Gilbert & Sullivan
  Set Me Free

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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:
  1. Opening—Libby Dodge in Sherborn Prison (1:07) Kathleen Karr 1:08
  2. Mrs. Wilkinson introduces the inmates to the music of Gilbert & Sullivan (0:55) Kathleen Karr 0:56
  3. The inmates of Sherborn perform The Messiah (2:04) Kathleen Karr 2:04
  4. 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
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