CAVENDISH -
Its purpose is to celebrate the life and times of Prince Edward Island's best-known author.
Tonight, the Montgomery Theatre begins its second season featuring theatrical productions with a connection to Lucy Maud Montgomery, Monday night concerts and a visit with the author herself.
The theatre, established in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the publication of "Anne of Green Gables," was the brainchild of former Confederation Centre artistic director Duncan McIntosh.
"He did an amazing job of fundraising and managed to get the money to refurbish the big yellow church that is now in Avonlea Village," said Laurel Smyth, the theatre's marketing director. "It's the former Long River Church, which Lucy Maud Montgomery actually attended while visiting P.E.I. It was her church."
The 200-seat theatre centrally located in Cavendish has a thrust stage that extends into the crowd with seating on three sides.
"It's a very, very intimate space," said Smyth. "It's a wonderful place to go and see theatre because every seat is close to the actors."
"Four Poster", written by Jan de Hartog, opens tonight.
The play follows a married couple through 35 years of their life together, beginning on their wedding night. Central to the story is a four-poster bed, which, at the end of the 35 years, the couple must leave behind.
The story is set from 1890 to 1925, the same period Montgomery's Anne and Gilbert would have been married.
Actress Margaret Smith's costumes are based on Montgomery's wardrobe.
The show is directed by Zach Fraser and also features Kevin Curran.
The second production, which opens Friday, is Noel Coward's "Private Lives".
Coward read "Anne of Green Gables" as a child and became famous while the Island author was still living.
The comedy features a passionate couple who divorces and each later remarries other people. They end up on their honeymoons in adjoining rooms.
"Everything happens from there," said Smyth. "It's fun."
The cast features Island native Jackie Torrens, Graham Pursey, Smith, Curran and Julia Leonardon, who also portrays Montgomery in "Maud of Cavendish".
"She leads you through the house and the grounds and explains how that very real place inspired her imagination to create the unreal characters in her books," explained Smyth of "Maud of Cavendish".
Canadian scholar and playwright Anne Kathleen McLaughlin penned the script.
Also on tap this summer is the Montgomery Legacy Series.
The works of Lennie Gallant, Angele Arsenault and Frank Ledwell are featured.
"It's an excellent opportunity to see some very high quality professional theatre in a beautiful summertime country setting," Smyth said on what's on offer at Montgomery Theatre. "It's wonderfully intimate."
nmacphee@journalpioneer.com
Experience theatre like L.M. Montgomery would
Theatre productions
Shows are "Maud of Montgomery," "Four Poster" and "Private Lives"
"Maud of Montgomery" is the first-ever professional production at Green Gables
Runs three times a week until Aug. 23
Showtime for all three productions is 7 p.m.
18 performances of each production until Aug. 23
Montgomery Legacy Series
July 27 - celebration of Lennie Gallant's music
Aug. 3 - celebration of Angele Arsenault's music
Aug. 17 - celebration of the work of the late Frank Ledwell.
For each, performers interpret the artist's songs/writing. Arsenault and Gallant are scheduled to attend but not perform.
For information or tickets, contact 963-3847 or visit www.themontgomerytheatre.com
