"Anne of Green Gables" features Suzy Hunt as Marilla Cuthbert (left), Kasey Nusbickel as Anne Shirley, and Dennis Bateman as Matthew Cuthbert (right). Photo by John Pai. Property of Village Theatre.

 

The Village Theatre's production of "Anne of Green Gables" is an exciting new rendition of the children's classic by Lucy Maud Montgomery. Playing at the Everett Performing Arts Center from now until January 30, the musical tells the engaging story of Anne Shirley.

The curtains of this new musical open to Avonlea, a fictional community located on Prince Edward Island, Canada.

The first musical number, "Avonlea," is sung by the entire cast. It is catchy and enlightening. The town is presented as old-fashioned. The young people exclaim Avonlea didn't see the turn of the century until 1903. You may find yourself humming this delightful song long after the play is over.

By the beginning of the second musical number the audience is introduced to Anne Shirley, an orphan girl, sent to meet her new family only to find a mistake has been made.

The young Anne, captured fully by actress Kasey Nusbickel, is exaggerated in her actions. She is over-zealous in her beliefs and thinking, and is as clever as she is energetic.

Anne is excited to see her new home, and in next to no time at all, the farm called Green Gables is magically recreated on stage. Anne is immediately in awe of Green Gables' beauty, and her awe is shared by many gasping audience members.

Anne's excitement exudes throughout the stage until the forthright Marilla Cuthbert, played expertly by Suzy Hunt, reminds her brother a mistake has been made. The two were expecting a boy to help on their farm.

Matthew, a kind and generous farmer played flawlessly by Dennis Bateman, is oftentimes no match against his strong-willed sister. Marilla finds herself caught between what is practical for the farm and what is right.

After listening to Anne's story in the heartrending musical number "No One to Want Me," the Cuthberts decide to keep Anne, but Marilla vows the child will be brought up in a strict household.

The play follows Anne from her introduction to the Cuthberts as a young adolescent to her emergence as an intelligent young woman. Her imagination and cleverness follow her as she matures, and the Cuthberts transform, beginning as reluctant guardians and evolving into loving parents.

Many will rejoice in seeing this classic coming-of-age story presented on stage. Co-directed by Steve Tomkins and Vanessa Miller and co-choreographed by Steve Tomkins and Kristin Culp, this dynamic musical rendition of the treasured classic entertains from beginning to end.

Individual ticket prices for "Anne of Green Gables" range from $19 to $54 depending on age, day, time, and location in the theater. For more information, visit www.villagetheatre.org.