The Smiths

by Sam Walsh

FULL LENGTH: Ryan, an addict, didn't come home. Now all his mother, Terri and sister, Stephanie can do is stand at their kitchen window in Appalachia. Swinging wildly through blame, shame, rage, and mourning, they stand waiting for the return of a man who is already gone.

FULL LENGTH: Ryan, an addict, didn't come home. Now all his mother, Terri and sister, Stephanie can do is stand at their kitchen window in Appalachia. Swinging wildly through blame, shame, rage, and mourning, they stand waiting for the return of a man who is already gone.

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The Smiths

Recommended by

  • Kate Busselle: The Smiths

    This play reminds me of "‘Night Mother" in its dynamic, hyper-realistic relationship between mother and daughter. A great play that carefully builds and suspends anxiety and worry while waiting for answers that might not come. A great play for scene studies or emerging directors!

    This play reminds me of "‘Night Mother" in its dynamic, hyper-realistic relationship between mother and daughter. A great play that carefully builds and suspends anxiety and worry while waiting for answers that might not come. A great play for scene studies or emerging directors!

  • Shaun Leisher: The Smiths

    A fascinating portrait of how the opioid epidemic impacts people besides the addicts. Lots of great questions fill this play.

    A fascinating portrait of how the opioid epidemic impacts people besides the addicts. Lots of great questions fill this play.

  • Matthew Weaver: The Smiths

    A very important play that lets anger have its voice. Walsh paints a true-to-life, harsh tale and laces it with years of heartbreak. THE SMITHS reflects an existence many audience members will recognize: These are the people who live on your street, in your own house. Not for the faint of heart, especially if you recognize your family in these characters.
    Walsh asks the hardest of hard questions. She honors the truth - the ugly and the honest - with her words. She lets us sit with Terri and Stephanie's helplessness as long as we can bear it, plus some.

    A very important play that lets anger have its voice. Walsh paints a true-to-life, harsh tale and laces it with years of heartbreak. THE SMITHS reflects an existence many audience members will recognize: These are the people who live on your street, in your own house. Not for the faint of heart, especially if you recognize your family in these characters.
    Walsh asks the hardest of hard questions. She honors the truth - the ugly and the honest - with her words. She lets us sit with Terri and Stephanie's helplessness as long as we can bear it, plus some.

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Urban Stages, Year 2024