WOLF PIE

Andrew Watts evokes a complex wolf character whose believability is central to this twist on the traditional tale of “The Three Little Pigs.” He portrays Wilfong with a gruff edge that is reminiscent of the original “Big Bad,” but this wolf’s responses to his experiences with the Pygg brothers change both their stereotypes and the listener’s views of them. Watts quickly builds compassion for Wilfong as the wolf chatters with cold, gets sick on the bus, and “urps” on the Ferris wheel. Watts is equally skillful at evolving a convincing sense of how the Pygg brothers’ relationship with the friendly wolf changes. In the satisfying ending, Watts dramatizes Wilfong’s willingness to be part of the Pygg family as he helps defeat a really fierce bunch of wolves. S.W. 2012 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2012]