Tornadoes in Western PA

Yesterday several tornadoes touched down in Western, PA according to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, PA. While there have been tornadoes in Western PA before, it is not a common event. I was watching the coverage on tv yesterday, and when the classic "hook" echo popped up on the radar, I knew that WEPA was in for some bad weather. Pictured is a photo of the tornado in Hempfield.

Here are photos of the Greensburgh tornado, first as a funnel cloud, then as a fully developed tornado, crossing the road in the middle of rush hour.

Featured in the link is a video that is going viral, featuring a Western PA teen filming the formation of the tornado. Why is it going viral? Several factors at play here...1) The WEPA accent is a thing of horrid beauty, especially his repeated exclamations of "Oh My GAWWD". 2) His waaay over the top reaction at the end of the video when the funnel touched down...as he yells "TOUCHDOWN", you might be tempted to think that a Steelers game is on. 3) His phone conversation with his Mom as he is filming, where he lies and says that he is going inside, then describes the small funnel as HUGE, and when he sees a leaf blow by, telling of "things being ripped apart!". Enjoy the over enthusiasm HERE.

CROSSING

Matt Conner's second musical, Crossing, is having it's premiere at Shenandoah Conservatory (our Alma Mater) this spring. It runs March 31 - April 3. For more information, click HERE.
Here is Priscilla Cuellar singing "After the Rain" from Crossing at an Open House at Signature Theatre - CLICK HERE.
Here is a video of myself singing "Bed and Breakfast" from Crossing at Open House - CLICK HERE.
And finally, here is a video of Jennifer Soto Benson singing "The Caged Bird" from Crossing at Open House - CLICK HERE.
Crossing at Shenandoah Conservatory - March 31 - April 3.

The Selfish Giant

My latest project post Sunset Boulevard is an adaptation of Oscar Wilde's The Selfish Giant. Matt Conner and I adapted the script, along with Laura Connors Hull. Margie jervis was the scenic designer and Puppet Designer. This new adaptation features new original songs by Matt Conner.
This is my first foray into large scale puppeteering, and I am really loving it! This will hopefully be only the first exploration of this art for me, as I am enjoying the challenge of it. It is a whole new level of conveying emotion and expression that is just fascinating to me. Margie Jervis has designed such a wonderful puppet that it is easy to convey his emotions. The songs by Matt Conner are both joyous and moving when they need to be. They are simply gorgeous...but hey...it's Matt Conner. What do you expect? lol.
The show runs on Friday nights, Saturdays at 2 and &:30, and Sundays at 2pm for the next 3 weekends. tickets are $12 Adults, $10 Children. For more information, or to purchase tickets, click HERE or call
(571) 239-5288.
Here is a link to the first review of the show that has come in so far...read HERE.
UPDATED: Another Review from Falls Church News Press: READ HERE.

Below are photographs from the show, taken by Michelle Kinney.
Hope to see you there soon! xoxoxoSGS