The Mastersons, a wealthy Bostonian family, await the arrival of their cousin Anna in the wake of her grandfather's death. Though born in Boston, Anna, who prefers the name Oceana, spent most of her life on a tropical island in the Pacific with her father. A free spirit, her practices and values surrounding proper dress, romance, and entertainment clash with those of her conservative relatives. What will happen as patience and tolerance wear thin for both parties when alluring Oceana catches the eye of a married man?Upton Sinclair, though best known for his novel The Jungle, an expose of the meatpacking industry, was also a playwright whose works for the stage reflect the same progressive viewpoints found in his other writing. Published as part of the collection Plays of Protest in 1912, this play was heavily influenced by the character of "Nature Man," an American hippie in Tahiti, from Jack London's book The Cruise of the Snark. This production is dedicated to Denny Sayers. (Mary Kay) Cast List:Oceana Talbot: Elizabeth KlettMrs. Sophronia Masterson: CJ PlogQuincy Masterson, M.D: ToddHWFreddy Masterson: Joseph TablerEthel Masterson: Mary KayMrs. Letitia Selden: April WaltersHenry Selden: Larry WilsonRemson: David OlsonNarrated by Denny SayersEditor: Mary KayProoflisteners: baileyspring and Kathrine Engan
4 episodes
Ram Alley, or Merry Tricks, is a bawdy comedy by Lording Barry, a contemporary of Shakespeare. The production bankrupted Barry, landed him in debtor's jail, and set him off on a life of piracy. The action of Ram Alley takes place in a disreputable London lane where lawyers, lords, and ladies rub shoulders with prostitutes and vagabonds. One 19th century editor complained that it was "full of gross passages, allusions, and innuendoes," but more recent commentators have seen past the risque gags and recognised the play's wit, complexity, and intelligence. Ram Alley has only been revived three times since 1611, but recently came close to topping a poll of academics to find the best 'forgotten' play by an Elizabethan/Jacobean dramatist. - Summary by Rob Board
Narrator: Kristin Gjerløw
Sir Oliver Smallshanks: Andrew Utley
Thomas Smallshanks: davidpr
William Smallshanks: Rob Board
Boutcher: Negatron
Lady Sommerfield: Elizabeth Klett
Constantia Sommerfield: Lynne Thompson
Frances: Beth Thomas
Mistress Taffeta: Alex Lane
Adriana: Sandra Schmit
Lieutenant Beard: Hamlet
Throat: Peter Tucker
Dash: Hannoria
Justice Tutchin: Richard Shipp
Captain Puff, aka Captain Face: Zames Curran
Sergeant: alanmapstone
1st citizen: Lydia
1st & 2nd gentleman: Joseph Tabler
A drawer: Ruth Golding
Serving man: Mary Kay
1st woman: Availle
Constable: Newgatenovelist
Audio edited by: Rob Board
6 episodes
The Shoemaker's Holiday is an Elizabethan play written by Thomas Dekker. It was first performed in 1599 by the Admiral's Men. It falls into the sub-genre of city comedy (depicting ordinary London life).Aristocrat Rowland Lacy falls in love with middle class girl Rose Oateley, but Rose's father and Lacy's uncle refuse to approve the match because of the class difference and Rowland's spendthrift lifestyle. Rowland is told to redeem himself by joining the army fighting in France. To avoid going, he persuades someone else to take his place and disguises himself as a Dutch shoemaker, Hans. He becomes an apprentice of eccentric but hard-working tradesman, Simon Eyre, and negotiates a business deal that bags his employer thousands of pounds. Eyre is made Sheriff of London and later, Lord Mayor.Meanwhile, another of Eyre's employees, Ralph, leaves for the French wars. He returns to find that his wife, Jane, has been poached by a rich dandy, Hammon. (Wikipedia and Rob Board) Cast
Narrator: Kristin Gjerløw
Rowland Lacy, otherwise Hans: Rob Board
Simon Eyre: Peter Tucker
Margery: Availle
Rodger: ToddHW
Firk: Richard Shipp
Ralph: Negatron
Jane: Elizabeth Klett
Sir Roger Oateley: Bruce Pirie
Rose: Beth Thomas
Sybil: Mary Kay
Sir Hugh Lacy: davidpr
Dodger: Hannoria
Master Hammon: Hamlet
Serving man, and those of Hammon's side: Sandra Schmit
A boy: Stoofy
Master Warner: David Olson
A prentice: Joseph Tabler
The King: Andrew Utley
The Earl of Cornwell, and a nobleman: David Olson
Askew: Lydia
Lovell: MaryAnn
A Dutch skipper: Anna Simon
Master Scott: Newgatenovelist
Three Men's Songs: Ezwa
Audio edited by: Rob Board
6 episodes
Our American Cousin is an 1858 three-act play by English playwright Tom Taylor. The play is a farce whose plot is based on the introduction of an awkward, boorish, but honest American, Asa Trenchard, to his aristocratic English relatives when he goes to England to claim the family estate. . . . Although the play achieved great renown during its first few years and remained very popular throughout the second half of the 19th century, it is best remembered as the play U.S. President Abraham Lincoln was attending in Ford's Theatre when he was assassinated by actor and Confederate sympathizer John Wilkes Booth on April 14, 1865. - Summary by Wikipedia
Cast
Narrator: KHand
Asa Trenchard: Joseph Tabler
Florence Trenchard: Beth Thomas
Lord Dundreary: Rob Board
Sir Edward Trenchard: Zames Curran
Mr. Coyle: Peter Tucker
Mary Meredith: Kristin Gjerløw
Mr. Binny: ToddHW
Abel Murcott: Scott Bennett
Mrs. Mountchessington: Bev J Stevens
Georgina Mountchessington: Michele Eaton
Augusta Mountchessington: Maria Kasper
Mr. Buddicombe: Howard Watts
Harry Vernon: Ashur Gharavi
John Wickens: VfkaBT
Captain De Boots: David Olson
Sharpe: Mary Kay
Skillet: Jessie Yun
Edited by: Rob Board
Proof-listened by Jessie Yun and Beth Thomas.
Project coordinated by Larry Wilson and Rob Board.
3 episodes
Often considered Killigrew's best play, this is a comedy with a bawdy tone where people flirt, trick each other and everyone else. It was the first play in England to be performed with an all female crew. - Summary by Kristingj
Cast List
Narration: Diana Schmidt
Master Careless: Roohi
Master Wild: Beth Thomas
Master Jolly: Michelle Eaton
Captain: Avocado
Parson: Foon
Master Constant: MaryAnn
Master Sad: TJ Burns
Lady Wild: Linda Olsen Fitak
Mistress Pleasant: Availle
Mistress Wanton: Kristin Gjerløw
Mistress Secret: Beatka10
Lady Loveall: Leanne Yau
Faithful: Sonia
Bawd: Newgatenovelist
Servant: KHand
Crop: Jennifer Fournier
Footman: Sonia
Drawer: Amy Deuchler
Boy: Kalynda
Tailor: Kathrine Engan
Watchman: Sonia
Fiddler: Sandra Schmit
Edit: Linny
5 episodes
Perhaps the most controversial of Shakespeare's comedies, The Merchant of Venice tells the tale of a man, Bassanio, who has a crazy plan to woo the heiress, Portia, with money borrowed off an old Jewish money lender, Shylock. However, when the money isn't repaid soon enough, his friend Antonio, the titular Merchant of Venice, may have to pay the ultimate price for Bassanio's big ideas. With a court case in session, it will be up for the play's heroines to sort out the mess caused by their husbands-to-be. (Summary by Charlotte Duckett)This group recording was completed in two weeks as part of Librivox's celebration of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death. Cast List:Duke of Venice, Prince of Arragon, Balthasar, Portia's servant: Phil SchempfPrince of Morocco: Beth ThomasAntonio: Kristin GjerløwBassanio, Launcelot Gobbo (Clown): John BurlinsonSolanio: TriciaGSalarino: LindaBGratiano: SoniaShylock, Lorenzo: Tony AddisonTubal: Maria KasperOld Gobbo, Man from Antonio: Ray KasperLeonardo: Kathrine EnganPortia: Charlotte DuckettNerissa: Jennifer FournierJessica: RachelMessenger: LydiaNarrator: Glenn O'BrienAudio edited by: Adele de Pignerolles, Rachel, Kristin Gjerløw, Maria Kasper, and Esther ben SimonidesProoflistening by: Adele de Pignerolles, Charlotte Duckett, and Esther ben Simonides
5 episodes
Written sometime between 1592 and 1594, Comedy of Errors is certainly the exact recipe for a Shakespearean Comedy. Two sets of identical twin boys are born on the same day but separated when a freak tempest destroys their boat. Fast forward many years and by some twist of fate, the sets of twins are set to be reunited! But not before some false accusations of infidelity, theft, madness, demonic possession, angry wives, nuns, merchants, lectures and genuine mistaken identities. (Summary by Charlotte Duckett) This play was recorded in two weeks as part of the Librivox 400th Anniversary of Shakespeare's Death celebrations Cast ListSolinus, Balthazar, Pinch: Phil SchempfAegeon: LindaBAntipholus of Ephesus, First Merchant: John BurlinsonAntipholus of Syracuse: Tony AddisonDromio of Ephesus: Adele de PignerollesDromio of Syracuse: Esther ben SimonidesAngelo: Ray KasperAemilia: Maria KasperAdriana: Charlotte DuckettLuciana: LydiaLuce, Officer, Servant: RachelCourtezan: Laurie Anne WaldenGaoler: Kathrine EnganSecond Merchant: SoniaNarrator: ElijahAudio Edited by: Esther ben Simonides, Maria Kasper, Rachel & Adele de Pignerolles
5 episodes
When local drunkard Christopher Sly walks into a tavern, the last thing he expects is a complex trick where, to the amusement of many others, he is tricked into believing that he's a nobleman! And so begins the Taming of the Shrew, one of Shakespeare's earlier comedies. For the enjoyment of this "lord", a group of players perform a tale of love and devotion, where the beautiful Bianca is pursued by many suitors. But there's a catch. Before her father will allow Bianca to marry, he must find a suitable match for his older daughter, the fiery "shrew" of the title, Katherina. Enter Petruccio, who has "come to wive it wealthily in Padua" and will stop at nothing to tame this shrew!
This play was recorded in two weeks as part of Librivox's celebration of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death Cast ListNarrator, Philip: RachelChristopher Sly: LindaBHostess, Bianca, Peter: Esther ben SimonidesLord, Grumio: Phil SchempfFirst Huntsman, Messenger, Biondello, Joseph: SoniaSecond Huntsman, Katharina, Fourth Servant, Nicholas: Adele de PignerollesPlayer, Lucentio, Nathaniel: Charlotte DuckettFirst Servant, Pedant, Tailor: Maria KasperSecond Servant: Elijah FisherThird Servant, Vincentio: Ray KasperPage, Petruchio: Tony AddisonTranio: RoohiBaptista: TriciaGGremio: Delmar H DolbierHortensio, Curtis: HamletHaberdasher: Kathrine EnganWidow: Jennifer FournierAudio edited by: Esther ben Simonides, Adele de Pignerolles, Maria Kasper, Rachel, & Kim
6 episodes
Twelfth Night, or What You Wil is a comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written around 1601–02 as a Twelfth Night's entertainment for the close of the Christmas season. The play centres on the twins Viola and Sebastian, who are separated in a shipwreck. Viola (who is disguised as a boy) falls in love with Duke Orsino, who in turn is in love with the Countess Olivia. Upon meeting Viola, Countess Olivia falls in love with her thinking she is a man. The play expanded on the musical interludes and riotous disorder expected of the occasion, with plot elements drawn from the short story "Of Apollonius and Silla" by Barnabe Rich, based on a story by Matteo Bandello. The first recorded performance was on 2 February 1602, at Candlemas, the formal end of Christmastide in the year's calendar. The play was not published until its inclusion in the 1623 First Folio. - Summary by
Wikipedia
Sonia (Kitty) -- SEBASTIAN, brother to Viola,SIR ANDREW AGUECHEEK,VIOLA
LindaB -- ORSINO, Duke of Illyria.MARIA, Olivia's waiting woman.
John Farrell -- FABIAN, servant to Olivia
Tony Addison (Adonis) -- ANTONIO, a sea captain, friend to Sebastian,VALENTINE, gentleman attending on the Duke,FESTE, a clown, servant to Olivia,OLIVIA, a rich countess
John Burlinson -- A SEA CAPTAIN, friend to Viola,CURIO, gentleman attending on the Duke,SIR TOBY BELCH, uncle to Olivia,MALVOLIO, steward to Olivia,Two Officers,Servant
5 episodes
In the town of Titipu, flirting is punishable by death on the command of the Mikado himself! But what happens when the Lord High Executioner is himself condemned to die? And what secret does the wandering minstrel Nanki-Poo hide, that the Mikado and his entire entourage come to witness his execution? "The Mikado" premiered in 1885, when it broke all records for the longest-running musical. It remains arguably the most popular of the Gilbert & Sullivan operettas. Occasionally described as "English ladies with knitting needles in their hair", Gilbert disguised his criticism of British politics by the (ostensibly) Japanese setting. The universal themes of love and death have kept this opera in constant production for over 125 years.The Mikado of Japan: Alan MapstoneNanki-Poo: Tomas PeterKo-Ko, Lord High Executioner: RussellEricPooh-Bah, Lord High Everything Else: Peter YearsleyPish-Tush: ToddHWYum-Yum: AvaillePitti-Sing: Beth ThomasPeep-Bo: Esther ben SimonidesKatisha: TJ BurnsChorus: Adele de Pignerolles, Chuck Williamson, DrPGould, Rachel, Stage Directions read by: Kathrine EnganAudio Edited by: Devorah Allen - Summary by Beth Thomas
2 episodes
Lysistrata has had enough. She is tired of the constant war that is ravaging Greece and has come up with a solution: Together with female friends from other Greek cities, she persuades all women of Greece to pledge an oath and refrain from all sexual contact with their husbands and lovers. The idea is that what men really want is sex, and that they are willing to do anything to get it - even abandoning their pride and make peace. And while the Athenian women retreat into the sacred Acropolis, the men gather outside and debate what is to be done...
This famous play by Aristophanes, first staged in 411 BCE, sheds a light on the relation of the sexes in Ancient Greece, and is probably the first instance of a War of the Sexes.
The translator of this version is unknown, but it is rumored to have been Oscar Wilde. (Summary by Availlle).
Cast List:
Lysistrata: Availle
Calonice: leanneyauyau
Myrrhine: lian2902952
Lampito: clarinetcarrot
Stratyllis: LydiaCW
First woman: leanneyauyau
Second woman: DaMa
Third woman: Kitty
Fourth woman: sawasawaya
A woman & Old Woman: catharmaiden
Chorus of Women: bluechien
Slave: StarFire
Child: LydiaCW
Magistrate: RobBoard
Cinesias: ZamesCurran
Old Man: alanmapstone
Chorus of Old Men: unreadpages
Herald: Fiindil
Laconian: VfkaBT
Chorus of Laconians: alanmapstone
Athenian: NemoR
Chorus of Athenians: WiltedScribe
Market lounger: Mratthew
Narrator: MrsHand
Audio editing: Availle
3 episodes
Described as a "problem play" Measure for Measure is only as much a problem as life itself is- that is, are there any easy answers to questions aplenty? For example: when "mortality and mercy" live in one person's mouth, can justice be said to exist - as such? And: when you're a young woman on the very verge of dedicating your whole life and being to the service of God and the judge condemning your brother to death for the newly re-invented crime of fornication with a loved one wants your love given him in return for your brother's life - well, what do you do then? There is, fortunately, perhaps, an old, fantastical duke of dark corners who, watching over all these machinations like a power divine, has all the easy answers; but his idea of a final, happy ending may not be, precisely, yours. (Summary by Tony Addison)
5 episodes
Based on Aphra Behn's 1688 novel (which is one of the earliest novels in the English language), Thomas Southerne's Oroonoko is seen by scholars today as the driving force that kept Behn's work from fading into obscurity. During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, it was considered even more popular than the novel, presenting theatergoing audiences with a highly touching tale of pathos and tragedy involving the eponymous prince-turned-slave and his undying devotion to his beloved wife, Imoinda. However, in this version, unlike in Behn's novel, Imoinda is a white woman, and there is also a comic subplot involving the husband-hunting Welldon sisters that caters to Restoration tastes (though in later productions, this subplot was removed altogether). This LibriVox production presents the play as it was first written, and in doing so, brings to the fore a number of interesting themes, such as the importance of individual liberty; the infallibility of true love; and the quick wit and determination of strong, independent women. Summary by Tomas PeterCast List:Oroonoko: ToddHWAboan: Larry HayesLieutenant-Governor of Surinam / Slave: Algy PugBlanford: Tomas PeterStanmore: Jason in PanamaJack Stanmore: KurtCaptain Driver: Roger MelinDaniel Lackitt / Hottman / Second Planter: NemoImoinda: Sandra SchmitWidow Lackitt: Leanne YauCharlotte Welldon: Beth ThomasLucy Welldon / Women Slaves: SoniaFirst Planter: Melanie TThird Planter: PaezraFourth Planter: Thomas A. CopelandSinging Slave: Alan MapstoneServant: Devorah AllenNarrator / Women Slaves: Eva DavisEditor: Tomas Peter
5 episodes
Cupid's Whirligig is a city comedy: a play in colloquial language dealing with the everyday life of London's citizens. A knight, Sir Timothy Troublesome, suspects his wife of cheating on him and, to prove that any children she bears are not his own, decides to 'geld' himself. Meanwhile, the young Lord Nonsuch dreams of bedding the knight's wife, and in disguise enters the Troublesomes' employ as a servant. Cupid descends from the heavens to cast a love spell on the citizens of London and, by the last act, one character loves another, who loves another, and so on until the last loves the first: a "Cupid's whirligig". The knight's faithful servant, Wages, hatches a plot to match each man with his proper wife. - Summary by Rob Board
Cast
Narrator: Chuck Williamson
Cupid: Beth Thomas
Old Lord Nonsuch: alanmapstone
Alderman Venter: ToddHW
Sir Timothy Troublesome: Jason in Panama
Lady Troublesome: Sonia
Master Correction: Nigel Fisher
Mistress Correction: Availle
Peg, the Lady Troublesome's Kinswoman: Khand
Nan, Old Venter's Daughter: Leanne Yau
Nucome, a Welsh Courtier: Phil Birss
A Boy, Nucome's Page: ScarlettG
Four Scholars: Stoofy
Young Lord Nonsuch: Tomas Peter
Master Exhibition, the Inns-a-Court Man: ToddHW
Wages, the Knight's Servingman: Rob Marland
Servingman: Owen Cook
Edited by: Rob Marland
6 episodes
Rollo Webster, slightly eccentric, has a consuming ambition to play Hamlet. Escaping the restraining influences of his family, he spends his own money in engaging a company, hiring a theater and staging a production of the tragedy. His Ophelia is Goldie MacDuff, who would have been a success in a midnight frolic if she could only keep awake after twelve o’clock. It seems he has everything to finally bring his lifelong ambitions to fruition: a troupe of actors, a gamesome leading lady, a somewhat unscrupulous stage manager, and buckets upon buckets of cash. Now if only he had any talent… - Summary by The Best Plays of 1920-21, with additional material from ChuckW Cast List
Hewston: Zames CurranLydia: TriciaGRollo Webster: Chuck WilliamsonMr. Stein: Son of the ExilesGoldie MacDuff: Devorah AllenGeorge Lucas: Tomas PeterMrs. Park-Gales: Beth ThomasWhortley Camperdown: DrPGouldThomas Skitterling: alanmapstoneAunt Lane: TJ BurnsHoratio Webster: Larry WilsonBella: Leanne YauStage Directions: ToddHWEditor: Chuck Williamson
5 episodes
The women of Athens are sick of the Peloponnesian war that has dragged on for year after year after year, causing great hardship to everyone. They decide to deny the men sex until they agree to make peace, using the one thing that perhaps men enjoy more than killing each other. Does it work? Listen and find out. This comedy by Aristophanes was first performed in 411 BC
3 episodes
Un mercader asume una deuda de tres mil ducados para ayudar a un gran amigo, el prestamista: un judío, que además le odia. El mercader acepta el trato de entregar al judío en caso de falta de pago una libra de su propia carne y de preferencia de aquella que se encuentra cerca al corazón, pues está seguro que sus negocios tienen buen viento. Pero por azares del destino el mercader se ve en imposibilidad de pagar en la fecha pactada. Aceptará un juzgado que se ejecute la deuda del modo pactado aun cuando atenta contra la vida del mercader?
Shakespeare nos cuenta como termina la historia. (Summary by KendalRigans)
20 episodes
In typical Gilbert and Sullivan "Topsy Turvy" style, the King of Barataria has gone missing! He was stolen as a baby and raised in secrecy as one of two gondoliers (nobody knows which) and his wife would like very much to know where he is! The Grand Inquisitor appears in Venice to take both Gondoliers to a life of luxury and rulership - but is dismayed to discover that both are reluctant to leave their wives behind. Somehow two husbands have managed to acquire three wives, and nobody is happy at the idea of marrying a vulgar fraction!
This is a spoken "poetic" version of the libretto written by W. S. Gilbert, where a full cast of voices brings the sparkling wit of Gilbert to the fore, and will enhance understanding and appreciation of this comic light opera. (Summary by Beth Thomas)
Cast list:
The Duke of Plaza-Toro: ToddHW
Luiz: Larry Wilson
Don Alhambra del Bolero: Alan Mapstone
Marco Palmieri: Josh Kibbey
Giuseppe Palmieri: Tomas Peter
Antonio/Annibale: Aaron White
Francesco/Giorgio: Mark Nelson
The Duchess of Plaza-Toro: Foon
Cassilda: Beth Thomas (1974-2020)
Gianetta : Leanne Yau
Tessa: TJ Burns
Fiametta: Maria de Fátima da Silva
Vittoria: Bhavya
Giulia: Naomi Madeleine
Inez : Crln Yldz Ksr
Narrator: Tom Geller
Editor: Mark Nelson
2 episodes
One of the most notorious Restoration comedies in existence, William Wycherley’s The Country Wife is a lively and riotous exploration of courtly and city life in the seventeenth century, which was rife with unremitting sexual intrigue and conquest. For the basis of his plot, Wycherley here borrows heavily from the work of Molière, but abandons the French master’s unity and economy by introducing several interlocking storylines and characters, all of them clamoring for attention amidst Wycherley’s hard-hitting colloquial dialogue and double entendres. The main plot follows the clever town rake Horner, who feigns impotence in order to seduce women of quality and cuckold their unwitting husbands. One woman who takes interest in him is Margery, a seemingly naive country girl married to the pathologically jealous Pinchwife. Her desire to pursue an illicit affair with Horner yields a multitude of complications and misunderstandings, many of which are left scandalously unresolved by the time the final line is spoken.With startlingly frank explorations of gender dynamics, marital structures, female autonomy, misogyny, and seventeenth-century societal obligations, as well as an infamous “china scene” positively dripping with innuendo, The Country Wife remains a classic of its genre that continues to invite fresh and exciting interpretations with each new performance. - Summary by Tomas Peter
Horner: Tomas PeterHarcourt: Son of the ExilesDorilant: MajorToastPinchwife: Scotty SmithSparkish: ToddHWSir Jasper Fidget: NemoBoy: Melanie JensenQuack: Alan MapstoneMargery Pinchwife: AvailleAlithea, sister of Pinchwife: Leanne YauLady Fidget / Bookseller: Beth ThomasDainty Fidget, sister of Sir Jasper: FoonMrs. Squeamish: SoniaOld Lady Squeamish: Eva DavisLucy, Alithea's maid: TJ BurnsNarrator: Campbell SchelpEditor: Tomas Peter
5 episodes
Few plays have been seen as a more fitting conclusion to a playwright's career than Shakespeare's The Tempest. Focusing on the aging sorcerer and rightful Duke of Milan, Prospero, we are transported to a remote island where magic and strange music fill the air, and the monstrous slave Caliban roams in bitterness. Seeing an opportunity to restore his slandered name, Prospero conjures a mighty storm to bring down a ship containing his wicked brother and the King of Naples, both of whom had driven him out of Milan twelve years before. By stranding them on a remote end of the island, and with the help of the airy spirit Ariel, Prospero sets out to right the wrongs that had been done to him, before renouncing his magic forever. Featuring some of the most powerful speeches in Shakespeare's canon, and with an incredible grasp on tone and the Neoclassical unities of time, place and action, The Tempest remains a formidable and moving farewell to both the Bard and the timeless works he left behind.And to perform it all? Three men (Craig Franklin, Tomas Peter, and Brad "Hamlet" Filippone) and one woman (Sonia), determined to give you a performance of Shakespeare's final work that you will never forget. You thought you knew your Shakespeare? Well, think again! - Summary by Tomas Peter
Craig Franklin: Narrator; Alonso; Gonzalo; Trinculo; Iris; Boatswain; Third Mariner.
Brad “Hamlet” Filippone: Prospero; Stephano; Adrian; Ship Master; Second Mariner.
Sonia: Miranda; Ariel; Antonio; Juno; First Mariner.
Tomas Peter: Caliban; Sebastian; Ferdinand; Francisco; Ceres; Fourth Mariner.
6 episodes
” “Any man who doesn’t want to get on in the world, to make a million dollars, and maybe even park his toothbrush in the White House, hasn’t got as much to him as a good dog has—he’s nothing more or less than a vegetable.”Such is the preface of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s only outing as a playwright. The action begins when 35-year-old railway clerk Jerry Frost gets drunk off a bootlegger’s potent hooch on the eve of Warren G. Harding’s presidential nomination. As a result, the second act takes place entirely within Jerry’s intoxicated fantasies, where he has become the new U.S. President and must deal with an assortment of colorful characters and situations. It is here where comic farce and political satire come to intriguing blows, as Fitzgerald finds opportunities to comment (discreetly or not) on the political climate of his day. When his pseudo-presidency goes all to pieces, Jerry’s fantasy comes crashing down, and as he comes to his senses in the third act, we find that his career aspirations have become decidedly less lofty.Though decidedly a minor work from The Great Gatsby’s author, The Vegetable finds him skewering the American Dream’s ethos in ways he would never do again. It’s lighthearted, naughty, irreverent, and does just the trick to escape—even if briefly—from our turbulent times. - Summary by Tomas Peter
Cast List
Jerry Frost: Tomas Peter
Charlotte Frost: Bhavya
Horatio "Dada" Frost: Josh Kibbey
Doris: Foon
Joseph Fish: Chuck Williamson
Mr. Snooks: Son of the Exiles
Mr. Jones: TJ Burns
General Pushing: ToddHW
Chief Justice Fossile: Phil Schempf
The Detective: Sonia
Mr. Stutz-Mozart: Beth Thomas
Newsboy / First Senator: Leanne Yau
Second Senator: Stefan Von Blon
Third Senator: Campbell Schelp
Narrator: Devorah Allen
Editors: Linny and Tomas Peter
3 episodes
Lady Truman received word fourteen months ago that her husband, Sir George Truman, has died in battle. Now a very eligible widow with a large estate, she has more suitors than she knows what to do with. As if that wasn't enough, her house is now being haunted at night by the horrible and ghostly sound of a drum, apparently caused by the restless spirit of her husband. When an old man arrives who claims to be able to lay the spirit to rest, she is so desperate for relief that she determines to give him a chance. Written with wit and good humor, this play will have you laughing out loud! - Summary by Devorah Allen
Cast List
Sir George Truman: Larry Wilson
Tinsel: Tomas Peter
Fantome, the Drummer: Son of the Exiles
Vellum, Sir George Truman's Steward: ToddHW
Butler: TJ Burns
Coachman: Campbell Schelp
Gardener: alanmapstone
Lady Truman: Beth Thomas
Abigal: Availle
Stage Directions: Devorah Allen
6 episodes
A Woman is a Weathercock is the first play by the former child star of the Jacobean stage, Nathan Field. The action takes place over a single day in London. A number of suitors vie over Sir John Worldly's three daughters: Bellafront, Katherine, and Lucida. These include the short-tempered soldier, Captain Pouts; the poetical buffoon, Sir Abraham Ninny; and the rich merchant, Strange. Quick-witted Nevill orchestrates multiple sham marriages and young Scudmore plans to elope with Bellafront, while the pregnant Mistress Wagtail seeks any husband who will have her. Summary by Rob BoardCast
Narrator: Bhavya
Sir Abraham Ninny: Tomas Peter
Pendant: Aaron White
Scudmore: ToddHW
Strange: Hamlet
Captain Pouts: Adrian Stephens
Count Frederick: Jim Locke
Nevill: Rob Marland
Sir John Worldly: Larry Wilson
Sir Innocent Ninny: Josh Kibbey
Mistress Wagtail: Beth Thomas
Bellafront: Sonia
Katherine: Leanne Yau
Lucida: Campbell Schelp
Lady Ninny: foon
Servingman 1: MajorToast
Servingman 2: Hannoria
Boy: Stoofy
Page: ScarlettG
Tailor, Bowlers, Parson: Elsie Selwyn
Edited by Rob Marland
6 episodes
Measure for Measure is one of William Shakespeare's more enigmatic works. As one of the so-called "problem plays," it mixes a dark plot with light overtones, without resolving the tensions inherent in either. Its central conflict is spurred on when the Duke of Vienna, Vincentio, confers his powers on the law-abiding judge Angelo before leaving on a diplomatic mission. In reality, Vincentio has merely disguised himself as a lowly friar to watch Angelo's rule from afar—a rule that is quickly characterized by its overzealous cruelty and harshness. When Angelo has a man condemned to death for fornication, the man's sister, a pious novitiate named Isabella, intercedes on his behalf and begs Angelo for leniency. It is through this encounter that Angelo's true self emerges, as well as the play's presiding themes of moral justice, civil corruption, and the neverending conflict between the powers of sin and virtue. Can Isabella thwart Angelo's wicked intentions? Will the Duke restore peace and sanity in Vienna? Will compassion prevail? Take a listen, for all will be revealed.And to perform it all? Three men (Craig Franklin, Tomas Peter, and Brad "Hamlet" Filippone) and one woman (Sonia), determined to give you a performance of Shakespeare's work that you will never forget. You thought you knew your Shakespeare? Well, think again! - Summary by Tomas Peter
Cast list:
Sonia: Narrator; Isabella; Escalus; Mariana; Mistress Overdone; Juliet; Messenger.
Craig Franklin: Duke Vincentio; Froth; Abhorson; Servant to Angelo; Second Gentleman; Justice.
Tomas Peter: Angelo; Claudio; Pompey; Friar Peter; First Gentleman; Francisca; Boy.
Brad “Hamlet” Filippone: Lucio; Provost; Elbow; Barnardine; Friar Thomas.
6 episodes
"The history of Amphitryon and Alcmene, or rather the myth of the birth of Hercules, is certainly very old, and is to be found in the literature of different nations." Under Moliere's touch, it becomes "One of the most charming and natural comedies composed in French verse.... Sprightliness and vivacity abound in this comedy...."
- Summary by Translator Henri Van Laun
Cast list:
Mercury, in the form of Sosia: Nemo
Night: Eva Davis
Jupiter, in the form of Amphitryon: Larry Wilson
Mercury, in the form of Sosia: Nemo
Amphitryon, general of the Thebans: Tomas Peter
Argatiphontidas, Theban Captain: Jim Locke
Naucrates, Theban Captain: alanmapstone
Polidas, Theban Captain: Adrian Stephens
Pausicles, Theban Captain: Leanne Yau
Sosia, Amphitryon's servant: ToddHW
Alcmene, Amphitryon's wife: Availle
Cleanthis, Alcmene's maid, Sosia's wife: Sonia
Stage Directions: Foon
Edited by: ToddHW
3 episodes
Subtitled "An Original Fantastic Comedy in Three Acts", this should be another enjoyable farce by Pinero, including memory loss, mistaken identity, crime and detection, romance, and many other of life's various complications. "Your husband?" "My husband!" "Begorra! It's not bigamy, but trigonometry, he's been attempting". - Summary by ToddHW
Cast list:
Captain Dionysius McCafferty (formerly in the Ballytara Militia, now proprietor of the Railway Hotel, Steepleton Junction): Larry Wilson
Dr. Titus (His medical attendant): Steven Fellows
Montague Joliffe: ToddHW
Mr. Hinxman: alanmapstone
John (Mrs. Smith's Servant): Tomas Peter
Mr. Buzzard (A Butcher): Adrian Stephens
Mr. Gawge (A Draper): Son of the Exiles
Mrs. Smith: Sonia
Mrs. Marmaduke Jackson: TJ Burns
Patricia McCafferty: Foon
Amelia Anne Buzzard: Leanne Yau
Walker (Mrs. Smith's servant): Devorah Allen
Kittles: Eva Davis
Stage Directions: MichaelMaggs
Edited by: ToddHW
3 episodes
George Dandin soupçonne sa femme de le tromper avec un galant. Mais il a beau s'enrager et essayer de convaincre ses beaux-parents de la trahison, à chaque coup qu'il veut les surprendre en flagrant-délit, les amants s'en tirent de l'affaire. Une farce tragi-comique de la plume de Molière, qui lui-même jouait le rôle du mari cocu dans la première mise-en-scène. - Summary by Sonia
Personnages:
George Dandin, riche paysan, mari d'Angélique: Frédéric Surget
Angélique, femme de George Dandin, et fille de M. de Sotenville: Linda Olsen Fitak
Clitandre, amant d'Angélique: Rémi
Monsieur de Sotenville, gentilhomme campagnard, père d'Angélique: Stéphanie
Madame de Sotenville: Christiane Jehanne
Lubin, paysan, servant de Clitandre: Margot
Claudine, suivante d'Angélique: Pauline Latournerie
Colin, valet de George Dandin: ToddHW
Narratrice: Sonia
3 episodes
"The cold, historical fact is that at about 9:15 o’clock on the evening of August 29th, 1922, five or six hundred average New Yorkers, two or three hundred friends of the management, and about fifty sophisticated first-nighters were in grave danger of rolling off their seats in hysteria because of The Torch-Bearers."
How can you resist a play with a review like that? - Summary by ToddHW
Cast list:
Mr. Frederick Ritter: Adam Bielka
Mr. Huxley Hossefrosse: larryhayes7
Mr. Spindler: KHand
Mr. Ralph Twiller: Matthew Reece
Teddy Spearing: DrewStarmer
Mr. Stage Manager: ToddHW
Mrs. Paula Ritter (Ritter’s wife): Jenn Broda
Mrs. J. Duro Pampinelli: Devorah Allen
Mrs. Nelly Fell: TJ Burns
Miss Florence McCrickett: JennPratt
Mrs. Clara Sheppard: B L Newman
Jenny (a housemaid at Ritter’s): EmmaHatton
Stage Directions: Larry Wilson
Editing: ToddHW
6 episodes
Gentlemen out away from London, looking for wives. "I'm going to settle down, hearthrug and slippers and all that sort of thing." "So a lot of us have made up our minds to marry and retire from public life, and as I couldn't find any suitable partie in London - ." Add lost relatives, over protective fathers, a rich widow or two, and you have all the ingredients for a first rate farce.
- Summary by ToddHW
Cast list:
Lord Leadenhall: Adrian Stephens
The Chevalier Walkinshaw: Rob Marland
John Mable: ToddHW
Joslyn Hammersmith: Tomas Peter
Clement (Waiter at the Belle Vue): alanmapstone
Bingle (Lady Hammersmith's servant): Adam Bielka
Chatwood (Waiter at the Lord Gordon): Son of the Exiles
Lady Hammersmith: TJ Burns
Rosaline Fabriquette: Sonia
Florence: Jenn Broda
Georgette: Availle
Stage Directions: MichaelMaggs
Editing: ToddHW
3 episodes
In the month of May 1664, Louis XIV entertained the Queen-mother, Anne of Austria, and his own wife , Maria Theresa, with a brilliant and sumptuous fete at Versailles.... The second day was distinguished by the representation of The Pricess of Elis [by Moliere].... The Princess of Elis, a comedy-ballet, was intended to represent the struggle between the affections of the male and female sex, a struggle in which victory often remains with the one who seems the furthest from obtaining it.... The author's natural flow of wit and humor was checked by the necessity of accommodating himself to the conventionalities of courtly propriety. - Summary by The Translator
Cast list:
Iphitas, father to the Princess of Elis: Alan Mapstone
Euryalus, Prince of Ithaca: Kurt
Aristomenes, Prince of Messena: Tomas Peter
Theocles, Prince of Pylos: Algy Pug
Arbates, Governor to the Prince of Ithaca: Alan Mapstone
Lycas, attendant on Iphitas: Jim Locke
Moron, the Princess's Fool: ToddHW
The Princess of Elis: Availle
Aglanta, cousin to the Princess: Lydia
Cynthia, cousin to the Princess: Eva Davis
Phillis, attendant on the Princess: Sonia
Aurora: Katharina Glowalla
Lyciscas, a huntsman: Andrew James
First Musician: Eva Davis
Second Musician: Devorah Allen
Third Musician: Jim Locke
First Whippers-In: Nemo
Second Whippers-In: Alan Mapstone
Third Whippers-In: Jim Locke
Satyr: Nemo
Tircis: Alan Mapstone
Climene: TriciaG
Shepherd: Alan Mapstone
Shepherdess: Devorah Allen
Stage Directions: Adrian Stephens
Editing: ToddHW
5 episodes
"Micio and Demea are two brothers of dissimilar tempers. Demea is married, and lives a country life, while his brother remains single, and resides in Athens." Things quickly get a bit messy with hushed-up debauchery, kidnapping/elopement/theft of a slave, general carousing, and marriage nuptials - the usual for the day perhaps, except that: "The Play concludes with a serious warning from Demea, who advises his relatives not to squander their means in riotous living; but, on the contrary, to bear admonition and to submit to restraint in a spirit of moderation and thankfulness."
- Summary by The Translator
Cast list:
Demea, Brother, aged Athenian: Max Körlinge
Micio, Brother, aged Athenian: Adam Bielka
Hegio, an aged Athenian, kinsman of Sostrata: Ethan Hurst
Æschinus, son of Demea, adopted by Micio: Tomas Peter
Ctesipho, another son of Demea: Shashank Jakhmola
Sannio, a Procurer: Son of the Exiles
Geta, servant of Sostrata: ToddHW
Parmeno, servant of Micio: Devorah Allen
Syrus, servant of Micio: alanmapstone
Dromo, servant of Micio: Devorah Allen
Pamphila, a young woman beloved by Æschinus: Lydia
Sostrata, a widow, mother of Pamphila: KHand
Canthara, a Nurse: Eva Davis
Stage Directions: Sonia
Edited: ToddHW
5 episodes
About two dozen comedies of the Roman playwright Plautus have survived the years, with many of them ending up rewritten and recast by other playwrights such as Moliere. This one, Pseudolus, was part of the source for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. - Summary by ToddHW
Cast list:
Simo, an old gentleman of Athens: ToddHW
Calidorus, his son, in love with Phoenicium: Tomas Peter
Charinus, the friend of Calidorus: Adam Bielka
Callipho, the friend of Simo: Alan Mapstone
Pseudolus, the servant of Simo: Jason in Panama
Ballio, a procurer, the owner of Phoenicium: Max Körlinge
Harpax, the servant of Polymachaeroplagides: Adrian Stephens
Simmia, the Cheat, a servant of Charinus: Sonia
A Cook: Eva Davis
A Boy, servant of Ballio: JennPratt
Slave of Ballio: JennPratt
Stage Directions: MichaelMaggs
Editing: ToddHW
5 episodes
When his younger brother incurs a large betting debt, what could be easier than for a man to borrow the money to save him from the factory he runs while his employers are away. Whoops; his employers are coming back before he has repaid the money. Ah, perhaps his wife can get the money from a friendly Lord who was once her suitor.... A friendly card game perhaps. What could go wrong?
- Summary by ToddHW
Cast list:
Lord Kengussie: Son of the Exiles
Baron Croodle: ToddHW
Harold Boycott: Mark Nelson
Jules Faubert: Alan Mapstone
Millicent Boycott: Sonia
Dorinda Croodle: Jenn Broda
Margot: Adrian Stephens
Stage Directions: MichaelMaggs
Editing: ToddHW
2 episodes
This comedy is by Gilbert on his own without Sullivan. "Listen to me. You love this girl?" "I love her sir, a'most as weel as I love mysel' !" "Then reflect how you are standing in the way of her prosperity." "Sir, I'm puir on pocket, but I've a rich hairt."
- Summary From The Play
Cast list:
Cheviot Hill, a young man of property: Matthew Reece
Belvawney, his friend: skypigeon
Mr. Symperson: Alan Mapstone
Angus Macalister, a Lowland peasant lad: ToddHW
Major McGillicuddy: Craig Franklin
Belinda Treherne: Emmi Kranz
Minnie, Symperson's daughter: Jenn Broda
Mrs. Macfarlane, a Lowland widow: Sonia
Maggie, her daughter, a Lowland lassie: KHand
Parker, Minnie's maid: Lydia
Stage Directions: MichaelMaggs
Editing: ToddHW
3 episodes
A man's wife is caught up in Philanthropy, generously supporting all sorts of good causes. But that does not include her husband's interests in "the Turf or the Stable - no feeling except one of positive distaste." So what is he to do? How about somehow getting her to "endow a Home for about twenty decayed jockeys and stablemen ... who have outlived their chances on the turf and fallen on bad days?" Sounds very noble, but of course that is not quite what he has in mind.... (By the way, there is an Introductory Note that explains the play's reception. It has spoilers so I put it at the end of the Act 3 file.)
- Summary by ToddHW
Cast list:
Mr Spenser Jermyn: Son of the Exiles
Mrs Spenser Jermyn: Sonia
Mr Pinching: Adrian Stephens
Miss Moxon: Devorah Allen
Reverend Noel Brice: ToddHW
Bertha: Jenn Broda
Tom Clark: Tomas Peter
Mrs Porcher: Lydia
Mr Shattock: KHand
Mr Pews: Alan Mapstone
Mr Lyman: Adam Bielka
Mr Moulter: BandanaMan99
Mrs Landon: ambsweet13
Tiny Landon: BandanaMan99
Hewett: schrm
Stage Directions: MichaelMaggs
Editing: ToddHW
3 episodes
"Sweet Lavender" must be regarded as one of the most successful stage-plays of modern times, and there can be no question that it has proved so far the most popular of Mr. Pinero's works. Its representations may be counted by the thousand, and its popularity has extended over many latitudes. The reason of this is not far to seek: it proclaims itself in the gentle humanity and genial humour of the play. ... a sort of modern fairy tale."
- Summary by Malcom C. Salaman, October 1893
Cast list:
Horace Bream (a young American): Matthew Reece
Geoffrey Wedderburn (of Wedderburn, Green & Hoskett, Bankers, Barnchester): ToddHW
Clement Hale (his adopted son, studying for the Bar): Karsus
Richard (Dick) Phenyl (a Barrister): Andrew James
Dr. Delaney (a fashionable Physician): Algy Pug
Mr. Bulger (Hairdresser and Wigmaker): Alan Mapstone
Mr. Maw (a Solicitor): Larry Wilson
Minnie Gilfillian (Niece of Mr. Wedderburn): Matea Bracic
Ruth Rolt (Housekeeper and Laundress at No. 3, Brain Court, Temple): Sonia
Lavender (her daughter): Jenn Broda
Mrs. Gilfillian (a widow - Wedderburn's sister - Minnie's mother): Dani Malone
Stage Directions: Adrian Stephens
Editing: ToddHW
3 episodes
Subtitled "An Original Dramatic Contrast", the play presents two neighbors, Harry and Jenny, parting in Act 1 and then meeting again 30 years later in Act 2 after Harry's return from India.
- Summary by ToddHW
Cast list:
Mr Harry Spreadbrow: Rob Marland
Wilcox, a Gardener: ToddHW
Miss Jenny Northcott: Jenn Broda
Ruth, a Maidservant: Sonia
Stage Directions: MichaelMaggs
Editing: ToddHW
2 episodes
