It’s the story of a hometown hero.
Hornell Community Theatre will present four performances of “SMITH” July 29-Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. in the Hornell Intermediate School.
The docudrama is based on the life of Zachary “Zach” D. Smith, a Hornell native and United States Marine corporal who was killed Jan. 24, 2010, at age 19 while deployed with “Operation Enduring Freedom” in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
Smith was a 2008 graduate of Hornell High School. He enlisted in the Marines immediately after graduation, serving with the 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division.
He was also a newlywed, having married his hometown sweetheart Anne Deebs on July 25, 2009.
Long-time Hornell Community Theatre member Penny Smith, no relation to Zach Smith, is producing and directing, bringing the play to the stage for the first time in more than 12 years.
Penny Smith, a Hornell native who taught in the city school system for 22 years, said the play’s themes are universal, and the timing was right for a revival.
“It is humorous, heartfelt, and, yes, sad, but it is such an important story to tell,” Smith said. “It seemed like the perfect project for HCT, given the 250th birthday of our country and our Veterans Memorial Project at (James Street) Park.”
Glo Gambino, Zach Smith’s Hornell High School classmate and friend, wrote the script while studying theater at Nazareth College.
Gambino spent three months interviewing Zach Smith’s family, friends, members of the Hornell community and fellow Marines, letting their words guide the narrative.
The play – written in 22 short vignettes – was presented at Nazareth during five performances in March 2013.
The play’s revival after so many years both stunned and delighted its author.
“I never in my wildest dreams expected to see the play on its feet again, let alone in my hometown in the hands of an entirely new group of artists,” Gambino wrote in a June Substack article. “I want to thank Penny Smith and the Hornell Community Theater for giving me this opportunity to open the time capsule and explore this tragedy and honor my grief without judgment. As always, I thank Anne and Zach’s family for opening their hearts and sharing their experience so that others may feel Zach once more.
“He will stay alive as long as we keep him that way.”
Racalto’s restaurant is sponsoring the performances and covering all production costs. Hornell Community Theatre is not selling tickets but instead will take donations at the door that will be turned over to the Veterans Memorial Park project.
Thanks to the Racalto’s sponsorship, 100% of the donations will go to the park project.
Meet the cast of ‘SMITH’
“I’m absolutely thrilled with the cast. It’s a great mix of seasoned actors and newcomers,” Penny Smith said.
Mrs Martin: Morgan BossieRuth: Eliana HopperGloria: Cecilia WallMichael: Elliott BaleMrs. Johner: Cindy BuckleyZach: Aiden McCormickChris Smith/Coach: Sean GaffneyChair/Kevin: Porter MeeseAnne: Angelina DowlingMatt: Zachary WoolridgeKim: Kristy WoolridgeNate: Matthew BolducActor/ Gallagher: Dawn HopperGrace: Bess AllisonMarine: Hakan Bayram KaraaytuMarine: Brody MullenYoung Zach: Jackson Bell
Q&A with ‘SMITH’ director Penny Smith
In a frank and wide-ranging written interview with The Evening Tribune, Penny Smith explained what inspired her to pursue directing “SMITH,” the promises she made to Gambino and Zach Smith’s parents and the challenges of putting a cast together.
Questions and answers have been edited for clarity and length.
Can you talk about your long association with Hornell Community Theatre?
I’m one of the founding members, but I honestly don’t remember how long it’s been. Eric Prentice, another one of the founders, is still active on the board as well.
We spun off from the Rotary Club musicals. We still wanted to work with them, but we wanted to branch out and do more than a summer show.
I served as president for many years and have directed quite a few projects. I have acted, as well. I’m an okay singer, but a horrendous dancer.
What inspired you to produce ‘SMITH’ for Hornell Community Theatre?
Heinz Pollinger’s vision (for) Veterans Memorial Park at James Street is what inspired me. I loved his ideas and drive and wondered how Hornell Community Theatre could help. I thought, “Maybe we could do a show, but it had to be something special.”
What led you to ‘SMITH’?
In all honestly, I felt called to direct “SMITH.” It woke me up in the middle of the night. The next morning, I called Regi Gambino and asked her to put me in touch with Glo. Regi and I have been friends for years and I had performed with Glo so this wasn’t some random weirdo request.
I had never read it or seen her production, but I knew it existed and I had to take a look.
What were your impressions of the play?
I loved the script. It’s funny, it’s heartfelt, it’s heartbreaking, but it’s the truth.
What has been the reaction of Zach Smith’s family to the new production?
I asked Glo for her permission to produce it, which she gave with one condition − ask Zach’s family. She and I were on the same page with that. I would not have dreamed of going ahead with it if it was going to cause pain to the Smith family. Zach’s parents, Kim and Chris, and I had been friends for many years. I told them if even one of their family members had reservations, I would abandon the show. Chris said, “It would be an honor.” Kim and I met at Brandy’s Cup of Joe for coffee and talked, laughed, and cried for two hours. I promised her it would be done with total respect to Zach’s memory, the family, and the story.
‘SMITH’ is a Hornell story, about a Hornell Marine, written by a Hornell native and will be performed in Hornell. How have these factors influenced the production?
Casting has been a struggle. I never thought it would be this hard. I think because it is a Hornell story about a hometown hero and his family and how Zach’s death affected everyone, folks were intimidated to audition. Afraid to open old wounds.
When I visited Chris van Leeuwen’s classroom at Hornell High School to appeal to the kids to audition, I told them that out of all the shows they have done or will do, “SMITH” will be the one they remember. It’s real, it’s true, and it’s a story that is, sadly, repeated in towns all over our country. It’s about honoring, remembering and teaching.
Luckily, I’ve found my cast, through auditions, begging and arm twisting. A really nice group of HCT regulars and new faces are filling the roles of Zach’s family, friends and colleagues.
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This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Play to honor memory of Hornell Marine Zach Smith, support park project
Reporting by Neal Simon, Hornell Evening Tribune / The Evening Tribune
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By Neal Simon, Hornell Evening Tribune | USA TODAY Network
