'Small Mouth Sounds' a refreshing theatrical experience

In a world full of noise and chatter, California Repertory Company’s production of “Small Mouth Sounds” at Cal State Long Beach stands out as a remarkably introspective and engaging piece of theater.

Directed with meticulous care by Beth Lopes, this performance turns the audience inside out with a largely silent story that is an expressive exploration of human vulnerability, connection and the unspoken struggles we all face.

Written by the deft hand of Bess Wohl, ‘Small Mouth Sounds’ places six strangers in a silent week-long retreat where verbal expression is forbidden, but personal conflicts rage, just beneath the surface. Each character comes with their own burden, ranging from personal loss to strained relationships, and guided by the voice of an unseen, disembodied teacher, they embark on journeys of self-discovery.

The absence of dialogue enhances the depth of each character’s journey and provides a masterclass in non-verbal storytelling – which this Cal Rep cast handles beautifully.

The setting, by Emily MacDonald, is minimalist, evocative and perfect for this production, and combined with Ryan Meissner’s subtle and delightful lighting, rocked this production in a way design elements rarely do.

Lopes embraces the limitations of the script, allowing silence itself to become a character.

The sparse set, interspersed with simple objects such as yoga mats and retreat ephemera, reflects the simplicity of the retreat environment. But it is the actors’ expressive body language, nuanced facial expressions and subtle “little mouth sounds” that create a cacophony of emotions, immersing the audience in the inner turmoil of each character. It’s a space where the slightest sigh or change in body language speaks volumes, and the Cal Rep cast proves remarkably adept at navigating these subtleties.

Each cast member breathes life into a distinct role, delivering moments that are simultaneously comical and heartbreaking.

Rodney, the first to arrive and clearly no stranger to new age yoga retreats, is full of well-crafted humble energy from the boisterous Devin Stone. Jan, the one person who seems to be in the wrong place, is played with charming warmth by Gideon Amick, bringing moments of lightheartedness and depth, where humor and hope come together.

Then there is married couple Judy and Joan, whose silent struggle reveals layers of tension and love that seem universally familiar. Amelia Priestly and Jane U’Ren portray them with a real chemistry that makes their pain palpable.

Alicia’s character – an outsider seemingly glued to her headphones – is handled with a balance of humor and tragedy, while Dana Sandoval earns a nod for a performance that is both quirky and endearing.

Finally, Ned, whose quiet encounters with personal suffering and absurd misfortunes would be easy to exaggerate, is instead played by Aryan Chhabra with raw honesty and huggable sweetness, making his emotional wounds accessible without a single spoken line.

Wohl’s piece presents an exploration of contemporary struggles, from the search for purpose to the pain of unexpressed grief.

Cal Rep’s rendition taps into this potential, creating moments that invite reflection on our own modern silences and disconnections. The audience is urged to fill in the gaps, observing the body language and small, almost imperceptible sounds that reveal the undercurrent of each character’s experience.

It’s a refreshing theatrical experience – both humorous and deeply moving – that compels audiences to focus on the raw humanity of each character. If you let it, it can push you to speak your heart to someone you’ve left behind in silence.

Small mouth sounds

When: 7:30 PM Thursday and Friday October 31 – November 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM Saturday November 2

Where: University Theater at CSULB

Costs: Students, $23; general, $25

Tickets: tix.com/ticket-sales/csulb-theatre-arts/6797

Information: csulb.edu/theatre-arts/california-repertory-company