Showing posts with label Les Miz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Les Miz. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 05, 2010

2009 - On The Stage.

The year began as the last one ended - with Les Miserables at Signature Theatre. The show was a huge success, and very rewarding to do. The family of people working on it was like none that I had ever experienced, and I treasured every moment of it.

We went on to win many awards at the Helen Hayes Awards this year, including "Outstanding Ensemble" and "Best Musical". It was a truly amazing experience.
I went directly into the next show from Les Miserables, which was The Civil War at Ford's Theatre. This show was a pleasure to work on from the start, and ended up being one of the most fun experiences that I have ever had in the theatre. From the cast to the show, it was a sheer delight to perform every night.












In July, I had several things going on. First was my third 6th cabaret at Signature, entitled "The Stephen Gregory Smith Show", which mimicked the Ellen show in format and style. I had about 10 guests come up and sing with me throughout the evening. While it ran a little bit long, it was a fantastic evening of songs and duets that I am very proud of, and very thankful to all of my friends for appearing in with me!














Also in July I started a 3 week workshop process at Signature called "21/24". Two pieces were workshopped different casts of actors. The tow pieces were "The Boy Detective Fails" by by Adam Gwon and Joe Meno, and "The Hollow" by Matt Conner and Hunter Foster. I appeared in the former.



The experience was like theatre summer camp, and was so fun for all of us. Joe Calarco directed The Boy Detective, while Eric Schaeffer directed The Hollow. The Boy Detective is based on Joe Meno's novel of the same name, and concerns a thirty year old former boy detective named Billy Argo. I treasured playing Billy Argo, and this character has become one of my favorites that I have ever tackled.










It was one of my favorite roles I have ever attempted, and I truly hope that Billy Argo comes around again. Only time will tell.








My last full production of the year was at Studio Theatre, in the show Adding Machine: A Musical. This strange little show was the little engine that could. With hardly any set, a minimal costume and lighting plot, and a score harder than any I have ever worked on, this piece is one that I will always hold close to my heart.





I also got to meet and work with David Benoit, who was a pure delight. I valued my time with him so much!


Adding Machine: A Musical was listed in the "Best Of 2009" by both the Washington Post and The City Paper. I am so proud of our little engine that could. It was one hell of a ride.


And as you can see from my earlier posts, I ended the year with the Swinging Santas Cabaret at Signature. So a busy year, all in all. I am so grateful and thankful to all of the people who were a part of all of these experiences. And also thankful to anyone who cared enough to come and see them.
I hope everyone had a happy and safe New Year!
xoxo
SGS

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Les Miserables rehearsals: Photos by Channez McQuay.

1st day of rehearsal. This photo makes me ridiculously happy.



Me and Jordi Parry in "Drink with Me". Too cute.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

ONE DAY MORE.



I don't know if I ever posted the link to the Entertainment Weekly review of Les Miserables or not, but HERE it is.
Two more shows.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

3 more shows.


We all feel it coming. The sadness is settling in.
What a remarkable experience this truly has been.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

6 Shows Left!


Les Miserables closes this Sunday. Wow. I can hardly believe it. It has been such a fantastic show to be a part of, and such a wonderful family to belong to. I just can't believe it is almost done.
We began rehearsals in late October, so it has been a stretch.
Check back here through the weekend for photos from closing weekend. I'm sure there will be many.

I am pretty sure that the show is sold out for the rest of the run, but there may be standing room available. Not sure. Call 703-820-9771 for details.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

SIGNATURE THEATRE DOMINATES 2009 HELEN HAYES AWARD NOMINATIONS WITH 39 NOMINATIONS!



A full list of nominees HERE.

The Washington Post's article HERE.

Further DC Theatre Scene Coverage HERE.

Les Miserables alone garnered 13 nominations!
Get your tickets while you still can for the final two weeks! Les Miserables MUST CLOSE on February 22nd! GET TICKETS HERE!

Saturday, February 07, 2009

Wednesday, February 04, 2009

Weslie Woodley as Fantine



Speaking of the Norovirus, Tracy Lynn Olivera was apparently stricken with the virulent plague yesterday. She teaches voice at Catholic University, so....you do the math there. As all of you know, I love her with my soul and hope she mends well.
Her understudy is Weslie Woodley, who usually plays my wife, Marie.
As you all may also know, I love her just as much, and was SOOOOO proud of her last night as she went into the role of Fantine for the first time!
Here are the photos...






































Well done, Weslie!
Get well, Tracy!

luv,
SGS

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

Matt Conner as Thenardier...


Here are a few photos of Matt Conner as Thenardier. Matt has been Thenardier for the past two weeks, as Chris Bloch had a vacation conflict. Matt was amazing, needless to say. It was a joy and delight to see him do this role.
Enjoy the photos!




Thursday, January 22, 2009

The Plague


A plague has ripped through the barricade this past week and a half. Sorry I have not written much. Matt and I both got the horrible stomach virus that we lovingly refer to as "The Plague".
I have read of local outbreaks of a "norovirus" - much like those cruise ship viruses.
So I thought I would pass on this funny photo sent to me by Jordi Perry, who plays Gavroche ...



Stay healthy everybody!

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

HAPPY ROCKIN' 2009 TO ONE AND ALL!!!


Chris Bloch and I backstage at Les Miserables as Axel Rose and Slash, respectively.

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

ABOUT THE BANNER: The Barricade


I love this production photo from Signature's Les Miserables by Scott Suchman of the barricade. This photo is haunting and beautiful at once. When this barricade comes on stage in these lights, it seems like a mass grave working its way slowly to the stage. Which, in effect, it is. Other photos from the show are available for viewing at PLAYBILL online.