Public Fit Theatre's Superb "Small Mouth Sounds" Delights All

Public Fit Theatre's Superb "Small Mouth Sounds" Delights All

 

By Marianne Donnelly
Photos: Richard Brusky

"Small Mouth Sounds" by Bess Wohl, brilliantly directed by Ann-Marie Pereth, runs February 15 – March 10, 2019 at Public Fit Theatre's "The Usual Place” located at 100 S. Maryland Pkwy., (near Fremont and 13th) in downtown Las Vegas. Show time is 7:30 pm and prompt arrival is required. 

 

Photo credit: Richard Brusky

Small Mouth Sounds, as described in their playbill:  "In the overwhelming quiet of the woods, six runaways from city-life embark on a silent retreat. As these strangers confront internal demons, both profound and absurd, their vows of silence collide with the achingly human need to connect.

Filled with humor and truth, this strange, compassionate new play asks how we address life’s biggest questions when words fail us?"

A swami-voiced Teacher (Erik Amblad) leads the participants through their journey saying, "I have no plan...perhaps...you are the teachers...you've come here to meet your true self...Listen!...that is the point of this silence...you are not alone..."

"Breathe in (long pause) Breathe out” says the offstage Teacher as he continues his masterful guidance of  Jan (Timothy Cummings), Rodney (Mario Peoples), Ned (Marcus Weiss), Joan (Valerie Carpenter Bernstein), Judy (Dina Emerson), Alicia (Jamie Carvelli Pikrone.

Every character reads one hundred percent authentic. Each actor utilizes exquisite subtlety, anchored in direct-connect-to-vulnerability. In a play that relies primarily on eyes, understated gestures, intense focus, clever sound cues, gaze, pause and heart, in a minimalist setting, with little to no dialogue, is truly a daring, effective script by Beth Wohls. It is a masterful play done by masterful actors. Unique. Joyful. Funny. Memorable. It was like a silent movie, but much better. 

This cast's combined credits include theatrical accolades from national and local reviews, to long-run experiences on nearly every major Vegas stage (Cirque du Soleil, Blue Man group, so many more) to NYC's Carnegie Hall and European tours, as well as consistent work in our fine local off-strip theatres. This is an amazing fact! Eat your heart out New York and Los Angeles. We are not toddler-theatre in Vegas Valley. No sir. We have top-of-the-heap-finest of actors here! And. They are friendly and humble, even while being frightfully accomplished. Wow. If you have not explored local theatre companies here you are missing out. 

This company's mission statement reads, "A Public Fit (APF) Theatre aims to invigorate the community by working with Las Vegas artists to create exciting, innovative and provocative theatre. We strongly believe in the communal power of great stories, dramatic ideas and the sincere engagement that audiences find in challenging theatrical events. A Public Fit works to unite artists and audiences, treating each production as the beginning of an unending conversation." And, by gum, they do indeed do this by including the audience in the after show talk-back called The Buzzz.

You will see so much in this special production and you will be touched by seven amazing actors who deliver six life stories without many words. Small sounds, big message: "all your experiences are shared by countless others; you are Not alone.

NOTE: There will be NO late seating for this production which starts promptly at 7:30 pm (2:00 pm matinees).
apublicfit.org
702-735-2114