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| photo by Brigham’s Playhouse |
Written by Melinda Charlet
Based on the well-known novel written by Lucy Maud Montgomery in 1908, which has been made into several movies and a TV miniseries over the years, Brigham’s Playhouse’s version of “Anne of Green Gables” had a lot to live up to. To be honest, as a lifelong fan of the book and its sequels as well as the popular and award-winning 1985 Canadian TV series, I was a bit skeptical going in that they could pull it off to my satisfaction.
The local cast made good use of the small stage and simple sets and brought Anne (with an “E!”) to life in pleasurable fashion. Anne Shirley shows up by mistake when aging bachelor Mathew Cuthbert and his spinster sister order a boy from the orphanage to help them with chores.
Mathew (charmingly played by Michael Forest) warms up to vibrant and vivacious Anne right away, but Marilla (well-played by Miki Brewster) takes a while to get used to the idea of having a girl around. The children in the play are double cast, but the night I saw the show, Rylee Barben, who played young Anne Shirley, drew the audience into the show and along with her on her misadventures with her spunky and energetic performance.
The supporting cast and crew did a superb job of bringing this literary classic to life and entertaining audience members throughout the evening. Green Gables fans who come to see the show will not be disappointed. Don’t miss your chance to catch one of the last few performances. The show runs through the end of this week on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings. Upcoming shows include “Bridge to Terabithia,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” and “Secret Garden.”
Brigham’s Playhouse is also offering the last session of their Summer Youth Theatre Camp. Classes will be held July 13 through July 31, Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The camp will include professional training in dance, voice, and acting, and participants will have opportunities to perform on the stage as a part of some of the pre-show performances. To learn more or register, visit www.brighamsplayhouse.com, or call the box office at (435) 251-8000.
Grade: B
