BWW Reviews: A.D. Players' ANNE OF AVONLEA Will Bring a Smile to Your Face and Warm Your Heart

The A.D. Players is closing their 2012-2013 MainStage season with a beautiful and heartwarming production of Joseph Robinette's adaptation of L. M. Montgomery's ANNE OF AVONLEA. This delightful sequel to Anne of Green Gables focuses on the next chapter of the beloved protagonist, Anne Shirley's, life. ANNE OF AVONLEA invites viewers into the little town of Avonlea, where we see the exceptional red-head embark on a new adventure as a school teacher. The play centers on Anne and her endearing and oftentimes humorous interactions with all of the people who call Avonlea home.

The A.D. Players production of ANNE OF AVONLEA is simply enchanting. It keeps a smile on our face, while gently tugging on our heartstrings. Masterfully directed by Sarah Cooksey, with assistance from Stephen Hurst, the team brings to life all of the beloved characters of Avonlea. Under Sarah Cooksey's direction, ANNE OF AVONLEA is remarkably performed and is an uplifting treat for the whole family.

Joy Spence excels at the role of everyone's favorite red-head, Anne Shirley. Her performance is evocative of a girl who is in transition from girlhood to womanhood. Likewise, the maturity demonstrated throughout the piece is well balanced by the warmth, humor, and ambition that she brings to the stage, painting it with a perfectly pleasant demeanor.

The character of Marilla Cuthbert is perfectly performed by Patty Tuel Bailey as she skillfully conveys a matter-of-fact woman with a lot of heart. She effectively moves throughout the production, often functioning as Anne's source of level-headed reason and number one supporter. Patty Tuel Bailey excellently captures a character who is not overtly affectionate but clearly endearing.

Jason Hatcher delivers a charming performance as Gilbert Blythe, Anne's childhood enemy turned good friend. He is shrewdly reminiscent of a college-bound young man who is both pleasantly awkward and affectionately enamored with Anne.

Abigail Schwaig's portrayal of Diana Barry is truly delightful as she deftly plays Anne's dearest friend. Her performance is well balanced by Jesse Merrill, who affably portrays the amiable Fred Wright. Together, the two play a wonderful young couple who are dearly in love, bringing a smile to audience members faces.

Keely Surla demonstrates range playing the dual roles of Rachel Lynde and Eliza Andrews. Her performance of the nosy but well-intentioned neighbor is spot-on, as she flawlessly adds elements of humor to the production and simultaneously wins our affection.

In his performance, Chip Simmons befittingly captures the ornery Mr. Harrison. He successfully provides us with a character who is superficially cantankerous and rather full of heart. Chip Simmons' performance as Mr. Harrison is quick to bring a smile to audience members' faces as he makes them laugh at his beloved banter with his parrot.

Each playing multiple roles, Katherine Hatcher, Stephanie Bradow, Megan Jackson, and Braden Hunt expertly create an array of delightful and memorable characters. Katherine Hatcher's most memorable role is as Emily Harrison, where she shines as Mr. Harrison's estranged wife. Stephanie Bradow stands out as the beautiful and eccentric Miss Lavendar Lewis, a role in which she floods the stage with cordiality. For me, Megan Jackson's most notable performance is as Charlotta, where she marvelously captures the quirky and overly-polite assistant to Miss Lavendar. Braden Hunt, playing multiple male roles stands out as the aged and obstinate Uncle Abe Andrews and as the lovelorn Stephen Irving.

One of the most exciting elements of this production is the incorporation of local and incredibly talented children and teens to the ensemble. In A.D. Players production of ANNE OF AVONLEA, ensemble members playing the roles of children alternate performances. Eli Go and Frances Watson perfectly play the adorable and recently orphaned twins, Davy and Dora Keith. Eli Go's performance as Davy is winsome and mischievous. Likewise, Frances Watson's portrayal of Dora Keith is perfectly demure and lovable. Also delivering a stand-out performance is Dylan Klinge as Anne's dearest student Paul Irving. As a whole, ensemble members portraying Anne's students are a joy to watch on stage. They move the audience, warming our hearts and making us laugh at their mischievousness.

Scenic Design by Mark A. Lewis is charming and perfectly appropriate for Avonlea. Mark A. Lewis creates a quaint set that is highly versatile, adroitly giving audience members just enough to capture the little town of Avonlea.

Andrew Vance's Lighting Design remarkably brings the production to life. From the very first moment that the stage lights up to the final fade-out, Andrew Vance's Light Design floods the stage with a bright warmth and coziness. His use of spotlight on Anne to separate her narrative moments from others deftly provides a story-book feel to the production.

Sound Design by Eric Domuret is well-done and wonderfully executed. The Sound Design allows the production to function on a more intimate level, inviting the audience into the town of Avonlea. There are moments when Anne is speaking directly to the audience while the sounds like the laughter of children, or an approaching storm can be lightly heard in the background. Thus, the innovative Sound Design not only makes the audience feel like they are watching the story unfold, but rather, they also feel as if they are a part of the scene.

Costume Design by Donna Southern Schmidt is ideal for the early 1900's. The colors and prints utilized are timely and engaging. While several of the costumes, like Anne's dress, were simplistic and befitting of the time period, it is clear that each look was intricately and meticulously composed. The attention to detail in Costume Design is comprehensive, providing the audience with a varied array of fashion, fitting for the town of Avonlea.

Abigail Kehr's Properties Design for this production is creative and clever. One of the most memorable props utilized is the red talking-parrot, a bird that quickly becomes an audience favorite.

The A.D. Players' production of ANNE OF AVONLEA will leave you with a heart full of warmth and a smile on your face. Make sure not to miss this family-friendly and heartfelt production! ANNE OF AVONLEA is currently running until August 18. For more information or tickets, visit www.adplayers.org or call (713) 526 - 2721.

All photos were taken by Bara Photography. Photos provided courtesy of A.D. Players.

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