DESIRE UNDER THE ELMS

A strong cast delivers a pared-down version of O’Neill’s melodrama with both warts and intensity intact. Orson Bean makes Ephraim Cabot, the old New England farmer with a new young wife, the roaring caricature he is, but a touch of an accent (Scots? Irish?) gives him more dimension. Amy Brenneman portrays his wife, Abbie’s, desperation, determination, passion, and crudity, and Paul Adelstein his son, Eben’s, wild emotions and limited intelligence. Adelstein and Brenneman play the tragic scene at the heart of the story at full tilt. Occasionally sound effects distract (for example, a swinging screen door). But this solid version allows the power of this American classic to come through. W.M. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/NOV 05]