Anne of Green Gables returning to the stage in Uxbridge

MIKE BRIDGEMAN Special to The Standard

UXBRIDGE: 115 years ago, Lucy Maud (LM) Montgomery’s tale of a spirited, red-headed, orphan girl sent to live on a farm in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island, was first published.

This summer Ryleepuss Productions is pleased to present a staging of Anne of Green Gables at the Uxbridge Music Hall and at the Historic Leaskdale Church, July 14th to 30th.

This adaptation of LM Montgomery’s Canadian classic has all the tragedies and triumphs which mark Anne Shirley’s growth from adolescence to early adulthood: her friendship with Diana, her feuds with Gilbert, her adoration of Matthew, the mistaken Raspberry cordial incident, the cake disaster, the broken leg, the scholastic achievements, and the saving of Green Gables.

Director Jackie Bellamy has had a long-standing connection to Anne, and it’s not just because of her red hair. “As a young reader, I was drawn to her strength, her imagination and her search for a sense of belonging within a community.” The cast is made of experienced actors, some of whom have played their roles before; while others are making their stage debut. “The cast has been so wonderful to work with. All the performers have approached the story and their characters with such enthusiasm.”

Another unique feature of this production is that six performances will take place at the Historic Leaskdale church, home of LM Montgomery, for 15 years. “To present Anne’s story in Maud’s church has made preparing this production even more special for us and, I hope, more meaningful for the audience.”

The Lucy Maud Montgomery Society of Ontario is presenting a special dessert tea on Sunday, June 23rd and 30th, prior to the church performances for $35, and tours of Maud’s home are also available before the performances upon request.

Whether you know Anne well, or are meeting her for the first time, the cast and production team hope you have a few laughs, shed a few tears, and, as the characters in our play do, you come to love her.

Show-only tickets are available at starticketing.com or at the door: $25, $35 for tea and show tickets, including all taxes and fees.

Uxbridge Music Hall performances:

• Friday, July 14th at 7:30 p.m.

• Saturday, July 15th at 2 p.m.

• Saturday, July 15th at 7:30 p.m.

• Sunday, July 16th at 2 p.m.
  

Leaskdale Historical Church performances:

• Friday, July 21st at 7:30 p.m.

• Saturday, July 22nd at 2 p.m.

• Saturday, July 22nd at 7 p.m.

• Sunday, July 23rd at 3 p.m.

• Friday, July 28th at 7:30 p.m.

• Saturday, July 29th at 2 p.m.

• Saturday, July 29th 7 p.m.

• Sunday, July 30th at 3 p.m.