Nancy Anderson to Play Marilla Cuthbert in Anne of Green Gables
(© David Gordon)
The Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival has announced that Nancy Anderson (Sunset Boulevard) will take on the iconic role of Marilla Cuthbert in a developmental production of Anne of Green Gables, which features a book and lyrics by Matte O'Brien and music by Matt Vinson. The show, described as "a new folk-rock musical," runs July 5 through July 25 at the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse in Emerson Park and is presented by special arrangement with Justin Nichols.
This modern but reverent adaptation tells the beloved tale of the world-renowned novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery with a contemporary and bold twist, blending folk-rock, pop, and gospel with a traditional musical theater sound in its score. The story centers on Anne Shirley, a fiercely independent and imaginative young lady who is unabashedly herself. This reimagination is faithful to the original material while still being exciting, contemporary, and celebratory. The show has been characterized as "Spring Awakening, but family friendly."
The cast also features Mckenzie Custin (All Hands on Deck), who makes her festival debut as the titular Anne Shirley, D.C. Anderson (The Phantom of the Opera) as Matthew Cuthbert; Chris McCarrell (Les Misérables) as Gilbert Blythe; and Michelle Veintimilla (The Visit) as Diana Barry. Dawn Troupe will be playing the role of Rachel Lynde, Alan Ariano will play Mr. Blythe and Mr. Phillips, and Angela Travino will play Mrs. Barry and Miss Stacy.
Anne of Green Gables is directed by Jenn Thompson (Abundance), assisted by choreographer Jennifer Jancuska (Hamilton's dance supervisor) and music director Amanda Morton (KPOP). Anne of Green Gables will feature scenic design by Wilson Chin (Next Fall), lighting design by Phillip Rosenberg (A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder), sound design by Miles Polaski (Fulfillment at the Flea Theater), costume design by Tracy Christensen (Sunset Boulevard), and wig design by Al Annotto (Wicked). Orchestrations are by Justin Goldner (Dear Evan Hansen).
The ensemble will feature Avery Sobczak (Jude, Mr. Edwards), Bridget Elise Yingling (Prissy), David Socolar (Fred Wright), Dillan Smith (Moody), Jarred Bedgood (Charlie Sloan), Olivia Griffin (Ruby), Shawn Fisher (Melody), and Theresa Rowley (Josie Pye, Lucilla Harris).
