Dramatic readings

Egeus complains to Theseus that his daughter Hermia refuses to marry Demetrius. When Hermia is given the choice between marriage to Demetrius or life as a nun, she and her true love Lysander flee into the forest. Demetrius follows them; and Helena, who loves Demetrius, follows him. Also in the forest are Oberon and Titania, king and queen of the fairies, at odds with one another. At Oberon's behest, Puck causes Demetrius to fall in love with Helena -- oops, he missed, that was Lysander instead. Mayhem ensues. In the meantime, a group of bumbling craftsmen rehearses a play. Puck gives one of them, Bottom, the head of an ass and makes Titania fall in love with him. Further hilarity results as Bottom sees nothing at all odd about this. Eventually everything is straightened out, Bottom and the rest "perform" their play, there is a triple wedding, and Puck assures us the whole thing has been a dream. Number of quotes you know: 5 (what fools these mortals be). Useful insults: 19. (Summary by Laurie Anne Walden)

Cast:

Theseus, Duke of Athens – Mark F. Smith

Egeus, father to Hermia; and Snout, a tinker – John Lieder

Lysander, in love with Hermia – mb

Demetrius, in love with Hermia – David O'Connell

Philostrate, master of the revels – Philippa

Quince, a carpenter – Brian Edwards

Snug, a joiner – Elizabeth Klett

Bottom, a weaver – Simon Taylor

Flute, a bellows-mender – David Nicol

Starveling, a tailor – Jessica Miller

Hippolyta, queen of the Amazons – Cori Samuel

Hermia, daughter to Egeus, in love with Lysander – Laurie Anne Walden

Helena, in love with Demetrius – Rosalind Wills

Oberon, king of the fairies – Fr. Richard Zeile of Detroit

Titania, queen of the fairies – Deborah Irving

Puck, or Robin Goodfellow – Karen Savage

Peaseblossom – Larysa Jaworski

Cobweb – Charlene V. Smith

Moth – Alana Jordan

Mustardseed – Jamie Ash Young

Stage directions – Paul Williams<

Fairy song composed and performed by Rosalind Wills; performed by Rosalind Wills and Larysa Jaworski

Audio edited by Cori Samuel and Laurie Anne Walden

Cast: Stepan Stepanovich Chubukov - read by John Eddings Natalya Stepanovna - read by Ruth Golding Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov - read by Simon Larois Stage directions - read by Philippa

Audio edited by Ruth Golding

Cast: George Henderson (County Attorney): mb Henry Peters (Sheriff): Guero Lewis Hale (a neighboring farmer): Anthony Mrs. Peters: Arielle Lipshaw Mrs. Hale: Elizabeth Klett Narrator: David Lawrence

Audio edited by: Arielle Lipshaw

Cast: Dr. Watson: Cori Samuel Sherlock Holmes: Arielle Lipshaw Dr. Mortimer: Robert Hoffman Sir Henry Baskerville: Elizabeth Klett Barrymore: AllenJohns Cartwright: ToddHW Stapleton: mb Beryl Stapleton: TriciaG Laura Lyons: Amanda Friday Inspector Lestrade: David Lawrence Wilson: om123 Clerk: April Gonzales Waiter: Elli Cabman: Laurie Anne Walden Perkins: Grace Postmaster: Charlotte Duckett James: Tiffany Halla Colonna Mrs. Barrymore: Availle Frankland: Martin Geeson Audio edited by Arielle Lipshaw

Everyone else is convinced robots are nothing more than tools for human use. Is it so, or is a robot rebellion becoming a more likely prospect as the robots start to seem more intelligent than first thought?

First performed in English in 1922, R.U.R. is most notable for being the play that introduced the word "robot" into the English language and one of the popular early examples of the science fiction genre onstage. (Mary Kay)Cast List:

Narrator: John Trevithick Helena Glory / Robot Helena: Sarah Terry Harry Domin / Primus: ToddHW Dr. Gall: Barry Streifert Mr. Fabry: James Callaghan Dr. Hallemeier / Consul Busman: SteveToner Mr. Alquist: Beth Thomas Nana: KHand Radius: T. Layne Sulla / First Robot: Tina Nuzzi Marius / Fourth Robot: Rosslyn Carlyle A Servant: Etel Buss Second Robot / Third Robot: Kitty Kay / Mary Kay

It was first performed for the public on February 14, 1895 at the St. James’ Theatre in London, and is regarded by many critics and scholars as being the wittiest play in the English language. (Summary from Wikipedia.org)

Characters: John Worthing, J.P. - Read by John Gonzalez Algernon Moncrieff - Read by Gord Mackenzie Rev. Canon Chasuble, D.D. - Read by Chris Goringe Merriman, Butler - Read by Peter Yearsley Lane, Manservant - Read by Hugh McGuire Lady Bracknell - Read by Kristen McQuillin Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax - Read by Deana Cecily Cardew - Read by Kara Shallenberg Miss Prism, Governess - Read by Sureka Narrator - Read by Betsie Bush Project Editor - Paula Berinstein

Cast: Anne/Narrator: Arielle Lipshaw Marilla Cuthbert: Elizabeth Klett Matthew Cuthbert: Bruce Pirie Mrs. Rachel Lynde: Amy Gramour Diana Barry: Sally McConnell Gilbert Blythe: mb Stationmaster: Phil Chenevert Mrs. Spencer: Sally McConnell Flora Jane Spencer: sherlock85 Mrs. Blewett: Tricia G Mrs. Barry: Linette Geisel Mr. Phillips: David Lawrence Jimmy Glover/Boys: Peter Bishop Ruby Gillis: ESFJ Girl Doctor: Phil Chenevert Miss Josephine Barry: ashleyspence Mrs. Allan: Sarah Jennings Josie Pye: rashada Carrie Sloane: Laura Payne Miss Lucilla Harris: Sally McConnell Jane Andrews: Elizabeth Barr Miss Stacy: Amy Gramour Moody Spurgeon McPherson: Peter Bishop Lady: Availle

Audio edited by: Arielle Lipshaw

Cast

Narrator: David Goldfarb Alice: Miss Avarice The White Rabbit: BellonaTimes Mouse: cher0520 Lory: Availle Duck: Jessamy Gloor Dodo: Tim Ferreira Eaglet: Dennis D. Old Crab: Joshua Logan Young Crab: Sonja Magpie: Lucy Perry Canary: ElleyKat Pat: Terence Taylor Bill: Aidan Brack Guinea Pig 1: Rat King Guinea Pig 2: Kelseigh Caterpillar: Algy Pug Pigeon: Kelseigh Fish-Footman: Terence Frog-Footman: Peter Yearsley Cook: Ana Baby: Elizabeth Klett Duchess: Heather Phillips Cheshire Cat: Elizabeth Klett March Hare: Denny Sayers Hatter: Arielle Lipshaw Dormouse: Ruth Golding Five: Neeru Iyer Two: Elli Seven: Henry Frigon Soldier 1: Dennis D. Soldier 2: Philbert Soldier 3: Lucy Perry Queen of Hearts: Nadine Eckert-Boulet King of Hearts: Peter Yearsley Gryphon: Algy Pug Mock Turtle: Kara Shallenberg Knave of Hearts: Levi Throckmorton Alice's Sister: Diana Majlinger

Audio edited by Elizabeth Klett and Arielle Lipshaw

It follows the formula of well-made play up until the final act, when it breaks convention by ending with a discussion, not an unravelling. It is often called the first true feminist play, although Ibsen denied this. From Wikipedia

Characters:

Narrator – Read by Aleithia Nora – Read by Elizabeth Klett Porter – Read by mb Helmer – Read by David Muncaster Maid – Read by Anna Simon Mrs Linde – Read by Miranda Stinson Krogstad – Read by Jordan Schneider Rank – Read by Andy Children – Read by Aleithia Nurse – Read by Alana Jordan

2 B R 0 2 B is a satiric short story that imagines life (and death) in a future world where aging has been "cured" and population control is mandated and administered by the government. (Summary by Wikipedia and Laurie Anne Walden)

This recording is done as a dramatic reading.

Characters: Narrator: Denny Sayers Hospital Orderly: Mark F. Smith Painter: Alan Davis-Drake Leora Duncan: Laurie Anne Walden Dr. Hitz: Michael Yard Wehling: Julian Jamison Federal Bureau of Termination hostess: Kara Shallenberg

Along with a group of brave men: the sensible Dr. Livesey, the fearless and unflagging Captain Smollett, and the blustering but well-meaning Squire Trelawney, Jim sets out in quest of the treasure. Many perils, from wild animals to murderous villains to stormy seas will beset him on the way. And ever in the background, smiling and enigmatic, lurks the one-legged ship's cook, Long John Silver. One of the best-loved adventure stories of all time, Treasure Island is a pirate classic that delights readers today as much as when Stevenson first wrote it. (Summary by Eden Rea-Hedrick)

Cast listing: Jim Hawkins, Dedication and Introductory Poem: Eden Rea-Hedrick Billy Bones, "the Captain", Dr. Livesey, Long John Silver: Barry Eads Black Dog: Phillip J Mather Mrs. Hawkins, Dick: Elizabeth Klett Pew, George Merry: alanmapstone Mr. Dance: Algy Pug Pirate 1: ToddHW Pirate 2: justinschw Pirate 3: Kristingj Squire Trelawney: Andy Minter Tom Redruth: MarcyT Tom Morgan: Robin King Captain Smollett: DublinGothic Israel Hands: Mark F. Smith Captain Flint (a parrot): TriciaG Job Anderson: Raphael Platt Tom, Joyce: CaprishaPage Ben Gunn: csjesi1 Abraham Gray: David Lawrence Hunter: Grace

Edited by ToddHW.

Cast: Antigone: Elizabeth Klett Ismene: Arielle Lipshaw Creon: Bruce Pirie Haemon: mb Eurydice: Lucy Perry Tiresias: Martin Geeson Guard: Algy Pug Chorus, Second Messenger: Lars Rolander Messenger: David Goldfarb Narrator: David Lawrence

Audio edited by: Elizabeth Klett

How far would you go for to solve the murder of the chap who saved your life? Would you lock yourself in a dark room with your friends for a seance while sitting in the thirteenth chair knowing that one of them is probably the murderer? - (Summary by David O)

Cast:Alicia Crosby: Bev J Stevens Roscoe Crosby: Mike Harris William Crosby: K. Adrian Stroet Inspector Donohue: ToddHW Doolan: David Purdy Sergeant Dunn: Availle Mary Eastwood: SamW Elizabeth Erskine: Lydia Rosalie La Grange: Kristin Gjerløw Philip Mason: John Burlinson Helen O'Neill: Beth Thomas Pollock: Dillon McFarlane Grace Standish: Sonia Howard Standish: Algy Pug Braddish Trent: Charlotte Duckett Helen Trent: Amy Gramour Edward Wales: David Olson

Narrated by: Jennifer Fournier

NOTE: The online text includes plans for stage set up, stage blocking, lighting directions and makeup instructions most of which are not included in the audio recording.

Orra: A Tragedy in Five Acts, which comes from that series' third volume, is Joanna Baillie’s haunting meditation on fear and madness. It is gothic melodrama par excellence. Set in fourteenth century Switzerland, Baillie's play skillfully intertwines psychological horror with early feminist thought. Orra, in love with Theobald, is exiled to a haunted castle in the Black Forest after rejecting a marriage proposal from her ward's son. She is further threatened by the nefarious machinations of Rudigere, a pathologically jealous knight whose desire for Orra verges on obsession. Then there’s the castle itself, a dark and gothic abode that soon brings Orra to the brink of abject terror.

Will Orra survive her expulsion into the Black Forest—or will she descend further and further into madness? ( ChuckW)

Cast list:

Orra: Availle

Theobald: ToddHW

Rudigere: Tomas Peter

Glottenbal: Craig Franklin

Hughobert: Roger Melin

Hartman: DrPGould

Maurice: Larry Wilson

Eleonora: Eva Davis

Cathrina: Sonia

Franko: Nemo

Urston: RecordingPerson

Alice: Leanne Yau

1st Servant: Sandra Schmit

2nd Servant: TJ Burns

1st Outlaw: Owen Cook

2nd Outlaw / Soldier: David Olson

Vassal: Joseph Tabler

Attendant: Victor Villarraza

Stage Directions: Chuck Williamson

Editor: Chuck Williamson

In this reading, Librivox volunteers lend their voices to dramatize Jane Austen's classic and well-loved novel. (Summary by Wikipedia and wildemoose)

Cast: Mrs. Bennet: Beth Thomas Mr. Bennet: Andy Minter Jane Bennet: Elizabeth Klett Elizabeth Bennet: Arielle Lipshaw Mary Bennet: Tina Danh Catherine "Kitty" Bennet: GabrielleC Lydia Bennet: BumbleVee Mr. Bingley: John Fricker Mr. Darcy: Peter Bishop Charlotte Lucas: Laurie Anne Walden Young Mr. Lucas: Beth Thomas Sir William Lucas: Robert Scheid Miss Caroline Bingley: Liz Bennington Mrs. Hurst: Elizabeth Barr Mr. Hurst: Barry Eads Mr. Collins: mb Mr. Wickham: Algy Pug Denny: David Richardson Mrs. Gardiner: TriciaG Mr. Gardiner: David Lawrence Maria Lucas: Maria Therese Lady Catherine de Bourgh: Mil Nichols Colonel Fitzwilliam: Ric F Mrs. Reynolds: Esther Mrs. Hill: Nadine Eckert-Boulet Butler: Barry Eads Mrs. Phillips: debolee

Narrator: Debra Lynn

Audio edited by: Arielle Lipshaw

More killings follow as Macbeth attempts to retain his crown, until he discovers that prophecies are not always what they seem. (Summary by Laurie Anne Walden)

Cast:

Duncan – Joshua B. Christensen

Malcolm – mb

Donalbain – Ellis Christoff

Macbeth – Mark F. Smith

Banquo – Simon Larois

Macduff – John Lieder

Lennox – Mirza

Ross – Rosalind Wills

Menteith, Son of Macduff, and First Apparition – David Lawrence

Angus, Second Apparition, and Third Murderer – Annoying Twit

Caithness, Lord, Sergeant, and Soldiers – David Nicol

Fleance – Aaron Elliott

Siward – Brian Edwards

Young Siward, Gentlewoman – Laurie Anne Walden

Seyton, Old Man – Paul Williams

Lady Macbeth – Elizabeth Klett

Lady Macduff – LC

Hecate – Ruth Golding

First Witch – Jennifer Stearns

Second Witch – Kristin Hughes

Third Witch – Charlene V. Smith

Doctor – Eric M. Johnson

Servant and Attendant – Anna Simon

Porter – David Leeson

Third Apparition – Fionn Jameson

First Murderer – hefyd

Second Murderer – Anna Roberts

Messenger – Ezwa

Stage Directions – J. M. Smallheer

Audio edited by J. M. Smallheer

It begins with lawyer Jonathan Harker's perilous journey to Castle Dracula in Transylvania, and chronicles the vampire's invasion of England, where he preys upon the lovely Lucy Westenra and Harker's fiancee, Mina. Harker and Mina join forces with lunatic asylum proprieter Dr. Seward, Lucy's fiance Arthur Holmwood, Texas man of action Quincey Morris, and Dutch vampire hunter Dr. Van Helsing to try and defeat their powerful adversary. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)

Cast:

Jonathan Harker: mb Mina Murray Harker: Elizabeth Klett Lucy Westenra: Arielle Lipshaw Dr. Seward: Denny Sayers Quincey P. Morris: Eric Zetterlund Arthur Holmwood: Brett W. Downey Cutting from The Dailygraph: Kara Shallenberg Log of the Demeter: Chuck Burke Samuel F. Billington & Son: Katalina Watt Carter, Patterson & Co: Robert B. Sister Agatha: Availle Abraham Van Helsing: Rismyth The Pall Mall Gazette: Lucy Perry Patrick Hennessey: Dee Wyckoff The Westminster Gazette: David Lawrence Mitchell, Sons, & Candy: Robert B. Rufus Smith Telegrams: Nadine Eckert-Boulet

Audio edited by: Elizabeth Klett

The misogynistic Cavalier di Ripafratta scoffs at their shared infatuation and ridicules the idea of love, but will he too fall victim to the beautiful innkeeper’s charms? And can any of them win the heart of the independent Mirandolina? - Summary by Mary J

Cast List

Narrator: Mary J Mirandolina: Amanda Friday The Cavalier di Ripafratta: Anthony The Marquis di Forlipopoli: ToddHW The Count D'Albafiorita: Peter Tucker Fabricius: James Simenc Servant of the Cavalier: KHand

Cast Robert Walton: Chuck Williamson Victor Frankenstein: Bob Neufeld Lieutenant: KerrieRae Clarke Caroline Frankenstein: Arielle Lipshaw Alphonse Frankenstein: Todd M. Krempe: Anthony M. Waldman: Martin Geeson Henry Clerval: Grace Garrett Elizabeth Lavenza/Master/Irishman: Elizabeth Klett Ernest Frankenstein: Ernst Pattynama Justine Moritz: Availle Officer: Ken Garrett The Creature: John Trevithick Felix: Tiffany Halla Colonna De Lacey: Steve W. Thompson Landlord: April Gonzales William Frankenstein: Miss Avarice Old Woman: Caprisha Page Mr. Kirwan: EMStach Magistrate: Max Korlinge

Audio edited by Elizabeth Klett

Meanwhile Khlestakov, a common copying clerk from St. Petersburg who has lost all his money at cards, is attempting to bluff and bully the landlord of the Inn he is staying at into giving him one more free meal. He is scared and confused when the Governor comes to confront him, but his tendency to tell fantastic lies and brag about his imaginary illustrious friends turns the situation to his advantage.

This blistering satire by Gogol looks at the way greed and corruption make fools of ordinary men, and ordinary fools into even greater fools. Both funny and adroit, this is a sadly accurate portrayal of small-town (and large-city) politics the world over.

Lamentably this play contains some instances of anti-Semitism. (Summary by Lucy Perry)

Cast list:

Stage Directions: Lucy Perry

Anton Antonovich Skvoznik-Dmukhanovsky, the Governor: ToddHW

Anna Andreyevna, his wife: Maria Kasper

Marya Antonovna, his daughter: Tara Flynn

Luka Lukich Khlopov, the Inspector of Schools: Nick Bulka

His Wife: ImkeStevens

Ammos Fiodorovich Liapkin-Tiapkin, the Judge: EccentricOwl

Artemy Filippovich Zemlianika, the Superintendent of Charities: P. J. Morgan

Ivan Kuzmich Shpekin, the Postmaster: Ray Kasper

Piotr Ivanovich Dobchinsky, Country Squire: Simon Smoke

Piotr Ivanovich Bobchinsky, Country Squire: Peter Tucker

Ivan Aleksandrovich Khlestakov, an official from St. Petersburg: Seamus Dobbin

Osip, his servant: Algy Pug

Fiodr Andreyevich Liuliukov, ex-official, esteemed personage of the town: Betsy Cooley

Ivan Lazarevich Rastakovsky, ex-official, esteemed personage of the town: Wojtek Murawski

Stepan Ivanovich Korobkin, ex-official, esteemed personage of the town: BeniaminoMassimo

His Wife: Availle

Stepan Ilyich Ukhovertov, the Police Captain: David Olson

Svistunov, a Police Sergeant: Rosslyn Carlyle

Derzhimorda, a Police Sergeant: Vanessa Cooley

Abdulin, a merchant: bala

Feveronya Petrovna Poshliopkina, the Locksmith's wife: Maryanka

Mishka, the Governor's Servant: Etel Buss

The Widow of a non-commissioned Officer: Anna Simon

Servant at the Inn: Elizabeth Klett

A Second Merchant: Mary Kay

A Postilion: Availle

A Gendarme: Elizabeth Klett

Edited by: Lucy Perry