What actually happened during that period was we got over all the drop out phase, normally that is inherent in comeatre production. The cast actually found their own level, like water & the roles were assigned. We had about 8 drop outs before the roles assignments. But although we needed only 17 on the Line, the 24 remained & we utilised the extras to pad out the numbers during the show. The leads realised that there was a number of others, waiting in the wings, to step up. To the point only 2 of them actually pulled the pin, because they landed paid dancing jobs. One got a call up for the follies in Paris & the other got into a National theatre tour. Two of the extras slotted into their parts very well!{one of these extras, who stepped up, actually went on to win the "Storm the stage' national competition afterwards. the other lass is now a TV show presenter in the eastern states & just completed a tour of her successful one woman show. [not saying it was anything to do with 'ACL' but I feel it was all down to their attitude!]}

The production reminded me of the times I worked backstage on Ballet productions. I was always intrigued by the those that would hang about in the wings, watching every move of the other dancers, who were further up in the pecking order. I used to think they were really interested in the dance performance. {Stupid me! when in fact they were  secretly wishing the prima ballerinas to mess up & they would get a chance to more up the totem pole.[Ballet Barre]}