THE UNDERSTUDY

Second-rate actor Stephen C. McQueen (no relation to the late superstar) has two resumés--the real one, in which he regularly plays corpses or singing rodents, and the one in his private parallel universe, in which his credits rival those of his heroes, Olivier and Burton. Tristan Layton portrays the lovable loser with heartfelt humor. When Stephen gets the chance of a lifetime, Layton makes the egotistical actor's ethical dilemma believable and funny. While Layton's American accent is a little wobbly, he assumes numerous British personalities easily. Layton's finely tuned performance turns this pleasant romantic comedy into a satisfying romp. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 06]