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Lively production does Anne proud
July 21,2006-Nancy MacPhee, Journal Pioneer
Watch out Confederation Centre - there's a new Anne in town.
The Harbourfront Jubilee Theatre's Anne and Gilbert -the continuation of Anne Shirley's story beyond her childhood days in Anne of Green Gables – is hands down the best theatrical production I've seen in years.
I'd even go so far as to say it was (gasp) better than the original Anne musical.
It was funny, smartly written, endearing and heartfelt. I felt like I was in Avonlea and actually a part of Anne and Gilbert Blythe's lives.
I laughed, my heart ached and I cried.
It's not hard to tell why the production has a price tag of close to $1 million. A simple yet beautiful set gives one a sense of being in the small Avonlea schoolroom; its community church; Redmond College and various other locales in Montgomery's fictional Island town.
Scene changes were done with ease, thanks to a set that didn't have to be taken down and set up once during the production.
The use of both the stage and theatre made the audience feel part of the story, keeping the production interesting and lively.
And only one word describes the costumes, makeup and hair: WOW!
Each performer had, at the very least, three costume changes; for the two title characters, far more.
Each of Anne's costumes was breathtaking yet simple, befitting the character that came to Avonlea an orphan.
A great deal of research must have been done to get the jewelry, hats, shoes and the hair to depict the era.
Hats off to costume designer Philip Clarkson!
All original tunes, penned by writers, Islander Nancy White, Robert Johnston and Jeffery Hochhauser, felt familiar. I found myself humming along and chuckling when the schoolgirls sang of the glorious Gilbert Blythe and in tears when Anne sang of her birth parents. But no song touched me more than that of Peter Deiwick's Gilbert, as he declared his undying love to Anne. Deiwick and Mélanie LeBlanc's voices blended so well, often giving me goosebumps. Their connection on stage blew me away.
The fiddling of Sean Kemp, who plays Moody MacPherson, and the musicianship of Mark Haines, Diane Leah and Rick Tersteeg brought the songs to life.
What -- or who - will truly make this show a hit and Jubilee Theatre the place to be this summer are the lead actors, LeBlanc and Deiwick.
Bravo to the show's producers for their selections.
LeBlanc perfectly captured what I envisioned a more grown-up Anne to be. Although I felt at times she over-enunciated her lines, the young actress was mesmerizing.
One of her most memorable lines was when Gilbert suggested she'd write about herself rather than pen fiction. She quips: "Who wants to read about Anne of Green Gables?"
Deiwick brings a maturity and vulnerability to the role of Gilbert. He was sensitive, yet funny, the perfect actor to play the man that is patient enough to wait for the woman he's loved so long.
At first, I couldn't envision songstress Laura Smith as Marilla. But once she took to the stage and I heard her haunting, yet tender voice in song,I had to applaud the producers for making the right choice. As she sings of a love lost I could almost feel her pain.
Other notables include local lass Jemima Sutherland. Although she played one of the background characters, Annetta Bell, her infectious smile and sweet voice could not be overlooked.
Heidi Ford was flawless as Anne's rival Josie Pye. She was spunky, funny and although small in stature, a big draw on stage.
The calibre of the cast in Anne and Gilbert - a mixture of seasoned and fresh new talent - was amazing. They gelled, executing song and dance almost in unison.
The only negative, I found the show a little long. At more than two hours, I was a little tired and stiff when I left the theatre at 10:40 p.m.
But, without a doubt, it was worth it. When the curtain fell, I couldn't clap hard enough.
I loved this show. Anne and Gilbert should be on everyone's must-see list this summer.
Oh, one tip - bring a tissue for the second act. You'll need it.
