The Year the Blog Stood Still

Hey guys..Well...it's been a few minutes, hasn't it?
I feel like all I ever do is write catch up blogs after long droughts of posts.  Last time, I was so determined to keep posting, keep going...but then I fizzled out. To be fair, I have focused my laser beams mainly toward the shows that I have been writing with Matt.
I have had the honor to be at Ford's Theatre since early February, performing in Freedom's Song. It has been a fantastic experience, and I will miss the cast, and especially my dressing roommates, Greg Maheu and Kevin McAllister. We have laughed our asses off together almost every single night.  The added bonus of being a part of the 150th Anniversary of the Assassination commemoration was a night I will never forget. Freedom's Song runs till this coming Wednesday, May 20th. As the icing on the cake, I get to be a part of the Ford's Presidential Gala at the end of the month! I love all of my Ford's family!

The Turn of the Screw was received exceedingly well, and will have a cast recording made next month! I can't wait to revisit the gorgeous score of the show, and am very excited to hear it all again.

The next project that we are working on is Monsters of the Villa Diodati. The show focuses on the summer of 1816, when Mary Shelley, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Lord Byron, Dr. John Polidori, and Claire Clairmont were staying at the Villa Diodati on Lake Geneva. There was a volcanic eruption from Mount Tambor that spring, which caused volcanic ash to obscure the sun in much of Europe.  It is remembered as the "year without a summer". Byron issued a challenge at midnight on June 16th. A contest began to see who could write the most terrifying ghost story. From this challenge, "Frankenstein" and "The Vampyre" were born. I am thrilled to be working on this piece, and we are intending on doing some very cool and experimental things with it. I am very interested in writing about the actual creative process of a writer, as they ponder bringing "life" to their "creature". It is sure to be a very sexy show as well, as they were all a bit on the promiscuous side, being believers of "free love".

We continue to take things one day at a time with Boo. He has good days and bad days. Every day with him is a blessing. He was featured in Nova Dog magazine this past winter.  HERE is the article.
He continues to be the most cantankerous old man that he can possibly be with most everyone except me and Matt. No one ever believes me that he is actually very sweet. lol
He continues to have his acupuncture from our beloved Dr. Jane Morse. He still enjoys pizza crust, cookies, and his dinner.
It's hard to believe that he has been by our side for 12 and a half years. It seems at once like forever, and also the blink of an eye. I clearly recall every second of his puppydom, every moment that I have spent with him ever since. He is one of the best things that has ever happened to me, and it's hard to even understand that he won't be with me forever.
So everyone reading this  (you know who you are - the four of you from Guatemala and my Mom), please send positive energy in little Buddha's direction. We need all the love we can get.

The next show that I will be a part of is The Fix over at Signature. I can't wait to work on this piece, because I love the score. I never got to see the last production, so I can't wait to experience the full thing. It is always a joy to go back to Signature, and this is a cast full of old friends, so all in all, a fantastic way to spend the summer!
That all being said, until the next time that I catch up with you 5 readers, I will sign off. I have to get this pug walked (quite the process these days) and get cleaned up before Sizemore picks me up to head in to Ford's.
Talk soon (ish) I hope!
love,
the reluctant blogger
SGS

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.

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

The Civil War in pictures.

Production photos by Mark Ramont. I have no words to go with these photos. I just enjoy every last one of them.
xoxo
SGS