Showing titles in Entertainment & Performing Arts

Set against the backdrop of a small community during the Napoleonic Wars, Quality Street follows two spirited sisters who establish a school for local children when the towns doctor leaves to fight. A decade later, the doctor returns, expecting to seamlessly resume his former life, unaware of the vibrant changes that have taken place. This charming tale, infused with humor and heart, features Katharine Hepburn in a classic film adaptation from 1937. Interestingly, the beloved Quality Street chocolates were inspired by this enchanting play. - Summary by ToddHW

In our 14th collection, we present an engaging assortment of 10 one-act plays that span diverse settings—from the rustic charm of a farm to the solemnity of a courtroom, and even the grandeur of a throne room. Journey through time, from the era of suffragettes to the then-futuristic year of 1999. With two plays featuring the word sweet in their titles, these short yet impactful gems promise to evoke laughter, tears, contemplation, or perhaps a delightful combination of all three. Please note while these plays were published before 1923 and are in the Public Domain in the U.S., the works of ...

Three Sisters is a poignant exploration of the disillusionment faced by the privileged class in Russia, capturing the search for meaning in an increasingly complex world. The play centers around the Prozorov family, particularly the three sisters—Olga, Masha, and Irina—and their brother Andrei, who grapple with dissatisfaction and frustration in their small provincial town after years of longing for the vibrant life they left behind in Moscow. This city becomes a powerful symbol of their dreams and aspirations, representing happiness and fulfillment that seems perpetually out of reach. As ...

Dive into a captivating collection of twelve one-act dramas featuring the works of renowned playwrights such as James Allen, John Kendrick Bangs, Gordon Bottomley, Charles Dickens, Lord Dunsany, Susan Glaspell, George Bernard Shaw, August Strindberg, Marion Craig Wentworth, and William Butler Yeats. Each play is brought to life by talented narrators including Elizabeth Klett, Chuck Williamson, and many others. Experience a rich tapestry of storytelling with plays like The Bicyclers, The Dark Lady of the Sonnets, and Trifles, showcasing themes of love, honor, and the complexities of human ...

Welcome to the thirteenth volume of our captivating collection of Shakespearean monologues. In this edition, our talented readers have selected their all-time favorite passages from Shakespeares beloved comedies, tragedies, and histories. Each monologue explores a diverse array of topics and emotions, showcasing the timeless brilliance of the Bard. - Summary by Carolin

In Peer Gynt, we encounter a captivating character—a dreamer, a liar, and a masterful storyteller who evades responsibility at every turn. Peer Gynt is a man who uses and discards women, all while chasing grandiose dreams that seem forever out of reach. Despite his flaws, theres an undeniable charm to Peer; we cant help but recognize fragments of ourselves in his journey. This iconic Norwegian play, inspired by the folklore surrounding Per Gynt, unfolds as a dramatic poem in five acts. It explores themes of procrastination and avoidance, serving as a poignant critique of the collective ...

Dive into the world of character exploration with Modern Monologues, a captivating collection that brings individuality to life through compelling monologues. Each piece has been tested in front of diverse audiences, showcasing the richness and depth of human experience. Edited by Eva Davis and linny, this collection features an array of sketches that highlight the nuances of character and emotion. Join us as we celebrate the art of storytelling through the voices of memorable characters, expertly brought to life by a talented cast.

Dive into this captivating collection of 10 one-act plays brought to life by talented Librivox readers. Journey from the ancient landscapes of India to speculative futures, exploring themes of royalty, servitude, comedy, and tragedy. With a rich variety of narratives—from the philosophical musings of Rabindranath Tagore to the farcical charm of Molière—each play offers a unique experience. Enjoy works like Chitra, The Vampire Cat, and A Day Well Spent, featuring an ensemble cast that brings these diverse characters to vibrant life. Prepare for an entertaining and thought-provoking ...

Experience one of the most provocative plays from the reign of Charles I, Tis Pity Shes A Whore. This gripping tale explores the tragic consequences of an illicit affair between Italian siblings Giovanni and Annabella, whose forbidden love leads to a catastrophic chain of events. As suitors compete for Annabellas affection, a tangled web of betrayal and vengeance unfolds, culminating in a stunningly violent finale. (Summary by Elizabeth Barr)

On the evening of August 29th, 1922, an unsuspecting crowd of around six hundred New Yorkers found themselves on the brink of laughter as they experienced the uproarious spectacle of The Torch-Bearers. With a mix of average citizens, enthusiastic friends of the management, and a handful of sophisticated first-nighters, the play promised a night of unforgettable hilarity. How can you resist a production that elicits such a response? - Summary by ToddHW

The Rover, or The Banishd Cavaliers, is a captivating play in two parts by the renowned English author Aphra Behn. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Carnival in Naples, the first part weaves together multiple storylines centered on the romantic escapades of a group of Englishmen. At the heart of the tale is Willmore, a charming but roguish naval captain who becomes infatuated with Hellena, a spirited young woman eager to explore love before her brother confines her to a convent. However, complications arise when Angellica Bianca, a celebrated courtesan, becomes enamored with Willmore and ...

Step into the world of Anton Chekhovs The Seagull, a poignant exploration of love, ambition, and the complexities of artistic expression. Written in 1895 and first performed in 1896, this timeless play delves into the tumultuous relationships between four central figures the aspiring actress Nina, the fading star Irina Arkadina, her son Konstantin Treplyov, an innovative playwright, and the celebrated author Boris Trigorin. As their lives intertwine, the characters grapple with their dreams and desires, revealing the deep-seated conflicts that arise in the pursuit of both love and art.

The Spanish Tragedy, or Hieronimo is Mad Again, is a groundbreaking Elizabethan tragedy penned by Thomas Kyd between 1582 and 1592. Renowned for its popularity and influence during its time, this play set the stage for a new genre in English theatre the revenge play or revenge tragedy. Its gripping narrative is filled with violent murders and features a striking personification of Revenge. The Spanish Tragedy has been referenced and even parodied by notable Elizabethan playwrights such as William Shakespeare, Ben Jonson, and Christopher Marlowe. Elements like the play-within-a-play to ensnare ...

Step into the world of Pandoras Box, a groundbreaking play by German dramatist Frank Wedekind that first captivated audiences in 1904. This gripping piece is the second part of his renowned Lulu plays, with the first being Earth Spirit from 1895. Together, they explore a society torn apart by the insatiable cravings of lust and greed. The play inspired G. W. Pabsts 1929 silent film adaptation and laid the foundation for Alban Bergs opera Lulu, which premiered posthumously in 1937. Originally conceived as a five-act drama subtitled A Monster Tragedy, Wedekind later divided it into two plays, ...

Molières Don Garcia of Navarre stands apart from his other works like The Pretentious Young Ladies and Sganarelle. Premiering on February 4, 1661, shortly after the arrival of Maria Theresa, the young wife of Louis XIV, this heroic comedy reflects a renewed interest in Spanish drama in France. With Spanish actors performing the works of Lope de Vega and Calderon, Molière seized the opportunity to craft a narrative that explores the depths of passionate jealousy. He skillfully contrasts the absurdity of jealousy with a portrayal of its darker, more complex emotions, capturing the doubts, ...

In Vortex, Noel Coward delves into the shadowy corners of the roaring twenties with this early play that captivates and unsettles. The story revolves around an aging beauty who engages in affairs with younger men to maintain her sense of relevance, while her son—originally portrayed by Coward himself—returns from Paris, grappling with a burgeoning cocaine addiction. Set against the vibrant backdrop of the socialite elite, this work is infused with Cowards signature wit and charm. However, it also serves as a poignant exploration of individuals who struggle with self-deception and the quest...

Join LibriVox readers as they present the fifth volume of captivating monologues from the timeless plays of William Shakespeare. This collection features 20 distinct parts, showcasing the genius of the playwright who is often hailed as the greatest of all time. Shakespeares work spans a multitude of genres—tragedy, comedy, romance, and more—ensuring theres a monologue for everyone. Each piece resonates uniquely with listeners, evoking a range of emotions from laughter to tears. Some monologues inspire reflection, while others highlight Shakespeares remarkable ability to captivate audiences...

Experience the haunting tale of Salome, originally penned in French in 1891 and later translated into English. This one-act play unfolds the dramatic Biblical narrative of Salome, the captivating stepdaughter of Herod Antipas. In a twist of fate that delights her mother, Herodias, Salome boldly requests the head of Iokanaan (John the Baptist) on a silver platter, following her mesmerizing Dance of the Seven Veils. Join us as we delve into this timeless story of desire, power, and consequence. (Summary by Wikipedia) Cast Herod Antipas Mark Penfold, Iokanaan Bruce Pirie, The Young Syrian Kim ...

Join LibriVox readers as they present the sixth volume of captivating monologues from the timeless works of William Shakespeare. This collection features 20 distinct pieces that showcase the playwrights unparalleled genius. Shakespeare (April 26, 1564 – April 23, 1616) is celebrated as one of the greatest playwrights in history, crafting a rich tapestry of genres including tragedy, comedy, and romance. Each monologue offers a unique emotional journey, whether it imparts a lesson, highlights Shakespeare’s wit, or evokes deep sadness. No matter your background, youre sure to find a monologue...

Originally published in The Morning Telegraph in New York, Sorrows of a Show Girl tells the captivating story of Miss Sabrina, a show girl navigating the highs and lows of the unpredictable theatrical world and the dazzling allure of Broadway. As she grapples with the challenges of fame and fortune, Kenneth McGaffey eloquently defends her character, stating, “In order to set myself right with both the public and the vast army of Sabrinas that add youth and beauty to our stage, and brilliancy and gaiety to our well-known cafes, I wish to say that she is all that she should be...” Experience...