SMASH

Smash is bright, colorful, fast-paced, frothy, fun and full of surprises. Karen Carpenter amusingly directs the bubbly comedy in a physical production with visual pop, a spectacular backdrop for the story…Carpenter’s consistent direction keeps the action interesting and surprising.
-Pam Kragen, North County Times

A Smash for language lovers
Smash is a fabulously executed and visually witty period production, the kind for which the Globe is renowned. Director Karen Carpenter’s actors cavort on penny-farthings, roller skates and bicycles. The uproarious visual comedy includes revolving hedges, yummy period costumes and hats, knickers and puttees. Word play is delightful.
-Charlene Baldridge, La Jolla Village News

Pshaw: Smash is witty, Shavian fluff
The well-cast, sharply-timed Globe production, directed by Karen Carpenter, is so gorgeously costumed you might think Cecil Beaton had returned from the grave to take another crack at “My Fair Lady”. It’s a compliment to all involved that Smash puts one in mind of real Shaw comedies from the frothily absurd wing of his repertory. Carpenter has put her taste for symmetry and stylization to good use here, so that Hatcher’s theatrical gamble delivers.
-Anne Marie Welsh, Union-Tribune

The Old Globe production of Smash may be the quickest 2 hours in regional theater. How on earth can such a funny, funny play be over just as you were really getting into it? Director Karen Carpenter keeps the action going non-stop and the comedy from going over the top – it’s the dialogue that makes “smash” such a delight.
-Jim Trageser, American Reporter