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by Kathleen Karr
Based on a true incident, this moving novel tells the story of a production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s “Pirates of Penzance”—as performed by the inmates of a women’s prison in 1914! Infused with music, beautifully researched and filled with fascinating characters, this is great teen listening.
| Author | Kathleen Karr |
| Narrator | Carmen Viviano-Crafts |
| Length | 04 hrs and 52 mins |
| © Copyright | 2003 Kathleen Karr |
| ℗ Audio Copyright | 2004 Full Cast Audio |
Reviews:
“Splendid!” — Library Bookwatch Aug 2005
“Narrative performances are engaging, spirited and emotional, yet never overdone. The production is well cast, with all voices suiting the characters. The musical performances are excellent as well. A fascinating addition is the author’s discussion of her inspiration for the novel, which is based on a true story.” — KLIATT Nov 2004 [udesign_icon_font name=”fa fa-star” color=”#dd9933″ size=”1em”] Starred Review
“Carmen Viviano-Crafts brings Libby alive as she finds her place in the prison world, and The Full Cast Family adds just the right spice to the hard-boiled inmates Libby befriends during her time there… Libby and her friends will tug on listeners’ heartstrings and make them want to sing along.” — AudioFile Oct 2005
“A full cast of actresses brings to life this terrific novel by Kathleen Karr… The ability of the excellent cast to ham up rehearsal and performance scenes and to burst into song adds vibrancy and personality to the story… With its entertaining and fast-moving plot developed by such enthusiastic voices and its celebration of the healing power of music, this audiobook will appeal to a wide age range.” — School Library Journal Sep 2005
Praise for the print version of Gilbert & Sullivan Set Me Free:
“Karr brings close a huge cast of characters–in prison and on stage–never downplaying their anguish, even as she celebrates the spirited community that comes together to find the best in each other and put on a spectacular show.” — Booklist
Listen to samples from this audiobook:
- Opening—Libby Dodge in Sherborn Prison (1:07) Kathleen Karr 1:08
- Mrs. Wilkinson introduces the inmates to the music of Gilbert & Sullivan (0:55) Kathleen Karr 0:56
- The inmates of Sherborn perform The Messiah (2:04) Kathleen Karr 2:04
- Kathleen Karr discusses the inspiration for writing Gilbert & Sullivan Set Me Free (0:29) Kathleen Karr 0:29
Meet the Cast: |
|
| Holly Adams | Second-Story Sal |
| Cynthia Bishop | Perle Wilkinson |
| Janine Bostick | Fanny Frieda |
| Mark Cole | Quintus |
| Phil Eisenman | Gentleman Professor Jordan |
| Sam Goldsman | Sparky |
| Sally Gould | Accompanist |
| Sally Gould | Mrs. Simonds |
| Moe Harrington | Lena Colbrook |
| Judith Harris | Bertha’s Minion Mildred |
| Kate Huddleston | Ma McCreary |
| Marie Kemp | Gladys |
| Victoria King | Production Coordinator Kid Glove Rosie Musical Director |
| Tara Lawton | Verity |
| Mimi Mead | Flo |
| Alice Morigi | Jessie Hodder |
| Sarah Naughton | Rachel Soloist for Libby Dodge |
| Gayle Ross | Ethel Woman |
| Donna Stuccio | Molly Matches |
| Lauren Synger | Mary Ruby |
| Patti Thompson | Bertha |
| Thea Van Der Ven | Agnes Cordoni |
| Carmen Viviano-Crafts | Libby Dodge |
| Katie Yohe | Emma |
| Directed by: | Daniel Bostick |