Shakespeare's Greatest Hits

by William Shakespeare, Barbara Gaines Narrated by Amy Irving, Full Cast

Overview

Shakespeare's Greatest Hits contains some of the most memorable scenes from 13 of the Bard's greatest plays, including Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Othello and many more. Intertwined with the greatest hits of music, this highly engaging introduction to William Shakespeare is performed by the famous Chicago Shakespeare Theater.

An L.A. Theatre Works full-cast performance featuring Peter Aylward, Johnny Lee Davenport, Henry Godinez, Kevin Gudahl, Susan Hart, Amy Irving, Linda Kimbrough and Ross Lehman.

Editorial Reviews

Library Journal

A cast headed by Amy Irving and Peter Aylward enacts 13 of Shakespeare's greatest plays under the direction of Chicago Shakespeare Theater founder Barbara Gaines. While many of the adaptations are successful, the interjection of contemporary music into scene transitions can be off-putting. What's more, the tracks aren't divided by scene, a disappointment for those wanting to skip back and forth among their favorites. In the end, listeners would do better taking in an individual Shakespeare production than this mixed bag. For fans of audio drama or instructors using Shakespeare in the classroom.—Lance Eaton, Peabody, MA

JUNE 2009 - AudioFile

As the title indicates, this is less a worshipful recitation of the Bard's best bits than a medley intended to amuse and entertain those already familiar with the plays. Pop musical bridges between many scenes comment wittily—or lamely—on the preceding piece. While the frame is lighthearted, the readings are generally serious. The acting ranges from serviceable to moving, with Amy Irving as a standout. Many segments are well known enough to need no introduction; some get a quick line or two. Two famous soliloquies, from MACBETH ("Tomorrow and tomorrow . . . ") and HAMLET ("To be . . . "), are interposed, section by section, to illuminating and powerful effect. Overall, the program fits the bill: a quick, fun savoring of some great and familiar Shakespeare. W.M. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940172028717
Publisher:	L.A. Theatre Works
Publication date:	02/01/2009
Edition description:	Unabridged

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