Former Busselton resident, Fran Gordon, hits right note with musical adaptation of popular novel

A former Busselton resident is taking to the stage, helping to bring a timeless literary classic to life as a Perth youth musical.

Busselton’s Fran Gordon is set to direct Stirling Theatre’s upcoming production of Anne of Green Gables, based on Lucy Maud Montgomery’s 1908 novel of the same name.

The story follows the comical adventures of spunky red-headed orphan Anne Shirley, who is mistakenly sent to live in Green Gables with a brother and sister intending to adopt a boy as a farmhand.

Written by Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman, the musical follows Anne’s journey as she wins over her new family and the people of Avonlea with her spirit and imagination.

“Anne of Green Gables is a heart-warming story about the importance of love, friendship, forgiveness and family,” she said.

“My mother and I had a love for these stories – Lucy Maud Montgomery wrote several – and many years ago, I was fortunate to travel with my parents to Prince Edward Island, where the story is set, and to visit the Green Gables museum.”

Having first become involved with Stirling Theatre in 1986, Ms Gordon has been involved with the company religiously both on and off stage, most recently directing their 2021 production of The Addams Family.

She said the new musical adaptation has something for everyone.

“One of the challenges in directing the stage version of Anne of Green Gables is trying to create the many different scenes required to do the story justice,” she said.

“I was keen for young people to be involved in a musical based on a classic story – there are some lovely songs using a variety of musical styles.

“Audience members who know the story will not be disappointed because they will see all the basic elements from the original book in the show.”

Anne of Green Gables will play at from September 16-October 1, with tickets available at www.trybooking.com/BUQHO.