ANNE OF GREEN GABLES

by Donna Hoke

Winner of the 2021 Anna Zornio Memorial Playwriting Award

When Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert decide to take in foster child Anne instead of a boy as they requested, it's with the hope that they can do her some good. As Anne comes of age, her curiosity, imagination, and capacity for love teaches all three of them what it means to create and commit to family. Adapted freely from the classic by L.M. Montgomery.

Winner of the 2021 Anna Zornio Memorial Playwriting Award

When Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert decide to take in foster child Anne instead of a boy as they requested, it's with the hope that they can do her some good. As Anne comes of age, her curiosity, imagination, and capacity for love teaches all three of them what it means to create and commit to family. Adapted freely from the classic by L.M. Montgomery.

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ANNE OF GREEN GABLES

Recommended by

  • Chelsea Frandsen: ANNE OF GREEN GABLES by Donna Hoke
    “

    One of my favorite books growing up! Donna Hoke has brought it to life in a way that makes me remember why I loved it so much. This play seamlessly updates the material without shying away from the original and brings Anne Shirley and Company magically to life!

    One of my favorite books growing up! Donna Hoke has brought it to life in a way that makes me remember why I loved it so much. This play seamlessly updates the material without shying away from the original and brings Anne Shirley and Company magically to life!

    ”
  • Elisabeth Giffin Speckman: ANNE OF GREEN GABLES by Donna Hoke
    “

    Hoke does an excellent job of condensing the action of L.M. Montgomery's classic and making it fit and fresh for the stage. While many successful musical versions of Anne (as well as cinematic ones) have existed and been done, this is the first play adaptation I've encountered that captures the magic of Anne Shirley, Green Gables, and Avonlea without feeling like a staged reading of the novel itself.

    A perfect selection for high schools and theatres on the lookout for a contemporary take on a classic.

    Hoke does an excellent job of condensing the action of L.M. Montgomery's classic and making it fit and fresh for the stage. While many successful musical versions of Anne (as well as cinematic ones) have existed and been done, this is the first play adaptation I've encountered that captures the magic of Anne Shirley, Green Gables, and Avonlea without feeling like a staged reading of the novel itself.

    A perfect selection for high schools and theatres on the lookout for a contemporary take on a classic.

    ”
  • Claudia Haas: ANNE OF GREEN GABLES by Donna Hoke
    “

    Hoke does a beautiful job of strengthening the themes and loves in this classic. Her rendering of the relationship between Anne and both Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert is a thing of beauty and often overlooked. Do not overlook this updated version that stays true to its roots.

    Hoke does a beautiful job of strengthening the themes and loves in this classic. Her rendering of the relationship between Anne and both Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert is a thing of beauty and often overlooked. Do not overlook this updated version that stays true to its roots.

    ”
View all 4 recommendations

Character Information

This play employs a flexible cast but needs minimum six females and two males. Additional characters can be added, and an ensemble can be used. See play front matter for doubling plot that uses the least number of performers, and read play to see how much a flexible ensemble can be used.
  • ANNE
    A loquacious girl full of spirit
    12-16
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Child,
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • MARILLA
    Anne's adopted "aunt," a stern woman with a moral code
    50s-60s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • MATTHEW
    Marilla's brother who has a soft spot for Anne
    50s-70s
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • DIANA
    Anne's best friend
    12-16
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Child,
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • MRS. SPENCER
    An orphanage worker
    30s-40s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • THOMAS
    Rachel's husband
    70s-80s
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • MRS. RACHEL LYNDE
    the Cuthberts' neighbor and unofficial town matriarch and busybody
    70s-80s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • GILBERT BLYTHE
    Anne's rival in academics
    12-16
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Child,
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • MRS. BARRY
    Diana's strict and proper mother
    30s-40s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • MRS. STACY
    Anne's teacher, a role model for Anne because of her forward thinking
    20s-40s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • RUBY GILLIS
    The boy crazy know-it-all at school
    12-16
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Child,
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • JOSIE PYE
    The nasty girl
    12-16
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Child,
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • JANE ANDREWS
    Steadfast and true and not much else
    12-16
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Child,
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • WOMAN IN SILK
    A woman at the variety performance
    60s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • GIRL IN WHITE LACE
    A girl at the variety performance
    16
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Child,
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female

Development History

  • Workshop, Growing Stage, 2021

Production History

  • Professional, Theatre of Youth, 2024
  • University, University of New Hampshire Theatre and Dance, 2022

Awards

  • Anna Zornio Memorial Playwriting Award
    UNH Children's Theatre
    Winner
    2021
  • Aurand Harris Memorial Playwriting Contest
    New England Theatre Conference
    Honorable Mention
    2021