REVIEW: SPARROWS FALL At RG Productions & Theatre Gigante

RG Productions and Theatre Gigante have come together in a historic collaboration for the world premiere of Sparrows Fall, written and directed by Richard Gustin in conjunction with World Premiere Wisconsin. The result is one of those productions that stays with you long after you leave the theatre—an ambitious, ensemble-driven work that challenges its audience to listen, reflect, and bear witness.

Presented in a chamber theatre style, the production leans heavily into ensemble storytelling, with the cast operating as a unified collective known as “The People Who Are Here.” It’s an approach that feels both intimate and expansive, allowing the piece to move fluidly between voices, time periods, and lived experiences.

Rather than following a traditional narrative, Sparrows Fall unfolds as a series of interwoven stories—moments of memory, history, and humanity that gradually build into something deeply powerful. The ensemble does an impressive job carrying this structure, shifting seamlessly between narrator and character while maintaining a strong sense of cohesion throughout.

Veteran actress Flora Coker sets the tone from the very beginning, leading the opening moments with a presence that is at once frightening, disheartening, and ultimately hopeful. It’s a striking way to draw the audience into the world of the piece, immediately signaling that this will not be a passive experience.

Some of the most impactful moments come from the Holocaust narratives, which are presented with a quiet intensity that makes them all the more devastating. One scene in particular stands out: the story of Jacob, the Jewish boy who locks eyes with an SS officer and refuses to look away. It’s a simple act, but in that moment, it becomes a profound statement of defiance and humanity. The stillness, the tension—it’s hard to shake.

Christopher Goode delivers a particularly memorable performance in the second act as an over-the-top politician, clearly drawing from our current political climate. His portrayal is both entertaining and unsettling, walking a fine line between satire and reality in a way that lands with real impact.

Music plays a vital role throughout the production, and Kerruan Sheppard’s voice is a standout. His singing soars through the theatre, carried by a beautiful vibrato that adds emotional depth and richness to the piece. The interwoven songs as a whole don’t feel like interruptions; instead, they deepen the emotional resonance, giving the audience space to reflect while reinforcing the themes of remembrance and resilience.

The production builds toward a powerful conclusion, with Jaleesa Joy delivering an emotional and grounded soliloquy that helps tie together the many threads of the show. It’s a fitting and moving end to a piece that asks so much of both its performers and its audience.

What makes Sparrows Fall especially compelling is its reliance on the ensemble as a collective voice. With minimal staging and a focus on language and presence, the production asks the audience to lean in and engage more actively—and it rewards that attention. The stories feel shared, almost communal, as if “The People Who Are Here” extends beyond the stage and into the audience itself.

This is not an easy piece, nor is it meant to be. It’s thoughtful, at times unsettling, and undeniably powerful. Sparrows Fall challenges its audience to bear witness—to history, to memory, and to the enduring strength of the human spirit—and it does so with sincerity and impact.

Sparrows Fall is in an exclusive two-week engagement April 16-26. TH,FRI,SAT @ 7:30 & SUN @ 3:00, at Norvell Commons 7845 N River Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53217, Tickets $20 General Admission, $18 seniors, $15 students. 

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