An Irresistible Orphan's Tale

4/14/2015

The Montrose Players delight audiences with the exuberant musical Anne of Green Gables.

The Montrose Players delighted audiences for three shows with their production of the musical Anne of Green Gables, featuring outstanding vocal performances, colorful costumes, lively choreography and top-notch casting.

Maddie Crump ‘15 starred as Anne ("spelled with an E") Shirley, the feisty red-headed orphan who is sent to live in Avonlea with the plainspoken Matthew Cuthbert (Catherine Melley ‘16) and his spinster sister Marilla Cuthbert (Molly Cahill ‘16). Even though, as the Cuthberts sing, “We Clearly Requested a Boy,” Anne wins them over with her fire, spirit and imagination. As Anne takes on Avonlea, she charms more of its citizens, including her best friend Diana (Rachel Solomon ‘16), her inspiring teacher (Ms. Bridget Higgins) and the ladies of Avonlea (Saoirse Healy ‘16, MaryGrace King ‘16, Nora Sullivan ‘16, Shubo Yan ‘15, Megan Bellavance ‘16, Nora Clancy ‘18 and Mrs. Jackie Rose). Despite the machinations of her rival Josie Pye (Erin Golden ‘17), Anne also wins the heart of Gilbert Blythe (Victoria Driscoll ‘19).

The show was enlivened by school scenes featuring a large cast of pupils, led by schoolteacher Mr. Phillips (Olivia Hastie ‘18). The Montrose Players executed several skillfully choreographed production numbers, including “Ice Cream,” “Open the Window” and “If It Hadn’t Been for Me.” The score featured in a variety of beautifully performed musical numbers, from the charming love song “Wondrin’” to the lovely ballad “I Can’t Find the Words” to Anne’s hilarious apology “Oh Mrs. Lynde.”

In a new twist on the annual spring musical, the cast of Anne of Green Gables included several faculty members - Ms. Higgins, Mrs. Rose, Ms. Sarah Hills ‘07, Mrs. Betsy White ‘96, Mrs. Jodi Blackburn, Mrs. Donna Sneider and Mrs. Patti Keefe. The outstanding cast and crew also included graduating seniors Laura Bergemann ‘15 as Stage Manager (with Katie Sidhu ‘16) and Amanda Condrin '15 as set painter.

Congratulations to Director Mrs. Holly Sullivan, Music Director Ms. Michelle French and the cast and crew of Anne of Green Gables for a magnificent show.

Back