Showing titles in Entertainment & Performing Arts

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...

Subtitled The Way to Win Him, this enchanting comedy unfolds in the vibrant backdrop of Paris, a delightful departure from the typical English settings of Farquhars other works, yet still crafted for an English audience. Upon its debut, the play faced a lukewarm reception, struggling to escape the shadow of condemnation. The audacious author even accused hidden adversaries of attempting to sabotage its success. Despite its rocky start, I wholeheartedly believe this play is as intricate and humorous as Farquhars finest creations. - Summary by ToddHW and Mrs. Inchbald, a critic from the 1800s

Dive into the tenth volume of captivating one-act plays from the public domain, beautifully brought to life by a talented ensemble of LibriVox members. This collection features a variety of engaging characters and narratives, including the dramatic Mosada, the whimsical The Belles of Canterbury, and the thought-provoking The Proving of Abraham. Each play is narrated by skilled voices, ensuring a delightful listening experience that showcases the richness of theatrical storytelling. Join us for a journey through diverse themes, captivating performances, and the timeless art of drama!

Welcome to the second installment of the LibriVox collection featuring captivating scenes from Shakespeares works. This collection highlights the theme Womens Worlds, showcasing powerful dialogues between female characters from various plays. Experience the rich tapestry of emotions and interactions as we delve into these memorable excerpts, expertly narrated by a talented cast. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)

Pippa Passes is a captivating blend of drama and poetry by Robert Browning, first published in 1841 as the inaugural volume of his Bells and Pomegranates series. Browning envisioned this work as a groundbreaking exploration of a young, innocent girl navigating the perilous streets of Asolo, untouched by the corruption surrounding her. Its release was met with significant controversy due to its candid depiction of various unsavory characters, particularly the adulterous Ottima, and its frank discussions on sexuality. One of the most memorable passages beautifully encapsulates the essence of ...

Dive into a gripping family drama by Australian playwright Arthur Adams that explores themes of legacy and responsibility while questioning who the true wasters in society are. With powerful lines such as, No; you produce nothing, you spend everything; you do nothing, you waste everything. Youre parasites, useless parasites... the play confronts the complexities of dependency and blame. Yet, amidst the tension, moments of comic relief emerge in the second act, set in the quirky womens undergarment department of the family store. Join us for a thought-provoking exploration that promises to ...

William Shakespeare (April 26, 1564 – April 23, 1616) is often hailed as the greatest playwright in history. His works span a wide array of genres—tragedy, comedy, romance, and more—ensuring that there’s a resonant monologue in each play. Whether conveying profound lessons, showcasing Shakespeares brilliance, or evoking humor and sorrow, each monologue has the power to touch hearts in unique ways. Some listeners may find themselves so inspired by a particular piece that they feel compelled to perform it. In this collection, we present the first fifteen captivating monologues. (Summary ...

Step into the captivating world of eighteenth-century Quebec with Mr. Parkers enthralling tale, Seats of The Mighty. Set against the backdrop of post-General Braddocks defeat, our hero finds himself imprisoned in Quebec, ensnared in the intricate plots of La Pompadour. This gripping narrative unfolds amidst a rich tapestry of adventure and peril, culminating in the historic clash between Wolfe and Montcalm. Parkers masterful storytelling brings to life the vibrant history of old Quebec, showcasing a skillful blend of plot, local color, and dramatic tension. The accompanying illustrations evoke...

Experience the enchanting tale of Snow White and the seven dwarfs brought to life in this captivating play adaptation! Crafted by Jessie Braham White (the pen name of Winthrop Ames) from the beloved Grimm fairy tale, this performance promises to delight audiences of all ages. Join us for a magical journey filled with adventure, friendship, and the timeless battle between good and evil. - Summary by Rachel Cast List Narrator Zach K. Princess Snow White Kristin Gjerløw Queen Brangomar Beth Thomas Rosalys Roohi Haq Christabel Kimberly Krause Amelotte Bria Snow Ermengarde Rapunzelina Ursula ...

In this captivating seventh volume, LibriVox readers bring to life a collection of 20 powerful monologues from Shakespeare’s timeless plays. William Shakespeare (April 26, 1564 – April 23, 1616) is celebrated as possibly the greatest playwright of all time, with works spanning a multitude of genres—tragedy, comedy, romance, and more. Each monologue offers a unique emotional experience, whether its a lesson learned, a glimpse into the depths of human character, or a moment of humor or sorrow. These pieces resonate differently with everyone, and many listeners may feel inspired to record ...

Join Librivox readers as they bring to life a captivating selection of cherished chapters and short stories in our beloved Dramatic Reading style. This volume features an array of classic works from celebrated authors such as Louisa May Alcott, L. M. Montgomery, Lewis Carroll, Victor Hugo, Kate Chopin, G.K. Chesterton, Jack London, and A. A. Milne. Each tale is enriched by distinct reader voices, allowing characters to leap off the page. Please note that A. A. Milnes work is not in the public domain for listeners in Europe, Australia, and other countries adhering to copyright laws of authors ...

In 1913, the acclaimed essayist and novelist G.K. Chesterton was encouraged by George Bernard Shaw to venture into the realm of playwriting. The result is Magic, a captivating exploration of faith, belief, religion, and the enchanting realm of magic—elements that will resonate with fans of his beloved Father Brown stories. The play’s success not only showcased Chestertons talent in this new medium but also inspired him to create additional works for the stage. Join us for a delightful journey into a world where the mystical and the comedic intertwine. - Summary by ToddHW

Dive into a delightful anthology of ten one-act plays that promise to entertain and provoke thought. Spanning from a 1659 farce by Molière to a groundbreaking 1896 piece by Henry Blake Fuller exploring early LGBT themes, this collection features a variety of styles and emotions. Youll encounter a Gilbert play without Sullivans music and many other short masterpieces designed to make you laugh, cry, or perhaps do both simultaneously. Please note that while these plays were published before 1923 and are in the Public Domain in the U.S., some, such as those by Pinski, McFadden, and Wilde, may ...

In this lively play, the action unfolds with the same vigor that the protagonist brought from France, infused with a delightful humor crafted in England. The central character, armed with a fine education, a vivid imagination, and a generous fortune, lacks the prudence and wisdom befitting a true gentleman. His reckless pursuits lead him into a tangle of false love, drunken debauchery, and ultimately, the tragic death of a friend. Yet, as the fifth act dawns, he finds himself grappling with guilt and confusion, waking in a jail cell, pondering the consequences of his actions without fully ...

Six Characters in Search of an Author (Sei personaggi in cerca dautore) is the renowned masterpiece by Italian playwright Luigi Pirandello. In the preface, Pirandello reflects on the timeless nature of storytelling, likening it to Dante’s Inferno where characters like Francesca narrate their tales anew with each telling. The play revolves around six distinct characters, each with their own perception of reality, leading to a kaleidoscopic array of interpretations. No single character holds the absolute truth; rather, their identities are shaped by both their own experiences and the ...

Dive into this captivating collection of eight one-act dramas featuring the works of renowned playwrights such as Eugene ONeill, George Bernard Shaw, John Galsworthy, Susan Glaspell, William Dean Howells, and John Millington Synge. In addition, enjoy a dramatic reading of a short story by Frank Richard Stockton. This collection showcases a range of emotions and storytelling styles, brilliantly brought to life by talented narrators like Elizabeth Klett, Algy Pug, and many others. Each play offers a unique glimpse into the human experience, making for an engaging listening experience.

Step into the world of Rosmersholm, a profound play crafted by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen in 1886. Often hailed as Ibsens masterpiece, rivaled only by The Wild Duck, this compelling narrative explores the tumultuous themes of social and political change. At its heart lies John Rosmer, whose moral dilemmas are intricately intertwined with the enigmatic Rebecca West, a free-thinking heroine who challenges the very foundations of Rosmers beliefs. As she seeks to dismantle the traditional ideals upheld by the ruling classes, the play raises haunting questions about the survival of Christian...

Dive into the chilling world of Medea, a powerful fabula crepidata penned by Seneca the Younger around 50 CE. This gripping Roman play, known for its intense emotional depth, explores the harrowing tale of Medeas revenge against her unfaithful husband Jason and the conniving King Creon, who has orchestrated Jasons marriage to his daughter. With Medea delivering more than half of the lines, her unyielding voice resonates throughout the play, symbolizing justice for the transgressions against divine order. Themes of vengeance, power, and the struggles against silencing the truth abound in this ...

The Way of the World, a brilliant play by British playwright William Congreve, made its debut in 1700 at the theatre in Lincolns Inn Fields, London. Celebrated as one of the finest examples of Restoration comedy, it continues to captivate audiences today. The story revolves around the two lovers, Mirabell and Millamant, who must navigate the complexities of love and social expectations to secure their marriage and Millamants substantial dowry. Their path is fraught with challenges, particularly from Millamants aunt, Lady Wishfort, a bitter woman intent on thwarting their union in favor of her ...

Meet Scapin, the cunning trickster and manipulator who believes he can control the fates of those around him. In this delightful tale, he finds himself embroiled in a web of romantic intrigue as he strives to assist two secret lovers whose families are determined to keep them apart. Will his schemes lead to a happy ending, or will his meddling only complicate matters further? Join us for a whimsical journey filled with laughter, love, and unexpected twists!