IN THE SHOES OF...THE MEN

Here is a recap, in honor of the 1 year anniversary of the blog, of the men interviews...women later...(there are a LOT!)
Luv,
SGS

MATT BOGART
STEPHEN GREGORY SMITH
BRAD OSCAR
J FRED SHIFFMAN

BUDDHA LIKES ELEASHA'S BREASTS(AS DO WE ALL)

Image of the Week

Title: Pug equals poop.

CUTE DOG OF THE WEEK (THAT I WALK)

This is Otis, the bulldog. I have a crush on him. He doesn't give a rat's ass about hardly anything. I have to lift him off the couch to go on a walk.
One day I kissed him on the lips, and he burped in my face.
I find him hysterical.

A WEEK IN THE LIFE

Since we are in the tail end of cicada season again in the region (no, not the 17 year ones, but the seasonal kind) I thought I would take some pictures of their life span in order...although I never have been able to see a nymph form of them in person, just their shells.
Here it is...these cicadas are a vibrant green, very beautiful...yet icky.

Stars on a Plane

1 Year Old...

This blog is one year old today...
Hope you enjoy the 2 features below, "In the Shoes of...Matt Bogart", and "Backstage-Allegro".
Thanks for checking in as often as you do, and making this little piece of cyberspace as fun and dialogue starting as it is.
It's been a great year, and I look forward to the next one ahead, with lots of coverage of My Fair Lady, the Last Garage Hurrah, Signature's new theatre opening, Into the Woods, Meet John Doe, Summer of 42' and more!
Thank you to all of you who count this page in your daily reading. When I started this one year ago (due to artistic boredom-read-out of work), I had only 1 show to look forward to in that coming year.
Now, I look at 5 in a row lined up!
But I will still find much time to document it all...
Stay Tuned, and thanks again...
Luv,
SGS

Backstage-Allegro

As a new feature, I will offer you the reader a glance at the backstage hijinks that we actorines get to see daily...Donna and I doing an impromptu dance backstage during Allegro-me with a fake moustache on-Tracy and I being posers as always...
Enjoy.

In the Shoes of...Matt Bogart

Matt Bogart had been an inspiration to me since the first time I saw him perform, in Miss Saigon. Since then, I have been fortunate enough to watch him perform in many other shows, and have had the wonderful experience of working with him several times, first in 110 in the Shade at Signature Theatre, then in Damn Yankees at Arena Stage.
If you don't know Matt at all, I want you to know that he is probably the sweetest man you will ever meet. He ain't hard on the eyes, neither.
:)
Everyone should be in love with Matt Bogart. Men, women, dogs, cats, machinery.
Sorry...off the point.
He is working on a new musical called ACE right now with new wife, Jessica Boevers.
I caught up with him on the phone for several hours the other night, and here are the details...





SGS- How did you and I first meet?
MB- Let's hold a few secrets close to our hearts, shall we?

SGS-*blush* Ummm...of course..{clears throat}...our first show together was 110 in the Shade at Signature Theatre. I think that Starbuck {Bogart} and Jimmy {moi} had a very "special" relationship. Don't you think that we brought that to the table?


MB- Yup! Brokeback Mountain had nothing on us. I'm waiting for Brokeback the musical to really launch our careers to the next level...and then Fred Shiffman can come to watch us 6 times. Honestly, I respect you and your work ethic so much, Stephen, because you're up for anything and you make the work so much fun and collaborative. I think our Jimmy and Starbuck were tired of people in the world trying to make them less of the men they strove to be. They shared the same loneliness and it naturally brought them to side with each other as friends, just as we are...friends...and I just can't quit you.

SGS-{unbuttons top buttons}..ummm..so....Side Show at Signature. I saw that show 3 times! Tell me a little bit about working on that show...


MB- All I can say: Joe Calarco is a genius. I felt very lucky to have performed the role of Terry, a role considered to be outside of my age range at the time, along side Will Gartshore who played the role of Buddy, and with an extremely talented ensemble of mostly DC actors. Joe is one of the most gifted and visionary directors that I have ever worked beside. I was continually intrigued and fascinated by his choices for the show. He was most brilliant at striking that beautiful balance between allowing his actors to invent and feel ownership of their characters yet guiding them to clearly express his perspective of the story.

SGS-When I first saw you perform, (Tour of Miss Saigon), you were instantly a role model of mine...I SO respect your work, and doing 110 with you was one of the highlights of my career. When the Helen Hayes nominations came out that year, and Matt was NOT recognized for his touching Starbuck, I was very sad. He was nominated for his luscious Lancelot in Camelot at Arena Stage...I felt that Lancelot should have been considered a leading actor role, not supporting...Dunno...and it was you as Lancelot, nominated beside me, Tom Simpson, Harry Winter, and Jim Moye from 110...(also Michael Forrest from 1776)...I love all the other men, besides Jim Moye the tool bag (just kidding, Jim...I love you too....tool) and it was almost awkward to see everyone at the party afterwards, but Matt Bogart was so gracious and congratulatory to me...it touched me. I guess this is not a question, but me saying to the readers what an amazing guy you are in real life. I still am a little bit pouty that you were not nominated for your dreamy Joe Hardy in Damn Yankees, but hey. I know, nominations, nominations, blah, blah. Awards ceremonies sometimes strike me as oddly structured and unfair. Squares versus triangle vs circles...


MB- Thanks for your sweetness, and I do want to address this question/comment: Jim Moye is a complete toolbag...and we love him. Beyond that, you rightly deserved to have been awarded recognition for your work as Jimmy in 110 in the Shade. To my mind, award ceremonies should simply acknowledge those who attempt to do work outside their own boxes, push boundaries, and specifically, the Helen Hayes Awards, should highlight local talent responsible for that bravery. Unfortunately, awards ceremonies are now advertisements for the actors, the numerous theatres, and the industry itself.


It's important that we continue to do the work for the purest of reasons and not to get carried away with receiving praise to float our egos. The work should stay focused, not to be aimed towards attaining award recognition or the work runs the risk of becoming static and ceasing to be honest, artistic or story driven. Without question, I'm thrilled to be recognized for my work but, moreover, I'm just happy to be part of DC's wonderfully rich theatre community.

SGS-Well said...{lets hair down and lowers eye glasses-ala Brooke Sheilds, circa 1987}...Tell me about your wife...


MB- She's foxy, talented, hilarious, and cute as a button. All this at first glance, but to me she's one of my oldest and best friends-my true companion. A woman who will disarm you with her beauty, her wit, and her attentive heart. Oh, yeah, she's also an incredibly versatile actress and singer who I've witnessed successfully direct two very difficult plays.

SGS-{Rebuttons top buttons}...How did you meet?

MB- We met in college at the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music, but we didn't date until after we had graduated and lived in NYC for many years.

SGS-{leans forward}-You were featured on the infamous Times-Square Jockey Broadway Ad...how was that shoot?


MB-Mr. William Ivey Long was the costume designer for the shoot and he had originally drawn me to be wearing Jockey boxer shorts. However, when I showed up for the shoot, he had other garments in mind, since he had time to rummage through the upcoming season's underwear choices. In the midst of the excitement of the shoot, I lost my inhibitions and agreed to wear a very skimpy Jockey jock strap type underwear. My grandmother, Chloveta, came to NYC to see me perform in Miss Saigon, and we took her to Times Square where you couldn't ignore the billboard. She looked up and said, "That's really neat. However, if you took anymore off, it would become a completely different thing all together."

SGS-Indeed.....Um...You have 2 CD's out. How and why did you decide to record these? PS, they are really fantastic CD's, everyone...

MB-I've always wanted to be a recording artist. In college I was always taken with the musical theatre voices of David Carol, Brent Barrett, and Anthony Warlow. I fell in in love with the big baritone, 11 o'clock songs that told story, possessed great meaning and resonated with me. I made mixed tapes (I'm showing my age) of these songs and tried to aspire and assimilate my talent by singing along with these amazing singers.



Eventually, I made contact with a well-established musical theatre record producer, John Yap of Jay Records, and he's been my ticket to becoming a musical theatre recording artist. To date I have 2 solo records, working on a third, 2 original musical cast recordings and I am highlighted on 5 compilation recordings. Hopefully there are a few college students out there singing along with their mixed tapes...CD's, that is.

SGS-When will DC audiences see you again?

MB-I have nothing lined up at this time, but I'm filled with antici....pation.

SGS-What makes you happy?

MB-Hearing the people I love laugh and watching children being themselves.

SGS-Mad?

MB-Disrespectful people and noise, which is all the same to me.

SGS-Dream roles?

MB-Billy in Carousel, Sweeney, George in Sunday, Bobby in Company, Hamlet, Henry V, all of Tennessee William's men including Val in Orpheus, Brick, Stanley, ect.


SGS-I'd make one hell of a Blanche...Last time you were inspired?

MB-Recently, I began writing a novel I've been thinking about for 3 years after seeing the movie Syriana. My novel is not that intensely political but it was perfect to be writing from my apartment in SW, DC with a clear view of the Capitol building's dome. Now that's inspiration...for change, I think.

SGS-Last time you cried?

MB-Simultaneously laughing and crying about becoming married.

SGS-Top 5 films?

MB-The Godfathers, Trainspotting, Southpark, Amadeus, Room with a View.

SGS-Favorite music?

MB-Independent musicians like my brother Kevin Bogart, friends Todd Almond and Katy Pfaffl. They rock and they're trying to share what they've got to say.

SGS-Favorite Musical?

MB-Carousel, by far my favorite.

SGS-What's up next for you?

MB-I'm performing the title role in a new musical called, "ACE", opposite my wife, Jessica Boevers, which is written by Richard Oberacker. Richard had written "The Gospel According to Fishman" which had it's premier at Signature Theatre in Arlington. Including Richard, there are several other U of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music(CCM) compatriots collaborating on the project. Other than that, I'll be figuring out the rest of my life, like everyone else.

SGS-Advice to those young theatre folk, scratching their way up?

MB-Well, I hope no one is scratching but, rather, bounding from one great life/work experience to the next. I loved what Fred Shiffman said in his interview with you, "Find something to fall back on and then find time to fall back on it" (I think that's the quote) because it will enrich your theatre experience and you won't take it for granted. Work your tails off so that when opportunity meets your preparation, you're ready for luck to step in.
All the best.

SGS- Well folks, there you have it. I have to go take a cold shower.
Hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did...
Luv,
SGS

TRACY LYNN OLIVERA SAYS...

Today on the phone, as we chatted about the brilliant film, "Snakes on a Plane", reviewed below, I asked her what she thought of the film.
She replied, "It changed my life."
There you have it folks, go and make this fantastically funny flick numbah ONE this weekend!

S-s-s-s-s-nakes on a Plane

I saw Snakes on a Plane tonight in Kingstowne with Filmdom, (Ryan), who will no doubt have a review up tomorrow.
Wow.
Classic.
Every cliche that you could imagine in this movie is enacted. To hysterical effect. Yet the film still makes you jump.
It reminds me of 70's exploitation films, but a tad more polished. Sort of reminiscent of Cabin Fever.
I have never been part of a more vocal or participatory audience...for example, at one point, a passenger says..."Great...dogs, babies, what else is on this plane?.." and some kid in the audience yelled, "SNAKES!", and everyone applauded and cheered.
As did they on the first appearance of Samuel L. Jackson. As did they on the first appearance of the snakes. As did they on every cliche line..."You're not going to believe this, but...there are snakes on the plane!", audience erupts in applause.
I had such a great time, and as we left the theatre, I said to Ryan..."It was perfect."
It really is one of my favorite films that I have seen in awhile...go and see this film this weekend...as long as you go expecting nothing more than snakes on a plane, you will not be disappointed.
Stay for the credits to see this fantastic music video for the theme song, "Snakes on a Plane (Bring it)", by Cobra Starship. Note the girl singer, who is just a little too overly enthusiastic in a campy way.
Fabulous.
Watch and enjoy.
Luv,
SGS

Why?

LOOK OUT LITTLE RED...

(VIA-TOWLEROAD and STRANGE FRUIT)
Maybe Into the Woods should be set in Maine?

My New TV Addiction...

WORK OUT
I have to say that this show really has captured my attention...between the health and fitness tips, and the personal trainer drama, I am hooked!
Catch the new episode on Bravo tonight at 9, and I am sure that they will be playing the previous 3 beforehand.

I Felt It...

Last Friday, I felt a change in the air...it wasn't temperature related...I just felt the retail season break...on instinct, I drove to the Party Store...
It was the first day that they were hauling out their Halloween goods...
I felt it in my bones that day, and had to drive there to see.
I asked the first employee when they had started dragging the fake corpses out from the back...
"Today", one confused employee responded.
I knew it.
The countdown to Halloween decor begins.
In August.
Worse than ever is my impulse this year.
I put purple lights up tonight.
It has already begun.

JOHN WATERS QUOTE OF THE DAY...

"I got a knife here in my pockeybook and I'm gonna cut you up after class. "
-Confetta, from Female Trouble

UNDERGROUND RAILROAD PROJECT AT THE KENNEDY CENTER...

Speaking of Page-To-Stage, my hubby will have the first public hearing of some of his new songs for the Underground Railroad Project.
This showing will be a part of...I'm sorry, if this post doesn't make sense, Matt is laying on the floor, singing "Ching-a-Ring-Chaw" to the pug...the Page to Stage Festival, on Monday, September 4th at 6PM on the millennium Stage.
This will be a showcase of all of the new works being cooked at the Signature Theatre, including: Saving Aimee, Ass Backwards, The Next Big Thing, and The Underground Railroad Project.
The performers of the Underground Railroad Project include:
Priscilla Cuellar,
Who just closed Assassins, and will be in the Ensemble of My Fair Lady at Signature, as well as playing one of the Stepsisters in Into the Woods.
Jenny Soto,
Who was part of the famed "B Cast" of Nevermore at Signature, but unlike her other "B Cast" alum, actually went ON in Nevermore for the last weekend. Jenny being the only "muse" to make it into the show.
Eleasha Gamble,


Legendary in the DC area, having one of the most flexible and astronomical voices that I have ever heard, Eleasha is another "B Cast" grad of Nevermore, and is a 2 time Helen Hayes nominee. She will be in the Ensemble of My Fair Lady, and after that will be playing the Witch in Into the Woods.
And finally,
Yours Truly.
As always, the showcase will be broadcast on the Kennedy Center's website, and I will provide details about that as it draws nigh.
This is a very exciting opportunity to hear Matt's Sophomore effort after Nevermore, and hear the newest work from a budding composer.
Make sure you check us out!
Luv,
SGS

Steve McWilliams is the new Chris Issac...

My good buddy, who I really need to give a phonecall to, Steve McWilliams, got a nice compliment from Nelson Pressley today.
It was a nice little mention of Steve's portrayal of Migaldi in Evita, with Open Circle Theatre Company.
Any time a man is compared to Chris Issac, it is definitely a good thing.
And PS...
His wife is still hot...

Mrs. Mig...

...speaking of actresses who play my mother... Donna Migliaccio, who will be my mom in Into the Woods,(pictured so foxy above), will be part of an exciting reading coming up.
Now that DC Fringe is done, we have yet another exciting festival to look forward to, the Kennedy Center's Page to Stage Festival, featuring new works that are up and coming in the area.
You will be able to see Donna in Safeword, by Callie Kimball (Lucky Spinster)...(pictured so foxy beneath).


It will be performed on Sunday, September 3 at 8:30pm in the Kennedy Center’s Family Theater.
Donna, Matt, and myself did a reading of this play last year, formerly titled Sexy Time Explosion. It is a very fascinating "American Beauty"-esque, but more fu*ked up kind of piece. I LOVED it!
Here are all the details...

Bogie...

I get a voice mail from Bogie tonight that says..."If I ever want to know what is going on in DC Theatre, I check your site..."
Thanks, Bogie...his "In the Shoes of..." is up and coming...if he has time to send it in...come on, readers, don't you want to know the important questions...boxers, briefs, commando?
Come on, Matty Bogart...send it back and let us know...
Stay Tuned...
PS, he sends his love to DC...
Luv,
SGS