Reviews
“Smith Street Stage not only unearths many deeper truths, its members plumb the depths of those truths to the fullest.” -Shakespeareances.com
New York Innovative Theater Awards
Bring recognition to the great work being done in New York City's Off-Off-Broadway, to honor its artistic heritage, and to provide a meeting ground for this extensive community.
Wins:
Outstanding Revival of a Play The Tempest
Outstanding Ensemble Much Ado About Nothing
Outstanding Revival of a Play Much Ado About Nothing
Nominations:
Outstanding Actress In A Leading Role, Shaun Bennet Fauntleroy Richard III
Outstanding Ensemble The Tempest
Outstanding Original Music, Clara Strauch The Tempest
Outstanding Revival of a Play - Julius Caesar
“The way that SSS casts is not experimental, nor does it draw attention to gender roles at the expense of the piece. They cast the best actor for a role, and let them play the role. These children [in the audience] have not read the play; this may even be their introduction to Shakespeare, and they are being shown that a girl can be a prince, a woman can be a king, and a man in a wig and skirt can fall in love. This production accepts the freedom of kids' dress-up rules: putting on a crown makes you a king.” -New York Theatre Review.
"Spellbinding....Effervescent." -Brooklyn Daily Eagle
“The production is underscored by unexpectedly terrific performances from cast members who demonstrate not mere facility, but command of Shakespeare’s language.” -Theater Pizzazz
“The comedic aspect here is as strong as I have ever seen it in a production of ‘The Tempest’…Some of the most fun you can currently have in an NYC park after dark.” -On Stage Blog
“The soundscaping here, composed by Clara Strauch, is gorgeous. She works with musicians Joe Jung, and Oliver Palmer performing multiple instruments. Everything from accordions, to guitars, to thunder-sheets, and create a folky, ambient, occasionally trance-like soundtrack.” -On Stage Blog
“Director Jonathan Hopkins serves up a fresh and funny vision brimming with spectacular performances.” -Stage Left “Critics Pick”
“First off, it is perhaps the darkest rendition of the play that I’ve ever seen. At the same time, this is also the most comedic rendition I have ever witnessed. I wish every production of Midsummer Night’s Dream was as easy to enjoy as this. FIVE STARS.” -Opplaud
“The company has mined the play for emotional nuance…The show sets itself apart with the vivacity of the characters and an attention to detail that should put it on the top of your list of Shakespeare to see this summer. The emotional intelligence of this production will remind you why everyone returns to this Dream time and again.” -Plays to See
Beth Ann Hopkins & Ben Horner accepting the award for OUTSTANDING REVIVAL & OUTSTANDING ENSEMBLE for their production of Much Ado About Nothing.