John T. "J.T." Smith

Fresh out of High School, I was introduced to JT Smith from my drama teacher (who worked with JT in prior years) I began my very short season with the Old School House Theater in Sanibel in early 2000. He was a bright light for me and inspired me to be a better human. I recently visited Sanibel Island, and the empty lot that once held the "Old School Theater" and emotions streamed down my cheek of all the memories. I started looking online to see what happened to JT Smith and came across this obituary. Saddened that I discovered this just now, but so honored and blessed to have met such a sweet, kind-hearted and loving human. Thank you for inspiring me even after so many years! With love & condolences to his family & friends. Sabrina DeMonica

JT - Thank you for all of those shows. It was an honor to be your friend. You trusted me to watch your house and take care of your dog. I will miiss you, but I have fond memories. God Bless

J.T. Smith offered me my second professional acting job and that made me ecstatic. People always say "treasure those times when you are doing things that make you happy." As you get older it is those very moments that stay in your memory bank and always have a special place in your heart. J.T. Smith gave us so many opportunities to grow as artists, perform our hearts out and develop friendships. He made us work hard, but there was always time for play. I will forever cherish those times in my life and have J.T. to thank for that.

It does not surprise me that John's guest book is filled with so many people who loved and admired him. Even in high school he had a kind and funny disposition. I always suspect John would do great thing with his life. He obviously touched many with his joy for music and his ambition to share it with the world.
John will obviously be missed by many.

I had the honor and privilege of working with JT at the Old School House Theatre on Sanibel. JT worked/played hard, fast and furious. The shows he created were so much fun and they showcased every performer on that stage. JT had a knack for casting, but his genius was felt when he would write, rewrite and rework the show until everyone on that stage appeared to be brilliant. The show sparkled, the performers shined and there was JT right in the middle playing away, smiling and singing and keeping us all on our toes. He knew how to work the audience and made each of us better performers. He was also a very gracious and loving man. He reached out to help others even when he was struggling along. Thank you JT for being in my life and making me a better person. Until we meet again – we’ll be loving you always.

I am so sorry to hear of JT's passing. I had a great time working with JT and always thought his shows were superbly written and always a joy to perform. I still look back at my time working with him and remember all the fun and laughter. He will be missed. Thanks Anne Marie for putting this together!

It was a privilege for me to be a part of The Old Schoolhouse Theater with JT, from his first show to his last. I thought of him as a son, because of the respect he always showed me, a dear friend, the best boss and above all, a genius in all aspects of Musical Theater. Getting to meet a lot of talented young people and making new friends were a bonus for me.
You were much loved and will be greatly missed. I know the Angels in Heaven must have been waiting for you with open arms and anxious for you to put on a show.
We have many fond memories of you, JT. You were truly "The Greatest"...'til we meet again.

Although I first met JT in New York more than 20 years ago, it was our working relationship on Sanibel that brought our friendship and love. In 1989 JT was the musical director and I was the choreographer of an Irving Berlin Revue at the Tween Waters Inn. His arrangements were amazing and his playing, singing and energy made him one of the stars of the show.
Years later I was fortunate to do six more shows with him at The Old Schoolhouse.....an experience I will always cherish. He was a master at choosing the material and then putting a new spin on a song you've heard a hundred times before. His ability to find the very best talent and bring more out of them than they knew they had was uncanny. But most of all it was his humor, energy, kindness and talent that made the Old Schoolhouse what it was......a charming and magical place where anything could happen. When the lights went down it was like the world stopped around you and you were in for the ride of your life! It was truly one of the most extraordinary places I have ever had the priveledge of working.
Last winter JT and Marilyn and I went to the Old Schoolhouse at it's new location and after being renovated to it's original condition. We held hands and said a prayer and shed a few tears among the desks and blackboards. It is merely an empty shell now but the glory days of music and laughter will live on in the hearts and minds of the hundreds of performers and thousands of patrons that JT brought there.
Few people could accomplish in many lifetimes what JT did in his short one. I will miss you and love you and be forever gratful for our time together.

A bright light has been dimmed on Sanibel Island's theater scene with the sad loss of J.T. Smith.
He came to Sanibel and blazed a brilliant trail with his own style of mounting great, musical revue productions, for his audiences to see and enjoy.
I've had the great priviledge to not only see, enjoy and critically review J.T.'s amazing productions, I also had the opportunity to work with this talented man in what turned out to be one of my personal best performances; when J.T. Directed me as Maria Callas in his production of "Master Class".
As anyone who has ever worked with J.T. will tell you he was a hard task master, but he was a master of his craft and drew the best out of all of his performers.
His fitting memorial "Celebration of a Life" for my late husband Frank Wagner, Islander Theater Critic , Choreographer, Director, Jazz Dance Teacher, will live in my and my family's memory forever.
Yes, I will miss J.T.'s delightfully entertaining, witty musical revues but I will miss this dear friend and theater buddy even more. You may be gone J.T. but you'll be remembered forever.

Go Gently Dear Friend
Marsha Wagner

Dear Tim & Family,
We were so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. Please know we are thinking of you and your family at this time.
Sincerely, Denise & Mike

I am much too sad to write anything clever or eloquent about Mr. Smith. We were connected in a way so few people ever are. It's indescribable. He was a part of me. So a part of me is with him now. No words can explain the grief. I will simply say good bye to a man that meant the world to me. He will continue to be in my thoughts for the rest of my life. I take a small comfort in knowing he is finally at rest and out of any discomfort. I will forever miss this special man who gave me more than he will ever know. Be at peace my friend.
seth

JT brought much happiness to so many people on Sanibel through his music. We will miss him.

When my son David (16) and I visited my parents (Jan & Dick Patton) on Sanibel, we always went to see the current show JT had going. They were always fun to watch. JT even got my Dad up on stage for a memorable performance one year! We have fond memories of David (then quite young) dancing in the aisles while watching the great shows that JT put on. JT and his piano playing and singing will be greatly missed.

There's FAR too much to say about JT Smtih in a guest book entry. He was one of those people who you wanted to shake violently and FORCE to believe how great he was, and make him understand how many people he's given joy to and how many people he challenged to grow. Too often he didn't believe it himself. JT was a HUGE influence in my life early on, and continues to be. I refuse to put him on a pedestal because he wouldn't want that. He was real. Warts and all. THAT'S what I respected and adored. If you wanted a dose of truth, ask him his thoughts. He'd lay it out. What a gift. Ugly, yes, sometimes. But truthful. He struggled with much, but offered up everything he had when I worked with him. That was the true JT. A force. Driven, motivated, and needless to say, talented. He was quite the pied piper. Health issues, I'm sure, changed the way he came across to people in recent years, but I think I knew him as he was meant to be. Singing, dancing, being funny, pushing people's limits, coming up with wacky scene's and scenarios, laughing, celebrating, playing the piano, partying, etc...
He made memories. Great ones. And hilariously disfunctional ones too. But that's what makes the world work.
I type this as I cry. He was quite the lovable pain in the butt and I can't believe he's gone. But we all know he's having Jesus learn some random Maltby and Shire song as we all type about him.

Being a helper to JT throughout the theater's entire existance has been a highlight of my life! Jan and I were Volunteer Coordinators in the early years, which led to our usually being there six days/nights a week. There was always plenty to do!

I appreciated JT asking me (of little talent) to be one of the 'locals' in the cast of the Vaudeville Shows, put on two years in a row before the Christmas season. I readily admit to problems remembering lines and words to songs we sang. Thank goodness for Ginger's help (and quiet prompting) when she partnered with me in several skits.

JT was really a great friend to Jan and me. We miss his presence and jolly exuberance that we remember so well! It was an honor to be a small part of the "best theater going" on Sanibel. YOU WILL LIVE IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER, JT.

J.T. is dead. What a final, final curtain. I would watch his shows with my mouth open. Watch what he wove, the utter skill in the tapestry. And listen to the miracles unfold, as he nourished so many beginners into artists.

Let's face it. His kind of revue is probably the most difficult kind of theater to pull off. It's full of pitfalls, invitations to cliché, sinkholes of dullness, and potential insults to audiences.

But J.T. had the formula and produced success after success. He tried to teach it to others, but like any creative gift, it doesn't go through the ditto machine.

J.T. was clearly an original. And the evenings of delight he gave to us on his island will never be duplicated. They, too, died with him, except in memory.

Theater Critic, THE SANIBEL-CAPTIVA ISLANDER.

To those who knew and loved J.T., I pray that you find solace in your wonderful memories, and that instant light when you hear one of the songs he introduced to you through his numerous revues. We almost worked together, but the timing was wrong. So for those few hours of playing at your home, and the conversations, I say Thank You - and you have left an indelible impression here! Blessings and Peace. William

What a Star you are JT in this life and I know in the life you are in now - eternal life.As nice as Sanibel is much is due to you. You, your creativity, your energy, your vision,your talent and your faith in others made such a deep impression in the lives of so so many people. I loved all the time I spent at the Old Schoolhouse. How could I ever forget Anything Goes with my adorable Eva Gabor or the ever patient Marilyn, or your best buddies the Pattons. Heaven must be jumping with joy to have you home again!

JT...where to begin?....Thank you for sharing your talent and love with everyone around you...As a mentor and friend, you have shaped the performer and person I am today. You have created countless lasting friendships and extended families along your journey, and for that, all of us who were fortunate enough to be touched by your genius, humor, and kindness are forever grateful. The Magical Musical Maestro will be sorely missed. God bless.

John (JT) Smith:

I knew you before you were called JT, when you were an ethusiastic kid just out of Hudson Falls High School. We first met in the Glens Falls Operetta Club. You instantly impressed me with your maturity, your love and enthusiasm for singing and performing. You quickly became a good friend and companion. My favorite memory of you was in the production of 1776 when you played the courier with letters from G. Washington. As back stage crew, I never missed standing in the wings to hear you sing "Mama, Hey Mama" and cried every time. Many years passed by and I only heard infrequently of where your career had taken you after Crane School of Music. What a surprise and joy to have you back in your hometown and singing with us in the church choir. Your outside appearance and health problems may have changed who you were on the outside, but the caring and loving friend still shone out through your eyes and the ready smile was still always there. Be at peace and without care, but John, you left us too soon.

The legacy of musical theater and a sense of community that JT brought to Sanibel will not be forgotten!!
So many of us counted him as a friend as well as an artist.

On behalf of us and our mutual friends, Cherie and Louise

John was my best friend's first kiss. Never to be forgotten.

J.T., you are sorely missed. The confidence and courage you brought out of me 10 years ago still thrives to this day - I'm eternally grateful and honored, though I've yet to again contort myself on a piano! Memories of the joy you created both on and off stage outshine and will outlast sorrow.

Ah, J.T., thanks for giving a wannabe diva some chances to shine. Remember when the fidgeting Alex Cohn, age 5, rolled off the piano during the show? The "Who's on First?" skit? Bad Boy Bobby Brown's Hortense? The recalcitrant audience at Ellington's that paid us to stop singing "A Partridge in a Pear Tree?" Who can blame them! What fun we had. I miss you.

How I loved volunteering at the Old Schoolhouse Theater. What fun it was. And who knew that I could actually come up with a costume now and then. JT taught me so much - about life and fun. And I was honored to have the privilege of housing so many of the talented actors and actresses. It was a real treat for me. There is nothing quite like enthusiastic young people and JT always managed to bring out the best in them all. It was my good fortune to have known JT. Be at peace.

JT Smith is an uncommon friend. He was a multidimensional friend.
JT was a friend of many friends. And he was a friend with many friends.

JT was a friend with benefits… [Yeah, go ahead and laugh, JT would too—can’t you hear that raspy chuckle!] My life experience is so much the richer for having known JT. Is there a better benefit from a friend than that?

JT was a friend you could ask anything of; and he of you (and oh boy, sometimes would he?!) It didn’t matter if the answer was yes or no, the friendship remained. That’s what uncommon friends are about.

JT was a genius at finding the talent or skill you didn’t know you had within. Sometimes it was a challenge. But in the end, we were all better off for it. It was awesome to witness JT’s talent, and the talent he honed within others, get showcased on those special venues he masterfully created on a stage-- they were uniquely extraordinary at the Old Schoolhouse Theater on Sanibel Island.

JT was a friend with heart and soul. JT is an uncommon individual that created everlasting influence in others.
JT, thank you for your uncommon gift of friendship.
You will be missed but never forgotten.
Good night my friend!

JT Smith is an uncommon friend. He was a multidimensional friend.
JT was a friend of many friends. And he was a friend with many friends.

JT was a friend with benefits… [Yeah, go ahead and laugh, JT would too—can’t you hear that raspy chuckle!] My life experience is so much the richer for having known JT. Is there a better benefit from a friend than that?

JT was a friend you could ask anything of; and he of you (and oh boy, sometimes would he?!) It didn’t matter if the answer was yes or no, the friendship remained. That’s what uncommon friends are about.

JT was a genius at finding the talent or skill you didn’t know you had within. Sometimes it was a challenge. But in the end, we were all better off for it. It was awesome to witness JT’s talent, and the talent he honed within others, get showcased on those special venues he masterfully created on a stage-- they were uniquely extraordinary at the Old Schoolhouse Theater on Sanibel Island.

JT was a friend with heart and soul. JT is an uncommon individual that created everlasting influence in others.
JT, thank you for your uncommon gift of friendship.
You will be missed but never forgotten.
Good night my friend!

My thoughts are with you and your family. You are missed JT!

"JT" our American impresario,friend and soulmate will be greatly missed by all his British friends who came to know and love him during his fantastic shows at his favourite English "castle" at Stoke Rochford Hall in Lincolnshire. His gaiety, love of life and his special gift of friendship will be sadly missed although he will be remembered by all who really knew him. May he find joy and peace forever.
From over the "pond" with love and rememberance.

Hey, JT., wherever you are now..I love you. You were the hardest working, practical director and helpmate while I was writing my book "I Could Have Sing All Night/my story" while appearing in my one woman show that you were directing. You were a wonderful musical helpmate as conductor and player and director and editor of text----insightful and knowledgable. I will and do miss you and your wonderful positive spirit.

Love, Marni Nixon

John, you were my first true love at 15 and will remain loved for the rest of my life. You were a treasure in our crazy, mixed-up adolescence that kept us laughing and singing with your piano. Those memories will never fade. We love you for them. You are truly a one-of-a-kind angel, that will be in our hearts forever.

My husband and I were introduced to JT by our friend Marilyn and had the pleasure and enjoyment of seeing JT at the Little School House Theater. He was brilliant and entertaining. He will be greatly missed. Vita & Frank

JT challenged me and insisted I go past my "comfort zone" as a performer. He simply expected me do do something (even if I thought it was beyond my abilities), and so I did it. I will always appreciate the confidence I gained from working with him. I also feel indebted to him for introducing me to so many of my dear friends. JT had an uncanny sense when it came to casting...he chose not only talented people, but good,kind, loving people. Wonderful friends were made because of JT. I am so thankful for the role he played in my life.

All I can say is... thank you for believing in me and encouraging me. You will be fondly remembered and whenever anyone tells a "J.T. story", it will be followed by smiles. You will be missed, my friend and mentor!

The joy and friendship J.T. brought to our lives was immeasurable. His contribution to this island was a once in a lifetime experience.
We will love and miss you always.
Bob and Mary Mitchell
Sanibel Island

John was a fellow classmate from first grade thru high school. I remember John as a kind and gentle person that always had a smile and a kind word to offer. I remember all the times we had at his house with fellow classmates. John may you rest in peace.

David Pattee

J.T., You brought out the best in all of us and made us all stars. Most importantly, you were a friend. I love you and will miss you terribly.

What a wonderful friend and the most couageous patient I ever saw.
"friends make the joy double and the sorrow half" and as a friend you demonstrated that time and time again.

"The key to the mystery of a great artist is that for reasons unknown, he will give away his energies and his life just to make sure one note follows another, and leaves us with the feeling that something is right with the world." --Leonard Bernstein

Thanks J.T. for leaving us that feeling.

Through my cousin Marilyn I had the privilege of meeting JT on Sanibel Island. Also the privilege and great enjoyment watching him perform at
The Schoolhouse Theater over many years. I have also enjoyed many wonderful conversations with him and I feel we have all lost a gifted and talented person from whom we all have learned a lot.
Your Ohio "bud" - Geraldine

JT.......Your "GENIUS" gave so much enjoyment to so many for so long!!! Your music will never end - YOU and JT Smith's Encore Productions at the Old Schoolhouse Theater will live on in our minds and hearts! -- I'm honored to have been a part of your brilliant shows and feel blessed to have been by your side for all these years, through thick 'n' thin! I miss you, my friend. -- Now the choirs of angels have a new Director - Break a leg JT! -- Goodbye for now with lots of love, prayers, thanks and memories.......

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help at this time.

"Try to remember when life was so tender when no one slept, except the willow" -The Fantasticks.
We could not have done that show without you, J.T. You are with the sun and the moon.
Love Always, Avery and the cast and crew of the Fantasticks summer 2007.

JT believed in me as a performer and as a person. He changed the way I see myself. He was a genius, a friend, a mentor, and an inspiration. I will always love him and remember the Summer that Willy Wonka opened the gates of his factory to a bunch of crazy kids.

It all started when I crashed JT's auditions for Anything Goes in NYC. He told
me that I had to learn how to do a "time step" IF he gave me the part of Reno. So I did! I have so many fond and funny memories of Sanibel, The Old
Schoolhouse, the cast(s), and of course, JT's required "Meet and Greet" after the shows.
When JT believed in you, YOU believed in you. He was an incredibly
talented human being. JT loved musicals and revues. He loved to perform and make the audience laugh, but mostly he loved putting on a show.
I will miss him dearly. He was one of the great ones.

Everything I know and love about musical theatre, I know because of JT Smith. I am forever grateful to him. I celebrate him. I admire him. I adore him. I will miss him. Because of him, I have NEVER hated when they make you sing along and NEVER will...

Don and I only had the pleasure of your company over the last few years but we enjoyed our visits with you.

Years ago I was invited by Cameron to come and volunteer at the Old School House Theater. During that time I was able to meet and enjoy watching the talent of JT Smith. I was also able to bring my son James with me from time to time who while watching JT work his magic on the audiance has gained a love for theater. It was a joy to watch JT work. He will be sorely missed.

Bless you JT. You were a friend, mentor and a talented person. Your friendship will be greatly missed. Love always, Cameron

After my wife Martha, J. T. may have been the most important person in my adult life. He enabled me to meet and associate with the people that I love and admire above all others. My life has added a new dimension of meaning and value because of him.
Bob Brown

JT has been a huge influence on me and countless theater professionals. JT always strove for quality, and consistently created professional theater that was both fun and engaging. His love of music, dance, and drama was inspirational and I credit JT with almost every professional choice I have made in my career. He was fond of memories and always kept me entertained with backstage stories, quotes from old movies and snippets of songs from days gone by. His love of music and theater was special and infectious and he leaves a legacy of shows, reviews, and cabarets that will live forever. I can't stop thinking about those wonderful "Ho, Ho, Ho" shows and the holiday spirit that JT brought the island. He always opened up his home to everyone and he knew how to enjoy life.
As I always said upon greeting him, "Hey, JT - play that beat." May the beat go on.

J.T. Smith has been my music director, stage director, coach, colleague, stage partner, advocate, mentor, and dear friend since 1998. I perform differently (better) because I knew him. I live differently (better) because I knew him. He was, and shall always be to me, entertainment embodied. He understood the reality required of comedy and the lightness that hallmarks skillfully wrought drama. His short attention span--"My blessing! My curse!"--guaranteed that no audience ever had a moment or an inclination to shuffle in their seats or glance at their programs. He made the little Schoolhouse on Sanibel Island my favorite place in the world--the place I go to in memory still when the world gets a little too tough to manage. He will be missed and forever loved and remembered by this actor, singer, friend.

J.T. Smith is musical theater! Thank you for being a teacher, mentor and inspiration. "If I sing you are the music..."

PLEASE VISIT THE PHOTO ALBUM YOU VIST HERE. I'VE POSTED PHOTOS FROM THE "NOLE COLE" PRODUCTION AT THE OLD SCHOOLHOUSE THEATER ON SANIBEL ISLAND. WE WERE THE PARTY, AND JT WAS THE LIFE OF IT. I AM GLAD I WAS ABLE TO VISIT YOU ONCE AGAIN BEFORE YOUR PASSING IN MARCH 2008.
LOVE, ANNEMARIE PICERNO

JT...you were my best friend...our daily conversations.....the laughs, the sharing, the memories....I miss you so much. My condolences to your family and friends.

John T. Smith ("J.T.") was a consummate theater director, musician, teacher, coach and mentor. His life was the theater and he was most at home behind the piano while the audience laughed. In particular, he brought many happy years to audiences on Sanibel Island, Florida with his proudest accomplishment, The Old Schoolhouse Theatre. He has entertained many; along the way he influenced, taught and mentored many actors: from amateurs to actors performing now on Broadway. On a personal note, he taught me everything I know about musical theater, about performing, about directing and about how not to bore an audience. He taught me that "there's no business like show business", and I will always love him and be grateful to him for that.
"Good night, sweet prince,
May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest".