For me I think Anne was the first strong female I encountered in Canadian Literature.  I remember my mom reading this book to myself and my sister as a young boy.  I think because the material had such a profound effect on me, every detail of that summer is etched clearly onto my brain: the hot days, the evenings of cool air, and the long afternoons in the shade of one tree or another.  Anne reaches out from the pages of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s creation and invites us to consider that our story is what is in part, because of the contributions of headstrong girls who question our rules, who throw temper tantrums, who speak out of turn, and who create friendships that endure.

Emma Sandziuk takes on the role of Anne in our production of Anne of Green Gables.  She embodies so much of Anne’s wit and strength in her performances, it’s uncanny to me.  I watch in wonderment as she rehearses with her cast-mates and leads them on a journey.  Part of this process is about the material, yes, but I think when Emma chose to accept this role and dove headlong into the work of it, she lit a spiritual fire that we can see rekindled in each performance as she becomes Anne.

This is how Anne endures.  As we encounter her on the pages of a book, onscreen in movies and television series, and now live onstage (which is think is the strongest connection of all), we should understand the power of that longevity.  This is what Canada is made of.  Look at the female influences in your life – think of how their stories began.  See them as young girls, maybe seeking a home, growing up at school, creating friendships, falling in love, dealing with loss, taking a stand, refusing to give up. Appreciate their strength and know that women like Anne, Marilla, Diana and Rachel change the world everyday.

When you watch Emma and the cast of Anne of Green Gables create the story for you onstage, I hope you can see yourself in that story, and see a little of Anne in those around you.

– Joel Varty, Director

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Don’t miss Emma Sandziuk as Anne Shirley!

The VOS THEATRE Production of Anne of Green Gables runs from July 13 to 22
Tickets are available from the Box Office at 905-372-2210
Or Book Online Now

VOS THEATRE recently caught up with Bob Clark who plays the iconic role of Matthew Cuthbert in our Production of Anne of Green Gables.

VOS THEATRE: What is it that you are enjoying most about playing Matthew Cuthbert? BOB CLARK: Initially it was the story that interested me. Matthew, the quiet introvert comes out of himself and with the help of this exuberant girl, and finds that he can make a difference.

VOS: You’re our expert sound guy what is it about this show/role that gets you out of the booth and onto the stage?
BC: I trusted the director and the creative team to pick the people they wanted. I was very pleased to be chosen for Matthew. This lets our group give someone else the satisfaction of using the great sound system we have to create a good experience for our audiences.

VOS: Ever read the books?
BC: Actually – No. But I have visited Green Gables and have seen the musical and the movie.

VOS: You grew up on a farm. Is Matthew like any of the men you knew growing up?
BC: The one thing I remember was how different each of the men I knew growing up were. I grew up in a rural community where we knew our neighbours because we played together, worked together, went to school and church together. We got to know each others’ families quite well and I saw the differences among the men and how they made the community work despite their differences.

VOS: You’ve been working with community theatres for a long time – what is it you enjoy about the rehearsal process?
BC: The rehearsal process lets an actor try different approaches to the text and work with the director, the fellow actors and the production team to make the written words on the script come to life. I find that very exciting.

VOS: What’s the worst part about putting a show together?
BC: The worst part is that all that creative energy that comes to a peak during the performances and then is over with the last show.

VOS: When you’re not volunteering for non-profit theatre you’ve got a day job. What is it you do?
BC: I am a consultant who specializes in urban and rural land use planning with a specialty in agricultural planning and municipal finance. With our staff we provide land use planning and special agricultural services to municipalities and private land owners mainly in Eastern Ontario.

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Don’t miss Bob Clark as Matthew Cuthbert!

The VOS THEATRE Production of Anne of Green Gables runs from July 13 to 22
Tickets are available from the Box Office at 905-372-2210
Or Book Online Now

VOS THEATRE caught up with Erin Welsh who plays Mrs. Barry in our production of Anne of Green Gables the Musical.

VOS THEATRE: It is well known within our organization that you love this production. So what is it about Lucy Maud Montgomery’s books that you love so much?

ERIN: Anne was a book that my mom grew up reading and she introduced me to it. I guess what I love is that even though Anne lived a hard childhood, she always had hope and was full of adventure. My best friend growing up had red hair so her and I had fun pretending we were Anne and Diana and acting out the book.

VOS THEATRE: You lived in PEI for a while?

Erin: I Did! It’s such an amazing place. I knew that I always wanted to visit the red sand of PEI and visit the places described in the book. I ended up working at Avonlea village…..a place that acts out the story on a daily basis.

VOS THEATRE:  Can you tell us about your job in Anne’s country?

Erin: I worked in Cavendish at the Anne of Green Gables store. It was a lot of fun to get to share my love of Anne with the customers and the cast at the village. On my breaks it was fun to go out and have high tea with your favourite characters and participate in good old kitchen parties.

VOS THEATRE: How many times have you seen the show?

Erin: Oh goodness I’m not sure I want to share that. I’ve seen Anne and Gilbert twice. I’ve seen the musical at least 10 times plus,  I also listened to the soundtrack on a loop 8 hours a day for 4 months at work.

VOS THEATRE – What’s the appeal? What is it about the show that audiences love?

Erin: I think it’s just a feel good show. Anne has such a sense of wonder and excitement that’s it’s hard not to be pulled in to her world.

VOS THEATRE: What is it you’re enjoying most about finally appearing in the show?

ERIN: Well I mentioned before that I used to pretend to be Diana Barry as a child. It.was always my  dream to be her and live her life. And now I get to play Mrs Barry which is pretty awesome….my chances of being Diana are pretty slim now unless we put on production of Anne the geriatric version.

VOS THEATRE: Now you’ve given away our summer show for 2018.

You’re a teacher. Tell us, is the Anne series still relevent today?

Erin: It is! It’s definitely a story the children still Love! I’ve used it as a read aloud in class book before and the kids loved coming dressed up as their favourite character.

VOS THEATRE: Tell Anne of Green Gables book fanatics how the musical represents Montgomery’s series.

Erin: It does a great job pulling out the fun parts of the story, and does stay true to Montgomery’s story line, just with an infusion of energy and fun songs.

VOS THEATRE: Oh we almost forgot – favourite song in the show?

Erin: Oh, that’s a hard one. I think it would be a toss up between the Lady Cordelia and Ice Cream. Anne’s songs are just so catchy – you can’t help but smile and sing along.

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Anne of Green Gables runs for 2 weeks only

July 13-22

Tickets are available through the Victoria Hall Box Office

905-372-2210 or 1-855-372-2210

Or Book Online Now