Showing titles in Drama & Plays

When a young man, freshly engaged, finds himself wandering through an amusement garden with an old flame—rather than his fiancée—its no surprise that old feelings resurface. As they escape the pulsating heat of the dance floor for a stroll among the gardens trees, they stumble upon a statue of a woman of extraordinary beauty, her hands impossibly small. In a moment of playful comparison, the young man attempts to prove that his absent fiancée has even smaller hands. To his astonishment, the engagement ring he carries slips easily onto the stone finger, but refuses to come off. What ...

Dive into the world of Anton Chekhovs Uncle Vanya, a poignant tragicomedy that explores the complexities of human relationships and the chaos that ensues when a retired professor returns to his crumbling country estate with his stunning young wife. As unrequited love, rivalry, and illicit romance intertwine, the characters navigate their tangled emotions with Chekhovs signature blend of melancholy and humor. Join us for an engaging performance that captures the essence of life, love, and the struggles of the human spirit. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett) Cast Alexander Serebrakoff Andy Minter, ...

Dive into the comedic world of The Taming of the Shrew, one of Shakespeares earliest masterpieces, influenced by Roman comedy and the lively Italian commedia dellarte. Set in Padua, we meet Baptista Minola, a wealthy gentleman with two daughters the fiery Katherina, notorious for her sharp wit, and the sweet Bianca, desired by many suitors. Baptistas decree that Bianca cannot marry until Katherina finds a husband sets the stage for a series of comedic events. Enter Petruchio, determined to wive it wealthily in Padua, who is convinced by Biancas suitors to take on the challenge of wooing ...

In the captivating tale of Truculentus; The Churl, we meet Phronesium, a charming courtesan torn between three suitors the debauched young Athenian Dinarchus, the earnest Strabax from the countryside, and the ambitious Stratophanes, a captain in the Babylonian army. Amidst a web of intrigue and unexpected twists, which of these admirers will win her heart? Join us for a delightful journey filled with romance and rivalry, as we explore the choices that define love. - Summary by The Play and Todd

The carefully curated social image of the Torrens family is set for a much-needed shake-up when the charmingly roguish Captain Murphy Maguire pays them a visit. Will his arrival expose the cracks in their polished façade? - Summary by Kelly Taylor

Set against the backdrop of rural England just after the First World War, Skin Game unfolds in three acts as a comic tragedy exploring the clash of two contrasting families. On one side, theres Squire Hillcrist, an old-money landowner struggling to maintain his estate and family, which includes his spirited daughter, Jill, and devoted wife, Amy. On the other, the Hornblowers, a wealthy industrial family led by the ambitious Hornblower, threaten to disrupt the delicate balance of their world by displacing the long-standing Jackman family and encroaching upon Hillcrists land with factories. This...

Dive into a captivating comedy that intertwines humor with the serious themes of human trafficking. Experience a tempestuous journey filled with shipwrecks—vividly narrated by our talented actors, making this an ideal audioplay. Follow the tale of a lost wallet containing special trinkets and a unique fishing line, all while navigating the challenges posed by the nearly unpronounceable names of antiquity. Prepare for an engaging auditory adventure! - Summary by ToddHW

Dive into the uproarious world of Richard Brinsley Sheridans classic comedy, first performed in 1777. School For Scandal unravels the tangled web of intrigues and scandals among the British upper classes. At the center of the chaos is Lady Sneerwell, who has her sights set on marrying Charles Surface, while Joseph Surface is intent on winning the heart of the beautiful heiress Maria, who, unfortunately for him, prefers Charles. To sabotage this budding romance, Lady Sneerwell and Joseph resort to spreading scandalous rumors about Charles and the new young wife of Sir Peter Teazle, Marias ...

Dive into a captivating collection of six short stories that reveal how even the most seemingly perfect marriages can be undermined by the very people in them. Each tale offers a unique perspective on the complexities of love and the hidden struggles that can lead to unhappiness. - Summary by Carolin

Step into the vibrant world of Elizabethan London with The Shoemakers Holiday, a delightful play penned by Thomas Dekker and first brought to life in 1599 by the Admirals Men. This enchanting city comedy reveals the trials and tribulations of aristocrat Rowland Lacy, who finds himself smitten with the middle-class Rose Oateley. However, their love faces fierce opposition from both Roses father and Rowlands uncle due to their differing social standings and Rowlands reckless ways. In a bid to prove his worth, Rowland cleverly avoids military service by disguising himself as Hans, a Dutch ...

Step into the world of Molières comedic genius with The School for Wives, first performed in 1662. This play explores the intricate dynamics between jealous lovers and the innocent wards they seek to control. A delightful blend of wit and farce, it invites listeners to witness the cunning of love as it liberates a young girl from the constraints of authority. Notably, Molières own marriage during this period may have influenced his portrayal of relationships. Join us as we delve into this timeless classic and discover how Molières perspective on love and marriage may have evolved. - Summary...

Runaway marks the debut play of Cowley, first brought to life at Drury Lane by the renowned actor-manager David Garrick in 1776. This captivating tale quickly garnered success, inspiring Cowley to pen two more plays by the end of the year. The story revolves around George Hargrave, who wishes to marry Emily, a spirited runaway and ward of his godfather. However, family pressures loom as Georges father insists he wed the wealthy but much older Lady Dinah. Will true love ultimately prevail in this delightful drama? - Summary by ToddHW

The Two Noble Kinsmen is a captivating Jacobean tragicomedy co-crafted by William Shakespeare and John Fletcher, first published in 1634. Set against the backdrop of a war-torn ancient Greece, the story unfolds around two noble cousins, Palamon and Arcite, whose deep bond is tragically shattered by their shared love for the enchanting Emilia. As the drama unfolds, we also witness the poignant tale of the Gaolers Daughter, who descends into madness over her unrequited love for Palamon. Drawing inspiration from Chaucers The Knights Tale, this play resonates with echoes of Shakespeare’s A ...

Join us on a captivating journey into the world of Molière as we explore his unfinished Heroic Pastoral, inspired by the enchanting tale of Florizel and Perdita from Shakespeares Winter’s Tale. Though Molière only completed the first two acts, the charm of his writing, the delicate sentiment, and the vibrant pastoral scenes leave us yearning for more. This piece was performed in December 1666, offering a delightful glimpse into Molières creative genius. Following this, we present a lively Comic Pastoral, performed as part of the Ballet of the Muses in January 1667, which likely replaced ...

Experience the charm of Shakespeares earliest comedy, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, believed to have been penned around 1590-91. This delightful tale revolves around two inseparable friends, Valentine and Proteus, whose bond is tested when they both fall for the enchanting Silvia. In a twist of fate, Proteus abandons his loyal Julia to chase after Silvia, prompting Julia to disguise herself as a boy and pursue him instead. With a host of humorous supporting characters, including the unforgettable Launce and his mischievous dog, Crab, this play is a whimsical exploration of friendship, love, and...

Mirandolina, a savvy innkeeper in Florence, captivates all who enter her establishment, aided only by her devoted employee, Fabricius. Among her guests are the newly wealthy Count D’Albafiorita and the impoverished yet noble Marquis di Forlipopoli, both vying for her affection while engaging in witty banter about the merits of wealth versus nobility. Meanwhile, the cynical Cavalier di Ripafratta dismisses their romantic pursuits and mocks the concept of love—yet will he succumb to the enchanting Mirandolina’s allure? Can any of these suitors truly win the heart of such an independent ...

The History of Troilus and Cressida has long perplexed both critics and audiences with its erratic tone, oscillating between bawdy comedy and somber tragedy. This complex work features an unheroic and often unsympathetic cast of characters, weaving through a multitude of subplots and locations that can overshadow even its titular figures. We follow the young Trojan warrior Troilus as he pursues the indifferent Cressida, while also witnessing the Greek leader Agamemnons attempts to compel the proud Achilles into battle, alongside the scathing fool Thersites, who critiques the vanity and ...

In this poignant drama, a well-intentioned second wife finds herself in a constant struggle as she faces unfair comparisons to her husbands first wife. The profound themes of power and happiness are encapsulated in Hilary Jesson’s declaration near the end of the play I declare to you that the happy people Ive come across have never been the people who, possessing power, have employed it malevolently or uncharitably. This compelling piece not only garnered acclaim in England but also resonated with audiences as far away as Milan, where an Italian adaptation captivated theatergoers. - Summary ...

Join me for a captivating solo rendition of Oscar Wildes timeless play, The Importance of Being Earnest. In this unique recording, I take on every role, including stage directions, bringing the characters and their witty banter to life. If youre seeking a more traditional dramatic experience, I recommend exploring LibriVoxs fantastic recordings featuring multiple performers. Wildes brilliant humor and sharp social commentary are on full display as we follow two young English gentlemen who fall head over heels for two lovely young ladies—each captivated by the name Earnest. However, the truth...

Dive into the enchanting world of The Merry Devil of Edmonton, a captivating play that has sparked debate over its authorship, with some attributing it to the great William Shakespeare himself. Tucker Brooke, author of The Shakespeare Apocrypha, highlights the dubious nature of the evidence surrounding its attribution, yet he praises its rich vitality, humorous spirit, and delicate portrayal of love and friendship. Whether truly penned by Shakespeare or not, this delightful work stands out as one of the most enjoyable pseudo-Shakespearian plays, inviting readers to experience its charm over ...