Anne Shirley has many faithful fans, and this Focus on the Family Radio Theatre production is likely to please even the most discerning and critical among them. Its faithful adaptation nicely captures lovable, irrepressible Anne, and given its extensive use of dialogue, the book lends itself well to audio. Nearly thirty cast members contribute to this production, and all are professional and capable. Matthew, Marilla, and good-hearted busybody Mrs. Rachel Lynde are especially fine, and Anne herself (narrated by Mae Whitman) sounds appropriately breathless and fervent. The production’s pretty musical score and tasteful use of sound effects (realistic and well-chosen) provide what Anne calls “scope for imagination” and complement the actors’ performances. This story will indeed be enjoyed by the whole family. J.C.G. 2005 Audie Award Finalist © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine
(Graphic fiction. 12-14)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2004
Duration: 4 hrs
Publisher: Focus on the Family/ Tyndale Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM is a difficult play to follow in audio only. Many of the scenes, especially those involving Bottom and his motley troupe of actors, rely heavily on their visual elements. This Arkangel production does include some interesting voices, however. Most notably, Oberon and Titania are played by black actors David Harewood and Adjoa Andoh, whose accents--Jamaican and West African, respectively--give a refreshing texture to the fairy scenes. It's too bad some of those same scenes are undone by lame echo effects that are not only cloying, but at times make the lines difficult to hear.
(Graphic fiction. 12-18)Pub Date: May 1, 2005
Duration: 2 hrs, 15 mins
Publisher: Audio Partners/ Arkangel
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
The world's best-known vampire story comes to life in this expert performance by Robert Whitfield. No music, no special audio tricks detract from the chilling, gruesome tale of the un-dead. Whitfield's minimalist narration suits perfectly. His subtle shading of voice gives complete personality and motivation to each of the eight protagonists, with exaggerated accent reserved for the Dutch Dr. van Helsing, and, to a lesser extent, Count Dracula himself. His women come across as sweet, yet intelligent. With the same understated clarity, he brings full voice to the voluptuous vampiresses' seduction of their victims and to the malevolent machinations of the Count. For a classic performance of a classic work, this production must not be missed.
(Graphic novel. 12-18)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 1998
Duration: 16 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
