Plays
Detroit
Writer: Lisa D’Amour | Scenic Design: Amanda Knehans | Lighting Design: Kimberly Sanchez | Properties: Brianna Zamora | Sound Design: Clark Rhee | Stage Management: Liz Klink
“The acting from this cast was fantastic. This well-executed topical comedy is just what the doctor ordered. It's a great show!” - La Theatre Bites
The Coward
Writer: Nick Jones | Scenic Design: Katherine Arfken | Lighting Design: Julian Pike | Costume Design: Aly Renee Amidei | Properties: Jeff Sheilds | Sound Design: Alex Romberg
"joyfully tackles the subjects of masculinity and guns with a dynamo cast, a soundtrack including the Stones and orchestrated Lady Gaga, and blood, sooo much blood.” - Chicago Reader
“Stage Left’s cast doesn’t so much bring Jones’ play alive as romp through it with glee, and it’s an absolute joy to behold.” -Chicago Theater Review
“an effortless blend of high art and camp, with a hint of horror.” -Chicago Theater Beat
Pygmalion
Writer: George Bernard Shaw | Scenic Design: Eleanor Kahn | Lighting Design: Jessica Harpenau | Costume Design: Theresa Ham | Properties: Cassy Schillo | Sound Design: Adam Smith
“...quite an entertaining and forthright production from director Vance Smith that brings a certain freshness and insouciance to this familiar, but invariably enjoyable, play” - Chicago Tribune
“...directed with speed and intensity by Vance Smith.... simply by selecting the stunningly beautiful and talented Indian-born actress Mouzam Makkar, to play Eliza, Smith has subtly suggested fresh meaning for the play... ” - Chicago Sun-Times
Farragut North
Writer: Beau Willimon | Scenic Design: Roger Wykes | Lighting Design: Jessica Harpenau | Costume Design: Elizabeth Flauto
“...a smartly realized Stage Left Theatre production sharply directed by Vance Smith. ” - Chicago Sun-Times
“a slick little production...” - Chicago Tribune
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“Vance Smith’s handsomely designed production is entertaining and at times arresting” - Chicago Reader
Another Day in the Empire
Writer: Steve Spencer| Scenic Design: Jim Moore | Lighting Design: Dennis Grimes | Costume Design: Tiffany Sarver
One of the best theater productions of 2007
- TimeOut Chicago & New City
"...one of the best off-Loop productions of the year... Rarely are fringe productions this sure-footed... Directed with a firm grasp of tone by Vance Smith" - Chicago Tribune
"Even small gestures speak volumes in Vance Smith's attentive staging"
- Chicago Reader
Cheaper by the Dozen
Writer: Christopher Sergel from the book by Frank and Ernestine Gilbreth | Scenic Design: Alan Donahue | Lighting Design: Julian Pike | Costume Design: Kimberly Morris | Properties: Sarah Burnham | Sound Design: Christopher Kriz
"director Vance Smith delivers a sprightly, well-rehearsed revival...the sharpness of the scene, the quickness of the characters' responses, testifies to its careful preparation."
- Daily Herald
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"Audience members wiped away tears over an inevitable and greatly feared part of life – the death of a parent." - Kane County Chronicle
Kingsville
Writer: Andrew Hinderaker | Scenic Design: Stephen Carmody | Lighting Design: John Kohn III | Costume Design: Brenda Winstead | Sound Design: Adam Smith
"Hinderaker and director Smith provide some elegant juxtapositions..." -TimeOut Chicago
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"...a well-acted world premiere by Stage Left Theatre… Vance Smith’s staging features superb performances"
- Chicago Reader
