How Sweet The Sound

by Eryn Elyse McVay

FULL-LENGTH
2019 Eugene O’Neill NPC Semi-Finalist
2019 PlayMakers Repertory's International Thomas Wolfe Playwriting Competition Semi-Finalist

John runs a neat and orderly home in the South where he lives with his three young wards - Ellie, Felicity, and Grace - and his right hand woman, Martha. When Felicity crosses paths with a powerful being, she must choose whether to stay with her family, or follow the...

FULL-LENGTH
2019 Eugene O’Neill NPC Semi-Finalist
2019 PlayMakers Repertory's International Thomas Wolfe Playwriting Competition Semi-Finalist

John runs a neat and orderly home in the South where he lives with his three young wards - Ellie, Felicity, and Grace - and his right hand woman, Martha. When Felicity crosses paths with a powerful being, she must choose whether to stay with her family, or follow the path she's stumbled upon. Felicity's divine encounter, the arrival of a newcomer, Benjamin, and Grace's chance meeting with a mysterious stranger, Caleb, propels fate into motion and hurtles the family toward their dark destiny.

CW: emotional, mental, and physical abuse

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How Sweet The Sound

Recommended by

  • Eric Roberts: How Sweet The Sound by Eryn Elyse McVay
    “

    A style of writing that blends Sam Shepard with Chekhov. The action is tense with masculine control and formality that needs to go unquestioned. The cyclical nature of the piece gives a foreboding feeling for the future of these characters as the play ends. A fantastic piece of theater.

    A style of writing that blends Sam Shepard with Chekhov. The action is tense with masculine control and formality that needs to go unquestioned. The cyclical nature of the piece gives a foreboding feeling for the future of these characters as the play ends. A fantastic piece of theater.

    ”
  • Steven Strafford: How Sweet The Sound by Eryn Elyse McVay
    “

    McVay creates a world separate enough from our own to fascinate us, but alike our own enough to be chilling. Gothic horror is the cloak around the very human question, "What would I do if given the chance to sacrifice another for my own good fortune?" I would love to see this world come to life!

    McVay creates a world separate enough from our own to fascinate us, but alike our own enough to be chilling. Gothic horror is the cloak around the very human question, "What would I do if given the chance to sacrifice another for my own good fortune?" I would love to see this world come to life!

    ”
  • Milo Tuell: How Sweet The Sound by Eryn Elyse McVay
    “

    This is how horror should be done on stage. McVay keeps us on our toes while crafting the slow, powerful build of this thrilling tale. This story of sisters with make you laugh one moment and send chills down your spine the next. Not to be missed!

    This is how horror should be done on stage. McVay keeps us on our toes while crafting the slow, powerful build of this thrilling tale. This story of sisters with make you laugh one moment and send chills down your spine the next. Not to be missed!

    ”
View all 9 recommendations

Character Information

John voices the Owl character. The Owl is never physically seen.



  • John/Owl
    The actor who plays John voices the Owl
    30s-60s
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man,
      Non-binary
  • Martha
    20s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Benjamin
    20s
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man,
      Non-binary
  • Caleb
    20s
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man,
      Non-binary
  • Ellie
    18
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Felicity
    15
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Grace
    9 3/4
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Child
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary

Development History

  • Reading, Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, 2019
  • Reading, Play Garden, 2019

Production History

  • Community Theater, Bellingham TheatreWorks, 2019

Awards

  • International Wolfe Prize
    PlayMakers Repertory Company at UNC
    Semi-Finalist
    2020
  • National Playwrights Conference
    The Eugene O'Neill Center
    Semi-Finalist
    2019
  • National Undergraduate Playwriting Award
    Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival
    Honorable Mention
    2019
  • National Undergraduate Playwriting Award
    Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival
    Honorable Mention
    2018
  • National Partners of the American Theatre
    Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival
    Selection
    2019