Pembroke Players brings reimagined Anne of Green Gables to Tulsa stage
Pembroke Players presents an inventive adaptation of Anne of Green Gables in Tulsa, running at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center through Oct. 25.
Sagely Long leads a fresh theatrical adaptation opening this week at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. The local production offers audiences an inventive staging centered on individuality, belonging and chosen family.
The play runs Oct. 8 through Oct. 25. It presents a contemporary interpretation of the classic story. A younger actor portrays the title character’s inner child on stage.
This younger version represents the protagonist’s inner thoughts and feelings. The design allows those emotions to interact directly with the surrounding world.
Long portrays the central character of Anne Shirley. The production follows three years of Anne’s life. Long said the play explores how Anne’s individuality impacts those around her.
“She’s kind of different than other people and really [it’s about] how being different affects people around her and can really change their lives,” Long explained.
The plot follows Anne, an orphan mistakenly sent to siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert. The pair had hoped to adopt a boy to work their farm.
Anne possesses a strong personality and a vivid imagination. Those traits initially challenge Marilla. The two gradually build a deeper bond.
Cathy Woods plays Marilla Cuthbert. She is also the co-founder of Pembroke Players. Woods said the production uses Anne’s imagination to guide the audience.
The set features a woodland-inspired atmosphere. It reflects the fantasy-like view Anne holds of her world.
Long approached the part through her own interpretation. She avoided recreating past adaptations of the classic work. Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery wrote the original novel.
Pembroke Players first staged this adaptation two years ago in Tulsa. Woods said that initial run sold out every performance.
The company added two extra shows during that run. Continued community interest prompted the troupe to revive the staging this season.
Woods noted the enduring appeal stems from humor, emotion and themes of belonging. She hopes viewers reflect on imagination and chosen families.
Long wants the performance to inspire audiences to embrace personal differences. She noted Anne discovers people who love those unique traits.
“I hope people just take away that being different and being yourself is always the best way to go,” Long said.
Live theater companies regularly adapt public domain literature for modern stages. Reinterpretations permit artists to introduce fresh staging while maintaining core source narratives.
The Tulsa Performing Arts Center hosts the run through Oct. 25. Pembroke Players plans future adaptations of The Count of Monte Cristo and Anne of Avonlea.
