Remembering Bob Smith

It is with a heavy heart that Kalamazoo says goodbye to one of it's most beloved directors, Robert L. Smith.  A colorful man, with an even more colorful resume, he wore his over-sixty-years experience on his sleeve.  A proud family man, he had nothing but loving words to share when talking about his wife, their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  Bob never seemed to rest, starting a project just as another was ending, devoting his time and attention to theater, only retiring after 2014's "Last of the Red Hot Lovers."

I had the honor of working with Bob in spring of 2014 when he directed Boeing Boeing for the Civic and cast me as the Italian flight attendant, Gabriella.  We didn't always see eye-to-eye regarding character development, surely.  He was notorious for sticking to his guns when he felt he was right.  But agreeing with your cast doesn't make you a good director; challenging them does.

Thank you, Bob, for so many wonderful memories from auditions and rehearsals all the way through strike.  Take a bow.  You deserve it.

Actor/Director Michael P. Martin: "Working with Bob was always a masterclass in theatre history, performance, dramaturgy, and directing... May we all strive to share our talents and our hearts as passionately as you shared yours."

Actress Lynn McLeod: "Theatre Kalamazoo's lights are a little dimmer today. Thank you for your dedication to live theatre Robert L. Smith and bravo for a life well done."

Actress Marin Heinritz: "So grateful to have known and loved this dear, generous, brilliant, feisty, humble man who touched so many lives through his work and his powerful presence... We are changed for the better by having had you in our lives."