WHEN THE ANGELS LEFT THE OLD COUNTRY

Actor Donald Corren brings his vocal skills to this tale of an angel and a demon who leave the shtetl for America to do a mitzvah and to seek excitement. Their fortunes become entangled with a human girl's in an adventure that balances laugh-out-loud humor, Jewish tradition, and gentle affirmation of queer identities. Corren expertly manages it all with his Yiddish-inflected tones bringing forth indelible characters: the tough, yearning Rose; the deliciously wicked Little Ash; and the endearingly holy Uriel. Uriel and Little Ash's friendship anchors the story, which is evoked with not even a schmear of schmaltz. Goyish listeners intrigued by the Yiddish and Hebrew that deepen the story's texture may seek out the print edition's glossary after listening. A thorough delight. V.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2023]