“A delightful and splendid adaptation of a Canadian classic. Kelsey Verzotti embodies Anne with gusto.”

Anne of Green Gables: The Musical is an adaptation of the classic Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery with the book, music and lyrics by Don Harron and Norman Campbell. Mavor Moore and Elaine Campbell wrote additional lyrics.

In this delicate and splendid adaptation at PEI’s Confederation Centre, Anne Shirley is accidentally sent to the home of Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert who have requested a boy to help on the farm at Green Gables.

Known for her imagination, temper and ability to charm even the harshest critics, we follow Anne through her many adventures, especially those with her best friend, Diana Barry.

This production is a true delight. The company, the beautiful sets and costumes by Cory Sincennes and the direction and choreography by Robin Calvert make this a not-to-be-missed production. Sincennes' brilliant design features a paisley backdrop, various fences, and trees, which move the audience seamlessly from one Avonlea location to the next. The crown jewel is the wonderful Green Gables itself. When rotated, we are brought into the walls of the iconic building. Sincennes transforms and transports an audience to a whole new world.

I'm sure Robin Calvert was thrilled to work with the cast of Anne of Green Gables: The Musical.

The five primary characters bring this story to life and are supported by incredibly talented folks. The Cuthberts: Marilla (Marlene Handrahan) is the no-nonsense sister of Matthew (beautiful work by Laurie Murdoch) who falls instantly for Anne's charm. His love for the orphan girl is evident throughout and his final scene remains heartbreaking.

Emma Rudy plays Anne's bosom friend Diana Barry with such childlike wonder. I should note that Rudy is one of the reasons this was a must-see for me this year; I had the pleasure of working with Rudy on many productions during my years in Stratford with the community theatre group Perth County Players. You're always in for a treat when you find Emma Rudy in a company.

Kelsey Verzotti embodies Anne with such gusto that I can only imagine this has been her dream role. Her presence onstage pulls you out of the real world and into Anne's life and imagination. Kudos to this wonderful Avonlea community.

And Another Thought: This past weekend, we made a trip to Prince Edward Island to introduce our daughter to the wonderful world of Anne of Green Gables. We started with a visit to Green Gables, followed by a trip to Charlottetown to see Anne of Green Gables: The Musical. It was wonderful to see this production with a little person exporting the story for the first time.

I saw the Musical for the first time when my family made a trip to visit the maritime provinces before high school. Anne of Green Gables: The Musical has gone through many changes since i first saw the show. The 2024 iteration of this beloved musical was extra special for a number of reasons.

If you can make your way to Prince Edward Island be sure to stop in at Avonlea, you won't regret the trip. Anne of Green Gables: The Musical runs through to August 24 at the Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown PEI.

Running time: 2 hours and 12 minutes plus 20-minute intermission

The production runs until August 31 at the Confederation Centre, 145 Richmond Street, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. For tickets: Call the Box Office at (902) 566-1267 or email boxoffice@confederationcentre.com.

THE CONFEDERATION CENTRE FOR THE ARTS presents
ANNE OF GREEN GABLES: THE MUSICAL Book by Don Harron, Music by Norman Campbell, Lyrics by Don Harron and Norman Campbell, Additional Lyrics by Mavor Moore and Elaine Campbell

Director/Choreographer: Robin Calvert
Music Director: Rachel O’Brien
Set & Costume Designer: Cory Sincennes
Lighting Designer: Renée Brode

Performers: Vinnie Alberto, Alex Batycki, Sarah Bell, Lyndsey Britten, Jessica Burrett, Melinda Carroll, Celeste Catena,Tyler Check, Eric Dahlinger, Raleigh Gorka, Marlene Handrahan, Jacob Hemphill, Amelia Hironaka, Aaron Mackenzie, Ha’kenna Maneso, Andrew Mcallister, Laurie Murdoch, Catherine O'Brien, Trevor Patt, Kristen Pottle, Shakeil Rollock, Brian Ross, Emma Rudy, Shawn Van Omme, and Kelsey Verzotti