Small Mouth Sounds is a dramatic absurdist stage play written by American playwright Bess Wohl.
The play tells the story of six adults who run away from their hectic inner city life to a silent retreat in upstate New York. They then have to make peace with the silence of their own minds while trying to find ways to connect without words.
The play is unique in that there is very little dialogue and requires the actors to express their emotions and feelings physically rather than verbally.americantheatre.org The Silence and Noise of Small Mouth Soundsaccessed 09/07/2026
Production history Ars Nova (2015) The play premiered at Ars Nova, Off-Broadway in New York City on March 24, 2015. This production was directed by Rachel Chavkin.playbill.com World Premiereaccessed 09/07/2026
Signature Theatre (2016) The play returned Off-Broadway the following year, opening July 13, 2016 at the Romulus Linney Courtyard Stage at the Pershing Square Signature Center, with Chakvin as director and many returning cast.playbill.com Small Mouth Sounds to Returnaccessed 09/07/2026 Marcia Debonis was nominated for a Drama League Award for her performance.variety.com Drama League Nominees 2017retrieved September 7,2026 Wohl received the John Gassner Award for Best New Play from the Outer Critics Circle Awards.variety.com Outer Critics Circle Award winnersaccessed September 7,2026 National Tour (2017) The play went on tour in 2017, opening at the Long Wharf Theatre on August 29, 2017 and continuing to play in San Francisco, Santa Monica, Dallas, Miami, and Philadelphia.playbill.com Small Mouth Sounds National Touraccessed 09/07/2026
Chicago (2018) The play had its premiere production in Chicago beginning October 18, 2018 at A Red Orchid Theatre, directed by Shade Murray.aredorchidtheatre.org Small Mouth Soundsaccessed 09/07/20226 This production was nominated for two Jeff Awards for Best Sound Design and Best Ensemble.aroundthetownchicago.com 51st Jeff Awards Nomineesaccessed 09/07/2026
Broadway (2027) The play will premiere on Broadway in 2027 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, directed by Joe Mantello. Previews are set to begin February 18, with an opening date set for March 18. The production will be produced by Scott Rudin.
Original casts CharacterArs Nova (2015)Signature (2016)Tour (2017)Chicago (2018)Broadway (2027)JudySakina JaffreyQuincy Tyler BernstineCherene Snow Cynthia Hines Sarah PaulsonJoanMarcia DebonisSocorro SantiagoJennifer EngstromJulia RobertsAliciaJessica AlmasyZoë WintersBrenna PalughiHeather ChrislerGreta LeeJanErik LochtefeldMax BakerConnor BarrettLawrence GrimmMartin FreemanNedBrad HeberleeBen BeckleyLevi HollowayPaul RuddRodneyBabak TaftiEdward Chin-Lyn Travis A. KnightIsaac PowellThe Teacher / A VoiceJoJo GonzalezOrville MendozaMeighan Gerachis
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