Anne of Green Gables

Anne Shirley has many faithful fans, and this Focus on the Family Radio Theatre production is likely to please even the most discerning and critical among them. Its faithful adaptation nicely captures lovable, irrepressible Anne, and given its extensive use of dialogue, the book lends itself well to audio. Nearly thirty cast members contribute to this production, and all are professional and capable. Matthew, Marilla, and good-hearted busybody Mrs. Rachel Lynde are especially fine, and Anne herself (narrated by Mae Whitman) sounds appropriately breathless and fervent. The production's pretty musical score and tasteful use of sound effects (realistic and well-chosen) provide what Anne calls "scope for imagination" and complement the actors' performances. This story will indeed be enjoyed by the whole family. J.C.G. 2005 Audie Award Finalist (c) AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine

[Editor's Note: The following is a combined review with THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER.]--Imagination is key to both these classics. Young Anne ("Anne with an e"), adopted into a Prince Edward Island household, uses her imagination and determined spirit to fill her world with hopes and aspirations. And the "dreamings and readings" of the pauper Tom Canty set off the cascade of mistaken identities that comprise Twain's famous tale. The St. Charles Players offer amusing adaptations of these stories with accessible, appealing performances. Here is family listening to entertain different ages and interests. The casts are a bit uneven, but each has some outstanding roles. These are not sophisticated productions, but the spirit of these classics is undaunted--like Anne of Green Gables herself. R.F.W. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine

Anne Shirley, the irrepressible 11-year-old heroine of this classic, is one of the most beloved characters in Canadian literature. It's easy to see why in this wonderful adaptation of the story of an orphan who comes to live with an elderly brother and sister on their Prince Edward Island farm. Ellie Fairman is superb as Anne, delivering her lines in all their precocious glory, and Bill Dufris is equally perfect for his role as kind-hearted Matthew Cuthbert. Tied together with short narrated passages, the dramatized scenes are drastically abridged but are as funny and charming as those in the original novel. D.B. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Barbara Barnes leads an energetic and convincing cast in this BBC production. With the aid of delightful sound effects, Barnes uses her exuberance to set the stage for an engaging production. The listener is transported to Anne's world on Prince Edward Island and introduced to the loving but strict Cuthberts, soul mate Diana, and a cast of neighbors and classmates who adjust to life with the eponymous orphan. Barnes's portrayal of Anne makes her optimism and zest for life infectious. The only shortcoming of this performance is that it ends too soon, leaving the listener longing for the next chapter in the life of "Anne with an 'e.'" H.L.S. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

Kate Burton characterizes 11-year-old Anne's passionate, excitable personality with a headlong delivery that makes every bit of her dialogue a near monologue. In contrast, Burton portrays her caretakers, Marilla and her brother, Matthew, as slow speaking, taciturn, and sometimes amused at Anne's overblown emotions. In addition, the descriptive parts of the story are also delivered at a slower pace so that listeners can enjoy the glorious details of the Prince Edward Island locales and the splendors of a bygone era. Just as the red-haired orphan breathes new life into the dull days of the elderly siblings, Burton breathes new life into this 1908 classic, proving, once again, that it has endured the test of time. A magnificent forward by fellow Canadian Margaret Atwood combines her personal and professional views of the story. S.W. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

Listeners will relish this production of L.M. Montgomery's classic. Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert are expecting to foster a boy, who will help on their farm, but it's 11-year-old Anne (with an "e") who arrives from the orphanage. Narrator Rachel McAdams illuminates Anne's anxiety as she voices her fears and expectations to Matthew and Marilla. McAdams's words tumble out of her mouth just as Anne's do. As Anne, McAdams's delivery is light and breathy and ever so speedy, but clear and eloquent. As Marilla, McAdams sounds clipped and curt, but not harsh. Her portrayal of Mrs. Rachel Lynde has just the right gossipy, opinionated edge. And she delivers Matthew's reluctantly expressed opinions gently and quietly. Listeners will enjoy Anne's escapades and the joy she finds in her new world. A.R. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine