Anne charms audience

JANNETTE EDMONDS SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH BULLETIN

Anne of Green Gables comes singing and dancing into Stanley Park's Malkin Bowl this summer with all the wiry energy and imaginative determination we would expect from this Prince Edward Island charmer.

Under the capable direction of Jessie Award-winning director Lloyd Nicholson, the world of Avonlea is brought alive with entertaining color and delight in the Theatre Under the Stars' (TUTS) performance. Nicholson has coaxed great performances from his actors, even lead Kelly Metzger who is fresh from Langara's Studio 58 drama program. Metzger gives an energetic attempt at Anne, infusing her character with all of the spunk and flair author L.M. Montgomery wrote into this dramatic, talkative, red-haired orphan who is adopted by siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert.

Metzger's energy makes us forgive her inexperience which at times makes her character a bit overstated and overacted. But what Metzger lacks in experience is more than made up for by the believable and captivating performances of the very experienced Ruth Nichol as Marilla and John Innes as Matthew. Nichol has long been a favorite of the Vancouver theatre scene and her Marilla is not overly gruff but shows the tender side that falls in love with this orphan girl who was supposed to be a boy. Innes makes us believe how much he loves Anne and we share his frustration at not being able to get the words out.

Dance numbers sparkle under the brilliant direction of choreographer Valerie Easton, well known at TUTS for her highly acclaimed work in Annie (2001) and Kiss Me Kate (2002).

Special mention must be made of the stunning dance performance of Scott Augustine who plays Anne's love interest, Gilbert Blythe. Backed up by a talented crew of characters from school children to townsfolk, Augustine's balletic strength and grace wows the crowd. Almost two dozen songs grace this musical and each cast member more than adequately carries their weight. Jewish community members Deborah Allman, Alissa Keogh and Ryan Keogh put in good performances and Elana Nep and Sarah Franks are in the orchestra. Noteworthy for her impressive vocals was Meghan Gardiner as Miss Stacey, whose strong voice soared above the rest.

The sets on this production are warm and inviting, allowing the audience to share in the homey ambience of Green Gables, sit at the railway station with an anxiously waiting Anne, go on a picnic with the Avonlea crowd and snoop into the classroom with Anne and her friends. And musical director James Bryson helps to keep the story moving with his skilful orchestra.

The music by Norman Campbell is wonderfully representative of this famous children's book and it is easy to get whisked back in memory to sitting and reading its charming pages. For a night of music and a touch of nostalgia Anne of Green Gables is a sure bet. Bring a blanket for the cool evening air and if you forget your insect repellent, TUTS has everything you need on sale. They are also trying to raise $3 million to build a new building on the site. A model is on display and it is hoped to become a reality by the 2004 season.

Jannette Edmonds is a Vancouver freelance writer.

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