Photo by Cindy Votruba Tailer Benson portrays Anne Shirley in SMSU’s production of “Anne of Green Gables,” which opens today.

MARSHALL — When Tailer Benson was cast as Anne Shirley in Southwest Minnesota State University Theater’s production of “Anne of Green Gables,” she said it’s a lot of pressure to bring such a well-known character to life.

The Southwest Minnesota State University Theater Department is bringing “Anne of Green Gables” to the stage at 7:30 Friday-Saturday and Nov. 7-9 and 2 p.m. Sunday and Nov. 10, in the SMSU Fine Arts Theatre. The show is directed by SMSU theater professor Mike Lenz.

Benson said she didn’t audition for any specific role.

“I mainly just wanted to get into the cast,” she said. “When the cast list came out, I was actually getting some food before Drama Club, so all I got was the email that I made it into the cast. But when I saw the cast list, I was very surprised to see my name next to ‘Anne Shirley.’ I thought I was dreaming but was extremely grateful to be given the chance to portray her.”

Benson said she never read the book as a child, so she came into the show with very little knowledge of the story other than reading the synopsis before auditioning.

“After finding out I had been cast as Anne, I read through the script many times before our first rehearsal to kind of learn the story and become somewhat familiar with when things were going to happen,” Benson said.

Unlike Benson, Lindsey Brace, who portrays Marilla, who, along with her brother, takes in Anne, said she was very familiar with the story.

“I had read all six books, seen the movie and watched the Netflix series,” she said. “I auditioned because it’s a wonderful story that I’m fond of.”

Danny McDonnell, who plays Marilla’s brother, Matthew, heard about the book and movie from his mother.

“It’s one of her favorites,” he said. “I actually remember briefly watching the movie from the ’80s after I had my tonsils removed when I was younger.”

Benson said her biggest challenge with her role probably “has been memorizing the lines and remembering what is said when.”

McDonnell said his character is an older farmer who is such a sweet guy who reminds him a lot of his grandparents.

“The amount of times that he spoils Anne truly reminds me of them,” McDonnell said. “I love playing him because it is a bit of challenge to portray someone that is quite older than me. He also has such a big heart and cares for Anne and Marilla dearly.”

Benson was familiar with how popular “Anne of Green Gables” was.

“I’m not going to lie, it is a lot of pressure to bring such an iconic character to life because she is so well-known,” Benson said. “People who know and love the story are probably coming into the show with the character they painted themselves when they read the story, and I hope I can meet up to those expectations.”

It’s a little nerve-wracking to be a part of a well-known and loved story as many people who come to see it will already know the story, Brace said.

“I also hope that those who haven’t read the books or watched the movies will want to do so after seeing this show,” she said.

Brace said the show has a “fantastic” director in Lenz.

“During this rehearsal period I’ve tried to see the show from his perspective and have grown in my appreciation and respect for all that directors do to make a show great,” Brace said. “‘Anne of Green Gables’ is a delightful show that is family-friendly. It’ll make you laugh, cry and hopefully make you want to see it again.”