REVIEWS

THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD

"It's a great pleasure to see a stalwart character actor like Paul Slade Smith get to limber up with some great ad-libs while also staying in character as the stodgy cleric Reverend Crisparkle."
- The Hartford Courant

"Paul Slade Smith, a Connecticut native making his Goodspeed debut, has so much comedic charm in the role of Reverend Crisparkle."
- Patch

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

"This production is one of the most magical Alabama Shakespeare Festival has ever staged. The acting is excellent. Paul Slade Smith shines as Scrooge."
- Montgomery Advertiser

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY

"The cast throw themselves in like Gloop into a chocolate waterfall. Central, of course, is Wonka himself. Smith plays him as a brightly-colored praying mantis, as likely to bite your head off as perch prettily about the place. He's the worst kind of guide unless you're exactly the right kind of kid. It's a key element in the character's appeal, and Smith nails every nuance."
- Time Out Melbourne
"Paul Slade Smith owns the show from his first appearance as the candy man."
- Noise 11
"As the wily chocolatier, Paul Slade Smith makes an excellent Willy Wonka. He has the imperious presence to pull off the charming but quixotic and unpredictable Wonka."
- Arts Hub

FINDING NEVERLAND

"Finding Neverland is also a backstage romp,  as Barrie and blustery producer Charles Frohman must convince a rebellious troupe of thespians (Josh Lamon and Paul Slade Smith are standouts​) to tackle his strange tale of fairies and pirates and - ugh - children.”
- The Boston Globe

“Paul Slade Smith as the aristocratic actor Mr. Henshaw is priceless.” 
- South Shore Critic

WICKED

“Paul Slade Smith finds striking emotional resonances as Doctor Dillamond, the professorial goat too soon rendered speechless by Wizardly oppression.”
- The Oregonian (Portland)

“With limited time on stage, he made the terror of losing not only his professorship but his humanity truly heartfelt.”
- DC Theatre Scene

REGIONAL THEATRE

“Paul Slade Smith should win an award for endowing the tedious Holofernes with a blisteringly funny cerebral energy.”
- Chicago Theatre, Love’s Labor’s Lost at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
“With its bold personalities, 1776 is catnip for character actors. Directors Gary Griffin and Ray Frewen enlist Chicago’s best. ... Paul Slade Smith [is] almost painfully human as Thomas Jefferson.”
- Chicago Reader, 1776 at Drury Lane Theatre
“Paul Slade Smith is at once funny, gawky, and touching as the hero Ugly, whose lifelong honks give way to a sweet tenor.”
- Chicago Reader, Honk at Marriott Theatre
Paul as Reverend Crisparkle in The Mystery of Edwin Drood. 
​Goodspeed Opera House, 2024. Photo by Diane Sobolewski.
Paul as Willy Wonka in the Australian premiere of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Photo by Dayna Ransley, 2019
Picture
Justin Patterson Photography
Finding Neverland at American Repertory Theatre, 2014
Paul as Doctor Dillamond in Wicked, 2012