Little Voice is a shy, reclusive girl who loves to sing. She desperately misses her late father and spends all her time in her room, singing along to his old record collection. She impersonates all his favorite recording artists, including the great Judy Garland. When her mom meets a new man, he sees Little Voice as his ticket to success. All Little Voice wants is a normal life. She wants to be loved. THE RISE AND FALL OF LITTLE VOICE is a poignant, funny story full of romance, music and heartfelt emotions.
THE RISE AND FALL OF LITTLE VOICE had its premiere at the Royal National Theatre in 1992, before transferring to the Aldwych Theatre in London’s West End. Two years later, LITTLE VOICE saw its Broadway debut at the Neil Simon Theatre. In 1998, the film version was released based on Cartwright’s screenplay. It garnered numerous acclamations, including an Oscar-nomination. In 2009, the play had a successful revival in the West End. A touring production began in the UK in 2012 and continues today.
At the helm of the production is Director Dan Olmstead. This production marks Olmstead’s directorial debut at Walnut Street Theatre. He has been seen on stage at the Walnut in numerous productions, including Good People, Amadeus, Fiddler on the Roof, Fallen Angels, A Streetcar Named Desire, Enchanted April, Of Mice and Men, The Constant Wife, Finian’s Rainbow, The Lake, Damn Yankees, She Stoops to Conquer and 1776. His film credits include The Manchurian Candidate, Beloved and Philadelphia.
THE RISE AND FALL OF LITTLE VOICE cast is full of Philadelphia favorites. With simple innocence masking a stunning voice, Ellie Mooney plays Little Voice. Walnut audiences will recognize Mooney from both the Mainstage (Elf, Amadeus) and the Studio 3 stage (The Musical of Musicals: The Musical!; My Way). Little Voice’s bigger-than-life mother, Mari, is played by Denise Whelan. Whelan has recently been seen on Walnut’s stage in The Music Man and Good People. Mari’s love interest and small-time talent agent Ray Say is Philadelphia performer Anthony Lawton (Around the World in 80 Days, Of Mice and Men). Melissa Joy Hart (Amadeus, The Sound of Music) joins the cast as Sadie, Jered McLenigan (Good People) as Billy and David Bardeen (Travels With My Aunt) as Mr. Boo.
Taking Little Voice from her childhood bedroom, which offers a sense of safety and seclusion, to the center stage of a gritty night club is a creative team lead by Set Designer Andrew Thompson (Driving Miss Daisy, Proof). Lighting Designer J. Dominic Chacon returns, having just designed for Beautiful Boy in Walnut’s Studio 3 theatre. Walnut audiences have heard Mark Valenzuela’s work as Sound Designer in Honor and the River; The Irish…And How They Got That Way; and Elliot, A Soldier’s Fugue. Katherine Fritz makes her Walnut debut as Costume Designer.
Season sponsor for the 2013-2014 Independence Studio on 3 Season is The Independence Foundation. Media season sponsors are Philadelphia Weekly and WRTI Radio. Tickets are $30-$40 and are now available at 215-574-3550 or 215-336-1234. Tickets are also available at WalnutStreetTheatre.org or Ticketmaster.com.
