An appealing performance

Young Chang

Before Ally McBeal conquered television with her quirky,

oft-delusional ways, before Bridget Jones won over Darcy with her foibles

and insecurities, before either of these characters made it fashionable

to have an explosive temper and stubborn opinions, a young orphan from

Prince Edward Island perfected the role first.

Anne Shirley wasn’t good at cleaning the house. She dreamed a whole

lot and floated part time in her pretend world. She wanted to be called

Cordelia. She had no qualms about breaking a slate over her

friend/rival/future companion Gilbert’s head.

And she was sweet and loving and funny.

For Kellie Nitkin, a 17-year-old from Huntington Beach who will

portray the L.M. Montgomery character for Trilogy Playhouse’s production

of “Anne of Green Gables” through Sept. 2, the role is an “obsession”

come true.

Cinderella and Snow White -- they never did much for Kellie, a

self-proclaimed tomboy in previous years. But the heroism that Anne shows

makes her appealing to Kellie as a role model.

“I’ve kind of been obsessed with Anne since I was about 9,” the young

actress said. “It’s been my dream to play her because she’s such a

different type of heroine.”

Trilogy Playhouse’s run of “Anne” will open tonight. With a cast of 24

and a set that realizes a quaint home during the Victorian era, the show

will likely draw loyal Anne fans, director Alicia Butler said.

“It’s just a really good, fun, family summertime show,” she said. “And

it has a lot of people who follow it.”

During rehearsal this week, Kellie wore a drab beige dress, a brown

vest above it, a sweater jacket, a straw hat and plain brown shoes. The

redhead pulled off a convincing Anne, with even a splatter of freckles

drawn on with eyeliner.

The costume is for the opening scene, when Anne is brought to Green

Gables from an orphanage.

Kellie explains why the character moves so many audiences.

“She’s just a little girl who wants a home,” she said. “She finally

gets that in Green Gables, and she realizes she has a home.”

The story of an orphan taken in by two initially unwilling siblings --

adults Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert -- “Anne of Green Gables” chronicles

the girl’s life from ages 13 through 16. Her friends are the famous

Gilbert Blythe -- the most handsome boy in school who is at first Anne’s

rival and then her love interest -- and Diana Barry, with whom Anne

establishes an “eternal friendship.”

Anne has her share of adventures -- with everyone from the very strict

and proper Marilla to her imaginary friends -- and touches both Matthew

and Marilla with her love for life and affectionate personality.

Chelsey Clark, a 14-year-old from Redlands who will alternate the role

of Anne with Kellie, says Anne is unlike any character she has read about

or played.

“She never has a dull moment really, and you have to keep her

character in mind because she’s very dreamy and then suddenly can turn

and look at you right in the eye,” Chelsey said. “There’s always a part

an actor dreams of playing. I think Anne is one of those roles.”

FYI

WHAT: “Anne of Green Gables”

WHEN: Tonight through Sept. 2. -- 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3:30

p.m. Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday

WHERE: Trilogy Playhouse, 2930 Bristol St., C-106, Costa Mesa

COST: $15 or $13

CALL: (714) 957-3347, Ext. 1.