Stars shine brightly in ‘Anne of Green Gables: The Musical’
To pick the definitive star of Alive Theatre’s production of “Anne of Green Gables: The Musical” is a challenge. In the lead role of Anne Shirley, Kiyah Marcellus shines. Her displays of emotion — and her potent singing and dancing — never stop earning the audience’s affection.
But all the roles in the musical, based on the novel by L.M. Montgomery, are performed superbly.
Kimberly Michalcewicz and Doug Irving are charming as the sister and brother who take in the orphan Anne. Vadis Pekrul is delightful as Anne’s best friend, Diana Barry. Sage Chick, as Gilbert Blythe, is the perfect adolescent boyfriend.
Photo by Studio M
Anne Miranda seamlessly assumes the role of town busybody Rachel Lynde. Garrett Shinaver is convincing as schoolhouse teacher Mr. Phillips. Lexy Irving, who plays replacement teacher Miss Stacy, has a voice that could blow the tiles off a space station.
The amiable 14 townspeople of Avonlea and the 12 schoolchildren also qualify for star status. They continually impress with their expressions, physicality and vocal and dance skills.
To me, the person who selected such a cast and guided them so brilliantly has to be the MVP of Alive’s “Green Gables.” Director and producer Christine Hall somehow managed to choose and mold all the actors, in major and minor roles, so they embodied the personalities of their characters. No one on the stage seems petty. No one ever has a mundane expression or pose.
Add in Amanda Tollstam’s imaginative choreography, Aja Jenks’ substantial sets, Britt Harris’ props and Deb Ramirez’s exquisite costumes, and Alive’s production is a theatrical gem.
Getting a group of mostly kids to perform complicated dance moves in unison (including a spectacular jump-rope dance) is a real accomplishment. Movable and often detailed sets, including a two-story home with a real staircase, appear professional. The characters, from their hats to their bloomers or argyle socks, are dressed more like a touring company than a community theater troupe. And who can forget about Anne’s remarkable long red hair.
“Anne of Green Gables” was written in 1905, and the musical has a “Little House on the Prairie” meets ‘60s sitcom kind of wholesomeness that suits a young audience. However, kids might struggle with the nearly three-hour runtime, while audience members of all ages might find Mr. Phillips’ creepy flirting with (and later engagement to) one of his students bothersome.
The story is full of highs and lows, with a mix of flashy musical numbers and serious dialogue. And its sad ending is unusually anti-climactic for a musical.
But issues with the script don’t diminish praise for Hall’s accomplishments. Any ringmaster who can expertly herd a circus of up to 35 actors on a stage deserves kudos.
