GRACELING

Kristin Cashore's well-developed characters are completely realized in this full-cast production. Chelsea Mixon portrays Lady Katsa, who was born with a horrifying "grace" for killing. Mixon's nuanced portrayal gives an inside view of the confusions that torment this "graceling." These conflicts increase after she meets Po, an empathetic graceling. Zachary Exton's depiction of Po's soft steadiness contrasts with Mixon's picture of Katsa's flaring tempers. Listeners will feel the power of the connection between the two and its building intensity. Even minor characters are richly rendered. Their interactions, thoughts, and actions are well integrated in David Baker's strong narration, which animates events and astutely measures emotions. Musical interludes, both regal and somber, are as plentiful as the plot twists, and the result is a production listeners won’t soon forget. S.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2009]