This year’s All School Musical, coming this spring, will be Anne of Green Gables. With preparation already in full swing, the cast and set have been working diligently to make sure this musical will be one of the best. Save the date for April 10, 11 and 12.
The play follows the first book in the Anne of Green Gables series, starting from Anne’s arrival in Avonlea up to her life right before she gets married. The play starts with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, a pair of siblings in their 50s and 60s, who had decided to adopt a boy from the orphanage to help Matthew run their farm. However, they are taken by surprise when a mistake in the adoption process takes place, and a young girl shows up. The book recounts Anne’s lifetime experiences in finding a home: the country school where she quickly excels in her studies, her friendship with Diana Barry (her best friend), her budding literary ambitions, and her rivalry with classmate Gilbert Blythe, who teases her about her red hair. From here, the family learns to love, grow, and endure together.
This version of the play was originally written in Canada for television entertainment. When the Queen of England was supposedly going to attend, one of the songs from Anne of Green Gables was included in the live television performance. It is said that the queen, delighted by the performance, then asked, “Where’s the rest of it?” From the Queen’s prompt, the creators decided to expand the television episode to a full length musical.
Mrs. Sullivan gave insight as to why she chose Anne of Green Gables when she notes, “I was in a production of this same show when I was in 8th grade. It was a fun, fabulous experience, and I have been eager to work on this show ever since. It is family-friendly, and the music for this version is very singable and engaging. It just seemed to be the perfect fit!”
This year, “Anne” seems to be a reoccuring theme. Mrs. Sullivan explained this funny coincidence: “I thought it would be fun (and funny) to have an all ‘Anne’ year- but only if I could find the right third show. I wasn’t willing to sacrifice quality just to have a trio of ‘Annes.’ Fortunately, I stumbled onto ‘Seven Ages of Anne’ and it definitely fit the bill. Now, the problem will be how to top that next year!”
This play has a surplus of valuable messages for viewers of all ages. Mrs. Sullivan explained, “Throughout the play, Anne’s enthusiasm for life is evident in everything she does. However, she learns that sometimes you must rein in that enthusiasm and sometimes things aren’t always what they seem, especially at first. I think everyone can see a little of themselves in some of the different characters in the play, which makes it much more engaging to the audience.”
This year, Montrose has a talented group of students participating in the play. Maddie Crump 15’ as Anne, Vicky Driscoll 19’ as Gilbert, Rachel Solomon 16’ as Diana Barry, Molly Cahill 16’ as Marilla Cuthbert, Catherine Melley 16’ as Matthew Cuthbert, Eryn Golden 17’ as Josie Pye, Mackenzie Young 16’ as Prissy Andrews, and Nora Sullivan 16’ as Mrs. Barry. In addition to these student stars, some of the teachers have been cast in the play as significant roles. Ms. Higgins will play the school teacher Ms. Stacy, and Mrs. Keeley and Mrs. Blackburn have significant roles. Multiple other teachers have offered to participate in the play, and will be cast as the towns people. With over 50 students participating, you won’t want to miss this Anne finale for 2015.