Catch Up Blog #2

After not that much sleep, it was the morning of June 10th! My Wedding day! I could hardly believe it was finally here.  Matt and I spent months working around the clock on the decorations, the music, the theatricality of the ceremony, etc. All of the decorations were loaded in the night before by a wonderful group of friends that helped us get everything up. All that we had to do on the day of the wedding was to have breakfast with my family, then go to the theatre for final decoration preparation, then a final rehearsal before the cocktail hour started.
The breakfast was a good idea, since I really didn't get to eat much that whole day. It was also so wonderful to get to actually spend time with and see my family.  The breakfast was at Luna Grill and Diner, Matt's former restaurant that he used to manage.
When we arrived there, the restaurant had put up balloons and flowers for our wedding breakfast with the family.  This was really incredible of them, and until Mom sent me these photos, I had forgotten that detail. So everyone go eat at Luna Grill and Diner in Shirlington.  They are great people. Here are some photos from the Wedding Breakfast...

 Here are some shots of me and Matt with various family members, including my brother and his wife and their children, Tessa and Ian,  my Aunt Gloria, and her friend, Larry, and my Aunt Val and Uncle Tom. I think that I ate half of my breakfast, as my stomach was starting to get upset. While I was enjoying having breakfast, I was starting to feel like I was running out of time to get things done in time. I took the remains of my breakfast with me, in case I had time to eat it for lunch (which I believe I did, if memory serves at all), and headed over to the theatre, with my family in tow.

 After sizing up what needed to be done, I got to work, with help from my family, as they wandered through our half finished "carnival" in awe.  They couldn't believe what we had done so far. It really was a sight to behold, when I think back on the many months of midnight crafting in our living room, and to see all of this and know that WE did it ourselves.  It was a satisfying feeling. Amy McWilliams had designed and sewed together these fabric panels of different black and white materials.  I went from thrift shop to thrift shop looking for any sheets or curtains that I could buy for this purpose. She took all of these pieces and made these sweeping fabric panels that we hung to give a "big top" feel.  Amy's work was impeccable, and I can't thank her enough! My brother and I helped secure these, as they started falling a bit due to the air conditioning blowing on them. As we worked on these banners, Tessa and Ian had fun pretending to be rock stars on the

mini stage in the lobby, that we dubbed "The Sideshow".  They rocked the afternoon away as we continued our decorations prep.

 The Oceana Group provided the most elegant and exquisite flowers. Here are two of the arrangements...

 Ian and Tessa made their way over to the House of Horros, but decided that it wasn't that scary in the daylight.

 I made sure that all of the Ballyhoo flags were secured in place, as they were the first things that guests would see as they entered...these were made with felt, dowel rods, a wooden ball on top, gold spray paint, wire hangers, ribbon, and much patience.

 At the top of the stairs, there was a gift table, and a ticket booth. The take home gifts were these little brown mystery grab bags that were everywhere as you came into the theatre.

 As we finished our decoration prep, it was time to go and rehearse, and for other members of the family to go and take a nap before the festivities were to begin...

  Coming Soon - The 7PM Cocktails and Sideshow!
xoxoSGS

Throw Back Thursday - Jonathan Pryce

This photo was taken backstage during My Fair Lady in Concert at the Kennedy Center.  Chris Sizemore, Chris Mueller, and myself knew that we were about to do Miss Saigon, so all of us squeezed in for a picture with Jonathan Pryce. As we took the picture, he softly sang, "What's that I smell in the air?...The American Dream..."
I will truly never forget it!

CRASS COMMERCIAL CATCH UP

Hey everyone - 

Thanks for stopping by my little place in cyberspace. I haven't updated in awhile because I got married, and then went into rehearsals for a show.

I will be catching anyone who cares up in my catch up posts (see catch up #1 below) - a sort of serial style version of what happened at the wedding, and since (so I don't have to write it all in one post). But in the meantime, we must acknowledge the present and future!

I am currently in Miss Saigon at Signature Theatre, which runs through September 29th (just extended). I am in the ensemble, and was also Assistant Choreographer.  Here are some shots from the show, courtesy of Chris Mueller.

If you have not secured your tickets yet, I would do so ASAP.  The show is selling out like crazy. The cast is fantastic, and I am having a great time doing it.  It is an exhausting show, however. When you aren't on stage, you are changing clothes for the next time you come on. But to be a part of this epic show is a dream come true, and I am so grateful to be a part of this incredible cast.

Our musical, Night of the Living Dead is going to have its regional premiere in St. Louis this fall, at New Line Theatre. It runs October 10th to November 2nd. I am thrilled to see how it goes, and excited to see it having life since it's first full production last year.

I am involved in several other productions later this year and next, but I can't say what they are yet, because they haven't released the full casts yet, so ....details to follow. 

So in the meantime, come see Miss Saigon - it is not to be missed - TICKETS HERE.

If you want more info on New Line Theatre in St. Louis, check it out HERE.

Thanks for reading, and I will continue to update as we go through the run of Miss Saigon.

xoxoSGS

Catch Up Blog post #1

Well, it would have been easy to blog during the Tropical storm if the internet signal stayed consistent for more than a few minutes.  So I didn't.  Also, a few things fell through with people performing in the wedding, and I was too busy trying to fix that, while hundreds of miles away, on an island, with poor signal, in the middle of a Tropical Storm.
So that happened.
Before I knew it, it was time to come home and set up for the wedding.
We came home on June 9th and got to work loading up the truck and taking things down to the theatre. My friends Julie and Mike from Pennsylvania came and helped, as well as about 12 other friends. We must have set up until 2am.
Then it was home to bed (where I don't think either of us slept much) before the big day...
TO BE CONTINUED...

IN OTHER NEWS...

5 HOURS TILL THIS SHOWS UP IN OBX. UGH.

TROPICAL STORM ANDREA LOCAL STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEWPORT/MOREHEAD CITY NC
842 AM EDT THU JUN 6 2013

...TROPICAL STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT...

.NEW INFORMATION...
A TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR PORTIONS OF
EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA.

.AREAS AFFECTED...
THIS LOCAL STATEMENT PROVIDES IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS FOR PEOPLE AND MARINE INTERESTS IN SELECT
LOCATIONS AND COASTAL WATER LEGS OF EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA AND
ADJACENT COASTAL WATERS.

.WATCHES/WARNINGS...
A TROPICAL STORM WARNING CONTINUES FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS...
WASHINGTON...TYRRELL...MAINLAND DARE...BEAUFORT...MAINLAND HYDE...
JONES...CRAVEN...PAMLICO...CARTERET...ONSLOW...OUTER BANKS DARE
AND OUTER BANKS HYDE.

FOR MARINE INTERESTS...A TROPICAL STORM WARNING CONTINUES FOR
ALL OF ATLANTIC COASTAL WATERS INCLUDING ALBEMARLE AND PAMLICO
SOUNDS.

.STORM INFORMATION...
AT 8 AM EDT...THE CENTER OF TROPICAL STORM ANDREA WAS LOCATED
NEAR LATITUDE 27.7N...LONGITUDE 85.1W. THIS WAS ABOUT 770 MILES
SOUTHWEST OF BUXTON NC...OR ABOUT 690 MILES SOUTHWEST OF MOREHEAD
CITY NC. STORM MOTION WAS NORTH-NORTHEAST OR 25 DEGREES AT 14 MPH. STORM
INTENSITY WAS 60 MPH.

.SITUATION OVERVIEW...
WHEN MAKING DECISIONS...DO NOT FOCUS ON THE EXACT FORECAST TRACK.
THE MAIN CONCERN WITH ANDREA AS IT APPROACHES THE REGION IS THE
POTENTIAL FOR HEAVY RAINFALL AND MINOR FLOODING. TWO TO FOUR
INCHES OF RAIN IS EXPECTED...WITH LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS POSSIBLE.
THE HEAVIEST RAINFALL WILL BE EARLY FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH FRIDAY
EVENING. THERE WILL BE A THREAT OF ISOLATED TORNADOES AND
WATERSPOUTS LATE TONIGHT INTO FRIDAY. MINOR WATER LEVEL RISES OF 1
TO 3 FEET ABOVE MEAN SEA LEVEL RESULTING IN INUNDATION OF UP TO 1
FOOT ABOVE GROUND LEVEL WILL BE POSSIBLE FOR AREAS ADJACENT TO THE
NORTHERN PAMLICO SOUND AND SOUTH FACING BEACHES. IMPACTS FROM
COASTAL FLOODING ARE EXPECTED TO BE MINOR. ROUGH SURF WILL CAUSE
SOME EROSION ISSUES...MAINLY SOUTH OF CAPE HATTERAS.

.PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

FOR THOSE UNDER A WARNING...NOW IS THE TIME TO RUSH TO COMPLETION
PREPARATIONS FOR THE PROTECTION OF LIFE AND PROPERTY. EVACUATE IF
DIRECTED TO DO SO BY LOCAL OFFICIALS...OR IF YOUR HOME IS
VULNERABLE TO HIGH WINDS OR FLOODING.

FOR INTERESTS AT PORTS...DOCKS...AND MARINAS...URGENTLY COMPLETE
PRESCRIBED PREPARATIONS ACCORDING TO YOUR EMERGENCY OPERATIONS
PLAN FOR TROPICAL CYCLONES. IF YOU LIVE ON A BOAT...MAKE FINAL
PREPARATIONS FOR SECURING YOUR CRAFT BEFORE LEAVING IT. BE SURE
TO ACCOUNT FOR THE POSSIBLE CLOSURE OF BRIDGES AND CAUSEWAYS.

REGARDING ANY COASTAL WATERS UNDER A WARNING...SMALL CRAFT SHOULD
REMAIN IN PORT AND WELL SECURED.

FOR ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONARY AND PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION...
PLEASE REFER TO THE DETAILED RECOMMENDATIONS RELATIVE TO YOUR
LOCATION AS FURTHER DESCRIBED BY YOUR LOCAL NATIONAL WEATHER
SERVICE OFFICE AND LOCAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.

&&

.NEXT UPDATE...
THE NEXT LOCAL STATEMENT WILL BE ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER
SERVICE IN NEWPORT/MOREHEAD CITY AROUND 12 PM EDT...OR SOONER IF
CONDITIONS WARRANT.

Boys of Summer

 Yesterday was a gorgeous day of full sun, so we all took advantage of it. There was no blogging to be done yesterday at Besito. Only beach fun, pool time, and soaking up the sun. After I took the bottom photograph, I dropped my phone and the screen cracked.  So there's that. My morning activity became driving to The Blue Whale to get scotch tape to put over my phone face so I could still use it.

After fixing the phone, even Buddha seemed anxious to get out into the sun, so we headed down for some pool time.  We split our time equally between pool and hot tub, then it is usually time for lunch. The cooking (mainly by Chris Mueller and my husband) has been incredible. Notably the "Iron Bitchstick" cooking show starring Chris Mueller cooking up grilled cheese sanwhiches while doing kicks and turns in the kitchen.

Down at the pool, Buddha got some raft time in, which he really loves.

After some pool time, it was hot tub time, then lunch. I've been experimenting with "Sun-In" and got a bit blonder than I expected. So there's that. Not exactly the look I was aiming at, but we're gonna go with it.After watching the weather channel enough to make even myself sick, and monitoring "Invest 91" as it became "Andrea", it was time for an evening trip to the beach.  Buddha finally pooped (TMI, I know, but when your dog doesn't poop for 2 days, it becomes something to celebrate), and finally ate a substantial meal (another thing he hasn't done in two days). We lit a bonfire, and I was perimeter check for ghost crabs, that are larger than ever this year, and seem to have no fear to walk right up to you. 

I bought some powder that you put on the fire to make it different colors for a dollar at The Blue Whale.  It was gorgeous and worthwhile. So we enjoyed the day for what it was yesterday. According to the Weather Channel, we have about five hours of sun left before Andrea moves into Dare county. We are going to make the most of it before she rains on our parade. Details later.  I'll have plenty of time to blog when it's raining.

xoxoSGS

OBX 2013

We are on Day 2 of OBX 2013 trip. The first evening we were here, we had great sunny weather.  The trip down was easy, as there was no traffic at all. Buddha was ecstatic about the trip, as you can see.

As we crossed the bridge to Hatteras Island, a feeling of weightlessness took me over.  I have been under such stress and pressure for the past four months, and this week is the only week all year that I feel a total sense of relaxation and release. This trip couldn't be timed any better.

Yesterday, the weather was rainy all day as a frontal system went through. I still have some wedding computer work to get done while I am here, so it presented me with the best possible time to do that.

 Buddha took advantage of Daddy doing computer work in bed all day by napping right next to me.

 So today it looks like the clouds will burn off and we will get some sun.  I am going to soak up as much of it as I can, as the weather looks like it could get a little shaky by the weekend, due to a little something called "Invest 91" that is brewing in the Gulf of Mexico. I will hopefully have some sunny photos to take today, and will update them on here when I can!
xoxoSGS

The past 4 months...in review

Like...whoa.  It's been four months since I have been on here. Why? That's an easy one...wedding planning.

Yes, my last entry was in February, which was the month that Matthew and I picked our theme, and hit the ground running, building a carnival out of things found around our house. All of that is finally done, and we are 6 days till wedding as I sit and type this from the Outer Banks, where we are on vacation before the madness that will be Monday, June 10th. So...what else has happened in the past four months?

1) Thunder Knocking on the Door...

 I had the honor of directing one of my favorite shows of all time at Creative Cauldron this past Spring. The show starred RaMond Thomas (my Ben from NOTLD at KAT), Shayla Simmons, Iyona Blake, Malcolm Lee, and Michael Mainwaring. It got fantastic reviews, and sold very well. It was such a joy to reconnect with this score, after falling in love with it fifteen years ago at Arena Stage.

My cast was amazing, and it was a complete joy to work with each and every one of them. This show also marked the thrid show that I have directed this past year.  I find that I am liking that more and more, and hope that I can continue directing more in the future.

2) My Fair Lady in Concert at the Kennedy Center

I was lucky enough to be involved in The Kennedy Center's Spring Gala, which this year was a production of My Fair Lady in Concert. The cast included Gregory Jbara, Michael York, Laura Michelle Kelly, Cloris Leachman, and Jonathan Pryce, and was Music Directed by James Moore, and Directed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge.  The orchestra was somewhere around 34 pieces.  It was truly sublime.  Having the honor to meet, be in the room with, talk with, and watch these amazing talents was something that I will never forget. 

 James Moore conducts The Kennedy Center Opera Orchestra, as Jonathan Pryce sings "I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face."

                Cloris Leachman and Laura Michelle Kelly as Mrs. Higgins and Eliza Doolittle.

3) The Wedding
While I won't post pictures of all the wedding arts and crafts that we have been working on, I will post a few photos from the actual legal wedding in DC, which took place at the Capital Yacht Club, on board the Lady Elizabeth. It was an absolutely perfect day, and I am so happy to say that Matthew Conner and I are legally married!!!

So this week I will do like I did last year, and give you some beach updates through the week. As I finally have some time to breathe this week, and leading up to our wedding ceremony on June 10th, we can officially say that the blog has come out of hibernation. For all three of you who might care.
xoxoSGS

HUMP DAY CHECK IN - 2/20/13

So the great grey beast of February limps along here in Smith-Conner land. Is it Spring yet? By the look at the outside temperature right now, I'm guessing not. Working outdoors this Winter has really taken it's toll on me.  I am more than ready for warm weather to return before my skin starts to crack apart.

I finally cast the last male role in Thunder Knocking on the Door, so I am excited to unveil my cast very soon! It is an amazingly talented group of performers, and they are certain to rip the roof off of Creative Cauldron this Spring! I will give you two hints until then...the cast features two actors recently seen in Signature Theatre's Dreamgirls, and one actor recently seen in my production of the musical talked about below...Stay tuned for details...

                                                               (Photo by JoNell Franz)
Night of the Living Dead the Musical will play this Fall in St. Louis at New Line Theatre! We are beyond excited to have the full show make it's professional regional debut! I cannot wait to bring you more details through the coming months about the St. Louis NOTLD! Here is an article on Broadway World announcing it!




In the current installment of SH*T I LIKE, we have another film that yielded unexpected results...

This film is ridiculous and entertaining from minute one.  The film explores the genre of "no reason", as a tire raises itself up in a desert, and goes on a killing rampage with it's telekinetic powers. It makes no sense.  It isn't supposed to. It is my current favorite film. The always wonderful Stephen Spinella stars and narrates the film. It is currently on Netflix Instant, so check it out! (WARNING - if you are grossed out by over the top special effects such as exploding heads, skip this one.)

Stanford Mixed Company, an a cappella group I accidentally discovered, has an amazing CD on iTunes called, "The Other Side of Blue".  It features songs by the Indigo Girls, Dave Matthews Band, Madonna, Pat Benetar, U2, and others.  They are an incredible group, and I have NEVER been into a cappella until hearing this CD. Check them out on iTunes, and you can hear their cover of Madonna's Crazy for You HERE.

That is all for now, so until next time - keep battling the great grey beast...March is almost here!
xoxoxoxoxSGS