Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati’s The Sound Inside is one of the best pieces of theater I’ve seen this review season! Written by Pulitzer Prize finalist Adam Rapp (Red Light Winter), the play is an expertly crafted psychological thriller that blurs the lines between truth and fiction. Nominated for six Tony Awards, including best play, The Sound Inside is a captivating narrative that challenges audiences to question what is real and what is make-believe. Themes of loneliness, artistic creation, and existential dread permeate the narrative, culminating in moments of suspense and ambiguity that challenge viewers to discern truth from imagination.
The Plot of The Sound Inside
The Sound Inside is a suspenseful two-character drama which centers on Bella Baird, a middle-aged creative writing professor at Yale, and her enigmatic student, Christopher Dunn. Bella’s quiet, literary existence is disrupted when Christopher, a socially awkward freshman, unexpectedly enters her office without an appointment. Their interactions evolve into a complex relationship filled with intellectual exchanges and emotional tension.
As the story unfolds, Bella reveals she has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, forcing her to confront her own mortality and seek solace in Christopher. The two bond over their shared passion for literature and writing; however, their connection becomes increasingly mysterious and unsettling. Christopher shares a dark novella he is writing, which raises questions about his character and intentions.
The play blurs the lines between reality and fiction, with Bella narrating events as though she is writing a story. Bella’s narration and the transition into dialogue with Christopher happen so quickly that audiences begin to wonder if what they are witnessing is a work of fiction that is contained in Bella’s head. Audiences are left to form their own interpretations after a strange and mysterious turn of events leaves both characters forever changed.
The Actors
Annie Fitzpatrick (Bella Baird) is stunning. Her captivating performance brings layers of nuance and humor to the role while her ability to switch between solo narration and shared dialogue is effortless and delightful to watch. Fitzpatrick’s narrative style is so natural that her transitions into different characters and scenarios aren’t questioned but embraced by audiences as the story unfolds. It’s clear from the first monologue that Fitzpatrick is very at home on stage.
Rupert Spraul (Christopher Dunn) brings an aura of intrigue from the moment he enters to the moment he leaves. He balances the role of a socially awkward, eccentric college freshman with an air of aptitude and maturity. The transitions between shared dialogue and his own solo narrations are almost as effortless as Fitzpatrick. The chemistry between the two is palpable and at times creates a slightly uncomfortable erotic tension that is impossible to look away from.
Production & Creative
Directed by Brian Isaac Phillips, The Sound Inside creates a minimalistic environment that many of Rapp’s plays are known for. Clean lines and simple set pieces allow the audience to focus primarily on the building tension between the characters. Scenic & Lighting Designer Brian C. Mehring offers dynamic use of lighting to help establish an air of mystery and leans into elements of film noir. The production quality feels simple, but to be simple it has to be good and this is where the creative team shines. Ensemble Theatre is known for high quality, professional regional theater and this production is a testament to their skill as storytellers.
Overall Impressions
Ensemble Theatre’s The Sound Inside is an outstanding night of theater. Adam Rapp’s writing is sharp and intelligent and well cared for in the hands of a talented, highly capable cast and crew. The psychological thriller continued to be the main topic of conversation on the car ride home and well into the evening. I recommend seeing it more than once!
Tickets to The Sound Inside
The Sound Inside runs from April 11-27 at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati. Purchase tickets by visiting www.ensemblecincinnati.org or by calling the box office at 513-421-3555.
NOTE: This play contains potentially triggering content including self-harm and mental illness.
