Photos by SuperSource Media, LLC.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — A four-legged Broadway star joined the 100 students of Maple Avenue Middle School’s drama program for this year’s production of ANNIE.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — A four-legged Broadway star joined the 100 students of Maple Avenue Middle School’s drama program for this year’s production of ANNIE.
William (Bill) Berloni, the founder of Theatrical Animals, an organization that trains pets found in shelters to become stage animals, is a long-time acquaintance of Director Candace Calvin. So, Calvin knew who to reach out to when they needed a dog for ANNIE.
Macy, the 12-year-old Terrier mix has played Annie’s dog Sandy for 10 years in 3,500 productions nationally.
“She’s the most knowledgeable actor in the country when it comes to this show, and she’s a dog,” said Macy’s trainer Tyler Garstka.
One would think that having ‘man’s best friend’ at the rehearsals would be a distraction to the students but not with Macy, who is a great crew member, as well as an actor.
“It’s great having her when you work with kids who have never worked with dogs before ‘cus she can kind of take the lead in a lot of ways,” said Garstka.
Veteran actor either grader Ainsley Martell, who will be concluding her Maple Ave. acting career playing Annie in this weekend’s upcoming shows had a blast working with every member of the cast and crew.
“Macy is really, really talented. She’s smart, she knows exactly what you want her to do, and she’s a great cast member.”
ANNIE’s opening weekend was Feb. 1, and due Inclement weather, there was a bit of anxiety as to how prepared the cast and crew was going to be. “We lost several rehearsals due to the weather and snow days and after-school activities being canceled because of weather,” said Calvin. “We were a little nervous about how it’s supposed to go but as kids always do – they pull it together.”
There is still time to catch Macy and the Maple Ave cast this Friday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m and Saturday, Feb 9, at 1 p.m and 7p.m. for their closing performances! Tickets for ANNIE are six dollars per person and are sold only at the door before each performance.
