Bend in the Road in Pasadena Sept. 14-Oct. 7

Bend in the Road, a new family musical based on Anne of Green Gables, has been set for a limited engagement at the Carrie Hamilton Theatre (upstairs at The Pasadena Playhouse) in Pasadena. Written by Benita Scheckel and Michael Upward, and directed by Scheckel, Bend in the Road will play two preview performances on Friday, September 14 at 7pm and Saturday, September 15 at 1pm, with opening night set for Saturday, September 15 at 7:00. The limited engagement will continue through October 7.

Bend in the Road is based on the beloved classic novel Anne of Green Gables, by Lucy Maud Montgomery, and tells the story of young Anne Shirley, an orphan, who is mistakenly adopted by siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, to help them on their Avonlea farm. Anne's intelligent, joyous and imaginative ways change the lives of all those around her in this small town, including Matthew, Marilla and nosy town gossip Mrs. Rachel Lynde. Anne finds fast friendships at school, and a rivalry with classmate Gilbert Blythe turns complicated as they grow up.

The cast of Bend in the Road will feature (in alphabetical order) Christopher Callen, Ty Freedman, Christopher Higgins, Justine Huxley, James Jaeger, Don Margolin, Melinda Porto, Kate Sullivan, Kailey Swanson, and Alison Woods. As part of its educational outreach, which includes providing free shows to Pasadena Unified School District students, the production has cast five Pasadena area students to work as apprentices alongside Equity actors. They are (in alphabetical order) Cade Anderson, Zoe Berger-Davis, Mariella D’avirro, Kaitlyn Hammer, and Cheri McKenzie.

The scenic artist is Gary White, lighting design is by Darrell Clark, costume design is by Liz Dickson, and sound design is by Julie Ferrin. The musical director is Michael Upward, choreography is by Kevin Lee, and the stage manager is Kelsey O’Keeffe. Susan Lambert produces for 134 West and Summerland Entertainment.

Director and co-writer Benita Scheckel is a San Gabriel Valley native, and she attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Some of her stage credits include Camelot, Into the Woods, Evita, The Music Man, Oklahoma!, and The Secret Garden. She started directing and producing in 2003 for local philanthropic organizations, and in 2007 began her career as a director and teacher in the Pasadena Unified School District, working with middle and high school students. Musical director and co-writer Michael Upward has written a Requiem Mass for chorus, soloists, and orchestra, and over 50 choral compositions which have been performed throughout the United States. In addition to writing three other full length musicals, he has served as musical director for productions of The Fantasticks, Guys and Dolls, Evita, Nunsense II, and Quilters.

Bend in the Road will play two preview performances on Friday, September 14 at 7pm and Saturday, September 15, at 1pm. Opening night is set for Saturday, September 15 at 7:00, and the 13-performance only engagement will continue through October 7. The running schedule is Saturdays at 1pm and 7pm, and Sundays at 1pm. Tickets are on sale now: $10 for previews; $25 for regular performances; $20 for children 12 years of age and under. All seating is general
admission, and tickets may be purchased online at www.bendintheroadtickets.eventbrite.com, or or by calling (626) 344-8846.

The Carrie Hamilton Theatre is located upstairs at The Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Avenue, in Pasadena, 91101.