Lead character skillfully tells kids’ novel in musical form

“Anne of Green Gables” is one of those classic children’s novels whose readers these days are more likely to be former children than present-day kids.

Long and episodic, the story doesn’t easily lend itself to the format of a one-act musical.

Fortunately, the title character is winning enough to carry along an audience unfamiliar with her adventures as well as those who have them memorized.

The efficient and earnest co-production by CATCO and the Columbus School for Girls touches briefly on all the major plot points without dwelling too deeply on any.

Dramatic and sensitive Anne (played with spunk by Casey Sussman) is an orphan sent to live at the farm of two aging siblings.

Sweet-natured Matthew (Matt Siera) and stern Marilla (a nicely restrained Abigail Worden) are initially taken aback, having expected a boy to help with the chores. But they soon grow to appreciate Anne’s presence in their lives.

Anne finds a lifelong friend in Diana Barry (a sweet Sofia Feinberg), goes to battle with neighborhood gossip Rachel Lynde (Olivia Westley-Sherman, capably holding her own with the adults in the cast), and forms a long-lasting love-hate relationship with her main school competitor, Gilbert Blythe (Newark High School senior Matt Piper, whose strong voice provides one of the show’s key vocal charms).

Co-directors Elizabeth and Joe Bishara smoothly pace the show, keeping the emphasis on the naturalistic and occasionally allowing for touches of comedy or tragedy.

The production seamlessly meshes CSG actors with CATCO interns, who play some of the major adult roles.

Although far from memorable, the songs advance the plot. Fans of the book will delight in favorite scenes, including the one involving some raspberry cordial, as well as nostalgic references to “kindred spirits” and “bosom friends.”

Those less familiar with the original might not be able to appreciate from this severely compressed version what all the fuss is about, but maybe they’ll be enticed to sample the book and its several sequels, and get lost in Anne’s pastoral and sensory-rich world.