PRODUCTION WEEK FINALLY HERE! - 23-25 May 2011

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!
MAXMOM here...

(Shannon - McKaynine Training, Annie, myself and Toby. Photographer: Rian Geldenhuys)

The moment has finally arrived -
PRODUCTION WEEK!
23-25th May 2011

(Outside the University of Johannesburg Theatre)

If I were to look back over the past four months of Toby's training for this production of 'ANNIE', I can truthfully say that there is nothing more that I could have done to prepare him. 

At this stage he is exactly where we need him to be (in terms of his training), for tomorrow morning. What follows, during this week, is still not guaranteed. There are still at least four variables remaining:

*  How will Toby be feeling on the day of each production?

*  How will Toby react to the lights?

*  How is he going to react to the orchestra pit and the band?  The sound?

and most importantly...
How is Toby going to react to the audience?

(Photographer: Rian Geldenhuys)

Either way, I have done everything possible to maximise Toby's chances of getting things right when his little moments arrive.  But we have had enormous fun in this process - despite the time constraints in teaching a young dog, and the inevitable pressure at times.

(News clipping: Die Beeld newspaper - Afrikaans narrative.  For my readers who don't understand Afrikaans, the newsclipping - further below, in English, basically says the same as this article...besides the 'brak' part, LOL!  'Brak' is a slang word for an alley dog  - but then again, I suppose this is what 'Sandy' is)

Yesterday was our final rehearsal at the high school:

 

It was a long day for the cast - starting early morning and finishing mid-afternoon. The tension in the cast is mounting as we approach this week.  The acting is being tweaked, the timing of the scenes is being refined, the dancing perfected, the props are being organised (and added), and last minute changes are being implemented.

The tension is palpable.

As organised, Toby, Lorraine (my dear friend and willing helper) arrived slightly later than the cast.  The scene that met us was one of hyped tension - an extremely distracting environment for a dog: a teacher fell off his chair (much to the delight of the young cast members), children were snacking from interesting lunch boxes on the sidelines, voices were raised amongst those directing the rehearsal and heavy props were being shuffled around noisily.  Unexpectedly too, Toby had to go straight into his scene, without much time to settle in.  I knew it was going to be difficult.

Toby's first scene started. Annie called him onto stage and put him in his position.  Whilst in his 'down-stay' command, some stage hands decided to fill Toby's specific food bowl, rather noisily, in preparation for the following scene (where Toby is 'fed' on stage).  The main problem - their activities were being conducted in the corner, in front of him - in his direct line of his sight!  Toby took one look at them and decided that his food bowl was a far better option.  He broke his down stay and scooted off stage in anticipated delight. 

There were a number of similar distractions during the course of the next hour - more foodbowl efforts, paper packets being crumpled, etc, etc. We ploughed through the scene and I finally took Toby, for a very welcome reprieve, into the garden.  

At 11.30, the whole rehearsal started again, from the start.  This time, everybody was primed and the various scenes went off without a flaw. 

(Newsclipping: Randburg Sun)

Sometimes we all have to be reminded that working with a dog, in this kind of setting, requires sensitive work, respect and consideration for the animal. (Yes, I voiced my concerns, rather loudly.  Afterall, this is my dog we are talking about. ) With understanding finally in place and a consequent happy and enthusiastic pooch, we commenced the rehearsal. 

I can happily say that the rest of the day - another four hours - went off without a hitch and we all left happy, enlightened and prepared for this next hectic week. 

(Newsclipping: Randburg Sun)

As with all live performances, there are always last minute, unexpected happenings and changes. 

My approach:

Take a deep breath! Consentrate on Toby! Ease through the unexpected! Stay calm! and most importantly...

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT!

This is, afterall, an incredible privilege to be part of this production.

(Orphans getting their make-up.  Photograph: Rian Geldenhuys)

Here are some more pictures...

(Toby making friends with little 'Marissa' - the director's daughter)

(Annie's understudy comes to join the gathering)

(Happiness is...)

("Pres. Rooseveld" in full dress)

It's highly likely that this is going too be an intensely emotional week for me:

 

Besides the Annie production, Tuesday will be the one-year anniversary of the death of my dear 'Maxdog'.  Over the past 10mths of Toby's life, he has filled all those sore places that Max's passing left behind.  Not only that, but he has grown into a beautiful and incredible dog of his own.

What better way to celebrated this in conjunction with my birthday?

Sending lotsaluv to you, our friends, across the world.