STAGE / FILM
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Haley Batchilder, a singer/actress hailing from Georgetown, has been selected to star in the title role for The Nine Lives of L.M. Montgomery. This musical, based on the life and characters of the Island author is Kings County’s contribution to “100 Years of Anne,” and its world premiere will be held at the historic Kings Playhouse in Georgetown June 20, the official centenary of the publication of the author’s signature work, Anne of Green Gables.
At the gala opening, former premier Alexander B. Campbell will be onstage during the show’s dramatic finale to deliver the historic speech originally given in 1948 by his father, former premier and Chief Justice Thane Campbell, in which L.M. Montgomery was officially declared a Canadian of national importance. Lieutenant Governor Barbara Hagerman and provincial delegates will also be in attendance, as well as members of the L.M. Montgomery family.
Miss Batchilder has spent the past 7 years living off the Island, studying music at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario and in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia where she lives as an assistant in a L’Arche community. After making a name for herself over the waters, Georgetown is honoured to welcome her back home to bring the character of Maud to life.
Haley says, “The opportunity is exciting and a little daunting. To portray a woman as prolific and as well–loved as L.M. Montgomery is a great challenge. I hope that the play will bring an audience to Georgetown. And I hope that that audiences will fall in love with the beautiful town and all that it has to offer.”
Haley will be one of the many actors joining the directors in a sponsored question and answer series that will run following Tuesday night performances. Those interested in sponsoring can contact the theatre for details.
Tickets for the shows’ six week run go on sale May 1 and can be purchased by calling 1-888-346-5666, or by visiting www.kingsplayhouse.com.