Classic children's tale to take stage Friday in Hope

The classic children’s story “Anne of Green Gables” will debut on the WILLow LeaVes of Hope stage at 6 p.m. Friday.

Presented by the Passion for Acting Theatre Company, “Anne of Green Gables” is based on the beloved children’s book of the same title written in 1908 by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery.

“It is a story my daughter has loved forever and she encouraged me to get into directing because she wanted to do these classic stories on the stage,” says director Connie Kivimiemi-Baylor. “And people were telling me it was one of their favorite stories growing up.”

The two-hour long play chronicles the story of Anne Shirley, an orphan who after bouncing between the orphanage and foster homes, finally finds a home with siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert on their ancestral farm called Green Gables.

The Cuthberts originally set out to adopt a boy who could help Matthew on the farm, but it isn’t long before Anne’s charm wins Matthew’s heart. When Marilla expresses reservations in light of Anne’s talkativeness, adventurous spirit and lack of social graces, it is Matthew who convinces Marilla to allow Anne to stay.

The story chronicles Anne’s struggles and joys as she adapts to her new life, as well as the brightness and fresh energy she brings to the farm. But all leading ladies have their struggles and Anne is no different.

Hope resident Rachel Hoke portrays Josie Pye, Anne’s classmate who is known for her vanity, snobbishness and jealous nature. Hoke says her excitement about the play and landing the role of Josie literally made her jump up and down.

“I was really excited, I would take any part, honestly,” she says. “When Connie asked if I could play a snobby teenager, I knew immediately she was talking about Josie.”

Hoke admits she was obsessed with the story of Anne growing up and has read all the books and watched the story’s many adaptations.

As Hoke describes herself as easy going and friendly, playing the part of Josie presents some unique challenges.

“The biggest challenge is probably keeping a straight face because I am nothing like Josie,” Hoke says. “It’s really hard to glare and stomp at people without laughing.”

To help her get into character, Hoke says she draws inspiration from Nellie Oleson Dalton, the bratty nemesis of Laura Ingalls in “Little House on the Prairie.”

Baylor says working with the play’s 15-member cast has been fantastic and has certainly made it easier to bring Anne’s story to life, as well as fueling Baylor’s passion for directing, acting, and theatre in general.

As Baylor looks forward to opening night this weekend, she hopes the story of Anne inspires those who come to see the performance.

“I think we learn from Anne that no matter what your background is, what kind of upbringing you had to start, it doesn’t dictate where you are going to finish,” Baylor says.