New Anne and Gilbert season has 'another layer of wonderful'

There will be a new Anne and a new Gilbert when Anne and Gilbert returns for its 12th season Tuesday night in Charlottetown.

Anne and Gilbert tells the story of the second and third books in the beloved book series by L M Montgomery.

Jayne Peters of Souris, P.E.I., is not entirely new to the role of Anne. She was second understudy in the role last summer, taking on the part in something of an emergency situation.

Produce Campbell Webster said Peters, who had been in the production for a couple of years, was asked on very short notice when both the original actress and original understudy had to leave the production in the course of a week after the season had already started.

"Can you do it? Can you learn this role in two days, three days, without a director? 'Sure,' she said," said Webster.

"What you could argue was the third stringer last year got her swing at the plate and knocked it out of the park."

Webster said he called and offered her the role for this year as soon as last season ended.

'People find him very handsome'

Having already cast Anne gave Webster an advantage when it came to casting a new Gilbert.

Peters was called in for the auditions, so he and director Catherine O'Brien could see the chemistry between the two principal actors. That was the key in casting Jonathan Gysbers.

"There was an electricity between these two instantly when they auditioned together, so you totally got it that there's something big going on between this man and this woman," said Webster.

"People find him very handsome. That always helps."

Each director bring something new

Webster said the production, which he has been with from the start, has been kept fresh by a succession of directors who have worked with the original script over the years.

"Each of the directors along the way keep on just improving it a little bit, keep on adding little magical moments here and there," he said.

Webster found himself considering that when he was reviewing this year's production with O'Brien, new to the show this year.

"Another layer of wonderful was just put on this show."

The show has added a week to the beginning and end of the season this year. That's because it keeps selling out, said Webster.

The show runs until Nov. 24 at The Guild.

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