PALE BLUE DOT(S)

A full cast narrates Mallon's galactic adventure, in which a team of astronauts and a group of civilian contest winners join a mission on an International Space Station. Told in roughly the length of the station's 90-minute orbit, the story involves danger, interpersonal conflicts, hidden motives, and the vastness of space. Striking performances capture the intrigue and complexity of the story, which is interspersed with moments of camaraderie, romance, and humor. As the cast deftly unveils backstory, side characters, and varied responses to the challenges of space travel, Mallon highlights differences between astronauts and space tourists, and the looming threats posed by uninformed ambition and greed. Brisk pacing and vivid sound design enhance an immersive adventure. K.S.B. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2022]