Rehearsals Underway for Huron Country Playhouse's ANNE OF GREEN GABLES with Danielle Wade

Rehearsals begin today in Grand Bend for the most beloved musical in Canadian history. Audiences are in for a real treat as a cast of 24 professional performers and 20 local children prepare to hit the stage at the Huron Country Playhouse for the theatre's grand-scale production of Anne of Green Gables, running June 10th through June 27th.

Based on the world-famous novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables is the story of mischievous red-haired orphan Anne Shirley, who arrives at Green Gables in Avonlea P.E.I. full of hope for a new life. Upon arrival, she is dismayed to discover that elderly siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert had expressly asked for a boy. Despite her fiery temper, love of melodrama, and proclivity for mischief, Anne gradually manages to charm her way into their hearts, as well as the hearts of the villagers of Avonlea. In doing so, she finds the happiness and sense of belonging that she has searched for her entire life.

"Anne of Green Gables is an enduring favourite of theatregoers, and brings back such fond memories for me personally," says Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. "I am delighted to present this Canadian classic to our audiences in Grand Bend which is the perfect setting for this beloved story."

The production is close to Mustakas' heart, as he performed the role of Mr. Phillips in Charlottetown back in the 1980s under the direction of legendary theatre director Alan Lund. A great friendship was formed between the two, with Lund later assisting Mustakas with the launch of the Drayton Festival Theatre by directing the inaugural 1991 production, Vaudeville!.

This high-spirited, lighthearted musical features an unforgettable score filled with moving and memorable melodies such as "Kindred Spirits," "Gee, I'm Glad I'm No One Else But Me" and "Ice Cream." It captures a period of Canadian history that was filled with youthful exuberance, innocence, and a sense of wonder. As a result, Anne of Green Gables is certain to warm your heart and put a smile on your face.

Earlier this spring, Drayton Entertainment announced Danielle Wade, the winner of CBC's hit reality TV series, Over The Rainbow will star as Anne Shirley. Wade played Dorothy in Andrew Lloyd Webber's revival of The Wizard of Oz in Toronto and in the North American tour, which wrapped up last June. Later this summer Wade will portray the rebellious preacher's daughter, Ariel, in Footloose.

Wade is surrounded by a stellar supporting cast. Theatre veteran Susan Gilmour plays Anne's loving yet strict guardian, Marilla Cuthbert. Ted Simonett takes on the role of Marilla's shy, awkward brother, Matthew Cuthbert, who forms a special bond with Anne.

Jade Repeta is Diana Barry, Anne's best friend, and kindred spirit, with Colin Sheen as Anne's rival, Gilbert Blythe, and Kaleigh Gorka as Anne's jealous classmate, Josie Pye. Susan JohnstonCollins takes on the role of the town gossip Mrs. Rachel Lynde and Anwyn Musico is Anne's school teacher and mentor Miss Stacy.

The talented cast also includes Rachel Clark as Gertie Pie, June Crowley as Lucilla/Mrs. MacPherson, David Cotton as Mr. Phillips, Kevin Etherington as Earl the Mailman, JJ Gerber as Willy Boulter, Graeme Goodhall as Moody MacPherson, Larry Herbert as the minister, Anna Hurshman as Prissy Andrews, Patty Jamieson as Mrs. Barry/Mrs. Blewett, Amanda Leigh is Mrs. Spencer/Mrs. Sloane, Sandra Mantini as Mrs. Pye, Lily McEvenue as Ruby Gillis, Luke Opdahl as Charlie Sloane, Keith Savage as Cecil the Farmer, Conor Scully as Tommy Sloane and Christine Watson as Tillie Boulter.

The Huron Country Playhouse has also engaged 20 of the best and brightest local young people to perform in this production as part of the Children's Chorus. Aspiring young performers from across Huron County auditioned at an open call in April for the coveted spots, and the chosen children's chorus members will be announced later this week.

The production is directed by Max Reimer, former Artistic Director of Huron Country Playhouse, who will be returning to his old stomping ground from Vancouver. Other members of the creative team include Choreographer Lisa Stevens, Music Director Steve Thomas, Set Designer Jean-Claude Olivier, Costume Designer Rachel Berchtold and Lighting Designer Kevin Fraser.

Anne of Green Gables is proudly sponsored by Commercial Print-Craft Limited. Media Sponsors are Country 104 FM and 104.9 FM The Beach. The Design Sponsor is Greens Galore. The Youth Theatre Education Sponsor is TD Bank Group. The 2015 Season Media Sponsor is CTV.

Don't miss your chance to see Anne of Green Gables on stage June 10th through June 27th. Tickets are $42 for adults and $25 for Youth under 20 years of age. Tickets for preview performances and groups of 20 or more are $34. HST is applicable to all ticket prices. Tickets may be purchased online at www.huroncountryplayhouse.com, in person at the Box Office, or by calling (519) 238-6000 or toll free 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866).

Photographer: Hilary Gauld-Camilleri