Showing results by publisher "Phoenix Books" in Drama & Plays

For sustained dramatic intrigue and sophistication of plot, William Shakespeare's sonnets are at least the equal of his greatest plays. Throughout the centuries since their first publication in 1609, critics, psychologists and curiosity-seekers alike have pondered the nature of the poet's relationships with the mysterious young man, "Mr. W.H.", and the "ill-coloured" Dark lady.

There is no general consensus about how Shakespeare "should" be played. There are no rules. But, while the Bard created superhuman characters and placed them in situations that stretches the imagination to its limits, he also provided his actors with the keys to playing them.

Lisa Kron invites her audience on a roller coaster ride through the Kron family album in 2.5 Minute Ride. Rising and falling between high hilarity and deep disquiet, Kron demonstrates with disarming simplicity that humor and horror can share the same human moment. Kron's' performance switches back and forth between her journey to Auschwitz with her septuagenarian father, a Holocaust survivor; her Michigan family's annual pilgrimage to a Sandusky, Ohio amusement park, and more.

In these two unabridged lectures, Elizabeth McNamer gives scholarly glimpses into the most compelling moments of two of Shakespeare’s classic plays: Hamlet and Macbeth. Hamlet, because he is given much to philosophizing, fails to act. And this sweet procrastination becomes the downfall of the sweet prince of Denmark. Macbeth, who has murdered his way to the crown, finds there only a murderer’s reward.

Beloved by generations, Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol tells the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge – the greedy, “bah-humbug!” penny-pincher devoid of kindness and compassion. When he is visited by three specters – the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet-to-Come – they illuminate the error of his ways, leading to an inspiring transformation. Jon Smith’s brilliant performance, full of fun voices and dramatic flair, will leave listeners riveted. Get in the Christmas spirit with this literary classic.

Ever miss a prime opportunity for a snappy comeback or a perfect putdown? We all have, kicking ourselves later when we think of what we could have said. The well-aimed insult was never in better shape than when Shakespeare mastered the art of defining dramatic conflict with rapier wit rather than swordplay.

Jean Valjean is one of society's victims. A poor but honest peasant, he is caught stealing a loaf of bread to feed his sister's starving family and is sent to prison. By the time of his eventual release, he has become a hardened criminal, but his friendship with the saintly Monseigneur Bienvenu gives him another chance at life. This new, respectable life is precarious, for Valjean is still sought by the law, in the person of the implacable Inspector Javert.