The fiery redheaded girl talks and talks and says whatever is on her mind.

She's "Anne of Green Gables."

Family Children's Theatre performs the musical version of the classic story by Lucy Maud Montgomery next weekend at the Flag Theatre, 310 North Main.

The musical, directed by FCT executive director Jonathan Fly is an "ideal family musical."

"We've got ourselves a great cast here," Fly said. "Some have appeared on our stage before while others are first-timers to the Flag stage."

Portraying Anne is veteran FCT performer Ann Masterson, 16, a junior at Hutchinson High School. Allison Emry plays Anne's best friend Diana Barry.

It took a real commitment for Masterson to play the part of Anne.

When she auditioned for the lead role, the first question Fly asked her was if she was willing to dye her dark brown hair red.

Not just red, but cherry red.

"Right now it's copper red," said Masterson, who had her hairdresser sister help her with the dye job.

Set in the early 1900s, "Anne of Green Gables" is the story of a spirited orphan girl who is adopted by a spinster and her brother, the Cuthberts, who live together in Avonlea on Prince Edward Island in Canada.

An orphanage is supposed to send a boy who can help the Cuthberts on their farm. Instead, a mischievous, talkative redheaded girl appears on the train station platform.

Dale Schrag is Matthew Cuthbert and Melinda Eisminger is Marilla Cuthbert. Ashley Conkling is the nosy, gossiping Rachael Lynde.

"She's a talker," said Matthew, describing Anne to his sister.

Matthew is a quiet and shy man who takes a liking to Anne, said Schrag, who has had a difficult time portraying his character.

Maybe, he said, because he is a lot like his character - quiet and reserved and someone who has a big heart.

Eisminger, 17, who turns 18 next week, isn't playing her typical FCT character. This is the first-time she performs in a motherly-role.

In the beginning her character resents Anne, she said, but eventually takes a liking to her, resulting in the song "My Little Girl."

The musical features a variety of selections from the opening chorus number, "Prince Edward Island," to the lovely spirited "Charlottetown Rag."

Other delightful offerings include the title song, "Anne of Green Gables," sung by Joshua Schrock, who plays Gilbert Blythe.

Monica Morgan provides the musical direction and piano accompaniment.

Other cast members include: Richard Smith, Toni Hochstetler, Shannon Stucket, Bethany Blanton, Caitlin Doornbos, Traci Myers, Jacob Reboul, Terry Gilley and Max Rintoul.

Also in the cast are: Rachel Butts, Julie Cook, Carrie Mendoza, Katherine Evel, Barbara Cook, Lesa Hindman, Heather Campbell, Kelli Androes, Michael O'Neal and Jeff Jones.

Playing townspeople and students are: Mary Beth Bryant, Rachel Adcock, Holly Adcock, Emily Suter, T.J. Smith and Lacy DiMitt.

Joyce Hall can be reached at jhall@hutchnews.com or at (620) 694-5700, ext. 328.