Erin’s Katie Pound seems to be well suited for the role of Anne Shirley, which she plays in an upcoming production of Anne of Green Gables in Georgetown.
Like Anne, she exudes confidence and takes on challenges with enthusiasm. She also has the vocal training and stage experience to handle a major role.
“Anne is positive all the time – she doesn’t let the judgment of others get to her,” says Katie. “She is a strong-headed little girl, who sometimes has to take things into her own hands.”
Katie has been very busy with rehearsals this fall, since she is also in the musical Legally Blonde at Mayfield Secondary School in Caledon, where she is a Grade 11 student in the Performing Arts Program. That show runs November 5-7.
Globe Productions presents the musical Anne of Green Gables at the John Elliott Theatre, November 20-29, directed by David Ambrose, with music director Darryl Burton, choreographer Cheri Lindsay-Jarvis and producer Lori Girvan. Go to globeproductions.ca for show details.
The stage play is based on the famous novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery, another strong, positive character who lived for a time in Norval. The story follows the adventures of Anne as she adapts to life in the conservative Prince Edward Island community of Avonlea in the early 1900s. She arrives as an orphan at a farm where they had wanted a boy to help with the chores.
She has to deal with the strictness of Marilla Cuthbert (played by Michelle Gardner) and finds a kindred spirit in her shy brother Matthew Cuthbert (Mark Llewellyn). “Marilla is not mean, but wants to bring Anne up right,” says Katie. Ultimately, Anne charms the entire town with her imagination and heart.
The show provides an opportunity for singing, acting and dancing, and Katie tries to be a good role model for the young kids in the cast.
Starting singing lessons when she was 11, she was introduced to a variety of music such as jazz. She sang in talent shows (including first place at the Erin Fall Fair) and various choirs. She is grateful to Nick Holmes for the opportunity to participate the Kids Can Act program in Hillsburgh, with productions such as Charlotte’s Web and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Now she enjoys the opportunity of being in the spotlight, and is serious about pursuing a career in the performing arts. She is exploring an interest in opera, with coaching from renowned tenor Mark Dubois, and attending a master class where she was critiqued by famous New York soprano Aprile Millo.
She went to Italy in July for a program hosted by Millo, with lessons in Italian language, culture and opera repertoire, and a performance with an audience that included the granddaughter of famed opera composer Giacomo Puccini.
In a culture where musical interests tend to fixate on pop singers and their latest videos, Katie is getting a unique and well-rounded education, which will stand her in good stead throughout her life.
