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

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

TGIF - 1/11/13

Checking in with everyone here on a Friday morning before I head out to walk dogs. This has been a rabbit hole of a week for both of us. Late last Thursday night, I started to come down with a terrible stomach bug. By Friday morning, it was serious. By Saturday, I wanted to go to the hospital.  By Sunday night, It started to let up a little.  By Monday, I felt something like a human being again. Unfortunately, Monday evening is when Matt started feeling bad.  So the rest of this week has been taking care of Matt as he battles his way out of this mess. I hope that today is the day he finally starts to feel human again. His birthday was yesterday, and what a terrible way to spend your birthday. Buddha, on the other hand, has lived for having us home so much this past week.


Auditions are coming up on Monday evening for my next project.  I am directing Thunder Knocking on the Door by Keith Glover and Keb'Mo at Creative Cauldron this coming spring. I am looking for an all African American, non union cast. Further details available here.  Please let anyone who may fit this know. I first fell in love with the show when it played at Arena Stage in 1998. I have never seen an audience have such a wonderful time in my whole life.  I still haven't.  Nothing that I have seen has set an audience on fire as much as that show.  Here's hoping that I can capture a bit of that fire for my production this spring!



Ok, that's all for now, gotta go walk the puppies, then tend bar at Dreamgirls tonight (here begins closing weekend of the amazing production).  I hope I can catch a nap in-between! 
I'll wake you all up when something exciting happens.
xoxoSGS

Kensington, Cole Porter, Jaylee Mead, Pug Chaises...

Hey everyone! Sorry I haven't written in a few weeks, but man, I've been a little crazy busy!
Where to begin?
Well, when last I wrote, you see we were missing a Tom for NOTLD at Kensington.  We found one, and the cast was finally announced on my Letters from the Living Dead series over at DCMetroTheaterarts.com - go check the article out over HERE.

Rehearsals have been going well, and I am always excited to get back into the rehearsal room with my awesome cast!


I recently took on another project, which is putting together a Cole Porter review and directing it at Creative Cauldron. The show will feature Carolyn Cole and Sean Thompson, and with that cast and the subject matter, what more could you want?  The show is called Cole Porter: You're the Top!
The show runs from October 5th through the 28th. For more information, click HERE.











The Whorehouse keeps chugging along over at Signature, where tonight we will be dimming the Signature marquee in honor of the passing of Jaylee Mead. Without the Mead's incredible support to Washington Theatre, I can't imagine what this town would have been like, except a lot less lucky.
I also had the distinction of being picked by Peter Marks for an article of 12 Actors that Washington Loves to Watch. For this article, I had a fashion photo shoot by Marvin Joseph that was incredible.  I am, as always, grateful for this and everything else that is happening in my life.  Oh, and also, Buddha has a new chaise lounge. Till later, my friends...

xoxoSGS

TEXAS HAS A WHORE HOUSE IN IT!

Playbill Online has released the cast list of Signature's upcoming production of WHOREHOUSE.
Read the article HERE!

NightoftheLivingDead Auditions!

If you are a non Equity actor, please come out and audition for Kensington Arts Theatre's production of the musical that Matt and I wrote, NightoftheLivingDead. I will be directing it!

NightoftheLivingDead (the musical) **WORLD PREMIERE**

AUDITIONS:
Time: July 30 & August 1 (7:30pm)
Place: Kensington Town Center | 3710 Mitchell Street | Kensington, MD 20895
...
CALLBACKS:
Time: August 2 (7:30pm)
Place: Crossway Community | 3015 Upton Drive | Kensington, MD 20895

PERFORMANCES:
October 26, 27, November 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17
Fri/Sat @ 8pm, Sun @ 3pm

THE STORY:
Six strangers are trapped in a house for eternity, reliving the last night of their lives over and over as a deadly force from the outside threatens to find its way in.

With book & lyrics by Stephen Gregory Smith and music & lyrics by Matt Conner (Nevermore, Partial Eclipse, The Hollow) and based on the classic 1968 American horror film, Night of the Living Dead, NightoftheLivingDead the musical re-imagines George Romero's iconic night and examines the relationships between the six doomed individuals, who are themselves, living dead.

Book by Stephen Gregory Smith
Music by Matt Conner
Lyrics by Stephen Gregory Smith and Matt Conner
Directed by Stephen Gregory Smith, Jenna Ballard
Music Direction by Leah Kocsis
Produced by Jenna Ballard

For More Info Visit www.KATonline.org, Call us at 206.888.6642 or e-mail us at katonline.email@gmail.com.

NEXT UP!

Catch me and Matt in Whorehouse at Signature this August! I will be playing the Scandanavian football player. :) www.signature-theatre.org

A sneak peak of the cast of NightoftheLivingDead the musical in NYC...

 Sean MacLaughlin is Tom.

 Yvonne Campbell is Helen.

 Aaron Ramey is Harry.

 Angelo Luis Rios is Ben.

 Ashley Picciallo is Judy.

 Melissa Carlile-Price is Barbara.

NightoftheLivingDead the musical runs from May 31st to June 17th on Thursdays through Sundays at the Richmond Shepard Theatre in the Village in NYC. For tickets and further details, please click HERE.

Brother Russia!

Hey there, blog! It's been awhile! I have not had much time to put anything on here this year so far, as it has been a BUSY year! I went right from Hairspray into Brother Russia at Signature Theatre and have not had time to come up for air until recently. I expect that when the show closes (April 16th) that you will hear more from me on this blog. Much to share and talk about, including the fact that Matt and I have moved back to Fairlington into a lovely townhouse that we are in love with! Buddha is also in love with his new palace, and we all enjoy being back in the "neighborhood".

If you have not seen Brother Russia yet, come and check us out. I play an actor in this traveling troupe named Sergei, but Sergei plays "Prince Felix Yusupov" in the story of Rasputin - and Prince Felix was ever so interesting in real life. Was known to sometimes wear women's clothing, and was reportedly not the nicest person you'd want to meet. Here is a portrait of Prince Felix:

We should have had Buddha make a cameo in the show. And then below this is a photo of myself as Prince Felix. He is quite fun, even if his choice of footwear can be taxing. I do enjoy the costume -the coat is amazing, as is the hat. So do drop by and visit Felix and his friends at The Winter Palace. We will be rocking it out Russian style till April 16th!

Next Up...Billy Argo, Boy Detective.

If the Rapture doesn't ruin my next gig, you will see me at Signature Theatre in The Boy Detective Fails, opening August 25th. This photo appears in the program for Side by Side by Sondheim at Signature (ON SALE NOW).
Details to follow. I am more excited about this show than I can say. Also pictured to my right is Sam Ludwig, who will star in The Hollow, which will run in rep with The Boy Detective Fails. The Hollow is written by Matt Conner and Hunter Foster, and The Boy Detective Fails is written by Adam Gwon and Joe Meno.
More to come soon.
xoxo
SGS

Judgement Day

For followers of radio preacher Harold Camping, doomsday is expected to arrive tomorrow, May 21, 2011.
During the so-called rapture on May 21—said to be Judgment Day—Jesus Christ is predicted to return to Earth to gather the faithful into heaven, according to Camping, the founder of the independent ministry Family Radio Worldwide. In preparation for this monumental event, I found these Judgement Day FAQ's for you, constant reader. Click HERE to read. So, since this is supposed to happen tomorrow...umm...talk soon?
xoxo
SGS

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.

Hump Day Check In

Hello all...

Well, Sunset Boulevard has closed, and as is always the case, a bit of melancholy has filtered in as a result.

It was a fantastic run, and a wonderful production. I truly feel blessed to have been part of such a talented family of people. Now, it's back to 25 different jobs...oy.

I have returned to teaching 2 days a week in Fairfax County Schools, I am back at Ticketplace one or two days a week, I am doing some data entry for my friend Kim's company, Happy Hounds LLC, and am also back bar tending at Signature.

I have an exciting audition in one week for a major production at a major DC theatre that would run this Spring if I got it. Please send positive vibes. This would make my life sooooo much easier this Spring.

I also will be in a children's theatre production of Oscar Wilde's "The Selfish Giant" at ArtSpace Falls Church in March/April. But unless that other show works out, the next time I am back on a stage after April will be in August. That project has not been announced yet, so I can't put it out there just yet, but I expect it will be announced very soon, and boy am I excited about it! Details to follow...

Let's see...what else?

Buddha laying in bed is my new banner up top, because he is the cutest thing on the face of the planet and I couldn't help myself. So there.

Book of the Moment:

I have been reading a book by Thomas DeBaggio called "When It Gets Dark" and thoroughly enjoying it's beauty. DeBaggio himself is dead now, but before he died, he chronicled his life after being diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's Disease. DeBaggio also lived in Arlington, in a house that it turns out I walked past everyday when I worked for Happy Hounds as a dog walker. His remembrances of Arlington past are quite detailed and very interesting. This book is an eye opening glimpse into the mind of one grappling with a vicious disease, and seeking to document the beauty of all things in his life while he can still remember them. I highly recommend it.

Song of the Moment:

Erykah Badu's "Turn Me Away (Get Munny)" is currently playing in repeat in my head...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67Jn3pcc178

And that's about it for this Hump Day Check In. Hopefully life will get a little more exciting very soon. Take care of yourselves.

xoxo

sgs

COMING UP!

FROM SIGNATURE THEATRE'S NEWSLETTER...

Page To Stage Monday: December 6

Conversation with STEPHEN GREGORY SMITH

Monday, December 6
7:00 – 8:00 PM

Arlington Public Library, Shirlington Branch
4200 Campbell Avenue

Arlington, VA 22206

Stephen Gregory Smith has performed on the Signature stage for over ten years! In 2004, he received the Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor for his performance in 110 in the Shade. He was also a member of the Helen Hayes Award-winning cast for Best Ensemble in Les Misérables and in 2009, Stephen played the lead role in Signature's eagerly anticipated new musical The Boy Detective Fails, based on the book by Joe Meno.
Other work at Signature over the last decade has included Kiss of the Spider Woman, Into the Woods, Assassins, One Red Flower, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and numerous cabaret performances.
Recently, Stephen has branched out in areas other than acting. He is the book writer for a new musical NightoftheLivingDead which had a reading at Kensington Arts Theatre in October. Stephen has been instrumental not only in the creation of the musical, but also in bringing it to life financially. He launched a Kickstarter online fundraising campaign that resulted in raising close to $10,000 to support the show. In addition, Stephen teaches art, creative drama, and improvisation to Fairfax County students through Creative Cauldron in Falls Church.
Now, Stephen Gregory Smith can be seen again on the Signature stage in Sunset Boulevard. Take this opportunity to talk with Stephen about any aspect of his varied career endeavors.
Page to Stage Mondays are free to the public. No tickets or reservations are required.





For tickets to see Stephen in Sunset Boulevard, click here or call 703 573 SEAT.





AND ALSO...



Matt Conner's Debut CD

Matt Conner, a Signature Theatre composer, actor and our lobby pianist, has recorded his first album, entitled WINTER. This Signature-produced CD of holiday favorites with two original songs by Conner is a perfect holiday gift for family and friends. If you've enjoyed Matt's music in the Signature lobby or saw his musical Nevermore, you'll love this mix of holiday songs played by Matt in his Signature style. The CD features 14 melodies including "Jingle Bells" and "O Holy Night" and is available in the Signature Shop beginning November 15.
Be one of the first to purchase this album by attending Matt's WINTER CD signing and release party on Monday, November 15 from 6:30 - 8:30pm in the Signature Lobby. Matt will be on-site to autograph CDs. Join us for a glass of wine and a special concert of the songs from 7:15 to 7:35pm.
WINTER is available for $20. If you purchase 4 CDs, you get one for free.
It's the perfect holiday gift for friends and family!

Hump Day update

What's up? What's new? What's going on? Well...I am fighting off a cold, now for the 4th week straight, which just really sucks. I am so tired of being sick, it is driving me insane. But that is hardly breaking news.

In other news, this weekend is a very special one at ArtSpace Falls Church, as the FOURTHwall cabaret series has been extended into September due to popular demand, and kick off the extension week is none other than Matt and Penny Conner. Yes, you heard right. Here is the press release:

"Matt Conner is going back to his roots of Gospel Music and celebrating with his mother Penny. A life long singer and former lead singer with the band "Lonely hearts",she will be singing some of her favorites including Consider the Lillies, Patsy Cline's Crazy, and The Rose, just to name a few. Matt and mom will be sharing stories from childhood including the Annual Christmas Pageants, that were written by Matt, and the many country funerals and weddings. Take a glimpse into a past that has one common family thread: Music!!!"

That is this Saturday, September 11th at ArtSpace Falls Church. Not to be missed. ‎571-239-5288 or http://www.creativecauldron.org/ for tickets.

What else? I just sang at the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage for the 5th year in a row. We presented work in development at Signature, including "The Hollow" and "The Boy Detective Fails". You can watch the archive video HERE. Then when you get there, click on the 9/6/10 performance, and there we will be!

Fundraising continues for me and Matt's show, Night of the Living Dead the musical. The Kickstarter web page was started not 24 hours ago, and we are already at over $400!!! We have 29 days to go, so please help me spread the word! Even one dollar will help to raise the dead!!

In case I have not battered you over the head with it enough, HERE is the link to donate.

The first reading of the piece will be held at the Kensington Armory on Monday October 18th at 8pm. It is free and open to the public. Details to follow.

That's about all I know right now, but will check in with more news as it happens! Happy Hump Day, y'all!!!!

Surfacing...

Wow. This has been an incredibly hectic Summer! Singing in 4 different cabarets, Performing in a Fringe Festival show, teaching camp for 12 weeks, bar tending at Signature, and writing a show! Wow!
No wonder the blog posts just sort of evaporated on here. Now that most of that is done, things are returning to somewhat normalcy. I have many pictures to share with you, and we have much to talk about. For now, my next performance will be at the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage, singing a few songs from The Boy Detective Fails on Labor Day. After that, the next thing definitely on the books is a reading of me and Matt Conner's new musical, Night of the Living Dead on Monday, October 18th at Kensington Arts Theatre. I start rehearsals for Sunset Boulevard on November 8th at Signature Theatre, and am incredibly excited to be a part of all of these amazing projects.

Everything else is fine, Buddha is as funny as ever, and is doing well. (As you can see from the picture above).

So more posts will be put up here this week. Summer is almost over, and the blog is back!

xoxoxo

sgs

This Saturday: The Kid Inside: A Cabaret about Teaching and Learning

My Latest cabaret will be this Saturday night at Falls Church Art Space. It is about me teaching children there at the art space, and what I have learned by watching them. Some songs that you will hear include: Go the Distance from Disney's Hercules, Out There from Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Rainbow Connection, I Won't Grow Up, Any Dream Will Do, and many others! Children under 12 get in free with the purchase of one adult ticket. 571-239-5288 or www.creativecauldron.org for tickets. See you there!

Hello Again...

So I have been busier than I have been in quite awhile of late. I have not had much spare time to post on here, and if you scroll below, you will see why. Below are some crass commercial announcements for my upcoming gigs. Between cabaret prep, Claudio rehearsal, Pirate Choreography, and several other dayjobs, life has been an action packed, never a down moment affair.

The picture to the left is of no significance to what I am writing, but it was taken by me in the last few weeks. It has become one of my favorite photographs that I have ever taken. It was taken in Amazonia at the National Zoo about a month ago.

So, if you scroll below, you will see some of the things that I have cooking in July. It promises to be quite a hot month, so stay tuned!

XOXOXSGS

SUPER CLAUDIO BROS.

The DC Fringe Festival show that I am in, Super Claudio Bros, has me very busy in rehearsal right now. (Hence the lack of posts on here). The show is hysterical, and touching, and everything that you would want a video game musical to be. Sam Ludwig and I play the two brothers in question. The show also stars Lauren Williams, Gia Mora, Matt Anderson, Chris Sizemore, Karissa Swanigan, Gillian Shelly and Harry A. Winter. We will be performing the show at Studio Theatre's Mead Theatre for the first 2 weeks, then to Warehouse Theatre for the last weekend. Full Details are available at the show's website, HERE.