EXTRA INNINGS

After a plane crash kills his family, 16-year old Tate goes to live with an adopted aunt. Devastated emotionally and physically, Tate takes refuge in Aunt Vidalia's Southern hospitality. Despite their different races and ages, they become close. Tom Stechschulte renders Tate's part well, conveying both his adolescent vulnerability and aloofness. He tries hard with the African-American accent of the Deep South but fails to deliver a believable rendition. As slow moving as a Louisiana hot summer afternoon, this tale winds its way to a hopeful conclusion. But Peck's somber story would make a better movie than audio. A.G.H. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 02]