Sturgis Civic Players to present “Anne of Green Gables” March 20–22 at Sturges-Young Center for the Arts

The Sturgis Civic Players will return to the stage with a company of more than 30 actors to perform Anne of Green Gables March 20–22 at the Sturges-Young Center for the Arts.

Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, March 20; 7 p.m. Saturday, March 21; and a 2 p.m. matinee Sunday, March 22.

Directed by Elizabeth Smith of Sturgis and adapted from one of the best-selling books in the world, Anne of Green Gables follows Anne Shirley’s journey from a mischievous girl to a young woman, exploring themes of imagination, belonging, and family.

This production spans six years of Anne’s life — from her arrival in Avonlea as a 12-year-old to her young adulthood at 18 as she prepares to set out on her own. The production highlights many of the story’s most beloved moments.

Because the story follows Anne across several years, some characters — including Anne — are portrayed by two actors, with younger actors appearing in the first act and older actors in the second.

The role of Anne Shirley is shared by Mila Brown of LaGrange, Indiana, who plays Young Anne, and Hannah Heitger of Burr Oak, who portrays Older Anne. The production features a cast of more than 30 performers who have been working for months to bring the story to life.

This production also marks the first time the Sturgis Civic Players have staged a play on the main auditorium stage.

“Our production team has been headed by Ileona Geroux, who has been absolutely essential in making sure things get done,” Smith said. “She’s wrangling crew, checklists and paperwork, which allows me to focus on the actors on stage. She’s also been assisting backstage with sets and props, which is always a lot of work.”

Smith also credited costume designer Stacey Richardson, who is creating turn-of-the-century costumes for the cast.

“She has a love of history and the time period and is really enjoying bringing the characters’ clothing to life,” Smith said.

Amanda Lewis and Sami Lesniak have also assisted throughout rehearsals, helping manage the many moving pieces involved in staging the production.

Tickets are $15 for both children and adults and can be purchased here. Children ages 2 and younger are admitted free when seated with an adult.Anne of Green Gables is written by Justin Arnold and produced by special arrangement with Heuer Publishing LLC.

The lead characters: who are they?

Hannah Heitger — Older Anne Shirley

Hannah Heitger, of Burr Oak, is a student and a barista at Five Lakes Coffee. She has been involved in theater since the fifth grade and is appearing in her third production with the Sturgis Civic Players.

Her previous roles include Ellie Mae in The Beverly Hillbillies and an alien in Gilligan’s Island.

Outside of theater, Heitger enjoys spending time with fellow cast members and being part of the welcoming community at Sturgis Civic Players.

“This cast in particular is super fun,” Heitger said. “We’re all a bunch of weirdos with one thing in common: putting on a show, no matter how embarrassing some scenes may be.”

Heitger’s commitment to the role even extends to altering her hair color to match Anne’s iconic red hair.

“Having to dye my hair for this role has given me a newfound appreciation for being a redhead, and I may never go back,” she said.

Mila Brown — Young Anne Shirley

Mila Brown, of LaGrange, Indiana, is a sixth grader appearing in her second production with the Sturgis Civic Players and her first lead role.

Her previous acting credit was as a Duloc Kid/Dwarf in SCP’s production of Shrek the Musical.

Outside of acting, Brown enjoys spending time with her two dogs and her two sisters.

“Working with this cast has been helping me come out of my shell and socialize with other people,” Brown said. “I love being dramatic and I love acting — especially being Anne.”

Chantel Horn — Marilla Cuthbert

Chantel Horn, of Sturgis, has been involved in theater since middle school and works as a personal banking representative at Farmers State Bank in Shipshewana.

This is Horn’s third show with the Sturgis Civic Players. She previously played Elmira Gulch/Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz and appeared in the ensemble of Shrek the Musical.

Horn is also vice president of the Sturgis Civic Players.

“It’s been really great,” Horn said. “The production team does a fantastic job keeping everyone on task but allowing us to have fun in the process. It’s been so fun seeing all these kids fall in love with theater.”

Ryan Davis — Matthew Cuthbert

Ryan Davis, of Sturgis, has been involved in theater for more than 20 years and is a longtime member of the Sturgis Civic Players.

His past performances include roles in Godspell, Man of La Mancha, The Odd Couple, Gilligan’s Island, The Beverly Hillbillies, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, The Wizard of Oz and Shrek the Musical. He also directed 12 Incompetent Jurors.

Outside the theater, Davis works as a therapist and is a passionate Lego fan.

“I’m thankful for my family at home for supporting my passion for theater,” Davis said. “It’s a lot of late nights and time away from home, but they encourage me and I love when they finally get to see what we’ve been working on.”

He added that performing alongside his cousin’s daughter, Mila Brown — who plays the younger version of Anne — has been a special experience.

“There are so many wonderful people helping behind the scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly,” Davis said. “It’s fun getting to share scenes with her.”