Kiyah Marcellus is a perfect fit for ‘Anne of Green Gables’

Kiyah Marcellus seems to have been born to play Anne Shirley in Alive Theatre’s production of “Anne of Green Gables: The Musical.”  

“I would say so. My family would also say so. My family would tell me often, ‘You are Anne,’” Marcellus said. 

She relates easily to the character from the L.M. Montgomery novel that the show is based upon.

“I relate to her largely because of her dedication and passion for life. I can see there is so much purpose in life, and I can see that Anne also sees that. She’s not simple, and I love that,” Marcellus said. “I would say that I was gifted with the talent to perform her. The Lord blessed me with her.  It was a gift — she is a gift to me.”

Marcellus first read the novel upon which the show is based about eight years ago for a book club with family and friends.  

“I read it through on my own multiple times after that,” she said. “The book is my favorite.  I compare everything to the book.”

The 17-year-old has always been homeschooled.  

“I’ve been part of the Homeschool for Performing Arts primarily for the past five years,” she said. “I started training when I was 8. I’ve been training ever since.”  

She’s had multiple coaches and a neighbor who sometimes helped.  

“The directors have also taught me a lot,” she said.  The Battle Creek native has appeared in productions in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo.  

“Anne of Green Gables” is Alive’s first musical.  The relatively new theater company’s other Lansing productions have included “These Shining Lives” (2024) and “Pride and Prejudice” (2025).

Marcellus saw “These Shining Lives.”  

“It was phenomenal,” she said. “That’s when I knew I wanted to be a part of Alive in some shape or form.”

According to her, the founders of Alive are a tight-knit crowd of Christ followers.  

“They’re all friends, and they’ve known each other for a long time,” she said.  “We have a really great cast. They’re not only extremely talented, but they’re also a kind and genuine group of people.”

To accommodate those who have day jobs, Alive practices only one night a week for three hours.  

“It’s a little frustrating because I want to do more,” Marcellus said.  “For me, I could be there all day.”

The “Green Gables” cast is made up of more kids than adults.  

“It’s really fun. I love working with kids,” Marcellus said.  “I feel being around them helps me relive my childhood a little bit.”

Besides many members of the of the Homeschool for Performing Arts community, Marcellus’ family (including four siblings), grandparents, uncles and great-uncles plan to see the show.  She thinks that’s wonderful but would rather not make eye contact with her older brother.  

“I’d prefer not to see him,” she confessed. “My younger siblings, I perform for them all the time. Especially my younger brother who is 3, because he loves it so much.”

Alive’s debut musical features oodles of singing and dancing.  Since Marcellus has been “singing all [her] life,” that part is easier.  

“I’ve come really far in my dancing abilities.  Now I sort of just enjoy doing it,” she said. “I don’t feel as restricted as I used to. That’s a huge blessing.”

Anne is her first lead role, and she was a bit nervous going into it.  

“I tend to be one who overthinks a lot,” she said. “It’s not a worry of unpreparedness. I want everything to be perfect.”

She considers the show to have elements of a modern ballet — “sort of a ‘Newsies’ vibe with ‘Mary Poppins’ mixed in.”

The music is pre-recorded.  

“We have a professional backing track,” Marcellus said. “It sounds phenomenal.”

She hopes audience members will be impacted by Anne’s redemption arc.  

“Anne’s a lost orphan girl with a lot of issues,” Marcellus said. “She left to impact her town with her love and enthusiasm, and, in turn, they impact her and become closer as a community.”

If playing Anne requires an abundance of love and enthusiasm, Marcellus does seem to be the perfect fit.