Fox Chapel Area students bring 'Anne of Green Gables' to life

Fox Chapel Area senior Gabby Bell expects audiences will fall in love with the characters in this year’s school play, “Anne of Green Gables.”

Curtains will rise at 7 p.m. Nov. 4-6 to tell the tale of a feisty teenager adopted by elderly siblings in turn-of-the-century Canada.

Tickets cost $8 and will be sold at the door. Masks are required.

Bell, 17, of Indiana Township, landed the lead role of “Anne” and said that delving into her character has been mostly a labor of love, though it has its challenges.

“Most of the time, she is rambling about some story or something she imagined, and it can be hard to keep up with her,” Bell said.

“But her energy is infectious.”

Based on the 1908 novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery, a film was a surprise hit in the early 1930s. It was reintroduced in the 1980s as a TV mini-series. There have been two other recent adaptions.

The FCA student-run production is led by longtime Director Kristiann Josephs. Teacher Joseph Gass serves as technical coordinator, and teacher Mary Beth Dixon is the costume/props supervisor.

Students will perform the play free for district senior citizens ages 60 and older at 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 3.

Reservations are requested by calling 412-967-2410.

After a year of covid-related adjustments, Josephs said she is eager to reprise the fall drama tradition inside the high school, where it feels like home.

Last year’s show “Lost in Yonkers” was performed outdoors at the Allegheny RiverTrail Park.

“We’re in the auditorium this year, and we will be following guidelines, but to put on a show again in our own space is thrilling,” Josephs said. “I know the kids are super excited.”

Senior Iain Condron, 18, said his role as co-stage manager feels like being on Broadway.

“I originally got involved in the play during freshman year when I auditioned for a role in that year’s performance of “The Crucible,” Condron said.

He has transitioned his on-stage energy to a leading role behind the scenes.

“I really enjoy being a manager because it is fun to explore the art form that is happening behind the stage,” Condron said.

“This involves lighting, set piece direction and advertising.”

For Bell, landing the lead role as a senior means the world.

“I have done it since freshman year, and ever since, it’s always been one of my favorite times of year,” she said.

“I love being able to tell a story to the audience and transporting them into the play. For two hours, everyone can forget about whatever else they have going on and just enjoy the show.”