THE GUYS

New York City Fire Chief Nick (Bill Irwin) and writer Joan (Swoosie Kurtz) skillfully draw us into a heartbreaking account of the chief's struggle to create eulogies for his men lost on September 11. Nelson's text--which was a successful off-off-Broadway play--is beautifully served by their mesmerizing narration and brings us face-to-face with our feelings about the catastrophe. The chief's unexpected interest in ballroom dancing blends words and music in a bittersweet moment. His restrained recounting of watching his men leave, never to return, heightens the impact of the play, as does Joan's desperate demand for the impossible: Undo September 11. L.D.C. 2003 Audie Award Winner (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 03]