Date of Death: January 23, 1994
Birth Place: Wisconsin, USA
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Oliver Smith was a Tony Award-winning scenic designer who left an indelible mark on Broadway. Born in Waupun, Wisconsin in 1918, Smith attended the University of Wisconsin before moving to New York City in the early 1940s. He began his career as a dancer and actor, performing in several Broadway shows before transitioning to set design.
Smith's first Broadway credit as a scenic designer was for the 1948 production of "High Button Shoes." He quickly became known for his innovative and visually stunning designs, collaborating with some of the biggest names in the theater world. He worked on over 50 Broadway productions throughout his career, including "My Fair Lady," "West Side Story," and "Hello, Dolly!"
In addition to his work on Broadway, Smith also designed sets for opera productions at the Metropolitan Opera and the San Francisco Opera. He was also a professor of scenic design at Yale University from 1956 to 1961.
Smith won two Tony Awards for his scenic design work, for "My Fair Lady" in 1957 and "West Side Story" in 1958. He was also nominated for several other Tony Awards throughout his career. In 1990, he was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame.
Smith's influence on the world of theater was not limited to his work as a scenic designer. He was also a mentor to many young designers, including Tony Walton and William Ivey Long. He was known for his generosity and his willingness to share his knowledge and experience with others.
Smith passed away in 1994 at the age of 75. His legacy lives on through his designs, which continue to inspire and awe audiences on Broadway and beyond. His most recent work was the 1993 Broadway revival of "My Fair Lady," which featured a recreation of his original set design.
[1979]Doing Time McMillan
[1981]Riding High Burt Ganja
[1987]Hellraiser Frank the Monster
[1988]Hellbound: Hellraiser II Browning
[1992]Tale of a Vampire Bum
[2017]Dark Ditties Presents 'the Offer' The Butler Andrew Barnabus
[2018]Dark Ditties Presents 'Finders Keepers' Barry Smiley
Boon Smudger
Softly Softly: Task Force Young, Terry Vincent, Neil Fisher
The Bill Billy Clarke, Angus Swanton, Ratcliffe
Oliver Smith, Gigi
Oliver Smith, Indians
Oliver Smith, Dear World
Oliver Smith, I Do! I Do!
Oliver Smith, The Odd Couple
Oliver Smith, Luv
Oliver Smith , Baker Street
Oliver Smith
Oliver Smith, Hello, Dolly!
Oliver Smith, The Gay Life
Oliver Smith, Camelot
Oliver Smith, Camelot
Oliver Smith, Becket
Oliver Smith, The Sound of Music
Oliver Smith, West Side Story
Oliver Smith, Brigadoon
Oliver Smith, Time Remembered
Oliver Smith, Time Remembered
Oliver Smith, Nude with Violin
Oliver Smith, Jamaica
Oliver Smith, Carousel
Oliver Smith, My Fair Lady
Oliver Smith, Auntie Mame
Oliver Smith, Candide
Oliver Smith, Eugenia
Oliver Smith, A Visit to A Small Planet
Oliver Smith, My Fair Lady
Oliver Smith, A Clearing in the Woods
Oliver Smith has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. Some of his nominations include Best Scenic Design (Tony Awards) for shows like Gigi, Indians, Dear World, I Do! I Do!, The Odd Couple, Luv, Baker Street, Hello, Dolly!, The Gay Life, West Side Story, Brigadoon, Time Remembered, Nude with Violin, Jamaica, Carousel, My Fair Lady, Auntie Mame, Candide, Eugenia, A Visit to A Small Planet, and A Clearing in the Woods. He has also received a Special Tony Award and an Outstanding Set Design award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for his work on Camelot.
Oliver Smith has won several awards for his scenic design work. He has received the Best Scenic Design Tony Award for shows such as Baker Street, Luv, The Odd Couple, Hello, Dolly!, West Side Story, and My Fair Lady. He also received a Special Tony Award. In addition to the Tony Awards, Smith won the Outstanding Set Design award from the Outer Critics Circle for Camelot. He was also recognized with the Best Scenic Design of a Musical Tony Award for Camelot and The Sound of Music, as well as the Best Scenic Design of a Play Tony Award for Becket.