You're Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile - for reference purposes only

First Annie and Principle Orphan Rehearsal

Last night we had our first rehearsal with Annie and the two teams of principle orphans - it was SO MUCH FUN! We discussed my vision for the show, went through some 1930s slang so that when the girls ad lib on stage they don't let contemporary slang creep into their character's language, I also had them work on their character's background when I gave them a break. They came up with some very tragic and gruesome ends to their character's parents! Molly's mama ends up dying from hypothermia after she fell off the ferry into the frigid water! Oh My! I'll try and add more orphan stories as the rehearsal process continues.

We bocked and ran through Act I Scene 1 through the song "Maybe". It's a pleasure to see the two teams of orphans watch and learn from each other as they go through the dialog. I can't wait until we have their beds so that they can play off of those. Getting up and down from the floor just doesn't quite make the picture right - but they're so good going with what we have right now.

Sandy Rehearsals

Sandy rehearsals have been going well - the dogs are slowly learning what they need to do when Annie tells them to. We had Lt. Ward a couple of nights to start rehearsing the scene as well. Last night was a night for the dogs. Buddy & Honey each had a half hour session where we just walked them through their paces. They're so cute, each one has a strong point and their weak moments too(a little bit of doggie ADHD going on), but I have no doubt they'll be ready by opening night. I think next time we have Sandy reharsals we'll work for an hour with each dog. Right now Honey has a strong entrance going to Annie, but lying down for her is a challenge, the same with Buddy. Once we've got them lying down, both will stay as long as Annie keeps giving them attention. Last night Buddy did well staying down and going on his cue to go to Annie when she called him Sandy - he seems to want to stop two paces before he gets to her, so we'll have to work on that. Last night Honey wanted to go into the house when called Sandy, poor thing had had enough of rehearsal. Last time it was Buddy who was a little hyper.

Still no scripts and I've been told we might push back opening night one week just so we can have the Empire space for tech week and performances. The way it was set up before, we would have one day in the Empre before opening night - not good.

Tonight: First rehearsal with Annie and the Principle Orphans. We'll go over the rules for rehearsals, my vision for the show, who their characters are, some slang from the 1930s for them to use when they ad lib and we'll start blocking Act I Scene I. Then the last half-hour they'll be fitted for their costumes. I'm so excited!

Props & Set Pieces List

Met with Jeff last night to go over the props & set pieces lists. We spent two hours talking - mostly reminicsing about past years productions and the various people who've performed and worked at the Firehall. It looks like we only need to build just a few set pieces - so I'm feeling pretty good about that area. I also sent Ben my wish list for the pit - wonder how much I'm pushing the budget for music.

First Rehearsal

First rehearsal last night consisted of a quick meet & greet between Annie & Sandy. We Blocked Act I Scene 2 and ran through it a couple of times. Sandy didn't want to go to Annie. With me being his owner/trainer, he wanted to hang out with me. He did do well on his stays though. Next time we're bringing treats since he's very motivated by food.

Also got word that we have the rights secured to do the show - yay!!! Still no scripts.

Meeting with Jeff tonight to go over Props & Set Lists.