The second production of the Coal Mine Theatre’s season is Adam Rapp’s The Sound Inside. Directed by Leora Morris, this two-hander with an engrossing plot line and shocking twists is an unforgettable theatrical experience. You simply must see The Sound Inside.

I thought the story of The Sound Inside was going to be headed down a fairly well-travelled path from the beginning events: a pretty but unassuming professor finds a student who loves her work and is clearly also passionate about writing. But instead of going down the traditional romantic route, The Sound Inside throws one curveball after another until it’s not entirely clear how much of the story is made up, and how much has actually happened. This is another play that I’ve found myself thinking about and talking about several days after seeing it; a true testament to the power behind the writing and performances.

I loved the simplicity of the set as well. Mainly consisting of a desk and two chairs, the rest of the props required for the show were predominantly hidden within the drawers of the desk. It’s very symbolic of how everything for the main character revolves around her writing and life at the university, which is grounded by that desk. There is an elegance and functionality to that simplicity which I absolutely adore.

The cast of The Sound Inside delivers powerhouse performances which will stay with you long after you leave the theatre. Moya O’Connell plays Bella, the creative writing professor who predominantly narrates the story to the audience. O’Connell is brilliant in this production; from start to finish she engages the audience and keeps us wrapped around her little finger for each plot twist she delivers. Her performance elicits incredible amounts of sympathy, while also having us fall for her wit and eloquence. Bella is so similar to the professors I had while in university, that there was that automatic connection for me. Aidan Correia plays her student, Christopher. Correia’s performance showcases his immense talent; at times he’s charming and calm, at others seemingly totally unhinged. This range of states in which we experience Christopher’s being certainly add to the more mysterious elements of the play. There’s a vibrancy to his performance that sweeps you off your feet and makes the ending of the play all the more difficult to believe. These are some seriously incredible performances which I know I won’t soon forget.

The Sound Inside has so many little details and intriguing moments that’ll keep this play at the forefront of your thoughts long after you’ve witnessed it. You absolutely need to check out this unbelievable show before it closes June 3rd. For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.coalminetheatre.com/the-sound-inside

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Moya O’Connell and Aidan Correia in The Sound Inside. Photo by Tim Leyes.