According to the program notes, voiceover artist Carla Delaney wrote this one woman show as a birthday gift to herself, and if that’s true it’s a better gift than a pony.
Voices is just about everything a solo show should be, personal and universal, funny and sad, familiar and unique, with a solid and well articulated question serving at its core: “When did I stop listening to my own voice?” As a professional voiceover artist, it is only logical that in Delaney’s world everything should have a voice from the Clarinet she wanted to play as a child, to her lungs, even her fear. Ably aided by director Jessica Lynn Johnson, everything that Delaney wishes to say comes across as loud and clear. And very, very funny. The call: GOLD
// ERNEST KEARNEY, The TVolution
Fast-paced with precision. Had to be, with so much funny to squeeze in!
Carla has amazing writer chops, and as an actor kept the energy of the show at a jaw-dropping non-stop hilariousness. The flow was packed full of riveting moments, and never dull. Her story was so professionally executed- you must have gotten to hear over a dozen hilarious impersonations, all woven into her personal story about the hilarity of childhood fear, and a riotous first sexual encounter. (Won’t say anymore on that.) She wore her heart on her sleeve, and yet never lost control over the audience being in the palm of her hand.
Like a well-oiled machine, powered with a strong human heart of gold!
// CLAIRE LAKE
Carla’s honesty, search for truth, weaving the creative, spiritual, psychological elements of life together in a way that helps us understand the interconnectedness of it all, her humor, her VOICES, her lovely openness. Liberating, opening, fun, refreshingly honest and relatable, gorgeous! Truthful, rich, deep, transformational and entertaining.
// LESLIE FLEMING-MITCHELL, The Artist's Way
HOLY CRAP. This is the best solo performance I’ve ever seen. The character voices were great, the story was great, the writing was great, the performance, the direction—I could not have been more engaged if I tried during this hour. It was so smooth and hysterical.
I am not the biggest fan of solo performances and wasn’t planning on going to any, but this was playing at a time that worked in my schedule for preview weekend, worked within my budget, and sounded interesting—and I was so glad I took a chance. This is one of the best shows I’ve seen at Fringe. I was so bummed when it ended. I just wanted it to keep going. The actress (Carla Delaney) is invigorating, captivating, and never once bored me with her stories or antics. I was BLOWN AWAY by how incredible her performance was and how fascinating her story was. Do NOT miss this show!
// SPENCER FRANKEBERGER
I really appreciate solo shows. When done right, through the generosity of the actor, they let the audience in on secrets that they themselves have been keeping. That’s exactly what Carla did. I believe that we all struggle finding our own voice. Thank you Carla for sharing yours. I was so disappointed when it ended. I wanted it to keep going. This is such a fun show that includes great characters, singing and storytelling! A wonderful show from start to finish!
// ANN-MARIE LARICCIA
Great energy, excellent writing, wonderful performer – never preachy or maudlin – funny, intelligent, with some great insights. Top-notch performance and performer!
// ANONYMOUS
This was a vocal tour de force! It was like watching one person do the move Inside Out. Carla is a charming, high-energy performer. Under Jessica Lynn Johnson’s crisp direction, Voices moves seamlessly from one scene to the next and the hour just flies by. Such a fun show!
// CHRISTOPHER PIEHLER
Carla Delaney brings something a little unique to [Hollywood Fringe Festival] solo-shows this year. And that is, her ability to really inhabit not only her characters, but the amazing voices she gives them. When watching this show, I was immediately taken into her story, witnessing her journey as she finds her true voice. The writing was on point and her performance from start to finish was amazing. She delivers one of the most relevant stories of Fringe this year, in that she struggles to find her true voice among the critics in her life... It is a joy to watch her work and see the level of commitment and talent she brings to her show. This is one of the true MUST SEE shows of Fringe this year.
// MATTHEW MARTIN
Talented funny performer and a fun and insightful ride! I liked the physicality of the piece.
// NANCY MURPHY
I came for the impressions of famous people but stayed for Carla Delaney’s quest to “find her own voice”. That phrase “find her own voice” is a cliche, except that Carla is a real-life voice-over artist with mad skills in impersonation: Betty White, Liz, Bart Simpson, as well as any character some dopey advertising director wants her to do. She can voice anything, but her problem is [she] needs to use her strong, true voice (external and internal) to stand up for herself.
When an illness causes her to seriously consider how she deals with life... the story comes truly alive. She has never stood up for herself, is a black-belt people pleaser (especially within her family where she tries not to rock the boat). She NEEDS to open her mouth for her own good. The mind-body connection forces Carla to get real about how she “speaks” and she explores this new territory in a truly funny, powerful way.
Jessica Lynn Johnson (“the solo artist whisperer”) did a great job of directing Carla. She uses the whole, small stage wonderfully and inventively. Oh, and Carla also has a beautiful singing voice! Mesmerized from start to finish.
// TERRY ANN HOLZMAN
SHE WAS GREAT! There was never a dull moment... Entertaining and energetic and funny... Impressive talent... She has such a lovely voice. It was nice to hear someone that can carry a tune and do it well. I would love to see her in a musical.
// TRENT HOPKINS
I love Carla Delaney's energy... She delivers a funny, truthful and entertaining performance that everyone can relate to.
She never holds herself back. Great performance by Carla Delaney, who delivers an entertaining, refreshing show...
// CELINE NYANGA
Such talent, precision, clarity in characters, story telling and transitions. Executed flawlessly, and seamlessly directed by Ms Johnson, this is a show NOT TO BE MISSED! My only complaint was that it was a mere hour! ...It’s clear, strong and beautiful!
// JANE WALSH, Mouthy Bitch
Introspective and funny. I think it changed my life.
// GREGORY MILLIGAN