Musical version of Canadian classic Anne of Green Gables features cast of 22 and PEI setting
The Anne of Green Gables phenomenon refuses to die. Last year, the CBC aired a new adaptation. Now, a local company is presenting the musical version of the iconic Canadian story.
Prince Edward Island-born Lucy Maud Montgomery was 34 when she published her first novel, Anne of Green Gables. It was an immediate success, and Montgomery followed it with a number of sequels.
In 1956, a musical version of the book was produced for television. In 1965, the musical was performed onstage for the first time at the Charlottetown Festival. Since then it’s been performed every year at the festival, making it Canada’s longest-running musical. Versions have been produced in London, Japan, and New York. Over the years, more than 18 actors have played Anne in the musical.
From March 15-24, Exit 22 Company Productions presents Anne of Green Gables: The Musical. A cast of 22 and an eight-piece orchestra are bringing the show to life. The set has been designed to evoke images of Prince Edward Island, the story’s setting.
The show stays true to the heart of the much-loved book by Lucy Maud Montgomery and its titular heroine, Anne Shirley.
Taken from an orphanage to help in the household of an older couple, Anne becomes the charge of Marilla Cuthbert and her brother Matthew. From the media release: “While Marilla is determined to bring discipline to the spirited girl, Anne, armed with only a battered carpetbag and boundless imagination, charms her way into the Cuthberts’ hearts in a story that has enchanted fans for over a century.”
Alexandra Ewert leads the cast as Anne. A third-year Musical Theatre student at Capilano University, Ewert is making her CapU Theatre debut in this production. Recent acting credits include Colin Craven in The Secret Garden (Arbutus Studio) and Floyd Allen in Dark of the Moon (Arbutus Studio). This summer she will be performing in 42nd Street with Theatre Under the Stars.
According to the author’s Wiki entry, Montgomery went on to publish 20 novels as well as 530 short stories, 500 poems, and 30 essays. Most of the novels were set in Prince Edward Island. Thanks to her books and stories, locations within Canada’s smallest province have become literary landmarks, including Green Gables farm, the genesis of Prince Edward Island National Park.
Anne of Green Gables: The Musical
When: March 15-24
Where: Blueshore Financial Centre for the Performing Arts (Capilano University, 2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver)
Tickets: adult: $24/students/seniors: $15/12 and under: $10 at capilanou.ca.