‘Full circle moment’
Triple threats performer Brittany Banks steps into the red-haired character’s shoes for the last three weeks of ‘Anne & Gilbert – The Musical’ in Charlottetown
Brittany Banks is no stranger to “Anne & Gilbert – The Musical”. An original cast member in the 2005 world premiere of the show, she played Prilly Rogerson.
The next year she reprised the role and went on to play Philippa Gordon and Diana Barry. Eventually, she became choreographer for the show and was thrilled with the honour of choreographing the production in Ottawa at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.
Banks even directed the musical, which is based on the books “Anne of Avonlea” and “Anne of the Island” by famed Island author L.M. Montgomery.
In spite of all her experiences the actress is facing the ultimate “Anne & Gilbert” challenge this week. Banks is stepping into Anne’s shoes for the final three weeks of the 2018 season.
“It’s definitely a full circle moment. At this point in my life, the character in the show that I identify with most is Anne. And I’m happy to be playing her at the age that I am now,” says Banks, who is replacing Rebecca Parent who left the show last week to take on a new acting contract in Ontario.
So, there’s a lot of catching up to do.
“It has been a whirlwind, to say the least. Our director, Mark Fraser, used a good analogy after my first run-through. He said, ‘It’s like being dropped into a blender that’s moving and not knowing all the ingredients yet’.”
The experience has also taught her about personal responsibility.
“It’s a good lesson about doing my own homework at home and listening, as an actor, to what the actors are doing so well already and have been doing for five months.”
Banks is also enjoying catching up with her character.
“It’s been a very interesting and exciting navigation as an actor because, as much as those previous experiences will influence my performance, I do want to make it my own.
“But, at the same time, the show was created this summer with Rebecca (as Anne), and there are choices that exist. So, I’m still figuring things out,” says Banks.
As she settles into her new role in “Anne & Gilbert – The Musical”, she’s grateful for her fellow cast members.
“They have been super supportive. It’s nice to look into everyone’s eyes and see that they’re there for me, especially coming in
so late in the process and kind of being plopped into the mix.”
On her first day, this past Tuesday, the company let her know about it in a big way.
In her dressing room at The Guild, her table was decorated with streamers, with her name and character’s name underneath.
“The whole cast signed a card. And Margo Sampson, who plays Mrs. Lynde, decorated my tissue box.” Banks was even given a crossstitch of a moon and a card from Parent. “The support and positivity with this company is overwhelming.”