For their latest production, the Williamsburg Players will tackle L.M. Montgomery’s “Anne of Green Gables” at the James-York Playhouse April 5-21.
“It has universal appeal to both young people and adults,” said Julie King, the play’s director. “It’s an opportunity to bring in some young people that might be new to Williamsburg Players.”
The story, based on Montgomery’s classic 1908 children’s novel, follows the titular redheaded orphan’s journey through her childhood and into adulthood. King cast two actors, Hannah Rubin and Jasmine Wright, to play the age-spanning lead role. She said she hopes to convey how Anne matures as she grows up.
“She changes through her trials,” King said. “You just want her to win. You want her to succeed.”
King said the set will be a fairly simple one, centering around the main location of Green Gables. An onstage wagon with different sides will help signify different settings that the play explores.
King hopes the Players’ latest will attract both young and old, as longtime fans and potential new ones sit together in the shared dreamscape that is the theater.
“I hope that it makes some new Anne fans and I hope that it is a heartwarming experience for people who are already fans of Anne,” King said.
Want to go?
“Anne of Green Gables” runs April 5-21 at the James-York Playhouse, 200 Hubbard Lane. Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for students, available at williamsburgplayers.org or by calling 229-0431.
