FIVE-STAR STRANGER

What if you were so good at your job as a rental stranger that you started believing your roles were real? Julian Cihi gives a convincing and moving portrayal of a young man who has many identities--except his own. Cihi's range of voices and accents illuminates the diverse roles he adopts for clients who have hired him through the Rental Stranger app. While Cihi's even tone brings out the unnamed protagonist's professional attitude towards his work, his growing affinity for his recurring role as father to a young girl named Lily is revealed through beautifully restrained yet heartfelt enthusiasm. The quiet sensitivity of Cihi's performance highlights the yearning for connection in a disconnected world and makes for a captivating listen. M.F. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2024]