The following press release was shared Monday with the Bloomingtonian:
Constellation Stage & Screen presents
A Fresh, New Adaptation of Anne of Green Gables
By Catherine Bush | Directed by Mallory Metoxen
Bloomington, IN– One of the best-selling books worldwide comes to life on stage!
Constellation Stage & Screen is kicking off its inaugural Constellation for Kids Series with a new adaptation of a beloved children’s classic, Anne of Green Gables. Based on the book by L.M. Montgomery, Catherine Bush’s faithful theatrical adaptation introduces modern audiences to the beloved heroine Anne Shirley. Anne of Green Gables, directed by Mallory Metoxen, runs November 10 through Thanksgiving weekend (November 27) at the newly renovated Waldron Arts Center. In addition to standard performances, Constellation is also offering a sensory-friendly option on Sunday, November 27 at 4:00pm (more details below).
Marilla Cuthbert and her brother Matthew are determined to adopt an orphan boy to help them run Green Gables, their farm on beautiful Prince Edward Island. But their well-ordered lives take a surprising and hilarious twist when the boy they hoped for turns out to be a spirited, redheaded girl named Anne Shirley, whose wild imagination leads her into countless scrapes and one family’s heart.
“Anne proves that she can do anything a boy can do – overcoming society’s expectations of a young girl,” director Mallory Metoxen states. “She sees the home of her dreams in the lakes, forests, and homes of Avonlea – and creates community with her new friends and family. And finally, when the time comes – Anne makes the difficult decision to grow up (without losing her wild imagination).”
In order to create a comfortable theatergoing experience for all types of families, Constellation is offering a sensory-friendly performance on Sunday, November 17 at 4:00pm. Sponsored by Unlocking the Spectrum, this special performance is designed to create a theater experience that is welcoming to all families with children with autism or other sensory sensitivities. Accommodations include lower intensity lighting/sound effects and a more relaxed atmosphere, welcoming fidgets and allowing families to move around in the theater. Recourse materials, created with Unlocking the Spectrum, will be available online and at performances to families know what to expect at the theater and during the show. For more details, visit our website.
Anne of Green Gables features an entirely local cast! Starring as Anne Shirley is Alexa Norbeck, a third year Musical Theater major at Indiana University. Playing her adoptive parents Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert are Maria Walker and Greg Simons, respectively. Maria was previously seen at Cardinal Stage in Mary Poppins (Mrs. Banks), Annie (Grace), and Charlotte’s Web (Charlotte), and Greg Simons is making his Constellation debut! Joining the ensemble are Mia Siffin (previously seen at BPP), David Hosei (Constellation debut), and Kenny Hertling (Constellation debut).
Directing Anne of Green Gables is Mallory Metoxen, the Artistic Associate for Seven Devils New Play Foundry, an up-and-coming director dedicated to new works and reinvigorating classics with a feminist lens. Under her direction are creative team members Alli Kulbago (Stage Manager), Erin Gautille (Scenic Designer), Laura Glover (Lighting Designer), Becky Underwood (Costume Designer), Ben Dobler (Sound Designer), Aubrey Krueger (Props Master), and Aimes Dobbins (Assistant Stage Manager).
Introduce your whole family to the beloved heroine Anne Shirley! Tickets are on sale now and available through Constellation’s website (seeconstellation.org) and box office (812-336-9300, open M-F 12-5pm). Tickets start at $15 for kids and $25 for adults. Masks are encouraged but not required.
Open your heart to adventure, friendship, and imaginationwith Anne of Green Gables this November!
