NEW YORK BURNING

Beth McDonald's strong, clear voice never fades or misses a word as she narrates an unfamiliar story of American history. In 1741 slaves in New York City plot to burn and take over the town, hoping to gain their freedom. Although the story cries for better organization, McDonald restores continuity with the constancy of her voice and by the feeling she wields of being in control. McDonald doesn't do vocal characterizations; rather, she distinguishes the many quotes with a small pause before them. Using a conversational style, she makes the quaint language of centuries ago more understandable, much as Shakespeare's meanings reveal themselves when performed on stage. J.A.H. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 06]