SUNDRE – A classic Canadian coming-of-age tale about a spirited orphan girl who finds a new home with older siblings on a farm in P.E.I. is poised to soon come bouncing energetically to life on the stage at the Sundre Arts Centre.
Auditions that were held last fall drew out a large number of actors of all ages who have since been regularly rehearsing for Anne of Green Gables, the Musical.
Originally a novel written by Lucy Maud Montgomery, this musical version of the Canadian classic was adapted into a stageplay by Donald Harron with music by Norman Campbell.
B.S. Productions, which has previously put on a gamut of popular performances of plays such Matilda the Musical as well as Camp Spartan – a tale they created from scratch – endeavours to produce shows that provide opportunities both for experienced or aspiring local performers of all ages to get involved while along the way bridging the generations.
“This play is perfect for that,” said Jamie Syer, who co-founded the group alongside his creative colleague in crime Brian Bailey and offers his extensive musical talent to play the piano.
This time, the theatre group also brought Move Yourself Dance Studio into the fold to coordinate the choreography for the musical’s dance sequences, he said.
“The energy we get from the kids is wonderful,” he said.
There are six performances lined up, including four evening shows that start at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 16-17 as well as Feb. 24-24, and a couple of Sunday matinees that begin at 2 p.m. on Feb. 18 and Feb. 25. A preview performance was even put on this past Sunday, Feb. 11 during a dress rehearsal. Organizers said that about 1,100 tickets have been sold in advance and that none would be available at the door.
“We’ve had a really great response,” said Syer.
The arts centre was built and is now maintained by the Sundre & District Allied Arts Society, a non-profit volunteer group composed of community members, and the facility that is home to another local group of stage performers called Peak Theatre Players also hosts a variety of performances such as dance recitals and concert series.
Aside from the support of community members who purchase tickets to attend shows, the society also received funding from both the federal and provincial governments through initiatives called the Canada Arts and Culture Recovery Program and the Alberta Foundation for the Arts.
Editor’s note: this story has been updated to reflect the latest available information.