The Real Thing Audiobook By Tom Stoppard cover art

The Real Thing

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The Real Thing

By: Tom Stoppard
Narrated by: Andrea Bowen, Matt Gaydos, Carolyn Seymour, Simon Templeman, Douglas Weston, Joanne Whalley, Matthew Wolf
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Henry may be the wittiest playwright of his generation, but he’s hopelessly naïve when it comes to understanding love and infidelity. Writing about betrayal is one thing, living with it is another. After Henry leaves his wife for another woman, he’s confronted with being the cuckold himself. Both dazzlingly clever and emotionally naked, Henry’s search for the “the real thing” in art and love demonstrates beautifully why both are worth the effort in the end.

©2009 L.A. Theatre Works (P)2009 L.A. Theatre Works Drama & Plays Entertainment & Performing Arts European Theater World Literature
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If you could sum up The Real Thing in three words, what would they be?

It's a vivacious play about love, (in)fidelity and art.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Henry, he's my favourite character as he seems to have the backbone which guides him through the life, even though he can be not in line with the "crowd" around, for example, his wife Charlotte or daughter. Yet, he learns a lot as the play progresses (in respect to Charlotte, Anny, for example), which shows his flexibility and consciousness at the same time.

Have you listened to any of the narrators’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is the third time that I listened to "LA Theatre works" performances, and I am absolutely happy with their art. It's breathtaking, lively. Made me want to follow to the end. Flawless. Thanks a lot to the company!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The main characters repeating "Are you ok?" It's so caring. Henry's idea about love as knowing. Ann's understanding of fidelity.

The play's name says it all

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I love this play, I love the language. When Stephen Dillane and Jennifer Ehle did the revival on Broadway, I think I went at least four or five times. Listening to this production allowed me to relive the experience of watching it live. It’s moving and funny and beautiful. Wonderful job, LA TheatreWorks!

Like revisiting one of my favorite nights in the theatre

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I've watched this play, read this play, and now I have listened to this play in my car on my way to and from work. With tears of laughter obstructing my vision I was a road hazard! DUIOTS!

More dramatized Tom Stoppard, Audible!

Excellent

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I’ve always enjoyed Stoppard’s verbal gymnastics. The exchanges between Henry and Annie are typical examples. The switches back and forth between Performance and Reality are a little difficult to follow without the visuals, but only enhance the problems Henry has determining Real Love from Acting.

Four Stars.

Vintage Stoppard Nicely Performed

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