Review: Steel Magnolias

Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Steel Magnolias

By: Robert Harling

Performed by: Frances Fisher, Shannon Holt, Amy Pietz, Brittany Snow, Jocelyn Towne, Josh Clark, Jeanie Hackett

Length: 1 hr and 51 mins

Published January 13th 2016 by L.A. Theatre Works

(first published January 1st 1988)

I normally don't re-read a book or play. Every so often I may re-visit a classic just to see how it (or I) has aged. Some of the time I pick up something new or intriguing that I missed before, especially if it is one of those classics we HAD to read in school, I missed a lot in those because most of the time I faked it or skimmed over it.

I'm not sure if I would call this play a classic yet, but maybe it is, but I saw the movie (different ending than the play, fyi) and read the play back in college. I saw this on my list of plays I had made for myself to look over and kept passing over it, because, well, I thought I had got what I was going to get out of it already. I found out that was not the case. In the past I had really just taken it in as an ensemble cast and just thought this was a bunch of women in the south and how their lives were interlinked. It is that but really there is more.

Having a son that has Type 1 diabetes, this time around I really focused in on the character of Shelby. I also have worked in a number of years now since first reading this play and the focus of the radio Shelby brings into the salon grabbed my attention. I soon put together how the two were related.

The author of this play actually wrote the play after the death of his sister due to complications of diabetes while she gave birth. I found that early in the play when Shelby brings in the radio she is relatively healthy and fine, the radio works fine. Later as she decides to have a baby even though there are risks for a diabetic the radio kinda fades in and out. Finally the radio goes out. (stopping here due to spoilers). So with that all in mind this play came from a different angle to hit me emotionally that I wasn't expecting.

In summary; go ahead and re-read those stories, you never know how it will affect you the second or third time around.

By the way, this was yet another great performance/production from L.A. Theatre Works. They really do put you right into the audience.

Publisher's Summary

Within the walls of Truvy's beauty shop are six women whose lives increasingly hinge on the existence of one another. Together, they absorb the passing seasons, just like the weathered wooden structure of the salon "home" that they share.

An L.A. Theatre Works full-cast production, starring Frances Fisher, Jeanie Hackett, Shannon Holt, Amy Pietz, Brittany Snow, and Jocelyn Towne. Additional voices by Josh Clark. Directed by Jessica Kubzansky and recorded before an audience by L.A. Theatre Works.

©1987 Robert Harling (P)2015 L.A. Theatre Works

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Review: Please Continue

Please Continue by Frank Basloe
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Performed by: Tara Lynne Barr, Will Brittain, Jake Green, Taj Jegaraj, Rob Morrow, James Scully, Mark Jude Sullivan, Matthew Wolf

Length: 1 hr and 53 mins

Published April 4th 2019 by L.A. Theatre Works

Well, it looks like I'm going to be closing out 2020 with a bunch of plays. Not a bad way to end a bad year. This time around it is “Please Continue” by Frank Basloe. This play tells the tale of psychologist Stanley Milgram's studies/experiments on obedience in the 60s.

The gist of the studies/experiments is that a student is told to administer an electric shock to a student when a wrong answer is given. The shocks become more powerful as more wrong answers are given. With the test subject screaming in pain in the next room, the actual test subject is told to, “Please Continue” if they hesitate on giving the next shock. These experiments really do expose a lot about the human psyche.

This play also weaves in the story of Francis, a grad student assigned to Milgram who was involved in a gang rape of a 14 year old girl at his previous college. Francis was not named in the hearing on that case but he knows he took part. As he is conducting the experiments for Milgram his guilt is triggered and comes to the surface. He seeks out the advice from a local clergy who convinces Francis to seek out atonement not forgiveness. That is the big hole in this performance. We never really find out what that atonement is or whether it was the right advice.

That lack of finality in the story really left me hanging in the story and pretty much ruined the entire play for me. Something was just missing. The performance and production were high quality, it's just that the story was missing something, some closure. Otherwise it was pretty interesting to hear the outcome of the original experiments where other humans were prone to keep administering the punishment no matter how guilty they started to feel. I think this could have been explored more and just leave out Francis' story. At one point in the play there is the statement where the men of Yale would of course keep punishing their fellow students, because they are self-centered seekers of power. (I paraphrased, but that's the gist of it.) So was it human nature or just the nature of certain humans attracted to the idea of becoming a “Yale Man”?

Publisher's Summary

Based on the true story of renowned social psychologist Stanley Milgram, Please Continue recounts the infamous obedience experiments at Yale in the 1960s. In that study, participants were asked to administer strong electric shocks to a subject who gave the wrong answer to a question, not knowing that the shocks were fake, and they were the real subject of the study. The play examines how the experiments gave insight into the nature of authoritarianism and individual morality.

Includes an interview about science and ethics with Mary Helen Immordino-Yang, a Professor of Education at the Rossier School of Education, a Professor of Psychology at the Brain and Creativity Institute, and a member of the Neuroscience Graduate Program Faculty at the University of Southern California.

Please Continue is part of L.A. Theatre Works’ Relativity Series featuring science-themed plays. Major funding for the Relativity Series is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, bridging science and the arts in the modern world.

Directed by Rosalind Ayres.

An L.A. Theatre Works full cast performance featuring:

Tara Lynne Barr as Margaret Hopson

Will Brittain as James Sanders

Jake Green as Saul Dashoff

Taj Jegaraj as Harold Burden

Rob Morrow as Reverend William Sloane Coffin, Jr.

James Scully as Mitchell Halverson III

Mark Jude Sullivan as Francis Dunleavy

Matthew Wolf as Dr. Stanley Milgram

Sound Effects Artist: Jeff Gardner. Script Supervisor, Nikki Hyde. Music Supervisor, Ronn Lipkin. Associate Artistic Director, Anna Lyse Erikson. Recording Engineer, Sound Designer and Editor, Erick Cifuentes. Mixed by Mark Holden for The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood.

Recorded at The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood.

©2019 L.A. Theatre Works (P)2019 L.A. Theatre Works

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Review: Of One Blood (Library Edition Audio CDs)

Of One Blood (Library Edition Audio CDs) by Andrew White
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Of One Blood”

by Andrew White

Narrated by: David Schwimmer, Lee Arenberg, John Cothran Jr., Judyann Elder, Arye Gross, Valerie Landsburg, Macon McCalman

Length: 1 hr and 23 mins

Published November 1st 2009 by L.A. Theatre Works

So what is the difference between today's civil rights movement and the civil rights movement of the 60s? I think the best answer is that today we are just tired of it. Years have gone by, voices have shouted, been shouted down and even silenced through violence but has anything really been done? Yes and No. At least now we don't have separate water fountains, bus seats and schools, so yeah progress has been made. Has it been enough? I grew up in the south and know firsthand that up until the mid 80s racism was still the norm (that's when I moved to the midwest U.S. and can't provide the firsthand experience for what goes on now).

I have lived throughout the south during the 70s and 80s (Montgomery, AL, Yazoo City, MS, Meridian, MS, et. al.) In Yazoo City, MS in the early 80s they still had seperate school buses for blacks and whites. Same pickup location same dropoff location, just different races allowed. I found this out by accidentally getting on the “black” bus my first day. One guy said I was on the wrong bus, but not in a threatening manner, but once I arrived at the school and was the white boy on the black bus, I was shunned by nearly all whites at that school from then on. In Montgomery, AL a black student (friend of mine) was called “boy” and physically abused by a science teacher, when we brought this up to the principal, he simply said he was sure we were mistaken. When my black friend left the principal told me that I should keep my northern attitude back up north while attending Jefferson Davis High School. We held a protest only a few kids showed up but it got nowhere. So yeah the civil rights movement of the 60s did great in the north but the south stays the same.

To this day I shed a few tears and get lumps in my throat when I hear of all this still going on. This play I knew was gonna be sad, but it should be. In this play the author mixes some poetic moments with historical moments to create what really should be an eye opener. The three civil rights workers, James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner (2 Jews and a Black) weren't rabble rousers, they were only talking with people and gathering evidence about a church burning. The folks in Mississippi simply saw anyone who worked with blacks and blacks themselves as creatures not worth living. There were numerous people that could have helped and saved these 3 young mens lives, instead the south is gonna south. This play not just covers their historical deaths, but also seeks to show them as simple human beings just wanting to stop the senseless violence in a non-violent way.

I really think this play should be added as part of middle school or at least high school curriculum. The lessons learned are needed today, probably more so.

There isn't one person today that can say racism is dead. All you have to do is drive through the south or heck, even in the midwest we have idiots waving their confederate flags, knowing full well how racist that flag is. That flag represents a sect that wanted blacks to remain slaves and never be treated as human beings. That flag also represents a country that lost a war. That is not the only similarity shared with the Nazi flag.

I heard a black comedian once say that the confederate flag is very useful, it tells him what businesses or homes not to enter.

I will once again highly recommend this L.A. Theatre works production of this play. The actors make this reality even more real.

Publisher's Summary

Of One Blood is a poignant and disturbing play about the infamous murder of three civil rights workers - James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner - in Mississippi in 1964.

©2009 L.A. Theatre Works (P)2009 L.A. Theatre Works

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Review: Moving Bodies

Moving Bodies by Arthur Giron
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Moving Bodies

By: Arthur Giron

Narrated by: Alfred Molina, Mark Harelik, Jenny O'Hara, Kathryn Hahn

Length: 1 hr and 57 mins

Published February 1st 2008 by LA Theatre Works

Yes I'm still on my reading plays kick/play research. This one intrigued me first because the actor Alfred Molina (Doc Ock from the Spider-Man movie). I love his work and will pretty much stop all I'm doing to watch a movie with him. Seeing he is cast as the lead role in this was what locked in this play in my sites. The second thing is that it involves science and physics. I have a secret passion for physics while never practicing I love the concepts and that all answers can be arrived at through physics. Yes all, but I don't have time to explain that right now.

So being another LA Theatre Works production was the third factor which cemented that this play was one I had to hear in audiobook form. Once again LATW have the perfect production/performance and with the cast in this one, definitely worth absorbing. If you've never read one of my reviews of a LATW production, the casts are always great, the sound production is so perfect that if you close your eyes you are placed right smack dab in the middle of the live performance. My advice to you, never turn down a LATW production.

So about this play. This play follows the life of Nobel Prize winner, Richard Feynman. Feynman was instrumental in the creation of the atomic bomb and was the witness for the space shuttle Challenger disaster investigation. In fact Feynman was the one to actually discover and demonstrate that the O-rings were the culprit in the explosion.

Through out the play we discover many interesting aspects of Feynman's life, such as his dad was an amateur scientist and is the one that led Richard Feynman and his sister to become scientists. There are several humorous moments in the play that make a play about science a bit easier for those to follow who aren't necessarily nerdy about science. In fact Richard Fineman was well-known to be a practical joker. I'm pretty sure that can also be attributed to his father.

After the bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Feynman regretted that he was responsible for so many deaths and this affected his life in many ways. This play explores all that and more. Arthur Giron captured a life worth learning about and more in a mere 2 hours.

Publisher's Summary

Moving Bodies is a chronicle of the brilliant life of Nobel Prize-winning scientist Richard Feynman. From his role in the development of the atomic bomb to his controversial testimony at the investigation of the Challenger disaster, Feynman casts a long shadow across the worlds of physics and mathematics. Through playwright Arthur Giron's eyes, we see how Feynman became one of the most important scientists of our time.

Includes a bonus feature with Ralph Leighton, the co-author of Richard Feynman's "Surely You’re Joking, Mister Feynman!", a best-selling collection of autobiographical stories and reminiscences.

An L.A. Theatre Works full-cast performance featuring Emily Bergl, Jessica Chastain, Jill Gascoine, Matthew Gaydos, Harry Groener, Arye Gross, Kathryn Hahn, Mark Harelick, Katharine Leonard, Mary McGowan, Alec Medlock, Alfred Molina, Jenny O’Hara, Raphael Sbarge, Joe Spano and John Vickery.

Moving Bodies is part of L.A. Theatre Works’ Relativity Series featuring science-themed plays. Major funding for the Relativity Series is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to enhance public understanding of science and technology in the modern world.

©2008 L.A. Theatre Works (P)2008 L.A. Theatre Works

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Review: Puffs the Play: or 7 Increasingly Eventful Years At A Certain School of Magic and Magic

Puffs the Play: or 7 Increasingly Eventful Years At A Certain School of Magic and Magic by Matt Cox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Puffs the Play: or 7 Increasingly Eventful Years At A Certain School of Magic and Magic”

by Matt Cox

Publisher : Independently published (December 10, 2018)

Paperback : 132 pages

I'm still reading a bunch of plays for “reasons.” But this play I'm reading for another reason. That reason is; a couple of years ago our local college/community theatre performed this play. I wanted to be in the play but I was just simply too old to be in the cast. The play doesn't require the young to play the parts, but in order to be consistent it is good for the director to keep the cast within the same age range. They are all playing kids from ages 10-18 years old. So I didn't pass the audition. I wonder if it was because I wouldn't shave my Van Dyke beard. My son got a part in the show, so I was happy and went to all 4 performances.

So this play is what happened to the other kids at that famous school for wizards and magic. The Puffs. The student's who were going for third place or nothing (out of 4) Basically this was like the “Breakfast Club” but nerdier, more pitiful at times, and waaaaayyyyy funnier. The one thing I completely enjoyed about this play is the allowance for or rather demand for improv moments. I love Improv and love watching it done right. The actor I saw play the character of Zach Smith was so funny. Each performance he had a different improv for his big improv moment. One of the nights he managed to sum up the last 2 years worth of performances at the college/community theatre into one story that just had me rolling.

If you are a fan of those Harry Potter books, please do yourself a favor and either read this script or go find a performance of this play. The inside jokes are worth the price of admission alone. Matt Cox is a fan of the wizarding series and especially a fan of the 90s. This comes to fruition in this play that is chock full of fun, pop-culture references that is sure to keep any audience entertained. The copy I read and the one I saw performed had some language that may restrict where the play is performed, however, I understand Matt Cox has written a younger version of the play in order to make it safe for all ages.

Matt Cox not only has written a funny pop-culture play, but he creates characters that drag you into the story more so than J.K. Rowling. When reading the original books, there were times I would just say these kids are stupid. But in Matt Cox's play I was involved. I wanted to know what they were doing at all times, especially the 3 main characters; Oliver, Megan, and Wayne. In fact throughout the play there were times when I had tears in my eyes from laughter and I was thankful because a scene or 2 later there would be tears from sadness and I didn't want to seem like a crybaby.

My experience after watching 4 performances and now reading this play is one I will cherish. I was moved several times between laughing out loud to drying the tears from sadness. After talking with the cast of this show (besides my son, there were many in the cast I am friends with) I found the same happened to them, in fact to this day the cast cherish their time in “Puffs.” The only other time I have seen such bonding in a play was a 2 week run of “Godspell.” The cast became the closest of friends from there after same as with “Puffs.” So,yeah, “Puffs” has a bit of a religious experience to it.

Thank You Matt Cox for such a great emotional rollercoaster!!!

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Review: Mizlansky/Zilinsky

Mizlansky/Zilinsky by Jon Robin Baitz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Mizlansky/Zilinsky”

By Jon Robin Baitz

Performed by: Nathan Lane, Paul Sand, Grant Shaud, Rob Morrow, Julie Kavner, Richard Masur, Harry Shearer, Kurtwood Smith, Robert Walden

Length: 1 hr and 46 mins

Produced by L.A. Theatre Works

Release date: 05-07-08

This time around in my play research, I'm looking for something a little light-hearted. Going to my reliable source for play productions I look at L.A. Theatre Works for something. LATW always comes through with some great plays with stellar casts and outsanding production that puts you right smack dab in the middle of the audience. So, knowing, this will be a play I want to hear I start looking. (I'm still reading a couple of plays in book form, so I needed something to fill those downtimes.)

The first thing that grabs me with this production is the cast. Two of the members of the cast are regular voice actors on “The Simpsons,” Julie Kavner and Harry Shearer, I already love Nathan Lane and Rob Morrow, so I think immediately this will be fun. And fun it is...actually fun is a bit of an understatement.

Nathan Lane plays Davis Mizlansky a Hollywood producer trying to avoid the IRS. He's now in the business of selling tax shelters in the form of Bible stories on tape. When a big Oklahoma money man, Horton De Vries, played by Kurtwood Smith (Red Forman from “That 70s Show”) has some potential buyers things get interesting, especially since Horton seems to be an anti-semite unknowingly working with the Mizlansky/Zilansky jewish duo.

That being the meat of the story in my opinion the funniest bits are between Davis and his assistant. Some funny stuff there. Check this out. Now if I can find a stage to perform this I think more laughs can be found.

Publisher's Summary

Italian shoes, a house in the hills, a gift for stretching the truth, and a petulant assistant to pick the scallions out of his Szechuan noodles - Hollywood producer Davis Mizlansky has it all. But he's about to lose it to the IRS unless he can pull off one more deal. A stellar cast performs this hilarious send-up of modern-day Hollywood.

©2007 L.A. Theatre Works (P)2007 L.A. Theatre Works

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Review: Fake

Fake by Eric Simonson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“Fake”

By: Eric Simonson

Narrated by: Francis Guinan, Kate Arrington, Coburn Goss, Alan Wilder, Larry Yando

Length: 2 hrs and 5 mins

Published June 1st 2010 by LA Theatre Works

I have been looking into several plays lately (for reasons yet to be discussed) and having know the quality works put out by L.A. Theatre Works, I've been diving into several of their productions. This is one of the them and I'll let you know the acting and audio production is superb as always. This manner not only gets me familiar with plays it also lets me know how talented individuals have translated these plays.

I'm not looking for any specific type of play, just wanting to know more of what's out there. My reviews here are a bit short, since I am just looking for a summary for now, some plays have stood out and I have a bit more to say, so just bear with these performance reviews, and know there's a reason to my madness. I'm still reading and listening to regular prose books/audiobooks, so they'll be interspersed with the other reviews. (eventually)

This play discusses the events that led to the debunking of “The Piltdown Man” In 1912, archaeologists in Piltdown, England discovered a skull purported to be from a creature providing the missing link between man and ape. In 1953, the Piltdown skull was debunked as fake. Simonson spends the play time to try to figure why and whether well known author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was involved.

Intermingled with discussions of politics and religion the answer is never really discovered. However, listening to this performance the audience does get the chance to wax philosophic. Entertaining and even thought provoking this looks like it may be a fun play to produce. I'm putting this toward the top of my list.

Publisher's Summary

Oscar-winning and Tony-nominated writer and director Eric Simonson explores the most famous archeological hoax in history. Alternating between 1914 and 1953, journalists and scientists set out to uncover who planted the Piltdown Man skull. Everyone's a suspect, including legendary Sherlock Holmes author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

An L.A. Theatre Works full-cast performance featuring Kate Arrington, Coburn Goss, Francis Guinan, Alan Wilder and Larry Yando.

Fake is part of L.A. Theatre Works’ Relativity Series featuring science-themed plays. Major funding for the Relativity Series is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to enhance public understanding of science and technology in the modern world.

©2010 L.A. Theatre Works (P)2010 L.A. Theatre Works

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Review: Dinah Was

Dinah Was by Oliver Goldstick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dinah Was

by Oliver Goldstick

Length: 1 hr and 43 mins

Published January 1st 2003 by LA Theatre Works

Whenever I listen to an audiobook that is a biography or autobiography of a musician I always end up getting perturbed when they talk about a song or the writing of a song and I cannot hear that song immediately. I think audiobooks in particular should at least have a clip of that song in the audio recording. But it rarely happens, and thus I have to stop where I am in the story and seek out that song. It helps the story to make sense. I once read a book about Bruce Springsteen's music with my phone and a blue tooth speaker handy just so I could hear each song being discussed. It was pure heaven.

That being said, you don't have to worry about this audio production of the play, “Dinah Was” by Oliver Goldstick. First of all it's another L.A. Theatre Works production so the production and acting is all superb. The role of Dinah Washington in this production is played by Yvette Freeman. Ms. Freemen does an awesome job singing the songs and all in the right place, in otherwords where I would normally have to stop and go find the song.

So now you just have to sit back and listen to a beautiful performance about the life of “The Queen of the Blues,” Dinah Washington. I love the scene in the opening of the play where she is booked to play a Las Vegas hotel but being black she is not allowed into the hotel proper. I hate that our society was once that bad, I would like to say we are getting better and from then to now improvements have been made in our society, but we still need work.

This play condenses the short life of Dinah Washington and her influence on the music biz. If nothing else the music is delicious. Go and consume this production from LATW, it will be worth it.

Publisher's Summary

In a white fur coat, ‘The Queen of the Blues’ sits on her luggage outside a Las Vegas hotel. It’s 1959—the legendary star can’t enter the hotel without a white escort. So Dinah Washington, in her inimitable style, takes a long pull from her flask and starts kicking up a fuss. Yvette Freeman reprises her OBIE Award-winning performance in this passionate play by Oliver Goldstick that reminds us “What a Difference a Day Makes”. Features songs made famous by Dinah Washington and performed in the play by Yvette Freeman.

Original orchestrations and arrangements by Jason Robert Brown; performed by Lanny Hartley on piano, Leroy Ball on bass, and Washington Rucker on drums.

Includes a conversation with playwright Oliver Goldstick.

Recorded before a live audience at the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles in May of 2002.

Directed by Gordon Hunt

Paul Eiding as Spinelli/Sam Greenblatt

Yvette Freeman as Dinah Washington

Adriane Lenox as Maye/Mama Jones/Violet

Bud Leslie as Frick/Rollie

Darryl Reed as Boss/Chase Adams/DJ

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Review: Are You Now or Have You Ever Been?

Are You Now or Have You Ever Been? by Eric Bentley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“Are You Now or Have You Ever Been?” By Eric Bentley

Are You Now or Have You Ever Been?

By: Eric Bentley

Narrated by: René Auberjonois, Edward Asner, Bonnie Bedelia, Richard Dreyfuss, James Earl Jones, James Whitmore, Michael York

Length: 1 hr and 27 mins

Published January 25th 2016 by L.A. Theatre Works (first published 1972)

Politics. Am I right? Who needs 'em. I've always hated political anythings. As we have found here in the last part of the year 2020, politics can make enemies out of good people. That's pretty much what is told in this story. Back during the red scar of the mid 50s people were reporting their neighbors for stuff that may or may not have had anything to do with communism, but it didn't matter the government was on the scent and would not break off the hunt.

The worst of this was seen in the treatment of Hollywood. Many folks in the biz never recovered from this witch hunt and careers were ended. This play focuses specifically on the Hollywood aspect of the red scare. Just name names an you will be off the government's list, but that means that you may turn others against you.

I would like to think in this day and age that a person simply curious about how communism runs or doesn't run would be safe to seek out that info. But alas, we have not learned our lesson and at the mere mention of anything social (social medicine, social healthcare, social education, social security) the screaming words of the other side calling another side communist still happens today. I'm not sure why or how but religion and politics are the two subjects / fields that you have to believe like everyone else or be prepared to have your head on a pike. I would also like to say give this play a listen / watch / read and learn, but humanity never learns.

On the positive side, the performances in this L.A. Theatre works production are once again stellar. Ed Asner steals the show for me he just makes the performance real. As usual with LATW productions the production quality is superb. So, at least enjoy a brief and entertaining history lesson. It may not change the world, but we can always hope.

Publisher's Summary

In the mid-1950s, the House Un-American Activities Committee began investigating the communist influence in the entertainment industry. This searing docudrama from actual transcripts of the hearings reveals how decent people were persuaded to name names - and the steep price paid by those who refused.

An L.A. Theatre Works full-cast performance featuring: René Auberjonois, Edward Asner, Bonnie Bedelia, Jack Coleman, Bud Cort, Richard Dreyfuss, Hector Elizondo, Robert Foxworth, Harry Hamlin, James Earl Jones, Richard Masur, Franklyn Seales, Joe Spano, James Whitmore, Michael York, and Harris Yulin.

©1999 Eric Bentley (P)1997 L.A. Theatre Works

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Review: And the Sun Stood Still

And the Sun Stood Still by Dava Sobel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

And the Sun Stood Still

By: Dava Sobel

Narrated by: Robert Foxworth, John Vickery, Kate Steele, Michael Kirby, Gregory Harrison

Length: 1 hr and 50 mins

Audiobook, Dramatization with full cast

Published June 16th 2015 by LA Theatre Works

Science! It seems to have the answer to everything. But how do those answers get discovered? Sometimes a discovery is made an voila! all is understood. Sometimes however a discovery is made and current science cannot support so the new discovery meets with some resistance. What's even worse is when science goes against religion. Then not only is there resistance, but possible punishment for trying to make the religious folk wrong. More so in Copernicus' day than now, but every so often one finds that religion is the biggest hurtle to get over to promote fact.

This play brings to life the time when Copernicus discovered that the Earth is not the center of the Universe. Copernicus was hesitant to publis because of religion and even a little self-doubt. Rheticus comes in from Germany and pushes Copernicus to publish because the world needs to know. This play is about that struggle.

This production is produced/published by L.A. Theatre Works and once again LATW delivers. As always the production values puts you smack dab in the middle of a production and you feel as if you were sitting in the center of the theatre for this production. The sound effects and music are perfect, but what makes this even more believable is the calibre of actors. As with every LATW production the actors bring their all to make this production come to life in an audiobook form.

Publisher's Summary

Dava Sobel’s thoughtful play brings to life the story of Nicolaus Copernicus, the Renaissance astronomer, and mathematician who proposed the heliocentric model of the universe in which the Sun stands at the center. Plagued by self-doubt and threatened by religious censure, Copernicus resisted the publication of his work until just before his death in 1543. The play follows Copernicus in those final years as he works to complete his research with the help of Georg Rheticus, a young disciple from Wittenberg, Germany.

Includes a conversation with playwright Dava Sobel, author of A More Perfect Heaven: How Copernicus Revolutionized the Cosmos.

Recorded at The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood in February, 2015.

And the Sun Stood Still is part of L.A. Theatre Works’ Relativity Series of science-themed plays. Lead funding for the Relativity Series is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, bridging science and the arts in the modern world.

Directed by Rosalind Ayres

Producing Director Susan Albert Loewenberg

Robert Foxworth as Copernicus

Gregory Harrison as Giese

Michael Kirby as Rheticus

Kate Steele as Anna

John Vickery as Bishop Dantsicus

Associate Producers: Anna Lyse Erikson, Myke Weiskopf.

Recording Engineer, Sound Designer, Mixer: Mark Holden for The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood.

Editor: Wes Dewberry

©2015 L.A. Theatre Works (P)2015 L.A. Theatre Works

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Review: We're Alive: Goldrush

We're Alive: Goldrush by K.C. Wayland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

We're Alive: Goldrush

by K.C. Wayland

(We're Alive #6)

Audiobook, Audio Show

Published September 10th 2019 by Wayland Productions

Not sure if this really qualifies as a book, but I do know that the previous “seasons” of “We're Alive” have been published as audio books. Originally produced/released as a podcast, the “We're Alive” series is the brainchild of K.C. Wayland.

Wayland took some time out of school to go defend our country when he was called up for duty in Baghdad in the U.S. Army. He was already seeking a career in film and would have been there anyway, but I believe the Army is what brought the “We're Alive” series out of his brain and into our ears. The series is about survival during a zombie apocalypse. As with any good zombie apocalypse story the zombies aren't the focus of attention, it is the people and their ways to survive. K.C. Wayland has created a community of survivors that the listener will soon love and some may even be hated. Now, don't get me wrong, Wayland's zombies are just as much characters as the survivors, in fact, some of Wayland's zombies are very unique and create a different zombie atmosphere compared to some of the others in the genre.

This installment into the “We're Alive” universe actually has very few zombies. In this story, we get to revisit a few characters that I enjoyed but never got to see develop further. Now the soldiers; Greg Muldoon, Anthony Robbins, Carl Thomas, and Samuel Puck are off on their own adventure to find some stolen gold bars. At first I asked, what are they going to do with gold bars in the middle of an apocalypse? I soon learned that that wasn't important because a new story develops. On top of that people will be people and the writing of the characters prove that it doesn't matter that the world's financial system is in ruins, people still love shiny things.

The soldiers are out to film a spaghetti western type movie, you gotta do something to entertain yourself, and in the process find out about a cache of gold. The story unfolds as an aging General Puck confides this story to Alex Robbins, the son of his former teammate and friend, Anthony Robbins. So not only do you get a cool western, survival and zombie story, but also an opening for KC Wayland to explore other stories in the We're Alive universe.

The zombie genre is not quite dead (or undead).

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Review: Peace Talks

Peace Talks by Jim Butcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Peace Talks

By: Jim Butcher

Narrated by: James Marsters

Series: The Dresden Files, Book 16

Length: 12 hrs and 52 mins

Published July 14th 2020 by Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group

16 novels and numerous short stories in the Dresden Files and I still can't wait for the next one. If you're not familiar with the series, allow me to introduce you to your next favorite supernatural adventures that doesn't pander to kids, no lightning bolt scars, no shiny vampires and well no mind ready half fairy narrators. This is the real and gritty world of another wizard named Harry. I say real because the writing style of Jim Butcher just makes it all believable.

Now there are some negative notes floating around about this book. Those are somewhat legit complaints, however, I'm just glad we got another book, and really there is nothing wrong with this book. It seems, though, that Jim Butcher borrowed from J.K. Rowling's playbook and turned what looks to be a last very long book into two books. The big complaint is that we waited about 6 years for another book and it turns out to be half a book with another on the way soon. (It's out now I believe.)

Yeah the end of the story really leaves you hanging and you can tell it is the first part of something to follow, but I'm just happy we got the book.

This time around Harry is part of a security team that is making sure that peace talks between all the supernatural entities is safe. Apparantly not, because a Celtic Titan, Ethniu, breaks in to one of the gatherings and destrys Mab (Winter Queen of the Fae), and that is no simple task.

Harry knows a war is on but first he has to make sure his family and friends are safe before he can fight what feels like his final battle. There is an impending doom feeling throughout this book, whether it is simply a close to the Dresden series of books or maybe Harry's final Death (he's died already), I'm not sure, but this book is perfect Harry Dresden. Harry is making sure everyone else is safe while gearing up to put himself in danger, not even thinking to ask for help. But they will help, I just know it.

No spoilers in this review, I can't wait to get my grubby paws on the next one.

Publisher's Summary

Harry Dresden is back and ready for action, in the new entry in the number-one New York Times best-selling Dresden Files.

When the supernatural nations of the world meet up to negotiate an end to ongoing hostilities, Harry Dresden, Chicago's only professional wizard, joins the White Council's security team to make sure the talks stay civil. But can he succeed, when dark political manipulations threaten the very existence of Chicago - and all he holds dear?

©2020 Jim Butcher (P)2020 Penguin Audio

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Review: Thor: Son of Asgard

Thor: Son of Asgard by Akira Yoshida
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thor: Son of Asgard

by Akira Yoshida (Pseudonym), Greg Tocchini (Artist), Adi Granov (Illustrator), Jo Chen (Illustrator), Jay Leisten (Illustrator), C.B. Cebulski

compiles Thor: Son of Asgard #1-12

Paperback, 296 pages

Published September 8th 2010 by Marvel Comics (first published May 2004)

So you like them comic books? I have been a comic book fan for around 40 years or so, while I have read some DC comics releases, I have always been a Make Mine Marvel kind of guy. I've also been a fan of Thor, so much so that I convinced my wife to make my son's middle name Thor. Before all those Marvel movies came out. So I guess in a way I'm a Marvel Hipster.

Anyway, let's talk about this book. This trade Paperback collects issues 1-12 of “Thor: Son of Asgard” which ran back in 2004-2005. The story is of a young Thor, Sif and Balder, oh and of course Thor's trickster brother Loki and how the first three are sent on a group of tasks by Odin and how at first Loki is there (always ahead of the trio) to keep them from completing their tasks. Eventually this leads to the moment when Thor is worthy of Mjolnir.

Young Thor is attempting to lift Mjolnir, but he is not yet worthy. His friends Balder and Sif and laughing at the silly looks on his face as he strains himself, but Loki watches from the rafters. He causes three spiders to grow gigantic through magic, but by working together, the three young heroes destroy the monsters. Odin then decides to send the three young warriors on a quest to gather four elements that he will use to forge a new sword.

Thor, Balder, and Sif search the Hidden Hills for the dragon Hakurei. Their first task is to get one of his scales. Thor, Balder, and Sif then go to Jotunheim, to find Gnori and retrieve one of his feathers, as part of the quest of Odin. They are both still angry at Thor for accepting the quest without asking them first, and they are caught in a blizzard. Suddenly, they are attacked by Ice Elementals, but they manage to defeat them. Then Gnori arrives and grants them one of his feathers, along with a few wise words of warning.

The three friends find their way to the Mines of Jennia to retrieve one of the jewels and are attacked by the Jennia, small creatures that feed on emotions. Loki is trapped too, but he is rescued by Karnilla, who has been watching them the whole time.

Thor, Sif, and Balder are on their way to the Lake of Lilitha when Loki arrives and tells them of Karnilla's plan to attack Asgard. They decide that Sif and Balder will return to Asgard, while Thor continues to the lake to draw a vial of water - the final element needed. On his trek, he is attacked by Leviathan, but Thor defeats him. Thor finally arrives at the lake only to find it dried up and dead. He then returns to Asgard as the battle is going on. The Asgardians finally win the battle, but unseen, Karnilla lands on a tower and fires an arrow into Thor's chest.

Odin manages to defeat Karnilla and uses the magic sand from the Lake of Lilitha to restore Thor to life. He then has the sword Svadren forged from the four mystic elements and presents it to Balder the Brave.

That quest complete you would think Thor would be able to rest, but no. Both Sif and Amora vie for Thor's affections, when a new girl arrives in school – Brunnhilda. Fed up with the competition of the two blondes, Amora and Brunnhilda, in her quest to have Thor fall in love with her, Sif steals the Mirror of Mycha with the help of Loki. But after the spell is cast, Amora steals the mirror and uses it to make Thor love her. But hey you can't work with Loki without being tricked, right?

Sif is now enraged to find out she's been tricked. She and Brunnhilda make peace and decide to get back at Amora and Loki. During their confrontation, the Mirror of Mycha is broken and with it, the spell over Thor.

Thor goes to see the Fates concerning how to become worthy of Mjolnir, and they tell him that he must first face death. Upon his return to Asgard, the Storm Giants have attacked and kidnapped Sif. Odin tells Thor that he must remain behind and they will go rescue her. Thor decides that he is going to go as well, and find himself worthy to finally lift the enchanted hammer.

Trade paperbacks are really the way to go when you want to read a story as a whole. There were times when I would get frustrated waiting month to month for the next issue. Once I discovered if I had patience I would be rewarded with a TPB to add to my collection. I recommend the same to anyone. However there is still no replacement for going to the local comic book store every Wednesday when the new books arrive and grabbing a handful.

Keep reading true believers.

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Review: A Delightful Quarantine: A Play about a Homebound Town

A Delightful Quarantine: A Play about a Homebound Town by Mark Dunn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Delightful Quarantine: A Play about a Homebound Town

by Mark Dunn

92 pages

approx 2 hours performed

Published by Samuel French (first published November 1st 2012)

So let's say that an infectious disease sweeps across the planet. Suddenly there is a shortage of toilet paper and common sense. The government locks down its citizens tells them to wash their hands, don't touch their faces. Then says don't hang out in large groups. And finally says, stay home. All the while the leader of the free world is saying it is a hoax and no one will die. Oh and on top of that Hollywood stays home and all movie production stops. Theatres and restaurants are closed for indoor dining. People can no longer attend live concerts or worst yet, live plays.

No that was real life not this play. In fact, this play was written 8 years prior to the dumpster fire of 2020. But with that in mind, and all the social distancing and safety measures in place to help slow the spread of COVID-19, it's hard to do live theatre. Not so says Super-Director Tara Gallion of Lincoln Trail College theatre department. Tara searches the planet looking for a play that will not only make sense in this trying time but also we can perform while wearing masks and maintaining social distance as required by the state and yet still make sense with the performance. That's where this play comes in and I was grateful to be performing again live, albeit in front of a limited audience capacity.

So how does this play fit? Well according to the story, aliens have come to Earth and they want some of our soil. The problem is they leave behind a deadly disease that leaves seven separate households unexpectedly quarantined. Seven story lines are balanced as people are forced to confront their personal issues. A heart-warming original comedy/drama about how people react when there's nowhere else to go, which, in reality, is pretty much everyday on Earth.

Two families are on the verge of breaking up their marriages, one family has to deal with a cancer diagnosis, one house has a crazy cat lady and unseen cats, kids forced to be alone in an old lady's house, a daughter finds her birth mother after 32 years, and a pair of old ladies confront a burglar.

Each story has a touch of humor, some more than others, and a couple have some poignant, straight in your face this is life moments. All around the play has something to offer for all with maybe even a bit of slapstick that can always be fun.

I had a blast reading and performing in this play and I have a feeling Mark Dunn may get some extra royalties this year due to having written a nice play that is perfect for weird times.

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Review: Brief Cases

Brief Cases by Jim Butcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Brief Cases”

By Jim Butcher

Narrated by: James Marsters, Jim Butcher, Cassandra Campbell, Julia Whelan, Oliver Wyman

Series: The Dresden Files, Book 15.5

Length: 15 hrs and 30 mins

Published June 5th 2018 by Penguin Random House Audio

Once you get started into the world of Jim Butcher's Dresden Files, you just can't stop. Luckily there's plenty of material to chose from, with 17 books on the series. The fun thing is that Butcher has compiled his short stories into 3 extra books; “Side Jobs,” “Working for Bigfoot,” and this one. This book has the stories from “Working for Bigfoot,” so you could bypass that one, but being a huge fan I have to at least own all the books.

To summarize, at least up until the stories in this book, in the Dresden Files, I will be brief and let you read the books on your own if you feel so inclined.

So briefly, Harry Dresden is a wizard. His domain is Chicago, and he protects the city from all forms of supernatural entities with his magic and his life (that is not just talk, he actually spent some time dead to keep Chicago and his friends and family safe.) Harry used to be a consultant with the police and worked closely with Karen Murphy, a detective. He and Karen are now a couple. (spoiler)

Harry has fought and killed Red Court Vampires, well actually he killed all the Red Court Vampires, Harry has also fought many other supernatural beings, including other courts of vampires, werewolves, ghouls, ghosts, all sorts of fairy and fae, even a god and goddess or two. Oh and let's not forget Chicago Gangster, Gentleman Johnny Marcone.

The best part of Harry Dresden's life is the list of who he has partnered with, which includes but is not limited to: Bigfoot, the fairy queen of winter and summer (with with the queen of winter being his fairy godmother), the white council of wizards, teenage werewolves, Valkyries and many more.

The tough thing about Harry's life is that he can never seem to catch a break but he does seem to always find a way out of problems.

At this point in his timeline Harry's daughter is the focus of his attention, as is his White Court Vampire/Half Brother, Thomas. Harry's family has grown to not only include these two but also Karen Murphy, his grandfather, Ebenezer, River Shoulders (a sasquatch), Molly the former warlock daughter of Michael, a Knight of the Cross, now turned to the winter lady. Read the books, you'll love them.

So let's talk about this book in the series it was released between the 2015 released book, “Skin Game” and the newly released (2020), “Peace Talks.” The stories all take place at different times during the Dresden timeline, but each story is important as somewhat of a footnote to lead you to further understand the characters and incidents leading up to “Peace Talks.” Here are the stories in Brief Cases:

“Curses” — from the 2011 publication, “The Naked City,” edited by Ellen Datlow. Republished in 2014 publication, “Magic City: Recent Spells,” edited by Paula Guran. Takes place between Small Favor and Turn Coat. Harry is hired to look into the Curse of the Billy Goat, which has plagued the Chicago Cubs in the postseason for decades, and try to lift it if possible. I'm thinking this is one of the world's most famous curses, and sure Harry has to do it without anyone knowing that's what he's trying to do. The funny thing about this is that this story was written about 5 years before the Cubs won the World Series again. That leads to the question, did he or didn't he?

“AAAA Wizardry” — from the 2010Dresden Files RPG, published by Evil Hat. This story is actually a group of stories within a story. Harry teaches a group of young Wardens his procedure for dealing with supernatural nasties. As Harry teaches the class he has to tell a story for each procedure. Takes place between “Dead Beat”and “Proven Guilty.” Oh and yes there is a Dresden Files RPG.

“Even Hand” — originally from 2010 Dark and Stormy Knights, edited by Pat Elrod. Reprinted in 2014 Beyond the Pale, edited by Henry Herz, and 2017  Urban Enemies, edited by Joseph Nassise.
Gentleman Johnnie Marcone clashes with a rival supernatural power. Told from Marcone’s point of view. Takes place between Turn Coat and Changes.

“B is for Bigfoot” — from 2012 Under My Hat: Tales From the Cauldron, edited by Jonathan Strahan. Republished in 2015Working for Bigfoot. This is the point in the Dresden files where we learn that bigfoot is a major player in Harry's world. Takes place between Fool Moon and Grave Peril.

“I Was A Teenage Bigfoot” — from 2012 Blood Lite 3: Aftertaste, edited by Kevin J. Anderson. Republished in Working for Bigfoot. Bigfoot is revisited, this time Harry must save Bigfoot's son from something that seems to be draining his energies. Takes place circa Dead Beat.

“Bigfoot on Campus” — from 2012 Hex Appeal, edited by P.N. Elrod. Republished in Working for Bigfoot. Bigfoot's son is all grown up and in college at Oklahoma University in Norman, OK. (GO SOONERS!!!!) This time his son is the target of a White Court Vampire, sorta. Takes place between Turn Coat and Changes.

“Bombshells” — Molly-POV novella from 2013 Dangerous Women, edited by George R. R. Martin and Gardner Duzois. Molly teams up with Justine and Andi to thwart a Fomor plot.
Takes place between Ghost Story and Cold Days.

“Jury Duty” — short story for 2015 Unbound, edited by Shawn Speakman. Harry endures Jury Duty. Well more like discovers a case he can solve by enduring Jury Duty. Set after Skin Game.

“Cold Case” — short story from 2016 Shadowed Souls, edited by Jim Butcher and Kerrie Hughes.
In Molly’s first job in her new role, she teams up with Ramirez to take on a Lovecraft-esque cult. Once I got started into the story I knew right away Jim Butcher was tackling the writings of Lovecraft, and merging Lovecraft into Dresden files is just plain awesome. The problem Is that Molly has yet to discover her new full powers. Takes place shortly after Cold Days.

“Day One” — short story for2016Unfettered II, edited by Shawn Speakman. Butters’ first mission. Waldo Butters is the Coroner for Cook County and has recently been folded in as a Knight of the Cross. The cool thing is that his sword is pretty much a light saber. Set after Skin Game.

“A Fistful of Warlocks” — short story for 2017 Straight Outta Tombstone, edited by David Boop.
Luccio takes on necromancers in the Wild West. I think this was the most fun story in this book. It had a very, VERY Clint Eastwood vibe. Set long before the events of the series, like maybe a hundred years or so before.

“Zoo Day Exclusive bonus novella for Brief Cases. A Rashomon-style story that chronicles a family trip to the zoo from Harry, Maggie, and Mouse’s points of view. Jim Butcher really stretched his story-telling muscles on this one, and I loved the story from Mouse's point of view. Mouse is Harry's dog....not just any dog, but a Temple Dog.
Set after Skin Game.

In the audiobook when Harry is telling the story, the great James Marsters is narrating, for the other stories the voices are changed to reflecct the point of view and the author’s notes that precede each story are read by the author.

Publisher's Summary

An all-new Dresden Files story headlines this urban fantasy short story collection starring the Windy City's favorite wizard.

The world of Harry Dresden, Chicago's only professional wizard, is rife with intrigue - and creatures of all supernatural stripes. And you'll make their intimate acquaintance as Harry delves into the dark side of truth, justice, and the American way in this must-have short story collection.

From the Wild West to the bleachers at Wrigley Field, humans, zombies, incubi, and even fey royalty appear, ready to blur the line between friend and foe. In the never-before-published "Zoo Day", Harry treads new ground as a dad, while fan-favorite characters Molly Carpenter, his onetime apprentice, White Council Warden Anastasia Luccio, and even Bigfoot stalk through the pages of more classic tales.

With 12 stories in all, Brief Cases offers both longtime fans and first-time listeners tantalizing glimpses into Harry's funny, gritty, and unforgettable realm, whetting their appetites for more to come from the wizard with a heart of gold.

©2018 Jim Butcher (P)2018 Penguin Audio

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Review: The Heiress

The Heiress by Ruth Goetz
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Heiress
By: Ruth Goetz, Augustus Goetz
Narrated by: Chris Noth, Amy Irving, Full Cast
Length: 2 hrs and 3 mins
Produced by L.A. Theatre Works.

Leave it to L.A. Theatre Works to turn what easily could be a boring play into something that is worth hearing, and will keep the listener listening.

LATW produces many plays into audiobook and everyone has a great cast and the production puts you right in the middle of the audience of the performance.

This time around Amy Irving plays Catherine who already has a decent income (especially considering that this is the 1850s and she's a woman) from when her mother passed away. She is set to inherit a large sum when Dr. Sloyer (her father) passes and people know it.

When a young treasure hunter seeks Catherine's hand, her father is determined to put a stop to the man's persuit. Catherine believes his professed feelings to be real, her father knows otherwise.

A tale of love lost, this performance is well acted and performed. I decided halfway through that it was not my cup of tea, but since the performance was so good I had to keep listening. LATW always gets me listening to plays I would probably normally pass on.

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Review: Top Secret, 2008 Edition

Top Secret, 2008 Edition by Geoffrey Cowan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Top Secret
The Battle for the Pentagon Papers: 2008 Tour Edition
By: Geoffrey Cowan, Leroy Aarons
Narrated by: John Heard, John Getz, Susan Sullivan, James Gleason, Gegory Harrison, Diane Adair, Geoffrey Wade
Length: 1 hr and 53 mins
Performance
Release date: 08-07-08
Publisher: L.A. Theatre Works

Have I told you lately how much I love these productions from L.A. Theatre Works? Well I do. Because they always have a great cast, the recordings are lifelike and put you in the middle of the audience. I highly recommend seeking out anything produced/published by LATW.

So this story/play is just as it sounds it is a performance depicting the fight between corrupt government and the free press. (funny how this was in the Nixon era, but so much hits home today.

The New York Times has gotten their hands on these “Pentagon Papers” and is about to publish them until the government gives them a scare and they decide to pass on these once (maybe still?) classified documents that show that America cannot win the war in Vietnam. These papers were issued a few years before and the subject matter discussed in them is in the past. The Times passes the papers to the Washington Post which makes the daring decision to publish them.

The Nixon White House insists they are top secret and the press has no right to publish. It could be a breach of National Security and treason for the Washington Post and their other companies.

A trial ensues and that’s when it comes out that the government cannot be trusted.

The events were in this play were during a very divisive time in American History and much like today’s divisive political atmosphere, proves how important it is for Americans to have a free press.

As always great performances by all and definitely a good listen. There is a bonus recording with this in which the play and its subject matter are discussed in a panel with former Nixon White House counsel John Dean, journalist Robert Scheer, author Geoffrey Cowan, and Congresswoman Jane Harman.

Publisher’s Summary
This is a timely docudrama about The Washington Post’s decision to publish the Pentagon Papers, a top secret study documenting U.S. involvement in Vietnam. The subsequent trial tested the parameters of the First Amendment, pitting the public’s right to know against the government’s desire for secrecy.
This new 2008 tour edition features a new cast and a revised script.

Bonus content: a panel discussion with former Nixon White House counsel John Dean, journalist Robert Scheer, author Geoffrey Cowan, and Congresswoman Jane Harman.

©2008 LA Theatre Works (P)2008 LA Theatre Works

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Review: The Last Jedi: Expanded Edition

The Last Jedi: Expanded Edition by Jason Fry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


The Last Jedi
Star Wars
By: Jason Fry
Narrated by: Marc Thompson
Series: Star Wars, Book 43,
Length: 11 hrs and 5 mins
Release date: 03-06-18
Publisher: Random House Audio

Long long ago, in a galaxy far far away: If you haven't been keeping up with the Star Wars sagas then you've got some catching up to do. But if you are a reader and/or audiobook absorber (like me) then here's a better option for you.

This book is a novelization of the movie "The Last Jedi," and after listening to the audiobook, I strongly fee that this is better than the movie. Sure, you can't see the cute little Porgs or the cute BB-8, but with this version you can still hear them and what makes this book a bit better is that instead of just watching the action on the screen, you get to learn what is going on in each character's mind, including the cute BB-8.

So to summarize the movie, the Empire has been defeated but in its place the First Order has entered. The Jedis seem to be no more, and the Last Jedi, Luke Skywalker has gone into hiding. Rey is sent to find the Jedi Master and get his help in defeating Kylo Ren and the First Order. That is not going to be easy because there's a reason Skywalker went into hiding for a reason.

Rey has discovered that she has some Jedi abilities and eventually convinces Luke to train her.

Meanwhile Kylo Ren, Smoak and the First Order are battling the last remaining rebels and hope seems to be lost. They are seeking revenge for the rebels destroying the Planetkiller base. They have the last ships in their sites and the battle is badly tilted to the First Order coming out victorious.

Just as action packed as the movie this audiobook will keep you glued to your headset (or speakers) until the very end. The narrator, Marc Thompson makes this audiobook come alive with extremely good impersonations of the actors as he reads their characters' words. Even Princess Leia sounds like Carrie Fisher. That alone is worth checking this out. On top of the excellent narration sound effects are inserted where needed so you can fly with the Porgs or shoot at the tie-fighters. Definitely worth the listen.

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Publisher’s Summary
Written with input from director Rian Johnson, this official adaptation of Star Wars: The Last Jedi expands on the film to include scenes from alternate versions of the script and other additional content.

From the ashes of the Empire has arisen another threat to the galaxy’s freedom: the ruthless First Order. Fortunately, new heroes have emerged to take up arms – and perhaps lay down their lives – for the cause. Rey, the orphan strong in the Force; Finn, the ex-stormtrooper who stands against his former masters; and Poe Dameron, the fearless X-wing pilot, have been drawn together to fight side-by-side with General Leia Organa and the Resistance. But the First Order’s Supreme Leader Snoke and his merciless enforcer Kylo Ren are adversaries with superior numbers and devastating firepower at their command. Against this enemy, the champions of light may finally be facing their extinction. Their only hope rests with a lost legend: Jedi Master Luke Skywalker.

Where the action of Star Wars: The Force Awakens ended, Star Wars: The Last Jedi begins, as the battle between light and dark climbs to astonishing new heights.

©2018 Jason Fry (P)2018 Random House Audio

Review: Lady Death: Malevolent Decimation

Lady Death: Malevolent Decimation by Brian Pulido
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lady Death: Malevolent Decimation
Story: Brian Pulido, Mike MacLean
Interiors: Diego Bernard, Ceci de la Cruz
Cover: Paolo Pantalena, Arif Prianto
Hardcover, Kickstarter Hardcover, 48 pages
Published by Coffin Comics 5/2020

This is yet another comic book character that I collected back in the 90s.  Unless you special ordered or had a cool comic book shop this title was hard to track down but then the comic book world erupted and everything was available around 2000 it became easier to find.

Brian Pulido has created an unlikely hero who at times seems to want to destroy humanity and other times saving humanity.  I think that's what appeals to me in that you just never really know.

Originally Lady Death was a hallucination, but now she is a full fledged goddess from hell.  Since 2015 Brian Pulido has taken complete control over his character and through Kickstarter has been publishing a new title every few months.

This time around we start out in New Orleans where Lady Death seeks out a voodoo queen to track down a kid who is possessed by a demon that can help her achieve full Malevolent Decimation.    Some of the "good guys" know what the kid is capable of and try to prevent her from raising the dead.  

In this book  Brian Pulido does a little crossover from one of his other popular titles, La Muerta.  La Muerta along with Lady Death's son  seek to prevent Lady Death from reaching her goal.

This book contains yet another great story in the re-birth of Lady Death.  The artwork is beyond beautiful and makes the book worth looking over several times just to see it all.

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Review: Painkiller Jane: Trust the Universe

Painkiller Jane: Trust the Universe by Amanda Conner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Painkiller Jane: Trust the Universe
by Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti, Juan Santacruz (Illustrator)
Hardcover
Published 2019 by PaperFilms

I used to be a slave to comic book collecting (around mid 90s), but recently I have sold off the bulk of my collection and looking for trade paperbacks/graphic novels, where you get more than one issue in a book.  But, back when I was collecting I was a huge fan of Witchblade, The Darkness, and Vampirella.  I ran into a crossover with The Darkness and Painkiller Jane and later Vampirella and Painkiller Jane.  I soon found myself a fan of Jane.  

SyFy network had a movie and then a series based (somewhat loosely in the movie, more on point with the series) about this time I started to lose interest in collecting the comics.  

Painkiller Jane is a former cop that while undercover gets injected with a cocktail of designer drugs and develops the super power of fast healing.  Think of Wolverine without the claws, and instead just a few guns and some bad ass fighting skills.  I never lost my interest in the character just in comics in general.  

Jump ahead a few years and I find the authors Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner are doing a Kickstarter to create this book.  I had to jump in.  I am so glad I did.  

This hardcover features a new story and a couple of earlier tales, one being Jane's origin story, so if your new to the character this book will catch you up.  Being a Kickstarter there are lots of extras that I'm not sure whether or not they are included in the regular version.  Some of the extras are pin-ups drawn by various artists, and some cosplayers dressed as Jane.

The main story in this book Jane finds herself teaming up with another Palmiotti created character called the Monolith.  They work together to stop a child trafficking ring.  Great adventures, great story....and to top it off, beautiful artwork.  

Worth your while.

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Review: Dark Matter

Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dark Matter
by Blake Crouch
Hardcover, 342 pages
Published July 26th 2016 by Crown

Wow, just wow.  I could stop there and let you read the book and  find out why it's hard to talk about.  But, I will not leave you hanging.  First I will tell you about why the book is unique.  
1.) It's kind of hard to describe without giving spoilers or rather without the temptation to just tell you how it ends.
2.) Physics

Jason Dessen is a physics teacher in a small college in the Chicago suburbs.  His friend wins an award in biochemistry for the work Jason helped with.  He's a little bitter but not much, It is his friend after all.  After leaving the celebration Jason is abduction by a stranger in a mask.   The last thing Jason hears before he goes unconscious is the stranger asking, "Are you happy with your life?"

Next thing Jason knows he is strapped to a gurney in a room full of strangers wearing hazmat suits.  The next thing he hears is a stranger  saying, "Welcome back."  Jason soon learns that he is the genius behind this facility and is highly regarded by all the staff.  Jason thinks he's going crazy. He doesn't remember any of this and only remembers his life with his wife and son.

What soon begins is a run through the multiverse.  Every decision you make changes your life, but what happens if you made the other decision is something this book approaches.   Jason in one life has invented a box that allows him to travel through the multiverse and visit the different versions of his life.   All Jason wants is to go back home to his reality, but with infinite multiverse versions of his life it becomes like finding one particular grain of sand on a beach.

This book kept me enthralled throughout the many jumps between the multiverses and even more so when times became desperate for Jason.  The end of the book will keep you wondering, what if?

Blake Crouch, the author, is the reason I read this book.  I had seen the Wayward Pines TV series and wanted to read those books but found this one first.   This book will soon be a major motion picture, but I suggest reading it before you see the movie.

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Review: The Devil's Highway: A True Story

The Devil's Highway: A True Story by Luis Alberto Urrea
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Devil's Highway (A True Story)
Written and Narrated By: Luis Alberto Urrea
Length: 8 hrs and 53 mins
Release date: 06-02-11
Publisher: Hachette Audio

May, 2001,  a group of 26 men attempted to cross the Mexican border in to the desert of Southern Arizona in order to find a better life for themselves.   Only 12 made it out of that desert, the mummified remains of the others were discovered and the story began to unfold about this mystery.

Luis Alberto Urrea, puts the pieces together through some in depth investigative journalism and tells the story of those that sought a better way by sneaking into the U.S.

Urrea follows the story beginning with the Coyotes, those in charge of smuggling people to their new life and ending with the discovery and attempts to identify the remains of the humans seeking a better life by having to sneak across a vast desert.

During the descriptions of the the states the bodies were in and how they got to be that way on top of how the body reacts to extreme heat were a bit uneasy for me to hear, but not so bad that it kept me from the story.  This is a very important section of the story and even if you are squeamish, you need to read/hear all of it. 

Urrea not only did a great job of digging out and writing this story, but his narration really gives a depth to the story.    Check it out.

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