Full Cast and Creative Team Announced for Anne of Green Gables—The Musical™ at The Charlottetown Festival

After a two-year hiatus, P.E.I.’s most iconic redhead is back with a talented cast of performers from across Canada.  

Proudly sponsored by The Gray Group Real Estate & Development, The 2022 Charlottetown Festival includes seven productions across Confederation Centre of the Arts’ three venues – including Tell Tale Harbour, Betty’s Song, and Hey Viola! 

Sponsored by CAA Atlantic, this summer marks the first time Anne of Green Gables–The Musical™ has been staged at the Centre since 2019 due to COVID-related challenges.  

The Centre previously announced that the titular role will be played by Kelsey Verzotti, a Calgary-born, Toronto-based performer who has entertained audiences across the country. The character’s best friend and kindred spirit, Diana Barry, will be performed by Emma Rudy, who returns after playing the titular character in the Festival’s 2019 production as well as the 2020 broadcast special Feelin’ Mighty Proud.  

The ensemble features a mixture of Festival alumni and fresh faces. Laurie Murdoch and Islander Marlane O’Brien, who were originally cast in the cancelled 2020 production, will play reluctant adopters Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, with Justin Eddy as foe turned friend Gilbert Blythe.  

Other Islanders in the cast include Cameron MacDuffee, Charlotte Moore, Kristen Pottle, and Charlottetown’s Nadia Haddad, who will make her mainstage debut after performing at the Centre’s Outdoor Amphitheatre. “I have always dreamed of being on the Centre’s mainstage,” says Haddad. “It is really special to have my debut in a show that means so much to P.E.I.”  

Ten Island youth have also been cast as the children of Avonlea: Cole Brioux, Blaire Dudley, Nathan Dudley, Paige Dudley, Katie Grandy, Brielle Hunter, Adia Laureijs, James Morum, Hanaye Ono, and Zoe White.  

Several Festival alumni are set to make their return, including Stephen Guy-McGrath, Alana Hibbert, Jacob MacInnis, Laurie Murdoch, Jamie Murray, and Nicole Norsworthy. 

Cast members making their Festival debut include Michelle Bardach, Jahlen Barnes, Alexander Batycki, Lyndsey Britten, Justin Eddy, Taran Kim, Tama Martin, Trevor Patt, Shakeil Rollock, Brian Ross, Stéphanie Visconti, Marquita Walsh, and Alison Woolridge. 

The musical will be directed by Adam Brazier, the Centre’s artistic director of performing arts. “We are so excited to bring the Island’s most beloved orphan back to the stage,” he says. “This talented ensemble will breathe new life into this classic show while honouring the cultural and historic importance of the piece.”

Anne of Green Gables–The Musical™ starts previews June 18, with opening night slated for June 25. The production will run until September 3. For tickets and more information, visit confederationcentre.com or call the box office at 1-800-565-0278.  

Theatre PEI