Mead Botanical Garden | The Grove Stage
1300 South Denning DriveOpera Orlando is proud to remount The Secret River - an opera for all audiences - based on the book by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. Follow the journey of young Calpurnia through the backwoods of Central Florida and find the goodness within us all.
March 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m. at The Grove Stage at Mead Botanical Garden.
VIP tickets also available here: The Secret River VIP Tickets | Opera Orlando
The Secret River was Opera Orlando’s first commissioned opera based on the young adult book of the same name by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. A Pulitzer prize- winning author, Ms. Rawlings was well known for her novel, The Yearling, and several other writings that chronicled her experiences living in and around Central Florida. Her young adult book, The Secret River, was published posthumously in 1955 and subsequently awarded a Newbery Honor Book Award.
With a libretto by Pulitzer Prize and Grammy award-winner Mark Campbell and music by University of Central Florida Pegasus professor Stella Sung, The Secret River is set in Central Florida during the Great Depression and follows the journey of Calpurnia, a young, intelligent girl with a robust imagination as she searches for a secret river to help her family and small town. This story for all ages demonstrates the power of trusting one’s imagination and the goodness within us all.
The production will feature dancers from Inez Patricia School of Dance and members of the Opera Orlando Youth Company featuring puppetry created by Michelee Puppets.
Stay after the show for a special talkback with the cast and puppeteers where you and your family will get a chance to see the puppets up close and maybe even play the part of puppeteer. A great experience for all ages.
General Admission guests are encouraged to bring their own blankets or lawn chairs to best enjoy the lawn in front of The Grove Stage at Mead Botanical Garden.
Learn more about The Secret River and its first performances here: The Secret River - WORLD PREMIERE — Opera Orlando
Mar 6 - 7, 2026
Mead Botanical Garden | The Grove Stage
1300 South Denning Drive
Opera Orlando’s mission is to engage and entertain Central Florida audiences through the experience of opera. Opera Orlando presents high-quality, relevant productions and educational programs for all ages.
Opera Orlando is a 501c3 not-for-profit that accepts fully tax-deductible donations. CLICK HERE to donate to Opera Orlando.
Visit www.OperaOrlando.org to learn more!
A 6% fee is added to all purchases to cover credit card processing and website usage.
Find more Opera Orlando Events