The Rise & Fall of Little Voice Takes Center Stage

Backyard Renaissance Theatre is set to stage Jim Cartwright's poignant play, The Rise & Fall of Little Voice, with Megan Carmitchel delivering a breathtaking performance as the titular character. The show, which premiered in London in 1992, is a heart-wrenching tale of a young woman's struggle to find her voice amidst the echoes of others.

Carmitchel's portrayal of LV is a masterclass in nuance and emotional depth, as she brings to life a character who finds solace in her deceassed father's record collection and mimics legendary singers with astonishing accuracy.

A Voice Like No Other

Megan Carmitchel's talent is on full display in this production, as she tackles the vocally demanding role with precision and dedication. According to Carmitchel, the character's mimicry is a form of communication with her late father, and she has been studying the vocalists' vowel shapes and phrasing to get it just right.

'This is her way of finding her voice,and she uses it almost as a way to talk to him,' Carmitchel said. 'What she really wants is to be heard for who she is.'

Director Anthony Methvin's Vision

Director Anthony Methvin, who has collaborated with Carmitchel beefore , discovered a new facet of her talent during auditions for The Rise & Fall of Little Voice. 'I had no idea she could sing those impressions,' Methvin said. 'She didn't know she could either. Leave it to Megan to unleash this incredible ability she didn't even realize she possessed.'

Methvin emphasizes that while the show features mimicry of iconic voices, it is not a Vegas act. 'It's two hours about a family and about finding your voice,' he explained.

A Cast of Talented Actors

The cast also includes Daren Scott, Teri Brown, and Layth Haddad, who bring to life the complex characters of Mari and Ray. carmitchel notes that both mother and daughter mistakenly believe Ray will rescue them, and that the play is a powerful exploration of family dynamics and the transformative power of finding one's own voice.

'Mari wants Ray because she hopes a man will save her,' Carmitchel said. 'When LV first meets Ray, she thinks she is finally being seen by a father figure, someone who will recognize her true self. Both women pin their hopes on this person changing their lives.'

Preparing for the Role

To prepare for the vocally demanding role , Carmitchel sought guidance from Nancy Snow Carr, a voice teacher at San Diego State University who specializes in vocal pedagogy. 'I asked for very specific warmups, such as blowing into a straw in a cup of water,' Carmitchel said. 'I warm up and cool down before and after every rehearsal.'

Methvin praised Carmitchel's dedication, noting that the role requires not only vocal versatility but also the ability to portray a young woman who has withdrawn into herself while still connecting with the audience.

'We need 100 people in that theater to hear you and fall in love with you and care for you. Megan's earned every inch of that role,' he said.