Album Notes

This compelling aural history has the Holocaust as one of its central themes as Smith's autobiography moves back and forth in time from late 19th century Czarist Russia, to the present, to World War II and to early 20th century immigration to the U.S.

"Heartwarming and heart-wrenching at the same time, Smith's story brings the reader intimately, and at times painfully, close to one man and his family. By the end of My Life...In Smithereens, you feel as though it is no longer Smith's story; it has become part of yours." (Worcester Magazine)

Playwright, director, producer Marc P. Smith writes and narrates this compelling aural history of an ordinary man in extraordinary times. Born in the great depression, Smith's life spans WWII, the Korean conflict, the Vietnam War, the civil rights unrest, the revolutionary 60s and the culture wars of the '80s-'90s. His life has crossed paths with officials of the repressive Syngman Rhee regime in South Korea, remnants of the top hierarchy of the Third Reich, the Ku Klux Klan, on and off stage showbiz powerhouses, and the social and political maker/breakers in his struggle to create and maintain a professional regional theatre for a quarter century, in his hometown of Worcester, Mass.

"moving and evocative detail...Smith speaks with such simplicity and warmth that the listener can almost imagine the family is one's own." (Hadassah Magazine)

"Marc is a wonderful storyteller and this CD is A GIFT, NOT ONLY TO HIS SONS, BUT ALSO TO EVERY LISTENER." Penelope Johnson, Head Librarian, Worcester Public Library

"I sat down with My Life...In Smithereens and didn't move until it was finished...In essence there is A PIECE OF EVERY AMERICAN IMMIGRANT FAMILY IN YOUR STORY." Arthur Couture, ICAL Systems

"...totally engrossing...it moves smoothly between the very personal story of one family's journey to this country and the broader story of every immigrant family...it is, in fact, MARC SMITH'S LOVE LETTER TO AMERICA." Gloria Abramoff, co-owner, Tatnuck Bookseller

"WHAT A REMARKABLE PIECE OF WORK." Arthur E. Chase, former State Senator