Theatre of Gadsden presents 'Anne of Green Gables' this weekend

Heather Grant
·2 min read

In L.M. Montgomery’s “Anne of Green Gables,” Anne Shirley says, “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”

That spirit is coming to the Ritz Theatre this weekend with Theatre of Gadsden’s production of “Anne of Green Gables.”

Grace Anne Page is pictured as Anne Shirley in Theatre of Gadsden's upcoming production of "Anne of Green Gables."
Grace Anne Page is pictured as Anne Shirley in Theatre of Gadsden's upcoming production of "Anne of Green Gables."

Set in the fictional town of Avonlea, on Prince Edward Island, the beloved story follows a 19th century orphaned girl who is mistakenly sent to live with a farmer and his sister. Through lots of humor, as well as some poignant moments, “Anne of Green Gables” brings both laughter and a few tears.

Director Kelly Page says she has loved “Anne of Green Gables” as long as she can remember.

She discovered the book as a child and still has the tattered copy from her childhood. She then fell in love with the television series, which aired in the 1980s.

“When Theatre of Gadsden did this play in the 1990s, I played Josie Pye. ‘Anne’ is such a big part of my childhood, so getting to direct this play is a dream,” Page said.

Page said she is blessed to work with a cast that adds heart and warmth to every moment onstage. "The show moves me to tears every time I watch it," she added.

David Jones, who plays Mathew Cuthbert, came to his role with fresh eyes, having never seen the series or read the book. He quickly came to love the character and his relationship with Anne.

“Mathew is a lonely older man whose life is transformed when Anne comes to live with him and his sister. Anne quickly steals his heart. I love the sweet, father/daughter-like relationship that develops between him and Anne,” Jones said.

“Anne of Green Gables” performances are at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. All shows are at the historic Ritz Theatre in Alabama City.

Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreofgadsden.org or by phone at 256-547-SHOW (7469).

One performance is available for local schools, including homeschool groups, at 11:45 a.m. Friday. Schools wishing to attend the Friday show are asked to call ASAP to check availability for reservations.

This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Theatre of Gadsden presents 'Anne of Green Gables' this weekend