Julia Lenardon uses the house and grounds of Green Gables for the set of Maud of Cavendish. Lenardon is starring in the one-woman show. (CBC) Lucy Maud Montgomery returns to Green Gables, the real house in Cavendish, P.E.I., in a new play focusing on her life that opens this weekend.
The one-woman show Maud of Cavendish is set in 1936, and starts with Montgomery, played by Julia Lenardon, returning to Green Gables following an unsatisfactory interview with a newspaper reporter.
To make up for that disappointment, she tells her story of what inspired her to write Anne of Green Gables to the gathered audience, while leading them around the house and grounds.
Setting a play in the house presented challenges, artistic director Duncan McIntosh told CBC News on Thursday.
"Moving around the house, getting the audience to go from one place to another, but also to try to, with respect and a little bit of excitement, understand what made Montgomery tick," he said.
Lenardon embraced those challenges.
"I'm used to being on a stage with other actors, first of all, and having other actors looking at me, and having a fourth wall in front of me, meaning the audience is there, but they're not a character," said Lenardon.
"That's been a challenge, but it's been a fabulous challenge."
Two young tourists look on during a rehearsal. (CBC) It's the first time in the 72-year history of P.E.I. National Park that a play has been staged at Green Gables House. The house is too crowded during the day, so the play is scheduled for the evenings, after the house is closed to general admission.
Tourists visiting Green Gables on Thursday were thrilled to get a sneak peek at a rehearsal.
"I've never been to a play before, and just that few minutes alone I was quite mesmerized," said Darlene Kavanaugh.
"It was incredible," added Sue Rashed.
"It was just like her really being there. The actress looks so much like her."
The play ends with Maud taking the audience down Lovers' Lane.
Maud of Cavendish has its opening night Saturday.
