ANNE OF GREEN GABLES
By L.M. Montgomery
Adapted by Mary Collins Barile
Directed by Virginia Zimmerman
Greenspace Center, 815 Market St, Lewisburg
General admission seating, $15 Adults / $8 Youth
FIVE PERFORMANCES OVER TWO WEEKENDS!
Friday, November 8, 2019, 7:30pm
Saturday, November 9, 2019, 7:30pm
Friday, November 15, 7:30pm
Saturday, November 16, 7:30pm
Sunday, November 17, 2:30pm
RiverStage will be one of the first theatres in the U.S. to premiere a brand-new 2018 adaptation of the beloved children’s classic Anne of Green Gables in Lewisburg!
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery, adapted by Mary Collins Barile, brings to life the adventures of the wildly independent, imaginative young orphan Anne Shirley after she is mistakenly sent to live with Marilla Cuthbert and her brother, Matthew, on their Avonlea farm in Prince Edward Island in the late 1800’s. This new adaptation is told through the eyes of a grownup Anne as she reminisces with her own daughter and features a variety of the most memorable and beloved scenes from the original book series. Filled with humor, warmth and colorful characters, Anne of Green Gables is appropriate for all ages and fun for the entire family. Since its original publication, the novel has sold more than 50 million copies, has been translated into at least 36 languages around the world, and has inspired countless films, radio productions, musicals, films, TV movies, and a recent Netflix series (“Anne With an E”).
The production is directed by Virginia Zimmerman, a professor of English at Bucknell University and children’s author whose debut American novel, The Rosemary Spell, was published in 2015. “I was delighted to take the lead on bringing Anne to the stage,” said Zimmerman. “The story is very dear to many readers, young and old, and I believe our production will honor that special relationship between a reader and a beloved book. And for anyone unfamiliar with L. M. Montgomery’s novel, I think they’ll enjoy meeting Anne and the people of Avonlea for the first time!” The playwright, Mary Collins Barile, has said, “I think there’s something in Anne that appeals to all of us, which is that things are tough, but keep moving. She never gives up. Characters like Anne are very important; they remind us our lives are important and filled with drama and joy and pain and exuberance.” Jove Graham, president of the RiverStage board, adds, “We were very excited to do another show this season that offers a familiar story but a fresh new version, and also a show with lots of roles for both adults and kids. The design team has been doing an amazing job with creating Anne’s world through the sets and costumes, and it’s really going to be a must-see show!”
This production will feature a large cast from across the area, featuring Ramsey Uhter of Williamsport as the young Anne Shirley, Emily Bowen as the adult Anne, and Kiya Hutchinson as her daughter, Nan. Anne’s best friend Diana Barry is played by Lily Wirth, her school rival Gilbert Blythe is played by Lindsey Miller, and Melissa Fast and Jove Graham play her foster parents Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, respectively. Many other colorful characters and classmates from the town of Avonlea are played by Sarah Bell (Mrs. Lynde), Charlene Rineer (Mrs. Barry), Anne Griffin (Mrs. Spencer), Ashli Starks (Mrs. Blewett/Clerk), Peter Zerbe (Station Master/Doctor), Stefan Eisenhower (Mr. Phillips), Caycee Kalinoski (Prissy Andrews), Orissa Reed (Josie Pye), Rachel Ryu (Jane Andrews), and Taija Figard (Ruby Gillis). The show is stage managed by Tammy Uhter and Andrew Shaffer with production design by Peter Wiley, lighting and sound design by Stefan Eisenhower, and costume design by Cynthia Shaffer.
This timeless classic is a poignant story about love, community, and the importance of staying true to oneself. A perfect evening of theatre for all ages!
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