Author: Dennis A. Gray

Goodbye Old Friend

/ Dennis A. Gray / Leave a comment

I’ve been stalling on writing this one for a while now. I’ve even considered not writing it at all. But the need to write about it is not subsiding in the least. So here goes…

Two weeks ago Roberta and I had to put our cat, Remington, to sleep. You never fully realize just how much these small furry creatures infiltrate every corner of your life until they are no longer there. It’s been two weeks and I still wake up every morning wondering why Rem isn’t sitting on the landing outside our bedroom waiting for me to get up and feed him. It only takes a second to remember why. The heart sinks, and I wonder how long before I stop forgetting he isn’t there.

I’ve had three cats in my life and Remington is by far the most human of the lot. I know, we all tend to anthropomorphize to one degree or another, but Remington was scary sometimes.

From the beginning this Siamese/Russian Blue/Manx cross just did not behave like other cats I’ve had. He loved to play fetch, chasing a small nut and bolt wrapped inside a plastic baggy till my arm wore out. He had this almost human need to be around people, never aloof like other cats. Wherever we were – he was.

His penchant for conversation was enough to make you wonder about reincarnation. The most bizarre example of this was after his evening meal. He would wander over to the patio door and then look out into the back yard expounding to the neighbourhood about Lord knows what for about five minutes. I’m not talking a few meows here – I’m talkin’ full blown sentences made up of meows, mews, grunts, purrs, and other all too human sounding syllables complete with syntax, inflection and identifiable punctuation marks!

For over 15 years, from when he was just a kitten of seven weeks, my wife and I have been blessed with his companionship. He warmed our laps and our hearts, filling the quiet moments with the sound of laughter and contentment – ours.

Thank you Remington. You are greatly missed.

—

What I Did on My Summer Vacation

/ Dennis A. Gray / Leave a comment

I was doing a 100 km tour on my bicycle over the Labour Day weekend when it occurred to me that I had not been on my blogs for nearly three months. In part it was because I really felt the need to take a break from it all, but the other half of it was the fact the the weather was just too nice to spend cooped up in my basement office staring at a computer screen. But now summer is over and it would seem the time has come to take a sledge hammer to my writer’s block and get back in the zone.

It wasn’t really all that eventful a summer. Mostly the days were spent (when I was not at work) enjoying a park, spending time with my wife Roberta, or just cycling all around town exploring areas of the city I haven’t seen is a while. The trips we planned to take didn’t happen, the parties we thought about holding never materialized, and yet there’s no disappointment because all in all – life is good.

 

 

There was one event however, that will stand out in my memory about the summer of 2007. A few weeks ago my friend Brian took Roberta and I up in the single engine airplane owned by the his flying club. I will admit there was a little apprehension as we made our way out to the runway. I’d been flying in a small plane many years ago and I don’t know if it was the weather that day, or the skill of the pilot I was with but it wasn’t the best experience of my life. I was determined however to give it another shot.

It was a terrific experience. I’m not afraid of heights, but I do have some issues when I’m not sure of my footing. Unsecured ladders, for example, can be a problem for me; but once my senses got accustomed to the idea of being suspended 1000ft above the ground with no visible means of support it was great fun. We took a bunch of pictures (my online album of them can be found HERE ) and I find that it was one of the most enjoyable photographic experiences I’ve had. I can’t wait for my next opportunity.

Among the many pictures we took was one of the Guelph water treatment plant (see pic). Brian’s comment at the time was, “Why does everybody always take a picture of the water treatment plant?” I’ve been giving the question some thought.

It’s because we didn’t know it was there! Well, we knew it was there – intellectually. Most of us realize that Guelph has a water treatment plant and a significant number may even know where it is, but I’m willing to suggest that the vast majority of Guelphites have never actually seen it and so we lack that personal point of contact that gives it a true sense of it being real. And I think it’s that way with a lot of things; it’s all a matter of perspective.

That was most exhilarating aspect of our time in the air, getting a different perspective on the city in which I have spent my entire life. The Church of Our Lady, my own little townhouse, the incredible amount of tree cover that Guelph has for a city that large, not to mention the incredible amount of treeless new subdivisions going up around its edges. Roberta and I both found that the change of perspective gave us a new appreciation for the places we took for granted as an everyday part of our lives.

So I’d like to publicly thank Brian for the experience and the new perspective. I can see where aerial photography could easily become an obsession if it is given the chance. The question now is, how do I feed that obsession without making a pest of myself. Though I did find this article on the web about aerial photography using a kite and an RC control. Now I’ll have to pester my brother Alex.

Later…..

The ROM Does Itself Proud

/ Dennis A. Gray / Leave a comment

I’ve always been a fan of innovative design in architecture ever since my Dad took me to see Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Fallingwater” when I was a kid. My father was a construction superintendent and he was always careful to make sure I understood that form does not always have to follow function. It’s one thing if a car parts warehouse is a big concrete and steel box, but the places where culture thrives, the places where people gather to express their creativity, individuality and spirituality need to reflect the events that take place inside them.

As I llok around the world at what is being done in other cities and then look at the bulk of modern Canadian architecture all I see is a glowing tribute to the bottom line. It’s never about what it looks like, what it inspires, what are the possibilities – it is only about how much it costs. Especially, it seems, when it comes to public buildings.

To make sure the taxpayer gets value for the tax dollar is indeed important, but it seems to me we must redefine “value.” It should not always be about only doing what is needed, it must also be about showing the world, our children and ourselves just how much we are capable of doing, just how great a legacy we can leave.

WE’RE GOING TO FESTIVAL

/ Dennis A. Gray / Leave a comment

The Guelph Little Theatre production of Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman” is has been selected for the Western Ontario Drama League‘s Festival during March Break!!

This has been an amazing experience. I have to admit, when Lloyd Lindsay (our director) first asked me to be a part of this production, I was a little reluctant. But I am so glad I said , “Yes.”

I have long wanted to be a part of a production of “Death of a Salesman.” I think I was one of only a handful of kids back in high school who ‘got it’ when the teacher tried to explain it’s significance. There are some plays that just define what theatre is all about and what it accomplishes beyond mere entertainment. “Death of a Salesman” is one such play.

I knew as we went through the process we were putting together a fine production. — our selection to Festival confirms it. There is a wealth of talent to be found here that is exceeded only by the dedication that accompanies it.

I want to take the time to thank the entire cast and crew for what has proven to be an incredible learning experience for me. At over 50 years of age I am learning more and more just how much I have yet to learn. My gratitude and admiration goes out especially to the ‘tech support’ team I was so privileged to be a part of..

Gary Chapman – Technical Director/Master Carpenter – having someone else who spoke ‘my language’ around made being the rookie a lot easier. Gary – you’re the best.

Greg Insley – Producer – This former ‘sound guy’ has certainly found his true calling as a producer. Thanks Greg for your incredible support. (And yes.. I still have two computers.)

Ruth Connor – Stage manager – I’ve been away from theatre for nearly two decades, but you made me feel like I never left. Thank you.

Lynn Chapman – Set Decor/Properties – Definitely the hardest working person I have ever met. It tires me out just thinking about how much work you do. Amazing!

Lynn Fisher – Dramaturge/Costume Design – Every night as I came into the theatre, I was met by your lovely smile and a warm greeting that always made me feel like I belonged. Thank you so much.

Anna Graham & Anthony “Pooch” Brown – Lighting Design – Watching the two of you paint the set with light was a joy to behold. Thanks Pooch for your help as well solving a few technical challenges. You guys are terrific!

Davian Hart – Lighting Operator – I really enjoyed working with you in the booth, Davian. Every time I hear someone of my generation complain about ‘kids these days’ I’m going to point them in your direction. Now we just have to sort out what music we’re playing in the hotel in Sarnia. Jazz vs Heavy metal – tough choice!

Andreen Harwood – Costume Design , Kelly Insley – Properties , Deb Woodward – Hair & Makeup , Paul Cheesman – Assistant Stage Manager – I didn’t work with you folks directly, what with you being backstage and me up in the booth (thought thanks for keeping an eye on the back stage amps Kelly), but I did get to see see the results of your efforts and your dedication to your crafts. It was also great to hear your stories about your experiences in the theatre. You guys are amazing!

Lloyd Lindsay – Director/Mentor/Friend – Lloyd, there are those who consider me a fairly articulate person, but somehow I lack the words. It’s been a great ride Lloyd! Thanks ever so much for inviting me along. God bless you!

I could not write about this without saying something to the cast of “Death of a Salesman.” I want the thirteen of you to know that you made my job one of the most difficult times I have ever spent behind a sound board. Take it easy – that’s actually a compliment.

Watching you people perform was amazing! Even after ten shows and I don’t know how many rehearsals you still managed to grab hold of both my mind and my heart and made me want to just sit there and watch. Usually it’s boredom and repetition that gets in the way of my job. Not with you folks! I would have given anything to spend just one performance sitting in the audience enjoying the experience. Thank you so much. You are a credit to your craft.

I’ll avoid the impossible task of picking favorites by thanking you in order of appearance..

Gerry Butts – Willie Loman – You tore my heart out Gerry!

Liz (Stokes) Poulton – Linda Loman – More than once Liz — I cried.

Rob Gray – ‘Happy’ Loman – (no relation) – Though I’d be proud if you were!

Adam Waxman – Biff Loman – Someday, I just know I’ll be turning to someone and saying, “You know, I worked with him once!”

John Licari – Bernard – Actor and musician, you are a substantial talent John. I’m a fan.

Tracey Kenyon – The Woman – The “Other Woman” is an oft underrated role. No one will ever underrate your talent. Well done!

Jim Monaghan – Charley – Thanks Jim, you’re sense of humour was quite often just what I needed. – A salesman doing “Salesman” – what a concept.

Paul Duncan – Uncle Ben – From that first day reading through the script I knew you’d be great ‘Ben’. I wasn’t wrong – well done!

Ken Cameron – Howard – “Authentic” sounding recordings are one thing Ken, authentic performances are another. Thanks for the authenticity you brought to the stage.

Mary Lillico – Jenny/Waitress – Some people’s contribution goes well beyond what happens on stage – so it is with you. You often brightened my day, Thanks Mary.

Ryan Kotack – Stanley – Ryan, I know I need unique New York. I also need to see more of your work in future. Great job!

Liz Gallagher – Miss Forsythe – Will you accept a compliment from a stranger? You ought to be on stage. Oh wait – you have been! Told ya Stanley!

Kimberley Young – Letta – The best dressed cordless power drill operator I’ve ever met. Pretty good actress too! Congrats.

If I’ve missed anyone please understand it wasn’t for lack of trying. This has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. I thanks to you all for your part in it.

See you in Sarnia!!

Dennis Gray

Death of A Salesman

/ Dennis A. Gray / Leave a comment

Last week I mentioned that I was working with Guelph Little Theatre on a production of Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman. It has been a great experience. I haven’t worked in formal theatre in a number of years (25 actually) so it’s been a bit of a flashback getting involved again. I was a little surprised to find out how quickly I fell back into “the mode”. I love working behind the scenes to make a thing come together. However, I don’t want to spend a lot of time talking about my feelings on this however. I know a lot of blogs are about what’s going on inside a person’s head, but that’s not me.

I’m writing today to make a shameless and enthusiastic plug for the play itself. I’m a firm believer in supporting local artists of all kinds, painters, sculptures, musicians and, of course, actors. There’s an incredible amount of talent out there that will never be seen on the silver screen, or on Broadway, or hung in the National Museum of Art. That doesn’t mean it isn’t worthy of your attention. No matter the genre, it has been produced by talented and dedicated individuals who love what they do and do it for no other reason than it brings them joy.

It’s kind of like small town hockey – sure, there’s the dream of playing in the NHL, but most know they’ll never be there. They play anyway – just for the love of the game. At it’s heart, community theatre is the same way. Local volunteers, people like you and me with a regular 9-5, 40 hour-a-week day job, who spend their free time making something they care about happen. The group working on Death of a Salesman includes factory workers, construction workers and contractors, IT managers, warehouse workers, and I don’t know what else.

And frankly, I think we’re putting together a great production. ‘Death of a Salesman’, for those of you who may not be familiar with it , is an North American Theatre classic. An emotional look at the last days of Willy Loman, a hard working family man, who’s pursuit of the American Dream hasn’t panned out the way he had always hoped. Is it his fault? Or is the dream itself flawed? Questions we will all face one way or another in life, and over the years many people have found some insight for their own journey in the lines of this Pulitzer Prize winning play.

So I’m am appealing to you, gentle reader, to support this production. Opening night is Thursday, February 8th, 2007. There are 10 showings running Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for the following three weeks, with a matinée in Sunday the 18th. Tickets are $17.00 and can be ordered online or by phone at 519-821-0270. Full details are available at the theatre’s website.

So if you live near Guelph, or know someone who does, or will be visiting the area during the run of the play, please do yourself (and me) a favour and come out to enjoy a great evening of local theatre.

Thank you.