June 23, 2026 at 4:05 p.m.
"Kindred Spirits" Opening for Two Day Run at WILLow LeaVes 06/27
The story of laughter, loss, tears and friendship that ushered the early 20th century fictional heroine Anne Cuthbert of Green Gables onto the literary scene and, later, the golden screen returns this weekend as the beautiful, historical play “Kindred Spirits: An Anne Sequel”, inspired by the works of L.M. Montgomery and adapted by Rachel Hoke, opens for a two-day run at WILLow LeaVes of Hope.
True to days gone by, feisty Anne returns in this sequel all grown up as she sets off to study at university and along the way is confronted with a conundrum we all face eventually – the greatest challenge of all: Growing up.
Starring Hope native and playwright Rachel Hoke, this estimated two-hour long production – including intermission – shines a spotlight on the challenges and rewards of coming of age; Truly a tale that transcends time.
And, in a sense, it is Hoke’s story, too.
“I’m less nervous than I usually am, I think, because everything is falling into place,” Hoke, who also starred in an "Anne of Green Gables" stage play adaptation at WILLow LeaVes of Hope in 2019, says. “This is a full circle moment for me and now I get to share the sequel.”
Expressing her appreciation for the Hope community both on and off the stage all these years, the Evansville University senior, soon to graduate with a Bachelor’s in nursing, says, Hope has become her own personal Avonlea – a nod to the fictional Prince Edward Island community made famous in Montgomery’s series that debuted in 1908.
“Hope is like my own personal Avonlea and this is my last summer before I graduate college,” Hoke says. “I want to share this story that is so important to me with Hope and this community.”
Inspired by the works of Montgomery, author of the "Anne of Green Gables" series, this theatrical adaptation is produced by Connie Kiviniemi-Baylor and stars Rachel Hoke as Anne, Michaela Fuller as Philippa Gordon, Malia Taylor as Diana Berry and Jessalyn Baumgartner as Dora Keith.
This production is presented by Passion for Acting Theatre Company in collaboration with WILLow LeaVes of Hope, located at 326 Washington St. in downtown Hope.
Showtimes are 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday.
Tickets are $40 per person and include full meal and show.
For reservations, please call 812-341-7251.
