Cannery Row Caper, Part I
So, two guys are sitting in a bar (don’t worry this is not a bad joke….) They are kicking around ideas for a new Sea Lion show.
As they are chatting one of the them begins sketching on a napkin…Hey, what about this…..Mmmm let me see….what do you think….hey, that looks pretty cool!…you got some gum?…..here’s an idea….
Author’s note – This is true how many ideas begin – sitting in a pub scribbling on a napkin – Spinal Tap Stonehenge – classic!
Unfortunately, I could not track the napkin down, but here is the rendering born from the napkin…..
Thus the flatfoot gumshoe detective story is born….working title…..”Clyde and Seamore in Defective Detectives”.
Enter the scenic designer…..
So you are looking for the look and feel of Cannery Row?
Yeah, set in the 50s – real Mickey Spillane type stuff.
Cool, how about this?
Looks good, but remember the stairs and ramps have to be safe, and plenty wide enough for Sea Lions.
Sea Lions?
Yeah, and the set is in a salt water environment, so corrosion will be an issue.
Hmmm….aluminum would be the best choice.
That will be fine as long as it can stand up to a walrus.
……….Are you serious?
Oh yeah, and a pesky little otter, too.
Wow, this sounds like a whole lotta’ fun!
……..here you go…….
Approved – let the building begin!
Once the set was complete we took a picture and sent it to our corporate offices.
They said, “That is all well and good, but when you build it is it going to really look like this?”
Oh, we thought you knew – this is it!…….(silence)……success! 8^)
It was pure magic witnessing the transformation from raw idea to realization. The two gentlemen sitting in the bar that night were Joe Peczi and Doug Minerd. The spectacular set was designed by Steve Gilliam and does feature three fully functional levels and electrical and plumbing to support all the mystery and excitement to pull off a mad cap caper that is sure to delight audiences of all ages….if you don’t believe me just ask Seamore….
Next time – how it all came together….collaboration at its finest!
Chris
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