ANNE OF GREEN GABLES
Pat Koskinen
The Birdcage Theatre’s holiday production of ANNE OF GREEN GABLES opened Friday, December 2. If you read L.M. Montgomery's classic novel, watched the TV series while growing up or are meeting her for the first time, this play will cement a lasting friendship between you and an unforgettable literary character, Anne Shirley. The great stage actress Colleen Dewhurst took the part of Marilla in the TV series because ANNE OF GREEEN GABLES was the first book her mother read to her. .

The play captures the charm of L.M. Montgomery's classic about an orphan girl, Anne Shirley, from her first encounter with her strict guardian, Marilla Guthbert, to her graduation from Queen's Academy. All the tragedies and triumphs that happen as Anne goes through adolescence and becomes a young adult are here: her friendship with Diana, her feuds with Gilbert, her adoration of Matthew, the mistaken wine bottle, the cake disaster, the broken leg, the scholastic achievements, and the saving of Green Gables. This adaptation by Joseph Robinette is fast moving and focuses on the funny parts. It is a delight. The seamless transition between scenes by the use of lighting keeps the action moving with no distractions.

The story begins when Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, a brother and sister who live on their family farm, Green Gables, in the quiet town of Avonlea on Prince Edward Island, Canada. decide to adopt a child. Since Matthew is sixty and getting too old to handle the farm work on his own, the Cuthberts want to offer a home to an orphan boy to help him. However, they get more than they bargain for. Due to a mix-up, they are left with 11-year-old Anne Shirley. Over the course of six years, this romantic, hot-headed, and energetic girl wins their love and turns the stodgy, rural Canadian community into a joyful world of "kindred spirits, " as Anne refers to the neighbors

Like many teenagers, Anne is guided by her imagination and romanticism, which often lead her astray. Daydreams constantly pull her away from reality and into her own world. This gets her into conflicts with Avonlea’s expectations of appropriate behavior. Anne’s imagination leads her into everything from minor household disasters to life-threatening calamities. Marilla does not indulge in fantasy, and thinks goodness consists of sensible behavior. She obeys the social code that guides the actions of well-behaved ladies of the time. Anne does not understand why Marilla doesn’t use her imagination to make the world better. Marilla worries for Anne, as many parents of adventurous kids do, thinking they will long for wonderful things and suffer painful disappointment. Matilda finds her lacking in social graces and education,.but admires her great imagination, optimism and generosity. Anne wants to please Marilla by obeying her, but she can not always resist her fantasies. As she grows up, Anne finds a compromise between imagination and respectability and the audience gets to watch the fun along the way.

Allison Cardwell very adeptly directs a great cast. The Birdcage is really forming a company. Experienced actors who work so well together join with very talented newcomers to give superior performances. Brooke Leonard, a newcomer, is an Anne filled with energy and enthusiam. Howard Moore, a Birdcage “regular,’ is remarkable as Matthew. His shyness and sincere affection for Anne flow from the satge. Sandy Welburn is a Marilla who seems always motivated by the greater good. You see she is more than a sharp, severe woman You admire and love her. Mrs. Lynde, the neighborhood gossip, is just about a heroine when Cheryl Turnbough, another regular, introduces you to her and uses her magnificent voice to make her so vital. Heather Caldwell is just what Diana ought to be, perfectly sweet and adoring of Anne. Michael Williams unbelievably plays three different parts well: Reverend Allen, Mr. Sadler and Reverend Bentley. Actors like him create the company I mentioned and make it possible to stage plays of the variety and cast size the Birdcage offers. Gilbert Blythe grows up in relatively few but vital scences. Brenton Percey peovides an excellent portrayal of the transition.

Every member of the cast play his/her part well. Every line is well delivered. This is a touching comedy which is perfect for a family holiday evening out.

Performances will be held December 2 through December 18 at The Birdcage Theatre, 1740 Bird Street. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 PM and Sunday Matinees are at 2:00.  Advance tickets:   Bartlett’s Hearing Instrument Center, 2450 C Oro Dam or call the Box Office 533-BIRD.