Anne of Green Gables brings a much-loved Canadian musical classic to Ballina
Bringing to life characters already loved by generations comes with expectation, especially when the story is Anne of Green Gables The Musical.
That expectation now rests on Sophie Scott, who is stepping into the iconic role of Anne Shirley in her debut production with Ballina Players.
Known to newer fans as Anne with an E, the title of the more recent TV mini series, the character has lived in the imaginations of readers and viewers for more than a century. Many girls grew up imagining themselves in Anne’s shoes.
Now Sophie must bring that beloved orphan to life on stage for audiences who already know her well.
Interestingly, Sophie never imagined herself as Anne. It was her mother — a lifelong fan of the story and also a cast member — who believed she would be perfect for the role and encouraged her to audition.
Only after revisiting the books and much-loved television mini-series did the character begin to feel like a natural fit.
While this is Sophie’s first production with Ballina Players, she is no stranger to the stage.
The 15-year old has already spent years performing with Byron Bay’s Bright Lights Youth Theatre, building experience and confidence through youth musical theatre.
As final rehearsals take place, the Swift Street auditorium reflects the care being taken to honour the story.
Antique props, period furnishings and costumes — many loaned by members of the local community — have transformed the theatre into rural Canada of the 1860s.
Family theatre, on and off the stage
Anchoring Anne’s story are the characters who take her in — Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert.
Matthew is played by Darren Muller, who is also making his Ballina Players debut. He only auditioned after bringing his children along to try out for the show.
What began as a casual decision quickly became a family affair. Darren’s wife and three children are all part of the production, sharing rehearsals and performances together.
Marilla is played by Suzanne Roberts, returning for her third Ballina Players production.
Suzanne’s son is also in the cast, along with several of her former students.
That sense of connection runs through the entire show.
Above: Director Jacquie McCalman.
Main Image: L to R, Suzanne Roberts, who plays Morilla, Darren Muller in the role of Matthew and Ballina Player’s own Anne Shirley, Sophie Scott
Director Jacquie McCalman says seven different families are involved, including Sophie and her mother, Alicia Burton, performing together across generations.
Anne of Green Gables tells the story of an imaginative orphan girl mistakenly sent to live with an elderly, childless brother and sister on an isolated farm.
Set in the rural community of Avonlea, Anne’s honesty, imagination and emotional openness slowly win over her guardians and the wider community.
The story is set on Prince Edward Island, a small eastern Canadian province where author Lucy Maud Montgomery grew up.
First published in 1908, the novel has been cherished around the world for more than a century.
Its popularity expanded further through much-loved television mini-series, introducing Anne to millions of viewers and cementing her place in popular culture.
For McCalman, the production is deeply personal. She grew up in eastern Canada, just a few hours from Prince Edward Island, and spent childhood holidays visiting the places described in the book.
The stage musical production has been running in Canada for decades, particularly in Charlottetown, where audiences return year after year, often bringing children and grandchildren with them.
She has brought that authenticity to Ballina — even coaching the cast in Canadian accents.
Asked how that is going, McCalman laughs and admits some are coming along faster than others.
The January production marks the beginning of Ballina Players’ 71st year on stage.
Traditionally a youth theatre season, this year’s opening show has evolved into what McCalman describes as family theatre, with adults and children sharing the stage.
Interest has been strong from the outset. Almost 100 people auditioned, and tickets are selling fast, with early performances close to full.
As the curtain rises on Swift Street, audiences will see more than a classic story.
They’ll see families performing side by side, a young actor carrying a beloved role, and a Canadian classic finding new life in Ballina.
Tickets and performance details for Anne of Gren Gables – The Musical:
https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1513044
