THEATRE + COMEDY

Houston Family Arts Center (HFAC) continues its 6th season of bringing family-friendly entertainment to Houston with its Teen Actors Guild (TAG) production of the wonderful family classic Anne of Green Gables, adapted by Peter DeLaurier from the novel by L.M. Montgomery, opening Friday, February 11, 2011 at the HFAC Garza Main Stage.

The HFAC TAG production is directed by Sam Brown (Little Women, 12 Angry Jurors). First published in 1908, the novel tells the poignant and funny story of a freckle-faced, red-haired orphan named Anne Shirley (Sydney and Raegan Roberts), who is adopted by brother and sister Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert (Jared Smith and Meredith Bechtel) of Avonlea, Prince Edward Island, Canada.

When Anne arrives at Green Gables, she is devastated to learn that the elderly couple had been expecting a boy, and is then elated when they decide to keep her. With her fiery temper, love of melodrama and romance, and inclination for misadventures, Anne brings laughter and joy to the home she has longed for all of her life.

"Anne is a story whose name is recognized by many but is familiar to only a few,” says Sam Brown, Director. It's one of my favorite novels and its warmth and sense of spirit translate well to the stage, and the students in this production truly understand and can relate to Anne's sense of wanting to belong and the importance of the bonds of friendship. I'm extremely happy to be able to bring this charming tale to life on the HFAC stage."

This stage adaptation by Peter DeLaurier faithfully recreates the memorable events and characters from the novel that sold more than 50 million books.

“Anne of Green Gables speaks volumes about the importance of home and strong relationships,” says Bob Clark, HFAC Executive Director. “Green Gables signifies security, family and a sense of community for Anne. It’s a wonderful and heart-warming story!” 

Anne of Green Gables opens February 11 and runs Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 PM and Sunday afternoons at 3 PM through February 20. The box office opens one hour before each performance and the house opens 30 minutes before each performance. Tickets for reserved seating are $12 for all ages.

HFAC SEASON SPONSORS
National Oilwell Varco
Dr. Mario and Lisa Garza

HOUSTON FAMILY ARTS CENTER – FAMILY THEATRE AND ACTORS ACADEMY
Houston Family Arts Center (HFAC) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, founded in November 2005 to provide a fun outlet for creative community involvement through the production of high-quality, family-friendly, affordable entertainment. Each year, HFAC produces family-friendly musicals, comedies, and dramas. The HFAC Actors’ Academy provides numerous acting, singing and dance classes and workshops for children, teens, and adults. HFAC is the recipient of the 2009 & 2010 Nickelodeon Parents’ Picks Award for “Houston’s Best Theater Group for Kids.”

To purchase tickets, sign up for auditions or classes, or for more information, please visit www.houstonfac.com  or call the HFAC box office at 281-685-6374 or the HFAC Actors Academy at 281-685-2623.

Photo: Sydney Roberts plays Anne Shirley in HFAC TAG production of Anne of Green Gables (HFAC photo by Bob Clark).