CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — There’s a new Anne in town.
Adam Brazier, artistic director of Confederation Centre of the Arts, announced today that Emma Rudy will take centre stage in “Anne of Green Gables–The Musical” this summer.
Following an exhaustive casting search, Rudy will become the 19th actor to play Anne Shirley in the musical’s celebrated history at the Charlottetown Festival.
“Emma Rudy is an extraordinary talent with a stunning soprano and is a very strong actress,” said Brazier, who will again direct the musical. “Her approach to the material showed a maturity of thought without losing the youthful joy and optimism that carries Anne through her life.”
Brazier added that what set Rudy apart from the many actors who auditioned was the reverence with which she approached the role and audition.
“Emma understands the significance of playing Anne at The Charlottetown Festival.”
Born and raised in Stratford, Ont., Rudy is a Toronto-based performer and recent Sheridan College graduate. Currently, she is starring in nearby Moncton, N.B., as ‘Belle’ in “Beauty and the Beast” at the Capitol Theatre. Other credits include Marty in “Grease” (Wintergarden); “Honour” (Stratford Masonic Hall) and “Rumspringa Break!” (Theatre Passe Muraille).
For her part, Rudy is delighted to be making her festival debut.
“I can't wait to fall in love with Prince Edward Island the same way Anne did and to discover the beauty the world has to offer through her eyes.
“Having the opportunity to play the imaginative, adventurous, stubborn, intelligent and passionate Anne is truly a childhood dream manifesting itself into reality. I have held her story dear to my heart for my entire life and I am overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude.”
- Emma Rudy
“Having the opportunity to play the imaginative, adventurous, stubborn, intelligent and passionate Anne is truly a childhood dream manifesting itself into reality. I have held her story dear to my heart for my entire life and I am overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude.”
At a glance
Since opening in Charlottetown in 1965, “Anne of Green Gables–The Musical” has been presented more than 2,500 times at Confederation Centre of the Arts. It currently holds the Guinness World Record for longestrunning annual musical.
This year’s show runs June 24 to Sept. 28 in the Homburg Theatre at Confederation Centre of the Arts.
Choreography is from Robin Calvert, music direction from Craig Fair, sound design by Peter McBoyle, costume and scenic design from Cory Sincennes and lighting design by Michel Walton.
