TheatreAddict.com - Bakersfield Drama Blog

Bakersfield Community Theatre's April production tells the well-known story of that red-haired, wide-eyed orphan girl who has charmed her way into the hearts of millions. No, not Annie, but Anne (with an "E"). Anne Shirley, played with boundless energy by Vanessa Vaughan, is a different kind of inspiring orphan, however. She has the bright spirit and big imagination of other well-known characters such as Oliver Twist or Annie Warbucks, but her realism makes her more relatable and lovable.

Anne comes to the small town of Avonlea at the request of Matthew & Marilla Cuthbert, a brother and sister with no children of their own. Unfortunately, it would seem she is exactly the opposite of what they want. The Cuthberts are looking for a strong, growing boy to help them with the chores on their farm. Instead, they get Anne: a loud, emotional, sassy, unpredictable teenager who asks lots of questions and has a "genuis for getting into trouble." They keep her on a "trial basis" but of course even her bad habits are endearing and they grow to love her as if she is their own.

Before watching the play I knew almost nothing of "Green Gables", except that it is classic literature and popular reading for young women. As the play progressed I was enthralled and instantly saw the appeal. Anne is absolutely captivating and her story draws you in from beginning to end. After living her life unwanted from age zero to twelve, at age thirteen she seems to be born again as soon as she steps off the train into her new life. Her zest for being alive and appreciation at finding love in her new family is infectious and irresistable. I found myself seeing the universal appeal in the story. Who among us has not felt like Anne, thrust into a new world, alone and at odds with your surroundings, yet determined to live to the fullest.

The play itself was impressive, especially for youth theatre which often times can be hit-and-miss in overall quality. Louise Hallberg & Larry Elman brought Anne's adopted parents to life with great emotional depth. I was touched by the quiet joy Elman displayed as Cuthbert is discovering his love for a daughter he never knew he wanted. Louise Hallberg's performance as Marilla is sweetly honest as she transforms throughout the play. Marilla seems so annoyed at Anne and harshly rejects her early in the story, but comes to love her in such a way that it is clearly meaningful to her. Perhaps Louise drew upon her experience with her own grandkids, who are also in the show. Other actors in the play, especially the children and young teens, were also very impressive. The dramatic antics of Amelia England & Adam Weeks stood out as they played Anne's school chums. Katherine Scott was adorable as Anne's best friend. Severel teens who played adult roles in the play were also impressive; namely Ben & Jenna LeJune who played teachers, and Simone Wheat as Mrs. Barry. Oh, and I can't forget Joy Wheat, who was delightful as the nosy neighbor throughout the show.

The only major fault I saw was a tendency for some of the characters to rush their lines in a few areas of the play. There are a few scenes in "Green Gables" in which some off-stage event is told of through a conversation between two characters. Of course, we saw the show before it opened so this could just be a cases of the jitters and could have been gone by the time "Anne" opened to regular audiences. All in all, the show was very good. Even the staging of the show and the lights and sound, which can be awkward at the community theatre level, were very good and clearly well-thought out.

One of my favorite aspects of youth theatre is to see young talent shining and encouraged, and this is a positive constant for BCT youth theatre. In addition to supporting this effort, I was treated to a very good show, directed with panache by Brenda Keele. Great job to everyone involved.

I recorded a short interview with Vanessa Vaughan which was to be included in my next podcast, but unfortunately I had difficulties with my recorder and it didn't make it. If you want to experience her bubbly "Anne" you'll just have to go see the show for yourself.

Anne of Green Gables has one more weekend with 4 performances. See the theatre calendar for times. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children.

For all of the pictures from the show, click here.