Anne of Green Gables - The MusicalTM came to life in a few whirlwind weeks in June 1965. The brand new Charlottetown Festival commissioned the show, based on an earlier CBC television special.
The stage version needed new scenes, songs, choreography, sets and costumes-not to mention a cast, musicians and a production team. It seemed an impossible task, yet, against all odds, Anne premiered to rave reviews. It has since become Canada’s most popular musical.
Anne of Green Gables, the Musical would not exist without the artistic vision of its creative team.
Don Harron, Writer and Co-Lyricist
Writer Don Harron hatched the idea of creating a musical of Anne of Green Gables while reading the book to his daughter. In penning the musical-first for television, then for the stage-he “ tried to be as faithful as possible to L. M. Montgomery’s story.”
Norman Campbell, Composer and Co-Lyricist
The lilting melodies of Anne of Green Gables were composed by Norman Campbell. He worked closely with Mr. Harron to create the musical, but distance was an obstacle. Recalls Mr. Campbell: “We were in different cities, so we mostly composed over the phone”.
Elaine Campbell, Co-Lyricist
Songwriter Elaine Campbell was in hospital, about to give birth, when she penned the words to “Gee, I’m Glad”. At the time, she says: “I never imagined that one day I would see the show performed in New York, London, or Osaka.”
Mavor Moore, Artistic Director and Co-Lyricist
It was artistic director Mavor Moore who brought Anne of Green Gables, the Musical to Charlottetown. He commissioned the stage version, negotiated the rights and headed the production team. On top of that, he wrote the lyrics to three songs.
Alan Lund, Stage Director and Choreographer
The dance and staging that bring Anne of Green Gables, the Musical to life were created by Alan Lund. Although Mr. Lund was a seasoned choreographer, he had never directed a play before. Nevertheless, the original 1965 Anne staging is still in use today.