Calm before the Storm. Again.

Here we are, on the morning of yet ANOTHER major winter storm about to hit us here in the DC Metro area, and boy, aren't we all just so excited?
.
.
.
The latest updates from ABC 7 say:

"A Winter Storm Warning is in effect from Noon today through 7pm Wednesday for the entire region. There is the potential for 10 to 20 inches of snow across the region..."

This storm will be starting today after or around (still much debate on that matter) noon, and intensifying after 5pm, with the most heavy snowfall occurring overnight and into the morning. Just like the last storm. In fact, a lot of this sounds JUST LIKE THE LAST STORM.
Also, there is another thing about today and tomorrow's storm that is much more troublesome to hear than it's accumulation totals. The winds are supposed to be stronger than this past weekend's storm. Winds could crest around 40 mph. Yet again creating blizzard conditions.
Continued from ABC 7:

"Major concerns will be with the added snowfall combined with the stronger winds, more power outages will be likely and potentially more trees will come down. This in combination with the current snow-pack will have the potential for more roofs to collapse. While you can, be sure to go out and get added supplies such as flashlights and batteries, extra water and non-perishable food. This is a major storm and we want you and your family to stay as safe as possible through the next couple of days."

So be sure this morning as you prepare for whatever this current storm will bring that you secure any loose items on balconies or patios, charge your cell phones, make sure you have batteries, stock up on firewood, Have candles and flashlights in an easily accessible place, have sleeping bags and extra blankets out and ready, and make sure that you have plenty of food that does not require cooking. Power outages are likely, and something to expect rather than just hope you don't get.
So in closing, I'll keep taking photos and letting you know what's going on with the storm till I lose my power. I hope everyone is safe out there. Make good choices.
Here are some photos I took of this mornings sunrise. It was too calm, too pretty to resist. Also, I was happy to see the sun, and wondered how long until we see it again. Good Morning.

Thundersnow

On Friday night, at about 4 or 5 in the morning, we had some thundersnow going on here with the blizzard. I have not seen that since I was very young, and it is so strange to see. I found this video from this past weekend's storm that shows it. The video was taken in Baltimore, but it is from the same storm, and this is exactly how it looked here. Weird.

Insult to Injury

Yeah...the whole "LIVEBLOGGING" thing kind of doesn't work when you lose power. As you all know, we got a BUNCH of snow. No breaking news there. What really is getting me more nervous as the forecasts keep changing is the next storm. Like the last one, the accumulation indexes keep ramping upward. We really can't afford this kind of snowfall again so soon. (Well - I know I can't afford it! I have to actually work sometime in this month!)
This in from WTOP.com:

"WASHINGTON - People are still digging out from the historic blizzard over the weekend that buried the region in up to 40 inches of snow. It knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of people, thousands of whom are still in the dark, and is causing school closings into the week as many neighborhoods haven't been touched by plows.

Temperatures will hit the low 30s Monday and sunshine will cause some melting, but ABC 7 Meteorologist Chris Naille says don't expect the snow to go away anytime soon.

"We're not going to get rid of it completely, not by a long shot before another system impacts us."

The area is bracing for another storm Tuesday.

Naille says two storms will merge before dumping another 10 to 20 inches of snow throughout much of the region, except for areas further south which could see a rain/snow mix.

The snow will start around 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. Tuesday and end by late Wednesday afternoon.

ABC 7 Chief Meteorologist Doug Hill says higher accumulations are possible farther north.

A Winter Storm Warning has been posted from Tuesday afternoon until Wednesday afternoon. "

Oh.
Dear.
Lord.

LIVEBLOGGING THE STORM: 5:27 PM

Snow is now sticking to roads. About 4 inches has fallen. Maybe Five.

First Look: High Fidelity at the DCAC

These are some promo shots from High Fidelity. These were shot at Crooked Beat Records of 18th Street. They feature me as Rob and Karissa Lynn Swanigan as Laura.

LIVEBLOGGING THE STORM - 12:50pm Friday

The snow began falling at about 9:30AM. It is still falling at a moderate rate. I will continue to LIVEBLOG the snow storm all weekend, as I will be snowed in alone. (Chris is at Signature in rehearsals for Sweeney Todd, and they are putting the cast up in hotels for the weekend to finish getting through tech rehearsals. Granted, I am never truly alone. I have my trusty pug as a companion, Gillian across the street, and Fred the other way across the street.
Also there is this.
I woke up with a VERY sore throat and a low grade fever. :( So I am doubting if sledding and snowball fighting is in the cards for me this weekend. Oh well. If I have to get sick, I would rather do it when I don't have to do anything else.
I have more than enough supplies, so I am ready to buckle in and weather it out. I will bring you photos and details of the storm all weekend.
Also: I am My Own Wife at Signature Theatre is cancelled tonight.

Breaking News from Arlington County

With the impending snow storm, the following guidelines should be followed: Basic weather safety involves staying off the roads, dressing in layers, having emergency supplies ready and avoiding overexertion.
Driving Once freezing rain or snow begins to fall, stay off the roads. Only travel if absolutely necessary, and if you do, wear a seat belt. Know roads conditions before you leave.
Current road conditions are available by calling 5-1-1 or visiting 511Virginia.gov. Have emergency supplies in your car. If you become stranded, you will need water, food, blankets, a radio, flashlight and extra batteries.
Stay with your car. The Virginia Department of Transportation recommends running the car engine for heat for 10 minutes and then turning off the engine for 20 minutes.
Health concerns Wear loose layers and a hat. Avoid overexertion during clean up, no matter your age or physical condition. Shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse.
Emergency heat Generators should always be run outside, in well-ventilated areas. Get to fresh air immediately if you start to feel sick, weak or dizzy. Never use a portable generator in any enclosed or partially enclosed space. Windows and doors do not provide enough ventilation. Kerosene and propane heaters can cause fires if left unsupervised. If you use one, use only the recommended fuel.
Always refuel outdoors safely away from your home. Keep an eye on your heater at all times while it is running. Shut it off before you go to bed or when you leave the house.
Emergency assistance If you have a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1. OEM/JJB Sent by Arlington County OEM to All users (e-mail) through Arlington Alert ....powered by Cooper Notification RSAN

2010 Helen Hayes Award Nominations

I have been nominated, along with my fellow cast mates for a Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Ensemble in a Musical for The Civil War at Ford's Theatre. Here are some of the other nominations garnered from show that I have been blessed enough to be in:

THE CIVIL WAR
Outstanding Director, Resident Musical
Jeff Calhoun, The Civil War, Ford's Theatre
Outstanding Musical Direction, Resident Production
Jay Crowder, The Civil War, Ford's Theatre
Outstanding Supporting Actress, Resident Musical
Eleasha Gamble, The Civil War, Ford's Theatre
Kellee Knighten, The Civil War, Ford's Theatre
Outstanding Resident Musical
The Civil War, Ford's Theatre
The Canadian Embassy Award for Outstanding Ensemble, Resident Musical
The Civil War, Ford’s Theatre






ADDING MACHINE: A MUSICAL
Outstanding Lead Actor, Resident Musical
David Benoit, Adding Machine: A Musical, The Studio Theatre
Outstanding Musical Direction, Resident Production
Christopher Youstra, Adding Machine: A Musical, The Studio Theatre
Outstanding Resident Musical
Adding Machine: A Musical, The Studio Theatre
Congrats to all, and I am so proud of all of my fellow cast mates from both of these incredible shows!
For a full list of nominees, click HERE.

VIDEO OF THE WEEK: The Joys of a New Puppy

Porch Ceiling Decor

I got inspired by seeing this done in Clyde's and at a retail store in Old Town, so I took a walk around my neighborhood and gathered all the down branches that I could find. I interlaced a criss-crossing wire (wreath or floral wire) on either side of the ceiling of my balcony, then I guided the branches above them, so that they rest on top of the wire. I then interlaced the branches with white Christmas lights. Here is the result. I am not totally done with it yet, as there are a few extra touches that I have not done yet, but here is the general idea. I think that it is gorgeous!

Oh Boy. Here we go again...

NWS has issued a Winter Storm Warning 10am Friday to 10 pm Saturday for 16 to 24 inches of snow and near-blizzrd conditions during the event. (TM/OEM)

My brother James and his wife, Natalie are soon to journey to China to adopt their second child, Ian Panwei!! Follow the story of their travels HERE!

HIGH FIDELITY TICKETS

To purchase tickets, click HERE!

Potomac Stages Wraps it Up.

Potomac Stages, one of the only websites to exclusively cover theatre in the DC Metro area has announced that as of January 1st, it will cease publication of it's website. I am a little bit late to the party on this, but just found out this morning. Such sad news. First Washington Theatre Review ceased their publication of their fabulous quarterly magazine, and then went to strictly online format, then ceased altogether. Now no more Potomac Stages. The only remaining website strictly devoted to theatre in our area is DC Theatre Scene, which is a link on the right.

I feel that the gang over at Potomac Stages has always been fair and even handed, along with being VERY supportive of this areas smaller theatres as well as all of the giants. They have always treated me well, and said wonderful things about me, for which I am always grateful.

Their website will be sorely missed, and it makes me sad that one more voice out there advocating local theatre has gone quiet. But thanks to them all for many (8) years of wonderful coverage of this amazing city's theatre scene.

There is a "wrap-up" article posted on their website which summarizes their favorite productions over the years. I am extremely touched to have been mentioned in this wrap up regarding tick,tick...BOOM! at Metro Stage. Read the full article HERE.

Hats off, Potomac Stages. Many thanks and best wishes for the future.

xoxo

sgs

HIFI - Rehearsal Blog - Part 1; DCAC Revisted

I started rehearsal at the DC Arts Center Saturday for High Fidelity. While I am totally psyched for this show, yesterday morning was in a way a small reunion for me.

In 1996, I performed in what would be my first ever performance as an actor in DC at the DCAC with Cherry Red Production's Christmas Spectacular. I was a freshman in college at Shenandoah University, and saw the audition notice in the paper. I went, not expecting to get in, and did, which led me to wonder how the hell I was going to pull off the rehearsal schedule and performance schedule while balancing my class schedule, which was bringing me to mid term exam time.

My experience with Cherry Red on that particular show is one that I will never forget. The plays, true to Cherry Red style, were ridiculously bizarre and funny. My favorite of the three sketches offered in the evening was "The Birth of Christ, and farts", in which a Christmas Pageant depicting the Nativity scene was reenacted (and we were directed to yawn, scratch, and other wise look totally uninvested and bored) as a recording of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sung in the background, except every once in awhile the soundtrack would cut off and a fart sound effect would play. These farts became more frequent as the sketch went on. The audience was tentative with laughter at first, but by the end was scream laughing with each toot. I will never forget that as long as I live. One of the most juvenile, yet hysterical things that I have ever been involved with on a stage. I played a sheep, with gym socks over my ears as a costume.

Fast forward 14 years, and I was walking down the alley behind the DCAC, approaching the stage door. Greeted by a dead rat that was frozen into the alley, I had a rush of memories back to those old days there at the DCAC. The rats used to be so bad out tin that alley that I would name them as they ran by. They were as big as my dog.

I walked into the back stage dressing room area and again, not having been in there for 14 years, remembered all of the actors stuffed into the small dressing areas, laughing and shooting the breeze while being as tight as sardines in a can at their various dressing stations. I walked through to the stage, and it was even smaller than I remembered it. I laughed as I looked around, taking it all in and drudging up those bygone memories of the last time I was there.

So strange. It was like walking into a random memory that I had not thought of in forever.

So much has changed since the last time I was on that stage. I was an 18 year old boy then. I am now a 31 year old, almost 32 year old man. Wow. Chew on that for a second.

Total time warp.

The day started with a meet and greet with the lovely cast and a read through. It went very well, and the script is hysterical and poignant. The actors were ideally cast in their roles. It looks to be a fantastic of a show that never really got a fair shake. The show ran on Broadway for about a week, and then closed. After doing a read of the script, I think that it was never meant to be a huge Broadway show. It was meant to be an Off-Broadway show, or to be done in a small intimate house. And well, it doesn't get much more intimate than the DCAC. I think that it seats about 45 total, so anyone who wants to come and see it will see a totally intimate production, where none of the actors will ever be more than 10 feet from you.

I will continually give you updates on the rehearsal process, and pass along any further information as the show rehearses, techs and opens. I am excited about this show, and excited to spend some time in Adams Morgan, a truly unique and diverse DC neighborhood.

More to come!

xoxo

sgs

Happy Birthday, Matt!

Matt turns 40 today. Happy Birthday, Matt!!!

NEXT UP: High Fidelity at DCAC

My next project that I am working on is High Fidelity a Musical at DCAC, produced by Landless Theatre Company. It runs from February 18th to March 14th at the DCAC in Adams Morgan. For ticket information, please visit:
www.landlesstheatrecompany.org

The Year in Photos - 2009.

2009

January




















February


















March



















(Photos by Mark Ramont)


April


























May





















June























July
























August
















September





























October





















November




















December