Anne of Green Gables
By Mary Alderson
When Caroline Toal was told, over a Zoom call, that she was going to be Canada’s newest Anne of Green Gables, she cried tears of joy. She had been dreaming of the iconic role, and when some time had passed without hearing any news, she had given up hope. Toal was very familiar with the story and had long admired the character. “I love Anne; she is a young feminist, celebrated for being outspoken, rambunctious, curious, loud, weird and imaginative,” Toal says, “Everything a girl wants to be.”
The book Anne of Green Gables, originally written by Lucy Maud Montgomery and published in 1908, was a favourite Toal’s when she was growing up in Orangeville, Ontario. Of course, theatre goers are familiar with the musical version by Don Harron, Norman Campbell, Elaine Campbell, and Mavor Moore. Harron wrote the book, Campbell composed the music, and all four collaborated on the lyrics. This play (not a musical) is adapted from L. M. Montgomery’s novel by Kat Sandler, who is also director of Stratford’s production. It was selected as the Schulich Children’s Play for 2025.
“I hope this play will introduce a new generation to Anne,” Toal says. The play stays true to the novel, she explains, “It has integrity and beauty and it’s funny and fast-paced.” Toal describes Anne fans as “hard-core” and is pleased that all the beloved, iconic scenes are there. You will see Anne break the slate over Gilbert’s head, Anne will serve the raspberry cordial that gets Diana drunk, and you will see Anne float down the river to be rescued by Gilbert much to her dismay. All the funny incidents from the novel are included in the play.
To play the Anne role, Toal, a brunette, has four different red wigs. The costumes and set are in 1890s style, but Toal offers a hint of an interesting update. Reluctant to create any spoilers, she won’t give a full explanation but towards the end of the play we might be seeing a more modern-day Anne. Sandler has created a “time-jump” in the story. “We didn’t know how audiences would react, but in previews, the more modern scene seems to be popular,” Toal adds.
Another scene comes with a warning, which any Anne fan will know. But if theatre-goers don’t know the Anne story, here’s a heads-up. Have your tissues ready when Matthew Cuthbert dies. Toal says she could see tears in the eyes of those in the front row. Matthew is played by Tim Campbell and according to Toal he has a “good take on Matthew.”
Toal also praises Sarah Dodd as Marilla Cuthbert. “Our relationship is beautiful,” Toal explains. Marilla comes from a time when affection wasn’t demonstrated: at first, she believes she’s done enough by feeding and clothing Anne.
Maev Beaty plays the formidable Rachel Lynde. “She starts off the show with a bang,” Toal says with a grin.
During previews, the theatre has had large student audiences and the cast was eager to hold their attention. “We’ve had very young children through to teen-agers and I was concerned about teenage boys enjoying the show,” Toal says. But they were able to keep the full attention of the small children, and they learned that the teenage boys liked the story, too, when they held a Question & Answer time after the play. Many young girls show up wearing Anne style-hats with the red braids attached, an indication of their devotion to Anne.
One little girl put up her hand, and said, “I don’t have a question but I want to say something.” She was given the nod, so she said, “I think Gilbert is very handsome.” Jordin Hall who plays Gilbert Blyth has a “whole new generation of girls swooning,” Toal adds with a laugh.
“It’s incredible to be here in Stratford, and I’m blessed to play this character. Anne has reliance and positivity I admire,” Toal says, “It is a pure, heart-warming story, which will give audiences some respite from what’s happening in the world.”
Anne of Green Gables is playing in repertory at the Avon Theatre until October 25, 2025.
Photo: Tim Campbell as Matthew Cuthbert and Caroline Toal as Anne Shirley in Anne of Green Gables. Stratford Festival 2025. Photo: David Hou.