PEI

Actress sought for role of Anne in P.E.I. musical Anne of Green Gables

There will be a new Anne of Green Gables on stage at the Confederation Centre next summer.

Auditions underway for plum roles for 2017 Charlottetown musical

The dressing room at the Confederation Centre where the actress who plays Anne of Green Gables gets ready. (Confederation Centre of the Arts)

There will be a new Anne of Green Gables on stage at the Confederation Centre next summer.

P.E.I. native Jessica Gallant, who has played the role for the past two seasons, was the 17th actress to play Anne in the Charlottetown musical's 52-year history.

She said it's been a "dream come true," but is ready to move on the the next phase of her career.
P.E.I. native Jessica Gallant played Anne of Green Gables in the long-running musical for the past two seasons. (Confederation Centre of the Arts)

'Exclusive club of redheads'

"My childhood revolved around the idea of joining the exclusive club of redheads," she said in a release. "I'm ready to pass the braids on to the next young dreamer."

Incoming director Adam Brazier has begun auditions for the new Anne, as well as parts for her Avonlea guardians Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, most recently played by Hank Stinson and Charlotte Moore.

Seventeen actresses have played Anne in the musical's 52-year history. (CBC)

The full cast will be revealed this winter, Brazier said.

Brazier thanked Gallant for her dedication to the role and said he looked forward to seeing "her many talents on our stages in years to come."

He and other Islanders won't have to wait long. Gallant is starring as Maid Marian in the centre's production of Robyn Hood from Dec. 9-17.