The best thing about going to see a good piece of theatre is entering objectively and exiting with a feeling that somehow your life has been enriched beyond the scope of mere entertainment.

It’s amazing how Emily, on at Talk is Free Theatre until Dec. 1, does just that. Wonderfully packed with song and dance, it takes you on a 10-year trek through a young woman’s life, her psyche, and her soul. It all happens seamlessly, in about two hours, with Emily’s pain at times exposed so openly that it’s hard to imagine anyone leaving without wiping back a tear.

Drawing on her own life, Lucy Maud Montgomery knew what she was doing when she invented the character of Emily for her three-novel series. Capturing and translating the spirit of Emily on to a small stage, in a musical format without losing her heart and soul, is perhaps an even greater task – one that relies on emotionally connected vision.

Sarah Blair Irwin stars as Emily Starr, first as a 13 year old, then transforming her over the seasons into a woman of 24. Irwin shines as an outstanding conduit for Emily’s angst, ambivalence and ardent personality. Instantly believable, loveable and relatable, Irwin creates a passionate portrait, ushering even the most reluctant into the world of a young girl in search of herself.

The entire cast of professional actors is superb. With 15 characters often on stage simultaneously, individual personalities shine as they grow along with Emily and age just as well through song and dance.

Period costumes and a remarkable and impressive use of space highlight the outstanding choreography by Stephanie Manchulenko. The music by Marek Norman is melodic, enchanting and ranges from gently embracing ballads like There Will Be Another Rainbow, to the heel-kicking, The Woman Who Spanked the King.

No review would be complete without noting Emily’s book, lyrics and direction by Richard Ouzounian. It’s impossible to pass up the opportunity to comment on this work by the Toronto Star’s theatre critic.

Only with a true sense of empathy could Ouzounian have channelled such dialogue and lyrics through Emily to reveal her vulnerability and resilience. In some ways, this stage version of Emily of New Moon is even more layered, introspective and engaging than the widely adored Anne of Green Gables.

A delight from start to finish, audiences will fall in love with Emily, and her representation of the coming-of-age insights revealed through the beauty of exceptional theatre. Emily is on at Midhurst United Church. For tickets, call 792-1949.