ANNIE REHEARSALS...nearly crunch time.

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

MAXMOM here...

(Photographer: Rian Geldenhuys)

It was the second last rehearsal last night, before we finally move to UJ theatre. 

Toby is simply...

FABULOUS!

(Photographer: Rian Geldenhuys)

The production and the entire cast are finally coming together. 

The music is beautiful, the dancing delightful, the acting awesome

and Toby ....

too sweet for words!

 He is a true doggie star and the kids are so proud to have him part of their show.

(The finale: Toby doing a bow for Annie)

His actual scenes, during the show however, are very short indeed. 

Although this is potentially a little disappointing for audiences, this is entirely purposeful, so as not to put him under any pressure whatsoever. 

We have to remember that he is still young and impressionable and it would be unwise (and unfair) to keep him onstage during the hectic dancing routines.

(Photographer: Rian Geldenhuys)

Last night, Annie really took command of him. 

(Annie interacting with Toby before taking him 'on stage')

He adores her and respects her direction. 

(The 'feeding' scene...Toby's best! :))

I was so pleased and silently proud of this talented young woman. 

She is such a tiny little thing, but she is so inspiring and perfect for the role.

('Annie' in full costure.  Photographer: Rian Geldenhuys)

Toby and Elna (Annie) have a unique bond and he is willing to do almost anything for her.

('Did they hurt you?'... Annie and Toby during the first scene where she 'finds him in an alley')

The actors really got into their roles last night.  'Mr Warbucks' too..

('Mr Warbucks' in full dress)

The scene, immediately preceding the scene where Toby comes onto stage by himself, requires Mr Warbucks to carry Annie offstage in his arms. 

Warbucks and Annie were really acting their parts last night, and when Toby saw Annie's demeanour, whilst she was in Mr Warbucks's arms, his face just dropped. 

He was so concerned about her and desperately wanted to go and ensure that she was okay.

 

Unfortunately, it was the exact time for him to go onto stage, on his own, out to his appointed mark in the middle of the stage.

Despite his concern about Annie, the scene was done perfectly.

Afterwards, we took him to Annie to show him that

'She really is okay, Toby!' 

It was tail wags all around. 

He is so, so cute!

(Me and Toby waiting to send him onto stage, on his own, to his demarkated spot)

(Shannon calls him away from his 'demarkated spot' to the opposite end of the stage)

("I did it, Maxmom!")

This morning, we are off to the UJ theatre for some more stage familiarisation. 

We have a long rehearsal on Saturday  and a well-earned break on Sunday. 

On Monday, it's crunch time!

 It will be the technical rehearsal were the producer/directors/teachers/theatre team painstakingly go through all the technicalities of the production - lights, sound, music, etc, etc.  

For them, it's a whole day affair - 12 plus hours!!!

 

Toby, Shannon and I, however, only have to be there at 3pm for his own technical run. 

Then at 7pm it is time for the full dress rehearsal.

(The Orphans.  Photographer: Rian Geldenhuys)

(President Rooseveldt and co.  Photographer: Rian Geldenhuys)

(Annie chorus line: Photographer: Rian Geldenhuys)

How is Toby doing? 

Answer: Simply wonderfully! 

(Photographer: Rian Geldenhuys)

He is so excited to take part in the various scenes and again, I must say, that I feel enormously privileged to be a part of all this. 

Thank you, once again to the cast of Annie, the backstage crew, the teachers and everyone involved at

Hoerskool Randburg.

A special thank you to Tina, our amazing director,

and Shannon

(Toby's main trainer from McKaynine Training Centre)

Last, but not least, to...

 Toby...

this amazing dog of mine, who brings me such joy.

Thank you, my boy!

 

All that remains now is.....

Bathtime on Sunday!

Many of my readers have been asking about videos/DVD's of the production. 

I will do my best to try and make these available through the efforts of some of my friends, as well as the organisers of the production.  I am however totally reliant on others for this, as I will be handling Toby throughout the various shows.  Hopefully this will all work out and the footage will be available for our friends and readers after the shows. Unfortunately I can't promise anything.

Sending lots of love to all my friends and readers across the world.  Once again, I apologise for not visiting your blogs - it's simply too hectic at the moment.

Till next time, with love...

MAXMOM IN SOUTH AFRICA