On a sunny Thursday afternoon I had the enormous pleasure of watching 10 talented children put on their first dress rehearsal of Anne of Green Gables. (See cast list below.) The youngest was in first grade, and only two were in fifth grade. Amazingly, they brought this well-loved tale to life despite their ages.
Anne (most definitely with an “e”), played with verve and sass by Caroline Mulik, is an orphan. Marilla and Mathew Cuthbert, played quite ably by Victoria Edwards and Maggie Mulik, are looking for a boy to adopt who can help them with farm chores as they age. Imagine their surprise when an eager, bright red-headed girl is delivered to them instead. Anne immediately is in the “depths of despair” when she realizes she is not what they wanted. Marilla, the stern one, still has a heart for Anne’s situation and decides to try keeping her. When gossipy, blunt neighbor Rachel Lynde, played well as one of three parts by Grace Mitchell, declares Anne to be ugly, skinny and too freckled, Anne shouts back “I hate you,” in one of her many bursts of temper to come. When forced to apologize, she overdramatizes it to the point where even Mrs. Lynde is forced to admit she is too blunt.
And so Anne’s streak of adventures begin. When teased about her red hair by Gilbert Blythe, convincingly played by Margaret Floeckher, she smashes her slate over his head. When dared to walk the schoolhouse roof, Anne can’t back down and ends up falling off. It is here that Marilla comes to realize how much she loves Anne and would hate to lose her. When playing Camelot with her “bosom friend” Diana, finely acted by Emerson Harrington, Anne’s boat sinks until she is rescued by Gilbert. But she still refuses to forgive him. Her misadventures continue until, with a kind teacher, Anne blossoms and wins a scholarship to Queens College.
Like few other stories with the main character as a prototype for the author herself, notably Little Women, Anne of Green Gables has been translated into 36 languages and sold more than 50 million copies, making it one of the best selling books worldwide. The charm of the story is brought to life here with delicate lace tablecloths, heeled shoes, a fancy pink cake made of cardboard and ribbon, a pewter pitcher, and gorgeous period dresses and skirts for the girls and vests and caps for the boys. Realistic backless benches for the school scenes and real slates give believability to the show.
Since it was a first complete run through, Roberta Weiner corrected with “very good thinking,” “let’s not talk about why it went wrong” and “you’ve got to review, but no worries.” As she drilled them with their lines, she laughs, admits he made one mistake herself with the music, and adds “that was fine.” Her final words as they work out the kinks are “live and learn” and “super job.” All this positive feedback makes Prana productions a joy to watch. Come see this delightful show in the parking lot at Christ the King Church on Saturday, April 10, at 1:00 and 2:15 for a real treat.
Cast List:
- Rachel Lynde/Mr. Philips/Miss Stacy – Grace Mitchell
- Marilla Cuthbert – Victoria Edwards
- Matthew Cuthbert – Maggie Mulik
- Station Master/Gilbert Blythe – Margaret Floeckher
- Anne Shirley – Caroline Mulik
- Mr. Spencer/Ruby Gillis – Ally King
- Mrs. Blewitt/Josie Pye – Gabi Boucher
- Diana Barry – Emerson Harrington
- Mrs. Barry/Charlie Sloane – Sage Passier
- Moody MacPherson – Skylar Assencoa
Thanks so much for your continued support of the arts in Holliston!
Great article! Thanks for supporting and sharing the amazing work that Roberta and team are doing at the Prana Center!