The classic and much-loved tale of a high-spirited orphan girl, who is adopted by a brother and sister who run a farm on PEI, forms the basis of Anne of Green Gables.
A heart-warming and hugely popular musical is based on the well-known children's book by Lucy Maud Montgomery.
On her recent visit to Canada, the former Catherine Middleton, now the Duchess of Cambridge, specifically requested a visit to PEI, because she had so loved this book as a child — and she is not alone in this.
For the past 46 seasons, audiences have flocked to see the musical version at the Charlottetown Festival on PEI, and it has also toured to Japan, Sweden, New York and London's West End (where it won the prestigious Best Musical Award, given annually by London's theatre critics).
The book and lyrics are by Don Harron, score and lyrics by Norman Campbell, with additional lyrics by Mavor Moore and Elaine Campbell.
The vocal score features some delightful harmonies, with the addition of a few comical numbers that are sure to please audience members of all ages. In fact, this is family entertainment at its very best.
With no Christmas pantomime due to be performed this season, it is the only show suitable for all ages to be performed at the Sid Williams Theatre between now and the New Year.
Rainbow Youth Theatre (RYT) and Cantiamo choir members Erin Humphery and Connor Lucas appear as the student rivals Anne and Gilbert (who later become sweethearts).
RYT and Courtenay Little Theatre actors Val Macdonald and Pat McKenna play Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, the two very different siblings who run Green Gables Farm. A large supporting cast and chorus provide additional talent.
Last mounted by RYT in 1999 as a highly successful production directed by the late Jim Rickson, this new production by directors Vivien Douglas and Susan Bradshaw, with musical direction by Myrna Wallace, is sure to be equally popular with Comox Valley audiences, so early booking is strongly recommended.
Performances run on: Oct. 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 16 at 2 p.m. and Oct. 20, 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $18 for adults and $16 for youths and seniors. There is a one-time $2 processing fee charged by the Sid when purchasing any number of tickets.
— Rainbow Youth Theatre