LIHU‘E — Embrace your cape and get ready to take flight, because Kimleigh Smith is bringing her award-winning, autobiographical show to Kaua‘i for two nights only. “T-O-T-A-L-L-Y!” debuts 7:30 p.m. today at Church of the Pacific in Princeville followed by
LIHU‘E — Embrace your cape and get ready to take flight, because Kimleigh Smith is bringing her award-winning, autobiographical show to Kaua‘i for two nights only.
“T-O-T-A-L-L-Y!” debuts 7:30 p.m. today at Church of the Pacific in Princeville followed by an encore performance 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Lihu‘e United Church.
The show is “a total journey about embracing your superhero and embracing who you are no matter where you are in your life,” Smith said during a telephone interview. “You must be willing to sacrifice who you are for what you want to become.”
While the subject matter may seem bleak — Smith endures a college rape leaving her lost within her own sexuality — Smith refuses to become the victim. Instead, she discovers her superhero strength to rise above adversity.
“It’s a total transformation. I’m totally Kimleigh. Totally, totally Kimleigh,” Smith said about the title of her show.
The show has been described as “an entertaining treat” by the Wall Street Journal and NYTheatre has called Smith “a force of nature” and a “fearless performer.” The Hollywood Fringe Festival honored Smith with the 2010 Top of the Fringe Award and Fringe Award for Theatre.
“The show came to me in divine intervention,” Smith said. “I just trusted it. When I get up there, I go there. I go back to being 17. It is an emotional charge, but in a good way, because I feel that transformation every single night.”
Audience members meet Smith as a bubbly 17-year-old cheerleader. From there, Smith shares her journey into a modern day superhero, which pauses to explore her time spent in a Midwest college, her dancing career in Chicago and move to Los Angeles.
“It’s been a joy to give to people,” Smith said. “I’m actually shocked how many people — men and women — can relate to this story because of not what happened, but because of the transformation. The show is really about getting out of your own way, taking power and being the most amazing, powerful human being you can be. You see me change into an amazing woman who takes control of my life.”
Closing in on her second year of performing “T-O-T-A-L-L-Y!,” Smith hasn’t grown tired with the material.
“Every night is completely different depending on the audience,” Smith said. “I have so many favorite parts. It’s so much fun to do. There’s this one part, I don’t want to give it away, but it’s a very titillating, sexy part of the show.”
Smith, who is a self-described military brat, spent the first 10 years of life in Japan. Her family moved to Kansas, and after graduation, Smith made the move to Chicago where a friend dared her to audition for a play.
“I fell in love with the craft and this world. I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
Smith has performed her autobiographical show in front of hundreds of audiences, and while her parents have yet to see it, she has made lifetime friends through her show.
“I met so many wonderful friends from doing this.” she said “When you are, open honest and real people connect with you.”
Smith’s next superhero feats include writing a book based on her experiences and producing a series of solo performances in Los Angeles, titled “DELICIOUS.”
See “T-O-T-A-L-L-Y” 7:30 p.m. today at the Church of the Pacific in Princeville and 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Lihu‘e United Church. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. To reserve tickets, visit www.BrownPaperTickets.com or call 800-838-3006.
• Andrea Frainier, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-3681, ext. 257 or afrainier@thegardenisland.com.
