REVIEW: The Sound Inside
A haunting, mesmerizing psychological journey that lingers long after the final scene
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati's regional premiere of Adam Rapp's "The Sound Inside" delivers a theatrical experience that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally profound. This 100-minute psychological thriller, directed with remarkable restraint by Brian Isaac Phillips, unfolds like a perfectly crafted literary workâappropriate for a play centered on two characters deeply immersed in the world of literature.
Annie Fitzpatrick gives a tour de force performance as Bella Baird, a Yale writing professor navigating complex personal challenges. Fitzpatrick commands the stage for the entire performance, shouldering the weight of extensive monologues with nuanced brilliance. Even as her character maintains an academic aloofness, Fitzpatrick's inherent warmth illuminates Bella's vulnerability, creating a compelling contradiction that draws the audience deeper into her world.
Matching her excellence is Rupert Spraul as Christopher, a brilliant but enigmatic student. Spraul demonstrates astonishing range, convincingly portraying a 19-year-old college freshman with flawless authenticity. The chemistry between these two performers elevates their scenes together, creating moments of connection that resonate with genuine emotional truth.
Phillips' direction shows masterful restraint, allowing the script and performances to take center stage. His thoughtful blocking and careful choices never distract from the story but rather enhance the mysterious atmosphere that permeates the production. The result is a seamless theatrical experience where technical elements and performances work in perfect harmony.
Brian c. Mehring's ethereal set design provides the perfect backdrop for this psychological drama, while Trey Tatum's nuanced sound design subtly reinforces the play's mysterious tone. Maria Fernanda Ortiz Lopez's costume design is appropriately understated, and the lighting design adds just the right dramatic emphasis to key moments without overwhelming the production's delicate balance.
"The Sound Inside" tackles difficult themes with unflinching honesty, yet maintains an intriguing ambiguity that invites audience interpretation. The play's twists feel organic rather than sensational, and the production leaves you with lingering questions that spark thoughtful discussion long after you've left the theater.
This is not a production that spoon-feeds answers or resolutions. Instead, it respects its audience's intelligence, offering a rich theatrical experience for those who appreciate nuance and complexity. If you enjoy leaving the theater with something substantial to contemplate, "The Sound Inside" at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is not to be missed.
With performances running through April 27, this thought-provoking production showcases Cincinnati's theatrical talent at its finest, delivering exactly what great regional theater should: compelling storytelling brought to life through exceptional performances and thoughtful direction. Don't miss this haunting, beautifully executed production.
Content advisory: This play contains potentially triggering content related to mental health, including self-harm and illness, and includes adult language and explicit sexual references.
THE SOUND INSIDE runs through April 27. More information and tickets can be found here.