“Anne of Green Gables: The Musical“, at Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island’s Confederation Centre for the Arts, is the longest running musical production in Canada.
For almost 50 years, the show has entertained visitors to Canada’s Atlantic island province, and the dedicated fans of Lucy Maud Montgomery‘s much-loved character.
© Louise Vessey/The Charlottetown Festival 2013
Each season, up to 30,000 people take in the show. Many of them come from as far away as Japan, where people have a special affinity to the plucky red-haired orphan at the centre of Montgomery’s books.
This summer, another production hit the boards in the theatre across the street. “Anne & Gilbert“, which could be thought of as part two, is running at the Guild Theatre and drawing audiences and rave reviews.
The production did not get a warm reception from the people behind the first show. Confederation Centre CEO, Jesse Inman refused an opportunity to work together, perhaps offering visitors packages to take in both shows. She said, in an interview with Maclean’s, one of Canada’s national magazines, “my primary goal in life is to make sure the place is economically and financially viable.” Ticket sales are crucial she said to the security of the 486 jobs involved.
But like a Montgomery tale, everything seems to have worked out. “Anne & Gilbert” has been sold out most of the summer and has not. as far as anyone can tell yet, affected the original musical. And Jesse Inman concedes the new show is a “lovely performance”.
All the more to see and do if you are lucky enough to be visiting Prince Edward Island.
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