CAMILLE: THE LADY OF THE CAMELLIAS

John McDonough captures our interest immediately as he tells us he's about to recount a story in which "all of the participants are still alive." The energy with which he proclaims this fact snags the curious listener. McDonough is the perfect objective recorder as he lays out the tragic, doomed affair of Marguerite Gautier and her Armand. Firdous Bamji is sensitive and passionate as he tells Armand's story, while Alyssa Bresnahan is a lovely Marguerite. Her understated performance turns moments of melodrama into poignant vignettes. An excellent audio reflecting the way conforming to a repressive society's norms can ruin lives. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2014]