Thanks to a mistake made by the orphanage, Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert were expecting a strong, young boy to help with their farm. Instead, the independent redhead turns their lives upside down and is able to find her place within a family. The spirit of L.M. Montgomery's classic book shines through Joseph Robinette's adaptation of this family favorite opening at the Bonstelle Theatre.

Anne of Green Gables will be performed Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. December 10, 11, 17 & 18, Sundays at 2 p.m. December 12 & 19, and weekday mornings at 10 a.m. December 10 & 16.

In 1908, Lucy Maud Montgomery's novel of a young orphan girl appeared in print for the first time. The book met with immediate success and young girls everywhere were enjoying the story of young Anne Shirley and her adventures in Green Gables. Though Lucy Montgomery was not an advocate for women's rights, the novel was nonetheless a story of an unconventional, energetic, outspoken girl in a time when women's roles were beginning to change from being homebound, to living independently and establishing careers. Anne of Green Gables is a fun and reminiscent classic, a coming-of-age story the whole family will enjoy!

Director Pat Ansuini has worked in professional and educational theatre throughout the mid-west as a teacher, director and stage manager for 27 years. Ansuini's most recent Wayne State University theatre credit was as co-director of last spring's award-winning Hilberry Theatre production, The Kentucky Cycle Parts 1 & 2.

The role of Anne will be played by Danielle Cochrane (Garden City). The cast includes Beth Gibaud (Garden City) as Marilla, Jerry Belanger (Plymouth) as Matthew, Molly Carlin (Harper Woods) as Rachel, Jennifer Sessions (Royal Oak) as Diana, Jessica Cermak (Shelby Twp.) as Mrs. Barry, Joe Porter (Cheboygan) as Gilbert, Angela Duffy (Roseville) as Josie, Joe Kvoriak (Eastpointe) as Moody, Molly McMahon (Ypsilanti) as Minnie Mae, Jasmine McCord (Detroit) as Jane, Angela Kane (Wyandotte) as Ruby, Crystal Reed as Actress #1, Janee Smith (Detroit) as Actress #2, Bethany Holste (Dearborn) as Actress #3, Jason Irwin (Rochester) as Actor #1, John Rattray (Melvindale) as Actor #2, Ryan McGillen (Eastpointe) as Actor #3. Scenic design is by Sarah Tanner (Franklin), lighting design is by Christopher Kulesa (Detroit), costume design is by Corey Globke (Detroit), and sound design is by Liz Cooper (Grosse Pointe).

The Bonstelle Theatre season will continue with Metamorphoses based on the Myths of Ovid, written and originally directed by Mary Zimmerman: January 21 - 23 and 28 - 30, Anna Lucasta by Phillip Yordan: March 4 - 6 and 11 - 13, and Evita music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Tim Rice: April 22 - 24 and April 29 - May 1.

The Bonstelle Theatre is located at 3424 Woodward Avenue, one block south of Mack Avenue at Eliot. The box office at the Bonstelle Theatre is open ONLY one hour prior to each performance. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Hilberry Theatre box office at 4743 Cass Avenue. Tickets are $12 Regular; $9 for students, senior citizens, WSU faculty and staff, and Alumni Association Members. For more information or to order tickets to Anne of Green Gables, call the Bonstelle Theatre box office at (313) 577-2960.