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By Laura Drinan
Hometown Weekly Reporter
“Anne of Green Gables” has become a classic story since its publication in 1908. The novel has since been adapted for television and film, as well as for the stage. The stage adaptation, “Anne of Green Gables – The Musical” was even performed before Queen Elizabeth II. While it seemed like the cast of the Dover-Sherborn Summer Drama program was ready to perform for the Queen, they settled for performing in front of friends and family at the Sherborn Community Center from August 23 to August 26.
The production follows the story of the young orphan, Anne, who is mistakenly sent to the town of Avonlea on Prince Edward Island. Siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert request a boy from the orphanage to work on their farm, Green Gables, but Marilla faces disappointment when she sees that Anne has been sent instead. As Anne’s wild imagination and cheer convinces Marilla to keep her, the young girl experiences daily life in Avonlea up until her opportunity to go to Queen’s University arises.
Director Scott Walker felt a special connection to the production, not only because it is the tenth anniversary of the Dover-Sherborn Summer Drama program, but also because “Anne of Green Gables” was the first production outside of a school play that Walker had been in. After becoming enchanted by the energy and magic of the show, Walker had felt a special bond to the musical.
The costumes were spot-on as the cast of high school students strutted across the stage and through the packed auditorium, and the set of the Cuthbert house was just as impressive. As the performance began and the cast sang the first few songs, accompanied by a live orchestra, it became obvious that the cast’s talent was the most remarkable part of the performance. However, Walker implemented an interesting idea while casting: rather than one actor playing the same character for every show, two DS Summer Drama thespians were cast for each role, meaning the actors and actresses played two characters over the four shows. With his unique casting decision, Walker ensured that the audience saw a different, yet charming and well-performed, show each night.
The audience particularly enjoyed the musical number “Gee, I’m Glad I’m No One Else – But Me,” Anne’s peculiar method of prayer, Anne’s bright red braids and freckles (as well as her ridiculousness), and the hilarious friendship between Anne and Diana.
Just as Walker had felt as a youth performing “Anne of Green Gables,” the DS Summer Drama program cast and the audience felt that they, too, were kindred spirits, sharing their joy for the magic of the theater.
