SMSU Theatre season opens with Anne of Green Gables

The first show of SMSU Theatre’s 52^nd season is Anne of Green Gables by Sylvia Ashby, based on the book by L.M. Montgomery.

Performances are Nov. 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m., and Nov. 3 and 10 at 2:00 p.m. Show tickets are $10 and are available at www.SMSUtickets.com and at the door. All performances are in the SMSU Fine Arts Theatre, with free parking available in lot B-1. The Friday, Nov. 1 and Thursday, Nov. 7 performances are free to SMSU students with a valid student ID. A pre-show dinner option is available for the Saturday performances, November 2 and 9, at an additional cost of $22.

Red-haired, high-spirited, wildly imaginative orphan Anne Shirley is cherished by generations of readers. Anne’s famous adventures, and characters from the beloved book, come to vibrant life on stage in this show that will engage and delight the whole family!

Anne of Green Gables is directed by Assistant Professor of Theatre and SMSU Theatre alumnus Mike Lenz of Cottonwood, Minn., who is also the scenic and lighting designer and the technical director. Professor of Theatre Sheila Tabaka of Marshall, Minn. is the costume designer. Professor of Theatre Nadine Purvis Schmidt of Estelline, S.D., is the producer. Cat (Caitlin) Schmidt, a senior Theatre Arts major from Arlington, Minn., is the stage manager. A. James Gully, a freshman Political Science major from Marshall, Minn., is the assistant stage manager. The cast includes:

• Emmanuel Ale, a sophomore Theatre Arts major from Nigeria, as Mr. Phillips and Cecil.
• Tailer Benson, a freshman Theatre Arts and Broadcast & Digital Media double major from Elk River, Minn., as Anne Shirley.
• Brady Berg, a sophomore English and Education major from Wells, Minn., as Mr. Spencer and Frank.
• Lindsey Brace, a 2017 SMSU graduate and early childhood special education teacher from Marshall, Minn., as Marilla Cuthbert.
• Sariah Cheadle, a senior English Literature and Theatre Arts double major from Fulda, Minn., as Mrs. Rachel Lynde. Cheadle is also a costume shop assistant.
• Olivia Chester, a freshman Early Childhood Education major and Music minor from North Mankato, Minn., as Tabitha Sloane.
• Doria Drost, a first-year Master’s Business Administration (MBA) student from Rushmore, Minn., as Mrs. Blewett.
• Leah Graham, a senior Theatre Arts major and Studio Art minor from Sebeka, Minn., as Gerry Buote.
• Zyairr Johnson-Landoll, a freshman Theatre Arts major from Sturgis, So. Dak., as Gilbert Blythe.
• Joy Krosschell, a sophomore Psychology major and Finance minor from Wells, Minn., as Prissy Andrews.
• Allie Lamote, a sophomore Communications Studies and Theatre Arts double major and Marketing minor from Marshall, Minn., as Ruby Gillis.
• Danny McDonnell, a senior Theatre Arts major from Jordan, Minn., as Matthew Cuthbert. McDonnell is also the sound designer.
• Avianna McFarquhar, a junior Theatre Arts and Marketing double major from Marshall, Minn., as Diana Barry.
• Noah Patterson, a sophomore Elementary Education major from Albertville, Minn., as the Station Master and Earl.
• Alayna Peterson, a freshman Justice Administration major from Karlstad, Minn., as Gertie Pye.
• Sidney Pitzl, a junior Graphic Design major from Wabasso, Minn., as Mrs. Barry.
• Mary Jean Porter, a sophomore Theatre Arts and Professional Writing double major, Studio Art and Music minor from Marshall, Minn., as Miss Stacy.
• Paul Ragan, a senior History and Secondary Education major and Theatre Arts and Acting and Directing minor from Fosston, Minn., as Moody MacPherson.
• Raxson Rax, a senior Theatre Arts major from Milan, Minn., as Charlie Sloane.
• Elizabeth Ripple, a senior Communication Arts and Literature Education major, Human Resources minor from Owatonna, Minn., as Katherine Williams.
• Madelynn Singsank, a freshman Pre-Vet major from Belgrade, Minn., as Lucilla Harris.
• Lillian Tabaka, a Marshall High School freshman from Marshall, Minn., as Milly Andrews.
• Elizabeth Zoya, a junior Theatre Arts major from Maplewood, Minn., as Josie Pye.

The pre-show dinner option available on November 2 and 9 is an add-on option for $22 (for a total price of $32 for dinner and the show), and must be booked by the Monday prior to the event either online at www.SMSUTickets.com or by calling the Theatre Office at (507) 537-7103. The dinner features a menu created and prepared by the SMSU Student Hospitality Opportunities (SHO) Club. The dinner seating will be 5:45-6:15 p.m. in Individualized Learning 116, the Culinology/Hospitality Restaurant.

Anne of Green Gables is presented through special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., a Concord Theatricals Company.