

“It's been a fun experience,” he said. “We rehearsed for five and a half weeks.  The director is amazing and has helped me develop my character during the process. I have met so many friends I will have for a long time. Just as other characters I have played, Dickon is a unique character that I have made my own to share with each audience.”

“The Secret Garden” opened at on March 2 at the Hopkins Center for the Arts. The story centers on orphan Mary Lennox and her mysterious cousin Colin, who together share the secret of an old hidden garden on the grounds of the estate. This musical adaptation was created for Stages Theatre Company.

“The Secret Garden” ends March 18 and is geared toward children six and older and has 75-minute run time. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.stagestheatre.org for performance dates and times, or by calling the Box Office at (952) 979-1111. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for children (ages 5 to 17) and seniors (60+).