Feature: ANNE OF GREEN GABLES at THE CAPITOL THEATER

Lawrence Burgess is bringing the literary classic Anne of Green Gables to The Capitol Theater's stage in March. The show, adapted from the novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery, was written by Burgess. Burgess will also be handling directing duties.

Performance Dates: March 16th & 23rd, 2018 at 7:00 P.M., March 17th & 24th, 2018 at 2:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. and March 18th, 2018 at 3:00 P.M.

Location: The Capitol Theater, 123 Summers Street, Charleston, WV 25301

Ticket Prices: $15.00 for General Admission, $10.00 for Seniors, Students and Military (with valid ID), $10.00 for all matinee shows. Tickets can be purchased online here.

Website: http://www.heylb.com or Facebook Event Page

Contact Information: You can contact Lawrence Burgess via his website here

When respected siblings Matthew & Marilla Cuthbert decided to adopt an orphan boy from an asylum, they had no idea how their lives would change. Due to an error, Anne is sent instead. Anne, realizing that a mistake has been made, becomes melancholy. What follows is a story about hope, happiness and family as the siblings and Anne realize - through a series of accidents, disasters, misunderstandings, and mishaps - that all they need is each other.

Burgess took time to speak with me about the show and what audiences should expect.

Burgess explained to me why he chose Anne of Green Gables, "I've lived with the novel since I was a tyke, The Sullivan-Canadian series was just ice on the cake and kept me a fan." Burgess knew that this show would bring out a wide range of emotions for audience members. "For a production to make you smile, cry and laugh all in the span of a show is a vicious undertaking. As I'm the harshest critic of all, I expected a lot of bumps." But Burgess knew how to overcome those bumps, "the trick? Casting. And the result is one of the happiest and rewarding experiences of my life. I laugh daily, even when viewing raw footage."

Aside from his love of the source material, Burgess also felt that the time was right to tell the story of Anne. "The U.S. hasn't experienced this level of civil unrest since the 1960's. West Virginians specifically are angry with almost every aspect of their lives, and with good reason," Burgess said, "We're trolling each other on Facebook to see who can use the most interesting or insulting set of words to trash the 'other' and make themselves feel better. I'm guilty, too. Regardless of who you are or how awful the circumstance, there is still a chance for fresh air. Anne is about hope, happiness, and family. Drop the screens and laugh yourself silly."

Burgess normally chooses a foundation or a cause to support with a portion of the proceeds from his shows and Anne of Green Gables is no different with this show supporting victims of child abuse. "Giving back makes me feel good about me, knowing that I'm not just taking. Through suicide prevent, animal adoption, homelessness, assisting veterans, child abuse, domestic violence and more." Burgess said, adding, "if I'm not giving back, then what am I doing?" As for why he chose to donate to child abuse prevention for this show he said, "we've all experienced it or know someone who has. To give up or allow it's continuance is abhorrent. Everyone has a right to life without abuse and neglect. We have a right to happiness." Burgess adds, "In Charleston, there are people who care deeply about the welfare of kids. Anne's statement is clear: you matter."

In closing Burgess wants to let potential audiences know that, "Anne of Green Gables is a gut-busting good time."

Full Cast and Crew

Anne - Sydney Ooten
Marilla - Caroline Chamness Rainey
Matthew - Norman Clerc
Diana - Ashley McCann
Rachel - Linda O'Neill
Gilbert - Jon Brennan
Mr. Phillips, Thomas - Brett Smith
Ms. Stacy - Melissa Starcher
Mrs. Barry - Marycait Hoke
Ruby, Stationmaster - Sophie Alexander
Jane - Olivia James Miller
Josephine, Mary Joe - Debi Brennan
Mrs. Blewett, Josie, Doctor - Meagan Goode
Moody - Justin Stewart
Minnie May - Anna Doss

Director - Lawrence Burgess
Writer - Lawrence Burgess
Stage Manager - Michele Carlson Brooks
Audiovisual Supervisor - Jason Craddock
Lighting Technician - Kristen Leigh Burgess
Set Design - Bryan Brennan
Sound & Hospitality - Steve Burgess
Makeup Artists - Jackie King, Morgan Young
Production Assistants - Danielle Doss, Justin Stewart

Richard Allen is a contributing editor for Broadway World covering theatre throughout WV and the tri-state area. He also writes freelance for various other publications. You can reach Richard at richardallenwrites@gmail.com

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