Timeless classic hits #ForParisCentre stage next weekend

Playful Fox Productions presents Anne of Green Gables – The Musical

By Casandra Turnbull

A timeless classic is coming to Paris next weekend as Playful Fox Productions presents Anne of Green Gables – The Musical

This original, glorious adaptation –now firmly embedded in Canadian national culture and musical theatre canon – continues to enrapture audiences around the world with its rich score and a rate, affecting story for all ages, say Marissa and Malakai Fox, owners of the local community theatre group.

Anne Shirley has captivated audiences for decades, so her imaginative story really didn’t require any major adaptations.

“Where in some shows, the spectacle is the focus, this show we wanted to focus on keeping the story universal through an intimate retelling, highlighting the powerful relationships that are built and the timelessness of Anne’s story, which continues to be loved and cherished by many Canadians to this day,” said Marissa.

Anne of Green Gables – The Musical , follows the precocious and imaginative Anne Shirley as she captures the hearts and minds of her newfound family and neighbours in the small farming community of Avonlea – simply by virtue of her own pluck and personality.

Licensed by Samuel French and Concord Theatricals, Playful Fox Productions will present three performances next weekend.

During a recent rehearsal, Anne, portrayed by Playful Fox Productions newcomer, Grace Ingrid, speaks with Gilbert Blythe, portrayed by Braedyn Edwards, while Alannah Taylor who plays Anne’s rival, the cunning Josie Pye, watches on.

The Saturday afternoon show is already sold out. Tickets are still available online now for the 7 pm performance on Friday, March 15 and the 7 pm performance on Saturday, March 16th They will be shown on the main stage of the #ForParisCentre, also known locally as the Paris (Presbyterian) Community Church.

Malakai and Marissa are excited to present Anne of Green Gables – The Musical , which stars a wonderful mix of performers, some who are new to the Playful Fox family, and others who are experiencing their first lead or musical lead.

Newcomer Grace Ingrid will show off her charisma and charm as Anne Shirley Alissa Cooper, who previously starred as Cmd Joanne Galloway in ‘A Few Good Men,’is playing Marilla Cuthbert. Alongside Alissa is Desmond Nanassy who will portray Matthew Cuthbert.

Malakai and Marissa agree it’s a joy to watch Desmond and Alissa on stage together as their connection is both funny and heart-warming.

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“There are so many special moments in this show, where you will find yourself laughing one moment and crying the next. This is attributed to the great cast members who really bring their characters to life,” reviews Daphne Clarke, who plays Miss Stacy, pictured above, while teaching her students.

Desmond said he believes this show will draw large audiences because of its significant Canadian heritage. Sara Laux who plays Mrs. Barry, said she believes there’s a little bit of Anne in everyone

“We’ve all lost our tempers, had comical misadventures, felt unwanted, and experienced both love and loss,” which is why the show will resonate with the audience “My favourite part of the show has been watching it take shape, from rough and ragged to smooth and (mostly) polished. Kind of like Anne herself,” said Sara.

For Liv MacQueen who plays Rachel Lynde, her favourite aspect of this production is Grace Ingrid’s portrayal of Anne, especially during some very comical moments.

“My favourite part of this production is watching OUR Anne, Grace, imitate the priest at the orphanage Gut-splitting laughter always ensues,” she shared. Lilly Martin, who is part of the ensemble,

“I haven’t read Anne of Green Gables since I was little, so I got to fall in love with the story all over again in these past few months. The characters and world feel so real and lived in, and the story shows all the beauty and heartbreak of everyday life- packed with adventures and mishaps and beginnings and endings.”

~ Alannah Taylor as Josie Pye

agrees, noting there’s been some jaw-dropping scenes packed full of fun.

And it’s not just about the fun. The production will hit all kinds of emotions, from laughter, to joy, to despair and even moments that might leave you teary-eyed

“There are so many special moments in this show, where you will find yourself laughing one moment and crying the next. This is attributed to the great cast members who really bring their characters to life,” said Daphne Clarke, whom we are told is simply a highlight of the show as she portrays Miss Stacy. But it’s not just the cast on the stage that make productions like this one a success. There’s plenty of talent behind the scenes, the people who really bring the show to life and enhance the performance put on by the cast members.

“We are very lucky to have an incredible set builder, Austin Ferenczi, working on certain set pieces for Anne of Green Gables, who has previously built sets for such stages as The Rose Theatre in Brampton,” said Malakai and Marissa. The tech team will consist of Malakai Fox on music, Susan Heslop on lights, and Rob

Curwain on mics and backgrounds

Most costumes (thankfully not as many that are required for a typical Disney musical performance) are rented from Theatrix and some pieces were gathered by cast members and PFP friends and family

The props were created and found by many of the cast and crew. “You will notice a very special collection of personal props in this show, but I can’t say much more than that You’ll just have to keep an eye out,” teased Marissa.

If you can’t catch next weekend’s Anne of Green Gables – The Musical , don’t fret. The Playful Fox Productions Company is back on the #ForParisCentre stage in May with one of the first productions of the musical ‘Anastasia,’ followed by ‘The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe,’ in August. They have a special winter production planned as well as a few other 2024 performances so watch for more details in future editions of The Paris Independent.

If you’d like to purchase tickets in advance, they are available online here. Please note there is a CASH only concession available at each performance