Road to Avonlea is a television series broadcast in Canada and the United States between 1990 and 1996. It was created by Kevin Sullivan and produced by Sullivan Films (later Sullivan Entertainment) in association with CBC and the Disney Channel. It was shown on the Disney Channel in the US as Avonlea, but when the first season was released on VHS and later on DVD by Disney, it was renamed again, this time to Tales from Avonlea.
Road to Avonlea was adapted from the following books by L.M. Montgomery: The Story Girl, The Golden Road, Chronicles of Avonlea and Further Chronicles of Avonlea.
Synopsis
In the tradition of Anne of Green Gables comes another chronicle of the journey to adulthood: Road to Avonlea, set again in the Maritime province of Prince Edward Island. The adventure begins in 1903 when a sheltered city girl, Sara Stanley, is transplanted to a rural community to stay with the relatives of her late mother.
The town of Avonlea is peopled with unforgettable characters that we come to know and love as much as Sara does. The series follows her story until she comes of age. Along the way, Sara must prove herself to her cousins before she can feel a sense of belonging with the stable, loving family.
As the children become older, the plots of the episodes begin to highlight the blossoming romance between the young adults, Felicity and Gus. This affair of the heart is still of great interest to a wide audience. A multitude of heart-warming stories focuses on the other central characters in the family: the sisters Olivia and Hetty, the King parents and children and some colourful Avonlea fixtures. Of course, the world outside Avonlea encroaches in an entertaining way by providing a diverse parade of visitors to the island. These personalities provide rich opportunities for great adventures.
As the series matures and develops, award-winning guests lend their talents to portray these larger-than-life characters; Faye Dunaway, the late Christopher Reeve and Stockard Channing are just a few of the renowned actors who appear in Seasons 2 through 7. Their stories encompass situations that run the gamut from poignant to screwball.
Among the 91 episodes there are many uproarious stories that celebrate childhood and imagination and others that deal in a light-hearted way with the serious subjects of birth, childhood, love, old age and death as experienced by a small North American community during the Edwardian era. Road to Avonlea is One of the television’s more successful family shows. The long running Canadian saga is regarded as something of an institution. Its sumptuous production values and satisfying story lines continue to captivate new viewers all over the world.[1]
Cast
Main cast
Recurring cast
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Guest cast
Other cast
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Crew
Episodes
- Main article: Road to Avonlea/Episodes
Films
- Road to Avonlea: The Movie (1990), an introductory movie with clips from episodes 1 and 6 of Season 1
- Happy Christmas, Miss King (1998), also known as An Avonlea Christmas
Novels
There have been 29 official novelizations of Road to Avonlea published.
- The Journey Begins (1992), by Dennis Adair and Janet Rosenstock and based on "The Journey Begins" (Season 1, Episode 1)
- The Story Girl Earns Her Name (1992), by Gail Hamilton and based on "The Story Girl Earns Her Name" (Season 1, Episode 2)
- Quarantine at Alexander Abraham's (1992), by Fiona McHugh and based on "The Quarantine at Alexander Abraham's" (Season 1, Episode 3)
- The Materializing of Duncan McTavish (1992), by Heather Conkie and based on "The Materializing of Duncan" (Season 1, Episode 4)
- Song of the Night (1992), by Fiona McHugh and based on "Old Lady Lloyd" (Season 1, Episode 5)
- Conversions (1992), by Gail Hamilton and based on "Conversions" (Season 1, Episode 7)
- Aunt Abigail's Beau (1992), by Amy Jo Cooper and based on "Aunt Abigail's Beau" (Season 1, Episode 8)
- Malcolm and the Baby (1992), by Heather Conkie and based on "Malcolm and the Baby" (Season 1, Episode 9)
- Felicity's Challenge (1992), by Gail Hamilton and based on "Felicity's Challenge" (Season 1, Episode 11)
- The Hope Chest of Arabella King (1992), by Linda Zwicker and based on "The Hope Chest of Arabella King" (Season 1, Episode 12)
- Nothing Endures But Change (1993), by Gail Hamilton and based on "Nothing Endures But Change" (Season 1, Episode 13)
- Sara's Homecoming (1993), by Heather Conkie and based on "Sara's Homecoming" (Season 2, Episode 1)
- Aunt Hetty's Ordeal (1993), by Gail Hamilton and based on "Aunt Hetty's Ordeal' (Season 2, Episode 3)
- Of Corsets and Secrets and True, True Love (1993), by Fiona McHugh and based on "Of Corsets and Secrets and True, True Love" (Season 2, Episode 4)
- Old Quarrels, Old Love (1993), by Heather Conkie and based on "Old Quarrels, Old Love" (Season 2, Episode 5)
- May the Best Man Win (1993), by Gail Hamilton and based on "May the Best Man Win" (Season 2, Episode 6)
- Family Rivalry (1993), by Gail Hamilton and based on "Family Rivalry" (Season 2, Episode 7)
- Dreamer of Dreams (1993), by Heather Conkie and based on "Dreamer of Dreams" (Season 2, Episode 10)
- It's Just a Stage (1993), by Amy Jo Cooper and based on "It's Just a Stage" (Season 2, Episode 11)
- Misfits and Miracles (1993), by Linda Zwicker and based on "Misfits and Miracles" (Season 2, Episode 13)
- The Ties That Bind (1994), by Heather Conkie and based on "The Ties That Bind" (Season 3, Episode 1)
- Felix and Blackie (1994), by Heather Conkie and based on "Felix and Blackie" (Season 3, Episode 2)
- But When She Was Bad ... (1994), by Marlene Matthews and based on "But When She Was Bad... She Was Horrid: Part 1" (Season 3, Episode 4)
- Double Trouble (1994), by Marlene Matthews and based on "But When She Was Bad... She Was Horrid: Part 2" (Season 3, Episode 5)
- A Dark and Stormy Night (1994), by Gail Hamilton and based on "A Dark and Stormy Night" (Season 3, Episode 7)
- Friends and Relations (1994), by Heather Conkie and based on "Friends and Relations" (Season 3, Episode 8)
- Vows of Silence (1995), by Gail Hamilton and based on "Vows of Silence" (Season 3, Episode 9)
- The Calamitous Courting of Hetty King (1995), by Fiona McHugh and based on "The Calamitous Courting of Hetty King" (Season 3, Episode 12)
- Old Friends, Old Wounds (1995), by Heather Conkie and based on "Old Friends, Old Wounds" (Season 3, Episode 13)
Behind the scenes
Casting
- Zachary Bennett (Felix King) provided the voice of Lorne in Anne of Green Gables: The Animated Series (2000–2001).
- Jackie Burroughs (Hetty King) also played Amelia Evans in Anne of Green Gables (1985).
- Lally Cadeau (Janet King) provided the voice of Madame Poubelle in Anne: Journey to Green Gables (2005).
- Ian D. Clark (Simon Tremayne) portrays Stationmaster in Anne with an E (2017–2019).
- David Fox (Clive Pettibone) played John Blythe in Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel (1987) and Infirm Old Man in Anne with an E (2017–2018).
- Mag Ruffman (Olivia King) portrayed Alice Lawson in Anne of Green Gables (1985) and Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel (1987).
- Cedric Smith (Alec King) had played Reverend Allan in Anne of Green Gables (1985) and provided the voice of Tupper in Anne: Journey to Green Gables (2005).
- R.H. Thomson (Jasper Dale, Jeremiah Dale) stars as Matthew Cuthbert in Anne with an E (2017–2019).
- Brenda Bazinet (Dr. Jones) portrays Jeannie in Anne with an E (2017–2019).
- Nigel Bennett (Enoch Cain) played Fergus Keagen in Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story (2000).
- Chris Benson (Heckler) appeared as Foreman in Anne of Green Gables: A New Beginning (2008).
- Paul Brown (Patent Clerk) portrayed Mr. Phillips in Anne of Green Gables (1985).
- Robert Collins (Blair Stanley) played Mr. Barry in Anne of Green Gables (1985) and Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel (1987).
- Rosemary Dunsmore (Abigail MacEwan) portrayed Katherine Brooke in Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel (1987) and provided the voice of E.J. Lark in Anne of Green Gables: The Animated Series (2000–2001).
- Donald Ewer (Guest) had previously played Mr. Barry in Anne of Green Gables (1958).
- Anna Ferguson (Mrs. Biggins, Gossipy Woman) played Punch Woman in Anne of Green Gables (1985).
- Catherine Fitch (Selena Dale) co-starred as Cider Press Woman in Anne of Green Gables: A New Beginning (2008).
- Patricia Gage (Mrs. Hardy) provided the voice of Marilla Cuthbert in Anne of Green Gables: The Animated Series (2000–2001) and Anne: Journey to Green Gables (2005).
- Robert Gailbraith (Hotel Manager) played Mr. Pringle in Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel (1987).
- Janet-Laine Green (Eliza Pike) portrayed Maud Montrose in Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story (2000).
- Dawn Greenhalgh (Matron) played Ms. Cadbury in Anne of Green Gables (1985). She is also the mother of Megan Follows, the actress who portrayed Anne Shirley in the Sullivan Entertainment live-action universe.
- Joan Gregson (Mission Matron) portrayed Hepzibah Leach in Anne of Green Gables: A New Beginning (2008) and Josephine Barry in L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables: The Good Stars (2017).
- Barbara Hamilton (Eulalie Bugle) previously portrayed Shop Assistant in Anne of Green Gables (1956) and in its 1958 reprise, Marilla Cuthbert in Anne of Green Gables – The Musical (1965–1968) and another incarnation of Marilla Cuthbert in Anne of Green Gables (1972) and Anne of Avonlea (1975).
- Patricia Hamilton (Rachel Lynde) provided the voice of another incarnation of Rachel Lynde in Anne of Green Gables: The Animated Series (2000–2001) and Anne: Journey to Green Gables (2005).
- Joan Heney (Woman #1, Mrs. Wigmore) also played Hetty King in Anne of Green Gables: A New Beginning (2008).
- Ann Holloway (Lady) later co-starred as Housekeeper in Anne of Green Gables: A New Beginning (2008).
- Jennifer Inch (Ruth Stanley, Maid) portrayed Ruby Gillis in Anne of Green Gables (1985) and Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel (1987).
- François Klanfer (Theatre Manager) also played Neufchateau Priest in Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story (2000).
- Keith Knight (Reverend Fitzsimmons) provided the voice of one of the Willows in Anne of Green Gables: The Animated Series (2000–2001).
- Jackie Laidlaw (Mrs. Skinner) later played Flower Vendor in Anne of Green Gables: A New Beginning (2008).
- Kate Lynch (Theodora Dixen) starred as Pauline Harris in Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel (1987).
- Sheila McCarthy (Betty Blaine) provided the voice of Mrs. King in Anne of Green Gables: The Animated Series (2000–2001). She also portrayed Laura Murray in Emily of New Moon, a TV series based on another novel by L.M. Montgomery.
- Juno Mills-Cockell (Agnes Forbes) portrayed Jimsie Pringle in Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel (1987).
- James O'Regan (Abner Jeffries) played Mr. Pye in Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel (1987).
- Wayne Robson (Amos Spry) provided the voice of Matthew Cuthbert in Anne of Green Gables: The Animated Series (2000–2001) and Anne: Journey to Green Gables (2005).
- Chick Roberts (Mr. Biggins) played Avonlea Townsman in Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel (1987) and Old Teacher in Anne with an E (2017–2019).
- Julianna Saxton (Minerva Dale) played Pink Woman in Anne of Green Gables (1985).
- Sandra Scott (Mrs. Sloane, Mrs. Latham, Woman Patient) previously appeared as Mrs. Harrington in Anne of Green Gables (1985).
- Linda Sorensen (Isabelle Carrington) provided the voice of Hetty King in Anne of Green Gables: The Animated Series (2000–2001) and Anne: Journey to Green Gables (2005).
- Rex Southgate (Mr. Heinrich) played Section Head in Anne of Green Gables (1985) and Reverend Jones in Anne of Green Gables: A New Beginning (2008).
- Greg Spottiswood (David Hawes) portrayed Fred Wright in Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story (2000).
- Barry Stillwell (Markdale Man) played Fred Wright in Anne of Green Gables: A New Beginning (2008).
- Molly Thom (Old Lady) played Lace Woman in Anne of Green Gables (1985).
- Mari Trainor (Molly Lester) also played Diana Barry (1974–1975) and Mrs. Blewett and Mrs. Pye (1999) in Anne of Green Gables – The Musical.
- Adrian Truss (Cannery Worker) provided the voices of Mr. Gresham, Bank Teller and Mr. Lawson in Anne of Green Gables: The Animated Series (2000–2001).
- Philip Williams (Mr. Duncan) provided the voice of Mr. Breen in Anne of Green Gables: The Animated Series (2000–2001) and portrays Thomas Lynde in Anne with an E (2017–2019).
- Jacqueline Blais (Woman) played Mrs. Harrison in Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel (1987).
- Patricia Carroll Brown (Miss McKay, Lady on Train) played Avonlea Townswoman in Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel (1987).
- Gladys O'Connor (Old Lady) played Maid at Maplehurst in Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel (1987).
- Richard McMillan (Lionel Lester) played Canadian Embassy Clerk in Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story (2000).
- Gordon Jocelyn (Dr. Sparrow) played Dr. Stuart in Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story (2000).
- Shannon Lawson (Miss Gordon) played Elsie James in Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story (2000).
- Alexa Gilmour (Katie) played Red Cross Woman in Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story (2000).
- Kathryn Trainor (Lawson Niece) played Essie in Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel (1987).
Awards and accolades
Emmy Awards
- Outstanding Children’s Program (1993)
- Outstanding Individual Achievement in Costume Design for a Series (1995)
- Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series (1997)
Gemini Awards
- Best Original Music Score for a Series (1992)
- Best Performance by an Actress in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role (1992)
- Most Popular Program Award (1992)
- Best Young Actor Co-starring in a Cable Series (1992)
- Best Direction in a Dramatic or Comedy Series (1993)
- Best Guest Performance in a Series by an Actor or Actress (1993)
- Best Performance by an Actor in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role (1993)
- Most Popular Program Award (1993)
- Best Costume Design (1994)
- Best Direction in a Dramatic or Comedy Series (1994)
- Best Original Music Score for a Series (1994)
- Best Performance by a Lead Actress in a Continuing Dramatic Role (1994)
- Best Guest Performance in a Series by an Actor (1995)
- Best Original Music Score for a Series (1995)
- Best Performance by an Actress in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role (1995)
- Best Original Music Score for a Dramatic Series (1996)
- Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Dramatic Series (1996)
- Best Original Music Score for a Dramatic Series (1997)
- Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Supporting Role in a Dramatic Series (1997)
- Best Performance by an Actress in a Guest Role in a Dramatic Series (1997)
Gallery
Anne of Green Gables Wiki has 52 images of Road to Avonlea (view gallery). |
Anne of Green Gables Wiki has 136 images from Road to Avonlea (view gallery). |
Videos
Trailers
Behind the scenes
Interviews
Notes and references
External links
- Official site
- Road to Avonlea at the Internet Movie Database
- Road to Avonlea at L.M. Montgomery Online
- Road to Avonlea on Wikipedia