THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION

The TV broadcast of "A Visit to a Small Planet" gave a wide public its first exposure to satirist, political observer and TV commentator Gore Vidal. Like "Visit," Smithsonian is satire in the form of science fiction. A young scientist is called to "the nation's attic" to help change history, alongside vivified wax figures of America's favorite heroes. One can hear the author's distinctive voice in every line. However, one cannot hear much of that voice in Steve Pietrofesa's performance. Aside from misreading a few lines and some odd pronunciations, he reads well enough, adopting a light air befitting a work of humor. Yet he totally lacks the irony and dry, fey wit that distinguish the author. Y.R. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 98]