BlackCat Bonifide

‎Robyn Peterson and I are performing some of our arias and duets from “Streetcar Named Desire” at East End Song Studio’s Opera Open Mic Night event this evening. Don’t forget, we perform the full recital, Scenes from Andre Previn’s “Streetcar Named Desire” next saturday at 7:30pm. Robyn plays the lead, Blanche Dubois, and I will be singing the role of “Stellahhhhhhhhhh!!!!!” For more details about the full cast and location, please view our facebook event page.

‎Robyn Peterson is putting together a recital of scenes and arias from the André Previn’s opera “Streetcar Named Desire” and I have been cast the role of Stella (yes, as in “Stellahhhhhh”). Performers include Robyn Peterson, myself, Sean G. Donaldson, Robert Frankenberry. James Critchfield, Mary Chess Randolph, Zachary August Luchetti and Candice Shaughnessy.  The recital will be held Saturday, May 12th 7:30pm at the Community House Presbyterian Church and Learning Center. The recital is FREE though a donation to the venue of $10 is appreciated. Visit our Facebook event listing for cast list and more details.

Seaworld’s commercial for the new “Turtle Reef” area in San Diego, is now on the air! This commercial features a clip of Schell Games‘ “Race to the Beach“ interactive game, which I did sound design and music for last year. (watch the clip at :12).  “Race for the Beach, an educational, motion-controlled video game that pits participants against other to illustrate sea turtles’ daunting sea-to-shore journey” read more

Working on travel plans for the Oklahoma premiere of Cusswords and Fire, a multimedia projection and upright bass/piano duet composed by Marlo Nash Williams and myself in 2004. We premiered Cusswords and Fire at both of our senior recitals that year at the Duquesne University Mary Pappert School of Music. One of the most fun works I’ve written to date, Marlo and I created a three movement performance piece based on her homestate, Oklahoma, and their tornados and storms and sunsets. It’s been… wow, 8 years since we’ve performed the piece, but will seem like we never left it. So fitting that we’re bringing it to the state it was written for. I hope the Oklahoma State audience likes it as much as we do. Current Recital date is Monday, April 23rd.  Unfortunately due to schedule conflicts we have to postpone to a later date. More info later!

A couple months back I did the soundtrack for an Android word puzzle game called “Lingrove“.  A review of the game recently came out on AndroidTapp.com describing “the music is a blissfully relaxing ditty that put you right in the atmosphere of the game. ” I had fun working on the music, and hope people enjoy playing the game! As far as other music updates, I helped out with the recent Prime Stage Theater production of The Elephant Man, recording my grandmother’s accordion for some atmospheric circus scenes and transitions in the show. Was really fun and I heard the play went very well! I was unable to see the show myself as I’ve been busy preparing for and performing in Pittsburgh Savoyards’ Pirates of Penzance. I am pleased to say opening weekend went great, and we still have four shows left in the run (March 8-11th). Doublecast, my Zombie Opera writing partner, Liz Rishel, is playing the lead Mabel on the 9th and 11th, joining me in the chorus on alternate nights.  Tickets are still available at the door, don’t miss it!

Working for a video game company, complete with confidentiality clauses etc, I’m always pleased when there is news that we are allowed to share with the public.  One of the first games I helped with upon joining Schell, Triazzle Island, originally for PC, is now available on Mac too.  In addition, Pittsburghers will really love the latest news update, “The Fred Rogers Company and PBS launch new “Neighborhood” TV series with help from Schell Games”

I’m with the local performing troupe Pittsburgh Savoyards for a special production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance. Seems a logical step, from Zombie operas to Pirate operas, right? Seriously though, rehearsals have been a blast and the show is hilarious. Join us March 2-11th at the Carnegie Music Hall in Carnegie, PA. Tickets are available by mail-in pre-order, at the door, or at a discount from Cast members (like me!). Read Gwenix’s blog post about Pirates for more ticket and cast information! Facebook Event info.

After two years of regulary maintaining the Zombie Opera website in WordPress I have finally migrated my own personal website into WP as well! There’s one New Years resolution checked off my list:)

Had a great time at my first Global Game Jam this weekend. I had a blast doing audio and music on two games this year, “Creator”, a game where you create music and worlds in space, and “Grim Blaster“, a shooter and puzzle game featuring the Grim Reaper. I’m happy to report that “Creator” tied for 2nd Place Audience Choice Award in Pittsburgh!!! You can play “Creator” and “Grim Blaster” on the Global Game Jam site.

Happy to announce that “InnerCube” by Schell Games is now available for Android Tablets! I worked on the music and sound fx for this game and have to say its one of my favorites. If you’re a puzzle gamer you’ll really enjoy InnerCube! (also still available on the Chrome store at http://www.innercubegame.com)