Twelfth Night
(Libby/OverDrive eAudiobook)

One of Shakespeare's better-known comedies, this is a bounty of wordplay, bawdy jokes, sly humor, mistaken identity, and love. L.A. Theatre Works, known for their full-cast dramas, presents a vibrant new recording that will sweep listeners into this enchanting work. Separated from her brother in a shipwreck, Viola washes up on the coast of Illyria, where she disguises herself as a man named Cesario and enters the service of Duke Orsino. Orsino is smitten with Olivia and sends the disguised Viola to present his suit. Olivia falls for Cesario, and, complicating the situation further, Viola falls for Orsino. The casting is exceptional, with standout performances from Stacy Keach as Olivia's fool Feste, Sarah Drew as Viola/Cesario, and Martin Jarvis as Sir Toby Belch. Sound effects and music are included throughout the performance, heightening the live-drama feel of the recording. VERDICT Full-cast audio is an excellent way to experience Shakespeare as the author intended, and this well-produced version will please both fans and listeners new to the play. Highly recommended for all audio collections.--Nanette Donohue

Shakespeare's most popular play, the original romantic comedy, receives a glossy treatment in this latest entry in the LA Theatre Works canon. Stacy Keach, Glenne Headley, and Hector Elizondo headline a polished and professional cast. Listeners will wish they could see this talented troupe at work but will have to be content with the "theatre of the imagination," which will not be difficult. Keach finds all the bawdy humor in Nick Bottom's speeches and makes these lines more humorous, as Bottom is blissfully unaware of his double entendres. Listen for the smart banter between Tara Barr as Hermia and Kira Sternbach as Helena, best friends who become bitter rivals. Sternbach especially captures Helena's lovesick state, interrupted only by her bewilderment and rage at the attentions of Lysander and Demetrius. As the young bucks, Brendan Bradley and Helberg speak the classic dialogue with the tones of two bros at the bar arguing over who has to be the wingman. Listen, too, for the haunting rock ballad that lullabies Titania to sleep. Without changing a word, director Susan Albert Loewenberg has added a dash of modernity that keeps the play fresh and lively. No matter how many times you've seen this play, listen to it. Again. Copyright 2019 Booklist Reviews.

In this immersive audio play from LATW, a full cast of talented actors brings Shakespeare's classic comedy about mistaken identity and misplaced love to vibrant life. Each actor puts a unique spin on their given role, but they all maintain the kind of over-the-top drama that makes a play like this so much fun. The stellar sound effects make it feel as if you're right there in the theater. The duke Orsino and his cronies laughing in the background while they play practical jokes; lots of music, both vocal and instrumental; many sighs, giggles, and snickers—it all creates an atmosphere of frivolity that highlights just how bawdy and silly Twelfth Night really is. Fans of classical theater will enjoy the fine acting in this audio production, while Shakespeare skeptics may find themselves laughing too hard not to be charmed. Copyright 2023 Booklist Reviews.

One of Shakespeare's better-known comedies, this is a bounty of wordplay, bawdy jokes, sly humor, mistaken identity, and love. L.A. Theatre Works, known for their full-cast dramas, presents a vibrant new recording that will sweep listeners into this enchanting work. Separated from her brother in a shipwreck, Viola washes up on the coast of Illyria, where she disguises herself as a man named Cesario and enters the service of Duke Orsino. Orsino is smitten with Olivia and sends the disguised Viola to present his suit. Olivia falls for Cesario, and, complicating the situation further, Viola falls for Orsino. The casting is exceptional, with standout performances from Stacy Keach as Olivia's fool Feste, Sarah Drew as Viola/Cesario, and Martin Jarvis as Sir Toby Belch. Sound effects and music are included throughout the performance, heightening the live-drama feel of the recording. VERDICT Full-cast audio is an excellent way to experience Shakespeare as the author intended, and this well-produced version will please both fans and listeners new to the play. Highly recommended for all audio collections.—Nanette Donohue