About This Show

Harry Smith at the Chelsea Hotel is a biographical play set in 1970 about Harry Smith, the artist, filmmaker, wit, polymath, collector, self-styled shaman, Guggenheim grantee, and producer of the influential American Anthology of Folk Music. Harry often invites friends, artists, and potential patrons to his room, where he plays Brecht-Weill’s Mahagonny on a small box record player. H was often in need of funds to continue shooting his NYC version of the opera. One night he invites a millionaire/potential benefactor to see his paintings, and finds it necessary to warn the “regulars” to behave themselves.