Even if you aren’t an expert on the red-headed girl from Avonlea, Prince Edward Island — whose strong-headed exploits have been a part of the Canadian fabric for decades, you won’t be left behind at Bard to Broadway’s Anne of Green Gables, the Musical.
The second of B2B’s two shows this summer, Anne features a wonderful actor in Miranda Atkinson. Her energy (she does a cartwheel) and delivery were a joy to watch throughout the play. She brought Anne to life, going from a headstrong and imaginative orphan girl, to the determined yet still mischievous daughter of brother and sister, Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert.
And guess what B2B has managed to do?
They’ve surrounded Atkinson with a talented cast and crew, making for one of the best directed and produced shows I’ve seen from B2B in years.
With their focus on only two shows this summer, and in a new venue — Qualicum Beach Village Theatre — B2B needs to make the most of the change and with Anne, they appear up to the challenge. For fans of local theatre, this they cannot miss.
From the opening spotlight, the singing was excellent. Ice Cream, however, seemed to bring out the best in the entire cast.
I’ve come to expect good things from Rosalee Sullivan in her various roles with B2B — and again I was not disappointed. Her portrayal of Marilla Cuthbert provided the perfect straight lines to Atkinson’s antics. What’s more, her performance in Matthew Cuthbert’s (David Mathews) death scene was excellent. Throw in some good lighting cues, and that scene was one of the most memorable of the evening.
Actors like Emily Blake (Diana Barry) and Zac Brockman (Gilbert Blythe) were well done — as were all of the young people of Avonlea. You can really believe they are children at play.
Anne was a delight — one that left one audience member with laugh-induced hiccoughs.
For details about B2B’s summer shows, visit www.b2btheatre.com or call 250-752-4470.