Charles Smith News

Today we are talking to an Emmy-winning stage star best known for his unforgettable turns as the Wizard of Oz himself in the original Broadway cast of THE WIZ, as well as his Emmy-winning performance in both the Broadway and filmed version of AIN'T MISBEHAVIN'. In recent years, he has found much success with his choices of eccentric, oft-controversial roles, particularly those roles in the hot-button play PRYMATE and the David Yazbeck/Terrance McNally musical THE FULL MONTY. In this portion of our conversation, De Shields impresses with his effortless grace, studied theories on his craft and the art of theatre, all with taking a look forward to his newest stage venture - KNOCK ME A KISS by Charles Smith - which opens this weekend. We also discuss his role in the career of legendary songwriter Jim Steinman - from RHINEGOLD and BLOODSHOT WINE with Joe Papp in the 70s all the way to the workshop for the forthcoming BAT OUT OF HELL: THE MUSICAL.

Woodie King Jr's New Federal Theatre will present Knock Me a Kiss by Charles Smith at their home at Henry Street Settlement's Abrons Arts Center/Recital Hall (466 Grand Street). Performances begin November 11th with Opening Night set for Sunday, November 21st. Performances continue through December 5th only. Chuck Smith directs a cast that features Erin Cherry, André De Shields, Gillian Glasco, Morocco Omari, Sean Phillips, and Marie Thomas. Knock Me a Kiss will have set design by Anthony Davidson, costume design by Ali Turns, lighting design by Shirley Prendergast, and sound design by Bill Toles.

Indiana Repertory Theatre will present the world premiere of Charles Smith's THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JAMES March 22, 2011 - April 10, 2011.

This Tuesday, November 16, at the New 42nd Street Studios, a new musical, Shoot the Piano Player, will be presented in two readings.

Woodie King Jr's New Federal Theatre will present Knock Me a Kiss by Charles Smith at their home at Henry Street Settlement's Abrons Arts Center/Recital Hall (466 Grand Street). Performances began November 11 with Opening Night set for Sunday, November 21. Performances continue through December 5 only. Chuck Smith directs a cast that features Erin Cherry, André De Shields, Gillian Glasco, Morocco Omari, Sean Phillips, and Marie Thomas. Knock Me a Kiss has set design by Anthony Davidson, costume design by Ali Turns, lighting design by Shirley Prendergast, and sound design by Bill Toles.

This Tuesday, November 16, at the New 42nd Street Studios, a new musical, Shoot the Piano Player, will be presented in two readings.

Woodie King Jr's New Federal Theatre will present Knock Me a Kiss by Charles Smith at their home at Henry Street Settlement's Abrons Arts Center/Recital Hall (466 Grand Street).

Woodie King Jr's New Federal Theatre will present Knock Me a Kiss by Charles Smith at their home at Henry Street Settlement's Abrons Arts Center/Recital Hall (466 Grand Street).

Marin Theatre Company announces the West Coast premiere of Happy Now? by British playwright Lucinda Coxon. Happy Now? received rave reviews on both sides of the Atlantic in London and New York. Jasson Minadakis directs Happy Now? in the Boyer Theatre November 11 through December 5, 2010. Opening night is November 16.

Woodie King Jr's New Federal Theatre will present Knock Me a Kiss by Charles Smith at their home at Henry Street Settlement's Abrons Arts Center/Recital Hall (466 Grand Street). Performances begin November 11th with Opening Night set for Sunday, November 21st. Performances continue through December 5th only. Chuck Smith directs a cast that features Erin Cherry, André De Shields, Gillian Glasco, Morocco Omari, Sean Phillips, and Marie Thomas. Knock Me a Kiss will have set design by Anthony Davidson, costume design by Ali Turns, lighting design by Shirley Prendergast, and sound design by Bill Toles.

Victory Gardens opens its 2010/11 Season with Edward Albee's At Home At The Zoo directed by Artistic Director Dennis Za?ek. The production runs October 1 - October 31, 2010 at the Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue in Lincoln Park. The Press Opening is Monday, October 11, 2010, at 7:30 pm.

Penguin Rep Theatre, Rockland County's professional theatre, has been nominated for three AUDELCO Awards for its production of Charles Smith's FREED. The nominations are for Lead Actor (Sheldon Best), Playwright (Charles Smith), and Dramatic Production of the Year.

St. Louis Actors' Studio opens its fourth season, themed Angels and Demons, with David Mamet's oval office hit NOVEMBER. It's a Presidential election year, and incumbent Charles Smith's chances for reelection are looking grim. Approval ratings are down, his money's running out, and nuclear war might be imminent. Though his staff has thrown in the towel and his wife has begun to prepare for her post-White House life, Chuck isn't ready to give up just yet. Amidst the biggest fight of his political career, the President has to find time to pardon a couple of turkeys - saving them from the slaughter before Thanksgiving - and this simple PR event inspires Smith to risk it all in attempt to win back public support.

Penguin Rep Theatre closes its 33rd season with the New York premiere of MRS. MANNERLY, a comedy by Jeffrey Hatcher, October 1 through October 24 in Stony Point, New York. Directed by Penguin Rep artistic director Joe Brancato, MRS. MANNERLY stars Diane Ciesla and Mark Shanahan.

Woodie King Jr's New Federal Theatre will present Knock Me a Kiss by Charles Smith at their home at Henry Street Settlement's Abrons Arts Center/Recital Hall (466 Grand Street). Performances begin November 11th with Opening Night set for Sunday, November 21st. Performances continue through December 5th only. Chuck Smith directs a cast that features Erin Cherry, André De Shields, Gillian Glasco, Morocco Omari, Sean Phillips, and Marie Thomas. Knock Me a Kiss will have set design by Anthony Davidson, costume design by Ali Turns, lighting design by Shirley Prendergast, and sound design by Bill Toles.

The Ross Valley Players presents NOVEMBER by David Mamet. President Charles 'Chucky' Smith is nearing the end of his first term and dealing with the unfavorable prospects that he will be elected for a second term in David Mamet's 'November' - a political comedy about bad behavior in high places.

St. Louis Actors' Studio opens its fourth season, themed Angels and Demons, with David Mamet's oval office hit NOVEMBER. It's a Presidential election year, and incumbent Charles Smith's chances for reelection are looking grim. Approval ratings are down, his money's running out, and nuclear war might be imminent. Though his staff has thrown in the towel and his wife has begun to prepare for her post-White House life, Chuck isn't ready to give up just yet. Amidst the biggest fight of his political career, the President has to find time to pardon a couple of turkeys - saving them from the slaughter before Thanksgiving - and this simple PR event inspires Smith to risk it all in attempt to win back public support.

Woodie King Jr's New Federal Theatre will present Knock Me a Kiss by Charles Smith at their home at Henry Street Settlement's Abrons Arts Center/Recital Hall (466 Grand Street). Performances begin November 11th with Opening Night set for Sunday, November 21st. Performances continue through December 5th only. Chuck Smith directs a cast that features Erin Cherry, André De Shields, Gillian Glasco, Morocco Omari, Sean Phillips, and Marie Thomas. Knock Me a Kiss will have set design by Anthony Davidson, costume design by Ali Turns, lighting design by Shirley Prendergast, and sound design by Bill Toles.

Penguin Rep Theatre closes its 33rd season with the New York premiere of MRS. MANNERLY, a comedy by Jeffrey Hatcher, October 1 through October 24 in Stony Point, New York. Directed by Penguin Rep artistic director Joe Brancato, MRS. MANNERLY stars Diane Ciesla and Mark Shanahan.

Victory Gardens opens its 2010/11 Season with Edward Albee's At Home At The Zoo directed by Artistic Director Dennis Za?ek. The production runs October 1 - October 31, 2010 at the Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue in Lincoln Park. The Press Opening is Monday, October 11, 2010, at 7:30 pm.