2015 Charlottetown Festival announces leads for Anne of Green Gables - The Musical
P.E.I.’s Jessica Gallant to debut as 17th Anne Shirley; Charlotte Moore cast as Marilla
A principal cast featuring three Islanders has been announced for the next season of the world’s longestrunning annual theatre production, Anne of Green Gables – The Musical.
Jessica Gallant will debut as Anne Shirley, becoming the 17th performer to play the irrepressible orphan and the second native Islander, following in Gracie Finley’s footsteps.
“It is a great pleasure to introduce P.E.I.’s own Jessica Gallant as our new Anne of Green Gables,” says Adam Brazier, artistic director of the Charlottetown Festival. “Jessica is a shining example of Confederation Centre and the local community building futures together. She was a dedicated member of our Young Company and soon graduated to the role of Diana. We look forward to seeing her bring her extraordinary skill, spirit and imagination to this iconic role.”
The daughter of Allan and Darlene Gallant of Ten Mile House, Gallant studied at Sheridan College.
“Words cannot express how excited I am to fulfil this childhood dream,” says Gallant, who will also be seen in the Atlantic Canadian premiere of Alice Through the Looking-Glass at the 2015 festival. “Anne represents everything this Island has always been — beautiful, magical and larger than life. I am delighted to celebrate being an Islander by portraying my heroine.”
Directed by Wade Lynch, the musical will feature all new leads in the six main roles next year. Matthew Cuthbert will be played by a well-known festival figure, P.E.I.’s Hank Stinson.
Making her debut as the no-nonsense Marilla Cuthbert, will be Charlotte Moore, who began her 35year theatre career playing Prissy in Anne of Green Gables – The Musical and has appeared in a variety of productions here.
“I am thrilled to be returning to the festival after a four-year absence. As a child, I was an audience member at the first Opening Night of Anne, and I am so honoured to be taking over the role of Marilla Cuthbert, following in the footsteps of such stellar actresses. Let the adventure begin!”
Another Island theatre icon, Glenda Landry, will debut as the prying busybody, Mrs. Rachel Lynde.
“I hope to bring much dignity, warmth, and depth to the character of Mrs. Rachel Lynde,” says the veteran of 45 seasons with the Charlottetown Festival. “She and Marilla were friends ‘since we was girls together’ so, although Rachel has quite a drive to run Avonlea, she also has a passion to be a devoted friend to Marilla.”
The actors playing Gilbert Blythe and Diana Barry in the upcoming season will be announced at a later time.