Suzanne Hermon's directorial debut with Valley Performing Arts "Anne of Green Gables" shines on many different levels.

The play is about Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, played by Janet Kennedy and Don Erbey, two unmarried siblings who live together at Green Gables in the Canadian town of Avonlea. Their plans to adopt an orphan boy to help with their farm is thwarted when they are mistakenly given a precocious, red haired 11-year old girl named Anne, played by Rachel Kennedy.

Anne is a clever girl with a heart full of youthful sentiment and romance. Her imagination is as mischievous as endearing. Anne’s first years at Green Gables are a series of comical misadventures and theatrics. Anne excels in school and forms strong friendships as well as heated rivalries. The play follows Anne’s life from elementary school in Avonlea through high school at the prestigious Queen’s Academy.

Hermon’s vision of a set without a curtain helps to remedy the play’s many scene changes and the transition from one scene to the next is seamless. “Anne of Green Gables” is constructed in three equal parts with three different sets.

Although upon first appearance the stage seems crowded, the audience soon realizes that it is tremendously effective on both a pragmatic and an aesthetic level.

The true brilliance of this play is the talented youth that gloss the stage. Kennedy is a gem. Not only does she look the part of Anne, her stage presence instantly engages the audience and makes you laugh, reflect, cry and wish you had red hair. Alora Zulliger who plays Diana Barry is just as convincing. Both do a wonderful job of going from youthful innocence to young adulthood. Jessica Cole, Aubrey Sage, Drew Ford, Carlee Nufer, Cori Schleich, Kody Shaw, Teresa Kennedy, Daniel Woodford, Tyler Smith, Julianna Martin, Eva Colberg, Kaycee Nufer, Lindsey Sage, Kaitlyn Miller, Jesse Alvarez, Ashlin Collins, Wendy Golter, Nancy Chambers, Lori Zulliger, Vanessa Warner, Mark Hermon, Doug Woodford, Kathy Sage, and Dave Nufer round out the talented troupe that make “Anne of Green Gables” a must see.

If you are looking for a family evening out, “Anne of Green Gables” is a good place to start. You won’t be disappointed. “Anne of Green Gables” runs at Valley Performing Arts’ Machetanz Theater from May 15th through June 7th. Tickets are $15-$17 and can be purchased online at www.valleyperformingarts.org or by calling 373-0195.

- Jason and Jackie Marvel