THE show must go on … even when vital props do not arrive from overseas on time!
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It’s the actors who claim the spotlight in theatrical productions, but those working hard behind the scenes for many months ensure the show runs smoothly when the curtain rises.
Bob and Bonny Herbert have spent many hours in their Mollymook garage creating props and sets for the upcoming Milton Follies production of the hit comedy Summer Wonderland.
Carpenter Bob is handy with the hammer and nails, while Bonny has been busy painting and sourcing more than 40 props for the show from as far away as the United Kingdom.
Last week she was eagerly waiting for part of the set that had “disappeared” in transit, before learning it had been sent back to the supplier in England.
Only three weeks out from opening night she was frustrated and panicked, but said they were the type of obstacles that needed to be overcome when putting on a community show.
“It’s pretty stressful, but this time we have called upon the wonderful guys at the men’s shed who are helping us out with the lost props,” she said.
Bonny and Bob have worked on many Follies productions, volunteering both on and off the stage and the couple agree they enjoy being able to help put on a show for the community.
“It’s great when it all comes together and you see the actors on the stage with the set you have designed and built,” Bob said.
“It’s a real buzz.”
Bonny said theatre groups needed people putting in the hours back-stage.
“I do it purely because I enjoy it,” she said.
Summer Wonderland, a contemporary comedy the likes of which the Follies has never before performed at the Milton Theatre, is “prop heavy”, with lots of unusual items to be sourced, made or altered.
“We’ve been flat-out, but it’s coming together,” Bonny said.
“The show is going to be fantastic and the stage will look great.”
Director K-M Doyle said Bob and Bonny had been “invaluable” to all involved in Summer Wonderland.
“I am so grateful for their knowledge, positivity, humility and willingness to just get on with the job, no matter how complicated or frustrating,” she said.
“They never seek credit, and quietly create magic behind the scenes, for no other purpose than to help bring quality theatre to Ulladulla audiences.
“Their dedication as volunteers is impressive and very appreciated.”
K-M said there were many behind the scenes tasks involved in bringing a theatrical production to the stage that audiences could never imagine.
“Bonny has formed a wonderful team of helpers, including artist Fiona Glaister, who are working their magic on ordinary objects to turn them into the crazy and unusual props we require,” she added.
“When I approached Bob with the complicated and unusual design I had in mind for the stage and asked him if it was possible, he simply looked at me and said, "You don’t know who you’re dealing with do you?"
“His set for Noises Off last year was fantastic, and I have no doubt all of the hammering and sawing he is doing in his garage now will produce an amazing set for our characters to ‘live’ on.”
The show opens on Friday, November 7, with six shows over two weekends. Tickets are on sale at Country Leather in Milton.