Meet Rick Smith. Rick is the Director of Silver Spotlight Theatre’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s Into The Woods.
“I feel like I have lived on or around the stage for the past thirty-plus years. It all started in Grade Two performing in a class skit in a school assembly. My only line was “soap soap soap“ but that’s all it took.
Since then, I have performed in a total of seventeen productions for Musical Theatre Productions, London Community Players, and the Port Stanley Festival Theatre, directed another nine shows, and held a seat on the MTP Board of Directors on three different occasions.
When Art Fidler mentioned the idea of having a theatre wing dedicated to people aged fifty-five and older, I was immediately excited about the idea. I was, after all, age-appropriate and had found that the roles were becoming fewer. With his brainchild in hand, I obtained grant funding from the Ontario Government, and off we went building an amazing community filled with delightful people. What a treat to partner with ‘Mr. Showbiz’ on directing Babes in Arms. It is an experience I won’t soon forget.
I have long wanted to direct Into the Woods. I caught a glimpse of it on the 1987 Tony Awards and it instantly became one of my favourite shows.
After directing Hello Dolly at the Auburn Theatre in the round, I felt this show deserved similar treatment. There is something more intimate about being surrounded by an audience. My goal is to have the audience feel like they are part of the production and fully engaged in the stories that are being shared. The music is distinctive, the characters are so unique, and the moral lessons we can take from these newly entwined stories can give us a moment to pause and relate them to our own lives.
I am excited to see Silver Spotlight Theatre continue to receive support from AdHome Creative, grow in membership, and expand its base of talent and experience.
Of all the Brothers Grimm fairy tales, the one I gravitate towards most is Hansel and Gretel. Perhaps it has something to do with a house made of cookies and candy with only a witch to stop the feeding frenzy that speaks to me most.
My advice for anyone age fifty-five or older who is looking for the opportunity to be creative, share their existing talent, or develop new ones, is to take that leap of faith and go for it. Silver Spotlight Theatre is the place for you.
Having been involved in all three Silver Spotlight Theatre productions, I can attest to the fact that it has established, nurtured, and prolonged long-lasting connections. As a result of being part of this community, life has changed for me as I knew it, for the better.
So be brave, be bold, and be ready to be accepted. You are all welcome as part of the Silver Spotlight Theatre family.”
Rick
Silver Spotlight Theatre’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s Into The Woods, opens on November 21 and runs until December 1 at the Auburn Theatre. For tickets and more information, visit https://www.mtplondon.ca/into-the-woods
Richard's Blog 