"I was prepared for a show that moved along at a swift clip but was pleasantly surprised by the exemplary quality of the overall production and the talent of the eight ensemble members--all part of this season's young company."
- Stacy Raphael, BroadwayWorld.com
"Bella Muller was convincing as the vacant Josie Pye as well as Diana's stern, narrow-minded mother."
- Kevin M. O'Toole, Manchester Journal
Anne Shirley is a spunky, red-headed orphan sent to live with a farmer and his sister in Avonlea, a close-knit community on Canada’s Prince Edward Island. The only problem? The Cuthberts thought they were adopting a boy! Heartwarming and humorous, the hour-long musical follows Anne’s adventures (and misadventures) as she discovers the true meaning of family, friendship, and home.
Written by Broadway veterans Gretchen Cryer and Nancy Ford (I’m Getting My Act Together and Taking it On the Road), Anne of Green Gables opened Off-Broadway in 2007. Weston Artistic Associate/Director of Education Piper Goodeve, who originated the role of Anne, served as assistant director and choreographer. As a part of his last season at the Weston Playhouse, Tim Fort served as Director.
On my journey of researching this story, my biggest discovery was how much people loved Anne! This is a story that many hold very close to their hearts, especially those of Canadian descent. I had the pleasure of delving into many of the supporting characters in this tale: the daft Josie Pye, the gossip at the post office, and the cold, brutal Mrs. Barry. Though intended for younger audiences, we focused on the truth behind these characters and what we could learn from each of them individually.
We had the unique pleasure of performing for the women behind the piece, Gretchen Cryer and Nancy Ford, who came on behalf of the Dramatists Guild of America. Cryer and Ford held a writing workshop with us, where we focused on the development of a new musical. Later that evening, they held a concert on our stage detailing their sixty years of composing together.
They are the longest lasting female composing team in history - also the most neglected in studies of musical theatre history. These two extremely down-to-earth women, who showed us what real success looks like, did so much for women in our business without realizing they did anything out of the ordinary. It is an honor to know them.
After a mere seventeen performances, we put away our beautiful Avonlea to make room for Fun Home - the next show appearing at Walker Farm.
Within my heart will always be the precious gift you gave to me - home.
MEDIA:
Photography: Hubert Schriebl
Rutland Herald - http://www.rutlandherald.com/articles/anne-of-green-gables-weston-showcases-theaters-next-generation/
BroadwayWorld.com - https://www.broadwayworld.com/vermont/article/BWW-Review-ANNE-OF-GREEN-GABLES-at-Weston-Playhouse-Theatre-Company-20180618
Manchester Journal - https://www.manchesterjournal.com/stories/charming-chatty-anne-of-green-gables-wins-over-weston,542692
Vermont Journal - http://vermontjournal.com/arts-entertainment/anne-of-green-gables-makes-for-a-charming-debut-of-walker-farm
More Theatre Talk Podcast - https://moretheatretalk.wordpress.com/2018/06/15/anne-of-green-gables/