Leah Smith

Review: SPAMILTON & 21 CHUMP STREET at Stages Houston
by Jonathan Netek - Jun 6, 2026

It’s a Broadway Roast in this hilarious double bill!

SPIT IN YOUR FACE World Premiere To Be Presented At Detroit Repertory Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - May 8, 2026

The Detroit Repertory Theatre closes its 69th season with the world premiere of SPIT IN YOUR FACE, a political comedy by Paul Heller and Alberto Lomnitz, co-directed by Maurizio Dominguez and Leah Smith.

Review: IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY at Stages Houston
by Jonathan Netek - Dec 6, 2025

It’s a Wonderful Way to Celebrate the Season.

Review: ELECTRA at Classical Theatre Company
by Brett Cullum - Oct 13, 2025

But could director Jon Harvey be purposefully lightening his ELECTRA for this era? Does he want a more pop-friendly approach? Do we need that now? These are all questions that only he can answer, but the show itself has a nice pace and energy.

THE PIANO LESSON, ECLIPSED and More Set for Detroit Repertory Theatre 69th Season
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 2, 2025

Detroit Repertory Theatre has announced its 69th season, running November 2025–June 2026. The lineup includes Eboni Booth’s Primary Trust, August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson, the Michigan premiere of Danai Gurira’s Eclipsed, and the world premiere of Spit in Your Face.

Gary Smith, Television Producer Behind Six Tony Awards Shows, Passes Away at 90
by Josh Sharpe - Jul 21, 2025

BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that Gary Smith, the Emmy-winning television producer whose credits included six Tony Awards broadcasts, passed away on Saturday, July 18, in Los Angeles.

Interview: A Wicked Turn: Elissa Cuellar Takes the Stage
by Armando Urdiales - Jul 18, 2025

Elissa Cuellar steps into the emerald spotlight as the Wicked Witch of the West in A.D. Players’ production of The Wizard of Oz, a role steeped in cinematic legacy and theatrical flair. In this interview, she reflects on her childhood obsession with the story, the creative inspirations behind her nuanced portrayal, and the surprising joy of winning over young fans, including the green makeup

Review: LET.HER.RIP. at Stages Houston
by Brett Cullum - Jun 6, 2025

LET.HER.RIP. is the show to see this summer! It will be one we will refer back to again and again. Mary Ann Nichols, Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride, Catherine Eddowes, Mary Jane Kelly, and the Matchstick Women would be proud.

Review: THE FROZEN SECTION thaws at Catastrophic Theatre
by Brett Cullum - Apr 7, 2025

It has a stunning cast, technical brilliance, and enough great poetic ideas to keep you thinking about it for days. It’s an intriguing piece that should have a long life. But in its current iteration playing at the MATCH, THE FROZEN SECTION runs long at almost two hours with no intermission, and the pacing seems off throughout its inflated run time.

Lisa D'Amour's FROZEN SECTION To Play At Catastrophic Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 14, 2025

Lisa D'Amour's FROZEN SECTION will run March 28 - April 19, 2025, at the Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston (MATCH. Performances are Thursdays at 7:30 PM, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM, and Sundays at 2:30 PM, with a Special Monday Night performance to be announced. 

HYSTERICAL! Comes to Detroit Repertory Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Feb 21, 2025

The Detroit Repertory Theatre will open the third show of its 68th season with the Midwest Premiere of Hysterical! by Elenna Stauffer. Learn more about the upcoming production here!

Review: VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE at 4th Wall Theatre Company
by Brett Cullum - Nov 29, 2024

I feel like this company, at this point in time, is simply happy to be here doing this show, and I can say the feeling is infectious. It’s not your typical holiday offering, but you can never be wrong with the wit of Christopher Durang and the magic of invoking the spirit of Maggie Smith. I’m thankful this season for companies like 4th WALL, which produce plays that offer the joy of what theater is all about.

Review: PLAYHOUSE CREATURES at Lionwoman Productions
by Brett Cullum - Nov 12, 2024

During an interview I did with Michelle Britton a few weeks ago, she mentioned she “didn’t want to become the Alley” and that her Lionwoman Productions is “about helping people understand each other better.” Certainly, PLAYHOUSE CREATURES is right up there in rivaling the quality of the Alley!

VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE Comes to 4th Wall Theatre Company
by Stephi Wild - Oct 17, 2024

Following the hit success of Kate Hamill’s SENSE & SENSIBILITY last year, 4th Wall Theatre Company will launch into the upcoming holiday season with a revival of the Tony Award-winning comedy, VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE.

SPRING AWAKENING Extends at Rec Room Arts
by Stephi Wild - Sep 25, 2024

 Rec Room Arts has announced the extension of the acclaimed intimate restaging of the Tony Award-winning musical SPRING AWAKENING (book and lyrics by Steven Sater, music by Duncan Sheik, based on the play by Frank Wedekind).

Cast Announced for SPRING AWAKENING At Rec Room Arts
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 7, 2024

Rec Room Arts will present SPRING AWAKENING, a powerful musical exploring the trials and tribulations of adolescence.

Choose Chicago, City Of Chicago Announce Programming Details Of SUNDANCE INSTITUTE X CHICAGO 2024
by A.A. Cristi - May 30, 2024

Discover the programming details for Sundance Institute x Chicago 2024, a unique three-day event featuring film screenings and cultural activities from June 28-30 in Chicago.

Detroit Repertory Theatre to Present ANNABELLA IN JULY in March
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 29, 2024

The Detroit Repertory Theatre will continue its 67th season with magical comedy Annabella in July by Richard Strand. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.

KING JAMES Regional Premiere to be Presented at Rec Room Arts This Month
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 19, 2024

Rec Room Arts will present the regional premiere of KING JAMES by Pulitzer Prize nominated playwright Rajiv Joseph and directed by Philip Kershaw. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.

Interview: Leah Smith, Olivia Oltmanns, And Sydney Berrier of DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS MAGIC IN THE STARS at Target Center
by Jared Fessler - Feb 5, 2024

Chart a course through the night sky to Disney On Ice - where every story starts with a wish! Take a magical journey with Mickey, Minnie, and friends through the timeless stories of Cinderella, Aladdin, Toy Story, and Cars, and today’s favorites including Encanto, Frozen 2, and Moana.