THE AUTUMN GARDEN

L.A. Theatre Works again scores solidly with this stellar audio production of a wonderful play by Lillian Hellman. THE AUTUMN GARDEN boasts famed actress Julie Harris, who leads a diverse cast that includes Gates McFadden, Glenne Headley, Mary Steenburgen, Eric Stoltz, and David Selby. The play is set at a Southern boardinghouse, where old friends gather to rediscover personal connections and rekindle lost relationships—only to find that they can't escape the choices of their past. The characterizations and accents are first-rate, with each actor using vocal energy and great dynamics to portray a complex character. The play, which moves along at a swift but comfortable pace, is an audio production well worth enjoying. M.R.E. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2009]