TOM TITUS:’Anne’ proves heartwarming

Red-headed little orphan girls named “Anne” or “Annie” have been among the most popular of young literary heroines, and they’ve made a successful transition to the stage in recent years.

The Laguna Playhouse’s Youth Theater has seized on the story of the “other one” and turned back the clock to the turn of the century — the 20th, not the 21st — in an engaging production of “Anne of Green Gables.”

Adapted by R.N. Sandberg from the 1908 novel by L.M. Montgomery, the “Tom Sawyer”-like story revolves around its title character, Anne (with an “e”) Shirley, a feisty lass with dark red hair and freckles, both of which she despises, and an incendiary personality that’s predestined to ignite conflict.

In the playhouse production, directed by Kelly Herman, Anne’s combative nature and stubborn refusal to forgive classmates’ minor offenses are given free rein.

She’s a square peg being squeezed into the round hole of placid farm life in Canada’s rural Prince Edward Island, and even the threat of being returned to the orphanage isn’t enough to pacify her.

It’s a role which had to be much sought after by the Youth Theater actresses, and Jodi Naglie blossoms beautifully in it. Naglie transforms this motormouth miscreant into a thoughtful, caring child as she encounters a series of traumatic adventures such as accidentally getting her best friend drunk and saving the life of the girl’s infant sibling.

As the brother and sister couple who take her in reluctantly — they were expecting a boy — Claire Day is a fine, no-nonsense spinster and Jonathan Motil shines as her bashful, awkward brother.

Sydne Ames as Anne’s BFF (“best friend forever”), Diana, plays the role quite cutely, reveling in her pixilated scene. Cooper Smith is quite good as the bratty brainiac classmate who incurs Anne’s wrath, then vainly seeks her forgiveness.

Pamela Burrus could be more convincing as Diana’s mother, particularly after discovering her drunken daughter sprawled on the floor.

Two excellent supporting characters, playing multiple roles, are Margaret Vandenberghe as a snippy old widow who rubs Anne the wrong way and Terry Christopher as the stern but caring schoolteacher who has his hands full with the young orphan.

The performances are generally effective, though Herman tends toward a presentational style, in which actors play scenes with others, but emote straight out front.

One whom this doesn’t faze is Naglie, whose character is somewhat of a wide-eyed dreamer and who appears quite natural gazing out over the audience as she speaks.

Chris Hansen’s indoor-outdoor setting — complete with tall white spruce trees and a simulated lake on which characters take boat rides — is eye-catching, as are the period costumes designed by Julie Keen.

Donna Ruzika’s lighting choices and David Edwards’ sound effects further enhance the production.

“Anne of Green Gables” captivated many generations of youngsters as a novel, and the stage version introduces its dynamic young heroine to a new audience.

‘Jungle Book’ auditions

Laguna’s Gallimaufry Performing Arts will hold auditions Saturday for its summer family musical “The Jungle Book.”

Steve Josephson is directing the stage version of the Disney animated movie.

Dance auditions for children 8 to 12 years of age will be held at 10 a.m. on the second floor of the Boys and Girls Club of Laguna Beach, 1085 Laguna Canyon Road.

Teens from 13 to 19 will be auditioned at 11 a.m. and singers, by appointment, from noon to 5 p.m.

The musical will be performed July 20, 21 and 22 in Laguna Beach and July 27, 28 and 29 in Laguna Woods.

A large cast of actors, singers and dancers of all ages and experience levels is required, and appointments may be made by calling (494) 499-5060.