Gilbert Theater’s first Play House production, Anne of Green Gables, hits the stage this weekend, Saturday, March 14, and Sunday, March 15. Although only running for two days, theater goers will have three opportunities to catch the show with two showtimes on Saturday at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. The final show will be on Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at https://ci.ovationtix.com/36002/production/1262357.
Anne of Green Gables is a literary classic that has been transformed for the big screen and the stage in many forms. Each adaptation has its own unique take on the beloved story that follows an adventurous young orphan girl who finds her new home unexpectedly with two aging siblings on their estate, Green Gables, on Prince Edward Island. From the moment of her arrival, everything about Anne shakes up the lives of those at Green Gables. An enduring story of healing, friendship, misadventures, and love, Anne of Green Gables is a must-see for audiences of all ages. And “all- ages” perfectly describes the cast of this Play House production. As a community theater, the Gilbert Theater has always supported young thespians through educational programs and opportunities on and off the stage. Play House is an extension and expansion of that, bringing young, budding actors, aged 12- 18 years old, and seasoned actors together to share the stage for a limited production. The program is built to nurture young actors in the community by working with professionally trained actors and those who have commanded the stage for decades. The cast of Anne of Green Gables includes a vibrant cast of highly talented, “low-key” funny and brilliant young actors who have taken this experience by the horns and are ready to show audiences that they will be the next headliners.
Connor Graybill “Gilbert Blythe” is no stranger to the stage, having 4 productions under their belt, two of which were with the Gilbert Theater. Graybill was excited about auditioning for Gilbert, saying, “I auditioned for my character because I think he’s pretty funny. I genuinely like his character.”
While art is Graybill’s first passion, time at the Gilbert and other theaters has made it very much a “side passion” worth pursuing. Cecilia Finley “Diana Barry,” a well-known, “experienced actress,” is gracing the Gilbert stage for the first time in this production. Although young, she has headlined several major roles in the local theater community. Her on- and offstage presence will surely ensure her longevity in her future acting endeavors. Finely has found her sweet spot in theater. “I wanted to be a farmer… and then one day I took a theater class, and I absolutely loved it. And I just kept doing theater. My first main stage production was The Wizard of Oz at CFRT… That was the first role that actually spoke to me, and {I] was like, ‘You need to do theater!’” Finely explained.
Callie Tisdale, “Anne Shirley,” is bringing her multi-state stage experience to the Gilbert stage for the second time in her early career. Taking on the main character, she is excited to show her range on stage and bring this story to life for audiences. The theater is not new to Tisdale. She’s been behind the stage with her mother since she was small, and it’s certainly left a lasting impression.

“It wasn’t until I auditioned for my first ever professional show, and got it. A lot of it is acting, but a lot of it is also just the community that comes along with doing shows. After that, it was really
no question for me about what I was going to do.” Liam Donovan “Matthew Cuthbert” is a dynamic, formally trained actor hailing from New Hampshire. A graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, he has been a great mentor for the kids during this production, especially for those thinking about pursuing an education in the arts.
Bringing her directorial chops and teacher sensibilities to the production is Marie Lowe, and rounding out the cast is an amazing group of individuals with years of combined experience and shows under their belt.
Cate Callahan “Marilla Cuthbert”
Beth Bowen “Rachel Lynde”
Jemima Castor “Mrs. Spencer”
Inez Potts “Mrs. Blewett and Miss Stacy”
Amberlyn Bullock “Mrs. Barry”
Annika Johnson “Miss Harris”