Little Voice on Apple TV+: Discovering Authentic Voices with Sean Teale, Colton Ryan, and Brittany O’Grady
For those seeking a television experience that truly resonates with the soul, look no further than Apple TV+’s captivating new series, Little Voice. Premiering on July 10, this eagerly anticipated musical drama delves into the universal journey of self-discovery and the quest to find one’s authentic voice during the tumultuous yet transformative period of early adulthood. Set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City, the series weaves a compelling narrative powered by the sheer magic of original music, making it a truly unique entry in the streaming landscape.
At the heart of Little Voice is Bess, a talented and aspiring musician portrayed by the remarkable Brittany O’Grady. As Bess navigates the complexities of her personal life and burgeoning music career in the sprawling metropolis, she encounters two distinct individuals who become significant figures in her emotional landscape: Ethan and Samuel. These two men emerge as potential romantic interests, each offering Bess a different kind of connection and support. HollywoodLife had the exclusive opportunity to speak with Sean Teale and Colton Ryan, the actors who bring Ethan and Samuel to life. They shared profound insights into what drew them to this project, which boasts an impressive team of executive producers including the acclaimed Sara Bareilles, Jessie Nelson, J.J. Abrams, and Ben Stephenson. Both actors expressed an immediate and undeniable pull towards being part of this inspiring story.
The Undeniable Allure of ‘Little Voice’: A Cast’s Perspective
Colton Ryan, whose portrayal of Samuel is both endearing and nuanced, shared his initial reaction to the project with HollywoodLife. “I remember when I read the character breakdown, besides the people involved, it was just a no-brainer,” he recounted. He emphasized the exceptional collective talent behind the series. “It’s a smorgasbord of unbelievable, unique talent. When I read the character breakdown that this dude was soft-spoken, goofy, and going to be singing Sara Bareilles songs, I was like, if I don’t get this, I will be kicking myself until the end of my days. Thankfully, it just didn’t play out that way.” Ryan’s enthusiasm highlights the magnetic combination of a well-crafted character and the prestige of working with a musical icon like Sara Bareilles, whose distinctive songwriting style is central to the show’s identity. The opportunity to embody a character that blends humor, vulnerability, and musicality was an irresistible draw for the actor, promising a rich and rewarding experience.
Sean Teale, who portrays the resilient and artistic Ethan, echoed Ryan’s sentiments about the script’s captivating quality. “It just read so beautifully and so simply,” he noted, quickly clarifying that “simple” should not be misconstrued as negative. “I really don’t want that word to be misconstrued as in any way negative or undermining. It is just very real, very pure, and puts you right in that space as a performer. I felt it instantly.” Teale was particularly drawn to the inherent charm that both Sara Bareilles and Jessie Nelson infuse into their work, a quality that permeates the show. He elaborated on the depth of his character, Ethan, highlighting his extraordinary resilience. “Sam is a beautiful character, and Ethan has this sort of resilience in not being a jaded and broken person after the hardships that he’s gone through with a drunken father that passes and then a mother that passes from a broken heart after he’s an orphan. He remains hopeful and sees the world in a better light.” This profound character arc, where adversity shapes a person’s artistic vision and optimistic outlook, resonated deeply with Teale. “The very hardships he went through define how he is as a filmmaker now, and how he views the world. That journey is exactly what I wanted.” Both actors found themselves drawn not just to the narrative, but to the intricate, human characters and the authentic portrayal of life’s struggles and triumphs.
Navigating the Heart: The Love Triangle in ‘Little Voice’
As the season progresses, a compelling and emotionally rich love triangle naturally unfolds between Bess, Ethan, and Samuel. Bess finds herself drawn to both men, each connection offering her something uniquely vital. This complex dynamic is crucial to the story’s believability and emotional weight, as Sean Teale explained. “That’s the only way that story can function is if the love triangle is conceivable from each angle,” he asserted. “Bess falls in love with two different men in different ways that provide different things for her under different circumstances. That’s what makes it so appealing.” The narrative avoids cliché by ensuring both Ethan and Samuel are fundamentally good, kind-hearted individuals who genuinely care about supporting Bess in her artistic and personal endeavors. Teale drew a parallel to the off-screen dynamic, emphasizing the importance of supporting their co-star. “Ultimately, they’re both good, kind-hearted guys that care about supporting Bess much like me and Colton knew that we had to support Brittany in this story.”
He lauded Brittany O’Grady’s generous performance, which created ample space for both male leads to shine. “She’s so generous and so big that there was space in her lovely performance for the two of us to align next to each other. Kudos to Brit for doing that because if she was to come in with any sort of narrow mindset, then we would have to be fighting to understand why that triangle is what it is.” O’Grady’s nuanced portrayal of Bess allows viewers to understand and empathize with her affections for both Ethan and Samuel, making the complexity of her choices feel authentic and relatable. “She’s got such a beautiful range and plays Bess with such a lovely complexity that you can see why she falls for Ethan and why she falls for Sam and why it’s not wrong that both of them have a shot.” This approach ensures the love triangle serves to enrich Bess’s character development rather than simply creating dramatic tension.
Colton Ryan further elaborated on the intentionality behind the love triangle, stressing that its purpose is not to divide fans into “Team Ethan” or “Team Sam,” but rather to underscore Bess’s individual journey of self-discovery. “From a storytelling aspect, they’re both seeing something inside of Bess because she is so committed and earnest in her path to finding what she wants to say,” Colton explained. This commitment to her art and personal truth makes Bess an inherently captivating figure, justifying the affections of both men. “It’s very believable that we get to watch her bounce back and forth with the two of these guys, not as like Team Ethan or Team Sam, but as a feminist icon, with Bess King actually just playing the field and actually finding out what she really feels and thinks and wants to say on our own.” The show champions Bess’s autonomy, allowing her to explore her feelings and desires without external pressure to choose. “Whether or not she chooses one of the guys, I think it would be great either way. She also could keep dating around because she’s on the path of finding out exactly what she wants and what she’s going to put out there, which is so inspiring to watch as a viewer because all we want to know is what is her voice like so we can eventually find out how do we find our own.” This perspective transforms the love triangle into a powerful vehicle for Bess’s personal growth, reflecting the show’s broader theme of finding one’s authentic self.
The Power of Music: Forging a ‘One-of-a-Kind’ Connection
Music is undeniably the lifeblood of Little Voice, and it plays a particularly poignant role in the developing relationship between Samuel and Bess. Colton Ryan, known for his work in Broadway’s Girl From The North Country as Gene Laine, embraced the challenge of portraying Samuel’s musical journey. To authentically embody the character, Colton began playing the guitar specifically for the role and revealed, “I haven’t put it down since.” He opened up about the profound experience of forming a deep musical bond with Brittany O’Grady, a connection that goes far beyond mere performance.
“Honestly, a lot of times she was comforting me because I was the one having to actively look like I’m some seasoned guitar player and supporting her,” Colton revealed, highlighting the mutual support between the actors. Their on-screen chemistry was forged through genuine collaboration and shared experiences. A standout moment for him was filming a particular scene. “We fell into a great friendship. That scene where we’re underneath the arch in Washington Square, a lot of that is live vocal capture because we were actually laughing and playing in front of all these real people who are just walking through Washington Square.” This raw, unscripted element infused the scene with an incredible authenticity, capturing the nascent stages of their musical and personal connection. “It was one of the first times we were making music together. This is where you learn the most about each other.” Ryan noted that as the series progresses, this “musical soulmate connection” deepens, evolving beyond a purely romantic aspect. “Not just the romantic [aspect], but music is its own sort of language. When you find someone else who speaks a very similar one to you that’s, as I learned about from Sara, a one-in-a-million thing.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the profound message of Little Voice: that true connection, especially through the universal language of music, is a rare and precious gift, a melody found when two souls resonate in perfect harmony.
Finding Your Voice: A Universal Theme in New York City
Little Voice masterfully taps into a universal theme that resonates deeply with audiences across all ages: the challenging yet exhilarating journey of discovering and expressing one’s authentic voice. Bess’s struggles and triumphs in New York City are emblematic of the broader human experience of navigating identity, career, and relationships in early adulthood. The urban landscape, with its endless possibilities and daunting challenges, serves as a metaphor for the internal world Bess is exploring. Each song she writes, each performance she gives, and each interaction she has with Ethan and Samuel brings her closer to understanding who she truly is and what she genuinely wants to say to the world.
The show’s emphasis on finding one’s unique voice extends beyond Bess’s musical aspirations. It encompasses the courage to articulate personal truths, to stand firm in one’s beliefs, and to pursue one’s passions despite setbacks. This theme is artfully woven into the fabric of the story, not just through Sara Bareilles’ inspiring music, but also through the compelling journeys of all characters. Viewers are encouraged to reflect on their own quest for authenticity, making Little Voice more than just entertainment; it’s a mirror reflecting our shared human desire for self-expression and belonging. The series becomes a powerful anthem for anyone who has ever felt unheard or struggled to articulate their deepest feelings, offering a hopeful message that with perseverance, support, and a little bit of magic, every voice can find its stage.
Experience the Melody: Premiere Details for ‘Little Voice’
Prepare to be moved and inspired as the first three episodes of Little Voice premiere on Friday, July 10, exclusively on Apple TV+. Following its initial launch, new episodes of this enchanting musical drama will debut every Friday, inviting viewers to continue Bess’s journey of love, music, and self-discovery week after week. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in a story that promises to be both a feast for the ears and a balm for the soul, guided by the compelling performances of Brittany O’Grady, Sean Teale, and Colton Ryan, and the unparalleled musical genius of Sara Bareilles.