Classical Children's Plays

I created this adaptation with child performers in mind, and this has guided my choices of what to include in the script. For example, this production focuses on the deep, but very different, kinds of friendship that develop between Anne Shirley, Diana Barry, and Gilbert Blythe, but concludes before the death of Matthew or the romance between Anne and Gilbert. The musical numbers are joyful and singable, and include songs suitable to older children, as well as songs accessible to children as young as kindergarten-age. ​My goal in writing this script was to keep the lightness and beauty of L.M. Montgomery’s original work, including as much of the original dialogue as possible, but to condense it enough that even elementary-school children could act it out. It fully embraces the fun and humour of Montgomery’s classic characters, while pausing on some of the deeper themes of the novel, such as friendship, forgiveness, hope and redemption. So whether you are reading this script and meeting Anne for the first time, or becoming reacquainted with a kindred spirit you’ve known for years, my hope is that this adaptation will be a joy for the cast, crew, and audience alike.