Gilbert Blythe (Daniel Young) learns not to call Anne Shirley (Liliana Printz) “carrots” after she smashes a slate over his head in a scene from Anne of Green Gables, presented by Calvary Christian School this weekend. (EXAMINER PHOTO | SHARYN KOPF)
Calvary Christian School (CCS) will embrace kindred spirits and puffed sleeves when it brings the beloved children’s book Anne of Green Gables to the stage this weekend at Calvary Baptist Church. The high school production is offered free to the community, though donations are appreciated.
You’ll have three opportunities to see the show: Friday, March 8, and Saturday, March 9, at 7 p.m., or a matinee on Saturday at 2 p.m.
The play tells the story of Anne Shirley, an orphan sent to live with middle-aged spinster Marilla Cuthbert and her brother, Matthew, on Prince Edward Island in the late 1800s. Heartbroken to learn the siblings wanted a boy to help with their farm, Anne eventually wins over the Cuthberts—and the people of Avonlea—with her irresistible spirit and lively imagination.
For star Lili Printz, who first watched the 1985 Canadian-made Anne of Green Gables miniseries when she was 10 years old, this is a dream come true. Just asking her about the experience elicits a sigh Anne Shirley herself would be proud of.
“I love her character because I feel like she’s parts of me,” the CCS senior said. “She’s intelligent, competitive; she loves language and reading. But she also has her head in the clouds.”
Co-directors Tammy Brewer and her daughter Becky Surls gathered 32 students, including four on the stage crew, to bring the story to life. Though originally intended for the stage at Union Station, they decided the church had better lighting and sound along with more space.
Brewer said they chose the play because “it’s one of our favorite movies.” Still, she was surprised at how many people she spoke to who’d never heard of it. She believes they’re in for a treat.
“These kids are amazing! They’re very talented and have worked hard to perfect their characters,” Brewer stated.
Junior Daniel Young, who plays irrepressible flirt and Anne’s initial antagonist Gilbert Blythe, has been acting for years, not only at CCS but at the Holland Theatre.
“You can be whoever and not get judged,” Young said about performing. “You’re free.”
Though the school isn’t charging admission, the event will include concessions. In addition, the Arts Boosters will sell pizza, hot dogs, snacks and drinks between the two performances on Saturday. Attendees are invited to stay after the 2 p.m. show or arrive before 7 and grab something to eat.
For Printz, there’s much to love about Anne, but she admires her optimism in particular.
“You look at how tough her life was, and she’s still the most positive person in the room,” Printz said.
Contact CCS for more information about this weekend’s performance by calling 937-599-6847, or visit their website at ccsspartans.com.
Calvary Christian School will present the classic story Anne of Green Gables, based on a 1908 novel by L.M. Montgomery, in three performances this weekend: Friday, March 8, at 7 p.m.; and Saturday, March 9, at 2 and 7 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, Bellefontaine. (EXAMINER PHOTO | SHARYN KOPF)