Anne of Avonlea (1997)

Anne of Avonlea (1997) is a play by Joseph Robinette based on the novel Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery. Joseph Robinette also wrote an Anne of Green Gables play (published in 1989) as well as an Anne of Green Gables musical (with Evelyn Swensson).

The premise of the play is that Anne is applying to Redmond College and is struggling to write a one-page autobiography for her application. Marilla suggests that Anne "talk it out" before she decides what to write. The story unfolds from there. There is some retelling of Anne's story from Anne of Green Gables, but most of the play is set during Anne of Avonlea.

Anne of Avonlea is a full-length play that is approximately 120 minutes long. The script was published by Dramatic Publishing in 1997 and is available through the Dramatic Publishing website.

The play is described as follows:
"This delightful, enchanting sequel to Anne of Green Gables continues the exciting adventures of one of literature's most enduring characters, Anne Shirley. From her first days as a young teacher to her departure for Redmond College, we are reacquainted with such old friends as Marilla Cuthbert, Rachel Lynde, Diana Barry and Gilbert Blythe. We also meet many new ones: a cantankerous neighbor, Mr. Harrison (and his offstage parrot!); the mysterious Miss Lavendar; the beguiling Charlotta the Fourth; the irrepressible twins, Dora and Davy; and Anne's lively, but (usually) lovable, high-spirited students. Rejoin Anne and enjoy the embarrassment of mistakenly selling Mr. Harrison's cow, the anxiety of her first day teaching school, the humorous essay-writing assignment, the plum marmalade incident, the encounter with Miss Lavendar, the devastating storm and its aftermath, and the wedding at Echo Lodge. There are also flashbacks to Anne's young life and how she came to live at Green Gables. Anne of Avonlea is ideal for junior highs, high schools and community theatres and is a true ensemble piece. This heartwarming and humorously uplifting play will be fondly remembered by audiences and performer alike long after the final curtain."


Image Credit:
Adapted Anne of Avonlea (1997) book cover by Dramatic Publishing.

Created September 24, 2006. Last updated June 21, 2024.
© worldofanneshirley.com

Anne of Green Gables (1989)

Anne of Green Gables (1989) is a play by Joseph Robinette based on the novel Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery.

It is a full-length play and is approximately 105 minutes long. The script was published by Dramatic Publishing in 1989 and is available through the Dramatic Publishing website.

The play is described as follows:
"This dramatization captures the charm and excitement of L.M. Montgomery's enduring classic about an orphan girl, Anne Shirley, from her first encounter with her austere guardian to her thrilling graduation from Queen's Academy. The play faithfully recreates the memorable events and characters from the brilliant novel. All the tragedies and triumphs that mark Anne's growth from adolescence to early adulthood are here: her friendship with Diana, her feuds with Gilbert, her adoration of Matthew, the mistaken wine bottle, the cake disaster, the broken leg, the scholastic achievements, and the saving of Green Gables. Whether the playgoer is an "old friend" of Anne's or meeting her for the first time, this play will solidify a lasting friendship between the audience and one of literature's most unforgettable characters. The flexibility of casting and the simplicity of the set make this an ideal production for community and school groups."


Image Credit:
Image adapted from Anne of Green Gables (1989) poster by Dramatic Publishing.

Created September 24, 2006. Last updated June 21, 2024.
© worldofanneshirley.com

Anne of Green Gables (1997)

Anne of Green Gables (1997) is a musical by Joseph Robinette and Evelyn Swensson based on the novel Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery. The book is by Joseph Robinette, and the music and lyrics are by Evelyn Swensson. The musical made its world premiere at the Delaware Children's Theatre in Wilmington, Delaware where it was directed by Marie Swajeski. The script was published by Dramatic Publishing in 1997.

The musical has two acts and is approximately 105 minutes long. The script is available through Dramatic Publishing.

The musical is described as follows:
"This sparkling new musical further enhances the enduring story of Anne Shirley, the orphan girl whom Mark Twain called "the most delightful child of fiction since the immortal Alice." The exciting, melodious score offers great variety from the opening chorus number "Prince Edward Island," wherein we meet the townspeople of Avonlea, to the spirited "Charlottetown Rag." Other delightful songs include "Kindred Spirits" performed by Anne and Diana, "I Dare You," and the lilting "Green Gables." Eminently singable and easily staged, this humorous and heartwarming Anne of Green Gables is the ideal family musical."


Image Credit:
Anne of Green Gables (1997) book cover by Dramatic Publishing.

Created September 24, 2006. Last updated June 21, 2024.
© worldofanneshirley.com

Anne With an “e” – The Green Gables Musical (1998)

Anne...With an “e” - The Green Gables Musical (1998) is a musical by Neil K. Newell and C. Michael Perry based on the novel Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery. The musical was produced and made its world premiere at the Spanish Fork Community Theatre in Spanish Fork, Utah, USA on July 19, 1998.

The original production was directed by C. Michael Perry, produced by Cherie Murray, and choreographed by Tara Christopher. The musical direction was by Steve Boothe and Gregory Lawrence Duffin, and the sets were designed by Jim Nicholet and LeEarl Peck.

The musical has two acts and is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes long. The script is available through Eldridge Publishing.

The play is described as follows:
"Anne of Green Gables,” by L. M. Montgomery, is an enduring story of innocence, joy, and the true meaning of love that has delighted and inspired readers for over a century. Now this heartwarming story of the irrepressible Anne Shirley is impressively adapted to the stage and has inspired a musical score that will knock your socks off! The story begins as Anne arrives at Green Gables and follows her through mishaps and adventures, through Matthew’s death and her reconciliation with Gilbert, and finally to her determination to stay at Green Gables and help Marilla while pursuing her education. There are 20 songs including “Breath of Air!” “Bosom Friends” “The Lady of Shallot” “The Perfect Man,” and “Bend in the Road.” This charming, faithful adaptation appeals to those of every generation."


Image Credit:
Promotional artwork for Anne With an “e” - The Green Gables Musical.

Created September 24, 2006. Last updated June 20, 2024.
© worldofanneshirley.com