DAVID PAUL SMITH

ACTING

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David Paul Smith as Buddy (double cast with Alex Fish) is bursting with energy and lovable goofiness. - Tyler Hinton, BWW

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David Paul Smith playing Jerry Lee Lewis steals the show. Smith’s interpretation of Lewis is compelling. Key features include his exaggerated mannerisms, wild eyes and hair, and especially his vigorously amusing jam sessions at the piano. Smith brings such a staggering energy to the show. Even when Smith’s character is in the background of a scene, his expressiveness and his reactions to the action around him is magnetic. Smith undoubtedly brings the best comedic aspect to the show. While extreme expressiveness and silliness can sometimes be too much or too cheesy, Smith executes perfectly and effectively. Overall, he has such a fantastic performance. Numbers particularly worth mention are his opening number, “Real Wild Child,” and in his closing piece, “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On.”

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David Paul Smith’s portrayal of Jervis is sincere and touching.  He creates a character that is powerful, but sweetly awkward, a Jervis who is controlling, but kind.  His relationship with Jerusha changes Jervis, and at a pivotal moment in later in the show it is deeply gratifying to watch this rich man humble himself and recognize that his money does not buy him control over people.  Smith makes Jervis’s devotion to Jerusha clear, and creates several truly heartbreaking moments for to watch. - Brighton Sloan, UTBA

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The trio of gargoyles played by David Paul Smith... navigated their roles with an impressive dexterity, and I believe they were responsible for much of the show’s success. As Clopin, Smith was charming and stole command of the stage. - Kat Webb, UTBA

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After all, creating a character is harder than it appears; creating a character who then in turn creates a character is exponentially more difficult. The most successful actor in this regard was David Paul Smith, whose created a clear distinction between his character—the verbally deficient Garry Lejeune—and Garry’s character—the debonair Roger Templemain.  Smith also capitalized on the visual humor in the second act by making Garry frazzled and stressed enough to be willing to sabotage his fellow actors in various ways. - Russell Warne, UTBA

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DIRECTING

HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME AT HALE CENTRE THEATRE

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“What that cast gave the audience was a tapestry. Every line, every note, every moment of stillness — woven together into something none of them could have built alone. The story was powerful and beautiful because of every individual contribution. Not in spite of the ensemble. Because of it.

And when the moment came to be recognized — they refused to separate.

That’s not humility as performance. That’s a statement of values. Every individual matters. Every voice matters. The experience you just witnessed was only possible because every single person in that cast understood their role and performed at an extraordinary level within it.

David Paul Smith directed this production. And if you were in that audience Saturday night, you experienced his work without ever seeing his face.

All you experienced was what he had shaped — the potential he had unlocked in every member of that cast, woven together into something the audience will carry home.

 

That’s what leadership ultimately looks like when it’s working.

Not the spotlight. Not the recognition. The performance.

The leader who is doing it right is essentially invisible. What you see is the people she has developed. The confidence she has built. The contributions she has drawn out of individuals who might never have known what they were capable of without her.

Every person on that stage knew their value. Every person performed at a level that made the whole greater than any of its parts. And when the audience rose to its feet, every single one of them knew — without being told — that they had been part of something that mattered.

The director was invisible.

All you experienced was the performance he made possible.

That’s the work. - Marci Housman, Alongside

 

Set transitions, costume changes, and character movement all blended seamlessly into the choreography, creating a cohesive and visually engaging stage picture. There were also several symbolic moments woven throughout multiple scenes between Frollo and Quasimodo. David Smith‘s direction also demonstrated thoughtful decision-making throughout the show. Characterization felt intentional, blocking choices were clear and purposeful, and the overall pacing allowed both intimate moments and large musical numbers to shine. - Brook Taylor, UTBA

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David Smith (Director) and the rest of the team made some casting and storytelling choices that provoke deep analysis of the themes of the show and showcases a profound understanding of the source material. This is evident in utilizing the talents of the actors that play Quasimodo’s parents (Nathaneal Abbott as Jehan (double cast with Nathan Holley) and Sophia Morrill Mancilla as Florika (double cast with Isabel Eardley)) and Fletcher’s Clopin. This works well narratively and amplifies just how different Quasimodo’s life would have been if he had acceptance, genuine love, and true sanctuary in his formative years. Ultimately, as the final bell tolls on Hale Centre’s staging of Hugo’s classic story, you’ll trade the edge of your seat for that top-of-the-world breathless feeling that only exists on the precipice of true acceptance, radiant love, and blissful contentment in doing the right thing. - Sydney Naegle, BWW

 

LITTLE WOMEN AT HALE CENTRE THEATRE

 

Director/choreographer David Paul Smith, who has treasured this story from a young age, has surrounded himself with an all-female production team that brings a gentle pastel, storybook quality to this telling that is truly lovely to look at. - Tyler Hinton, BWW

 

Another standout of this production is the direction by David Smith. He manages to get an intimate and close feel which is not easy to do with the awe and spectacle of Hale. - Rachel Wagner Reviews

 

MAY WE ALL AT HALE CENTRE THEATRE

Director David Smith has smartly focused most of the energy on the music. Two camera operators filmed the show live, and the footage was displayed on the theater’s large screens. - Rachel Wagner, UTBA

 

DISNEY'S NEWSIES AT HALE CENTRE THEATRE

Director David Paul Smith has clearly guided all these aspects with careful discernment and real passion.  It's a rare relief for a production like this to honor the roots of a beloved show while not being afraid to push the envelope to see it through new eyes. - Tyler Hinton BWW.com

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SCHOOL OF ROCK AT HALE CENTRE THEATRE

I expected it to be leaps and bounds more impressive than anything else than had seen this month and on par with the best theatrical experiences of my life. Under the supervision of director David Paul Smith, it was. - Scott Savage UTBA

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DISNEY'S DESCENDANTS AT THE HALE CENTER THEATER OREM

The production, helmed by director/choreographer David Paul Smith, is artistic, fresh, thoughtful, and energetic. It's certainly on par with Hale Center Theater Orem's mainstage shows in its high production values. - Tyler Hinton, BroadwayWorld.com

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ALBUM

:)

by BonnieGwyn

Love David, love the music. Always so creative! Worth a listen. :)

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unique and pleasant sound

by Richard L. Sanders

The artist's sound is not one I've heard before, it is fresh. I really like the smoothe, positive, harmonious melodies he has come up with. They are great even as background music, and when listening you can't help but smile. I hope to see more from this artist.

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Great!

by divabills

This album has an excellent variety of sounds, from peaceful and chill to exciting and energetic. A perfect album for when you need some variety in your life. David is an excellent song-writer. Great story-telling within the music.