Escape from Miami
- Matthew D. Foster
- 15 hours ago
- 2 min read
Kim Smith's solo show, Escape from Miami, presented at the United Solo Festival, blurs the line between truth and theatricality. Smith delivers a performance that feels deeply authentic and real in the emotional, performative sense while showcasing strong technical and directorial precision.
Smith begins with vivid memories from childhood, stories of loss, such as the death of a six-year-old, and her own early ambitions to attend NYU, which were cut short by financial struggles. What follows is an onstage existential spiral like no other: from being drugged to becoming entangled in apathetic relationships, all portrayed with unflinching honesty. Watching it felt like witnessing a story of interconnection within the soul and the passion of an actress on a coming-of-age journey filled with twists, turns, and raw emotion. Smith's personal input added a welcome layer of social commentary, told through the lens of a drug-fueled Miami tale about hope and redemption.
From the moment Smith stepped on stage to the final curtain call, we saw a performer who trenchantly proved herself. Her journey from the Miami drug scene to pursuing a career in the arts came full circle in this piece, culminating in a moment of redoubtable success as writer and performer.
Jeremy Stein's lighting design, combined with the direction of Jessica Lynn Johnson, provided the theatrical grounding needed for Smith's acting to truly resonate. Johnson's direction is stunning and deliberate. At times, it's hard to tell whether Smith is being intentionally controlled onstage to heighten tension or if it's a strategic play on power and vulnerability. Either way, it keeps the audience on edge. The dynamic between freedom and control adds emotional complexity without detracting from the story. Instead, it underscores the delicate balance between chaos and composure that defines Smith's performance.
In Escape from Miami, Kim Smith invited the audience to reflect on their own moments of selfishness and turn them into lessons. Her message is simple yet profound: live as you intend. Escape from Miami delivers that message powerfully, offering a story of pride, passion, and perseverance. Pulling off a show like this is no easy feat but Smith didn't just nail it, she built the house.
Written and Performed by Kim Smith
Developed and Directed by Jessica Lynn Johnson
October 17, 2025
@kimrosesmithwriter
October 14 through November 23, 2025
Theatre Row (410 West 42nd Street, NYC)
Matthew is an award-winning playwright and actor! While he loves being on the stage and writing theatrical-thought-provoking-innovational plays, his passions follow him backstage as well! As a student studying business and consulting for entertainment at the School of Professional Studies, CUNY, BBA. Matthew is honored to work on this special showcase full of talent and hardworking individuals. He's selected previous theatrical experience includes Those Who Remained at La Mama E.T.C. (Producer, Props), BMCC CUNY (stage management and performance degree), The Lake (Playwright), and Earth (playwright). He is extremely grateful for the mentors and individuals, and organizations that have given him his resources and support to keep theatre alive. @matthew.d.foster
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