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KTG has tremendous hit with production of "Anne of Green Gables, the Musical" By Liz Dadson |
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 Janice Griffith (L) as Marilla Cuthbert is shocked at the conduct of Anne Shirley (Olivia Nussey) in response to rude comments made by Rachel Lynde (Mary Beth Dennis), while Matthew Cuthbert (Chris Mercanti) watches, in a scene from "Anne of Green Gables, the Musical," the Kincardine Theatre Guild's fall production which opened Thursday night at the Kincardine Arts Centre  John Adams (R) as the school teacher, Mr. Phillips, leads the class in the day's opening song  Olivia Nussey (seated) as Anne Shirley is completely downcast, with (from left) Marilla Cuthbert (Janice Griffith), Mrs. Spencer (Marla Chapleau) and Mrs. Blewett (Leise Peddie)  The pupils keep their eye on their teacher, Mr. Phillips (R), played by John Adams, who has eyes only for student Prissy Andrews (on stool), played by Sarah Nagus  Olivia Nussey (L) as Anne Shirley pays no mind to Gilbert Blythe, played by Steven Travale "Ice Cream" scene from "Anne of Green Gables, the Musical" |
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| Everyone
knows the story of Anne Shirley, the irascible, imaginative, lovable
title character in "Anne of Green Gables." However, the Kincardine Theatre Guild's musical production of this story is absolutely incredible. Olivia Nussey is superb as the orphan girl, Anne (with an "E"). She has the confidence and singing ability to bring magic to the stage. In fact, she doesn't play the part of Anne - she is Anne. She encapsulates all the expressions, the mannerisms, the character of Anne Shirley - from the exaggerated romanticism and sorrowfulness, to the aggrieved response to teasing by classmate Gilbert Blythe, to the kindred spirit friendship she shares with Diana Barry, and ultimately to the loving relationship with her new family, aging farmer Matthew Cuthbert and his sister, Marilla. You will laugh and cry, and then laugh and cry some more. You can't help but feel Anne's pain at the thought of being sent back to the orphanage because the Cuthberts had requested a boy. You can't help but laugh at the shenanigans of the nosy neighbours and the inherent gossip that flows through the small town of Avonlea. And you can't help but cheer, just as Matthew does, when Marilla decides to let Anne stay, not knowing that this feisty, red-haired little girl will come to mean so much to them as the years go by. The casting is perfect. Chris Mercanti does a tremendous job as Matthew Cuthbert, complete with the jaunty walk of a farmer, the non-intrusive yet compelling remarks from the "strong, silent type," and the breathlessness of a man who has suffered a heart attack and knows he is coming to the end of his life. Janice Griffith is wonderful as Marilla Cuthbert, with her straightforward, no-nonsense attitude about everything. But even she can't avoid Anne's charm. Steven Travale, new to the theatre guild stage, does a magnificent job as Gilbert Blythe, thanks to his singing coach, Patt Lowry. He is also confident in this role and strolls across the stage as if he really were Gilbert. Mary Beth Dennis is fabulous in the role of Rachel Lynde, Marilla's sharp-tongued friend. And Alexandra Chapleau is terrific as Anne's dearest friend, Diana Barry, particularly in the scene after Diana inadvertently drinks too much current wine! The supporting cast provides so many stellar moments, you would run out of superlatives to describe them all. Of note are Marla Chapleau as Mrs. Spencer, Kathleen Reilley as Miss Stacy, John Adams as Mr. Phillips, and Brontae Hunter as Josie Pye. Director Shirley Bieman deserves high praise for bringing this heartwarming story to the stage, complete with about 50 cast and 50 crew, plus directing all the music with her experienced assistant music director Patt Lowry, and movement coach and choreographer Elaine Slade. Providing excellent live music are Brenda Manderson on piano, Chris Lazarenko on violin and Lisa Klein Haar on stand-up bass and auxiliary percussion. And the set is phenomenal, with the Cuthbert kitchen and upstairs on the left side; the backdrop of a typical Prince Edward Island field in the centre; and a revolving set on the right side, providing the background for Mrs. Blewett's house, the school classroom, the general store, and the outdoors. Stacey Millar deserves credit for set design, with Emily Lutz providing set design and lead construction, along with their hard-working crew. Everything works together perfectly in this play - the cast, the music, the set, the costumes, the hair, the make-up, lighting, sound, even the props. However, it should be noted that no live frogs were harmed in the making of this show. If the full house at Thursday night's opening is any indication, the theatre guild has a tremendous hit on its hands, and this show is exactly what we all need as we head into the Christmas season. Set in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island, the play consists of two acts with a 20-minute intermission. The musical is adapted by Donald Harron, with music by Norman Campbell, lyrics by Harron and Campbell, based on the novel by L.M. Montgomery. If you haven't already purchased a ticket for "Anne of Green Gables, the Musical," go get one before they're sold out. The play runs Nov. 18-19, 24-26, Dec. 1-2, at 8 p.m.; and Nov. 20 and 27, Dec. 3 and 4, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18 each, available at J'Adorn in downtown Kincardine or by calling the box office at 519-396-9000. The Kincardine Theatre Guild is in its 30th season. Begun in 1982, it is a wholly volunteer, non-profit fun, community theatre company run by an elected board of directors. Its season runs from September to June with three plays: November, February and June.For more information, check the website at www.kincardinetheatreguild.com Chris Mercanti (L) as Matthew Cuthbert dances with Anne Shirley (Olivia Nussey) |
 Olivia Nussey as Anne Shirley holds up the slate she broke over Gilbert's head  Chris Mercanti (L) as Matthew Cuthbert listens to Anne (Olivia Nussey) chatter on the ride home from the train station  Janice Griffith (L) as Marilla Cuthbert speaks with Mrs. Spencer (Marla Chapleau) about the mistaken arrival of a girl (Anne) from the orphanage  Olivia Nussey (R) as Anne Shirley looks dejected as Marilla (Janice Griffith) talks about sending Anne back to the orphanage  Alexandra Chapleau (R) as Diana Barry laughs at the exaggerated language used by Anne (Olivia Nussey) Scrolling stops when you move your mouse inside the scroll area. You can click on the ads for more
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