By: Ewa Chwojko-Srawley
“I can give Diana half of my chocolates, can’t I? The other half will taste twice as sweet to me if I give some to her.” – Anne Shirley
That is a lesson in friendship! Anne Shirley, a beloved redhead from Avonlea, full of dreams and passions arrives at the Stephen Leacock Theatre this weekend in the play based on Lucy Maud Montgomery’s famous novel, Anne of Green Gables. It is, so far, the biggest production by director Alexandra Coyne, with fourteen actors, impressive costumes, and imposing sets.
The Queensville Players started 37 years ago, performing musicals at the Queensville United Church. The productions moved to the Leacock Theatre after it opened in 1985. Karin Simpson, Vice President of QP and producer of Anne of Green Gables, stresses that despite the name the group is Georgina-based.
Kathryn Bellamy, who plays Anne Shirley, is very excited to get the part of her dreams. She says that since early childhood, family members and friends told her that she would be the perfect Anne!
Emmalee Cameron (Diana) who comes from the East Coast, says that Anne of Green Gables has always been a part of her life, and playing Anne’s bosom friend is a dream come true for her.
The group is known for music theatre, but recently switched over to include non-musical productions as well. The newest initiative is a youth theatre programme for children and teens with professional instructors. Some of the participants are taking part in this production, which counts five children under sixteen.
We all know that the story is set in Prince Edward Island, but who remembers that the author, Lucy Maud Montgomery, moved to Leaskdale, a rural community, just 30 minutes drive from Keswick, three years after publishing her famous book, and lived there for 15 years. As a minister’s wife she was very much involved with the community, where giving to those in need was a part of her daily work.
The Queensville Players, a not-for-profit theatre company, also fundraises for other charities: over the last three years they have raised close to $10,000 for the Sandgate Women’s Shelter.
To order tickets visit, Stephen Leacock Theatre of the Performing Arts
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