#133 Twelve Angry Men - L.A. Theatre Works

A teenage son is accused of murdering his father by stabbing him to death. It's up to a jury of his peers, twelve men to weigh the evidence that's been presented and decide his fate. If the verdict is guilty the boy faces a mandatory death sentence.  As the deliberation process moves forward much is revealed about these twelve men. While one juror consistently sows seeds of reasonable doubt pushing toward a not-guilty verdict several others have personal reasons for discriminating against the accused. As the discussion and dialogue becomes more and more fervent between this sequestered group sparks fly igniting strong emotional reactions leaving the jury room filled with Twelve Angry Men.

Twelve Angry Men is an engrossing tale that entertains from the open scene right down to the closing credits. This Audie nominated production features a stellar performance by a fine cast of Hollywood actors including Hector Elizondo (The Princess Diaries, Monk, Last Man Standing, Chicago Hope, Grey's Anatomy ), Armin Shimerman (Star Trek: Deep Space 9, Buffy The Vampire Slayer), Richard Kind (Spin City, Kim Possible, Toy Story 3), Jeffrey Donovan (Burn Notice, Hitch), Joe Spano (Hill Street Blues, NCIS) and more.  Twelve Angry Men is a great drama, wonderfully made and highly entertaining. Definitely two thumbs up for this L.A. Theatre Works productions.

From L.A. Theatre Works:
Over the course of a steamy and tense afternoon, twelve jurors deliberate the fate of a 19 year-old boy alleged to have murdered his own father. A seemingly open and shut case turns complicated, igniting passions and hidden prejudices.

Cast:
Dan Castellaneta as Juror #5
Jeffrey Donovan as Juror #8
Hector Elizondo as Juror #10
Robert Foxworth as Juror #3
James Gleason as Juror #2
Kevin Kilner as Juror #6
Richard Kind as Juror #7
Alan Mandell as Juror #9
Rob Nagle as Juror #12
Armin Shimerman as Juror #4
Joe Spano as Juror #11
Steve Vinovich as Foreman and Juror #1
Directed by John de Lancie.
Recorded before a live audience at the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles in November, 2005.

http://www.latw.org/audio/titles/twelve-angry-men.html

#132 The Graduate - L.A. Theatre Works

"Mrs. Robinson, you're trying to seduce me. Aren't you?"

Screen legend Kathleen Turner (Body Heat, Romancing the Stone, Roger Rabbit) and Matthew Rys (Brothers and Sisters) headline L.A. Theatre Works Audie Award nominated production of the coming of age classic The Graduate. Ms Turner with her gravelly, sexy voice breathes sultry, seductive life into the character of Mrs. Robinson while Rys brings youthful exuberance and energy.  Both play well off of each other and the whole cast gives a sterling performance which captivates from start to finish. This well written stage/audio adaptation of the original book and screenplay hits the mark. The Graduate is a delightfully entertaining and funny comedy-drama. Without a doubt it's an irresistible listening pleasure.

Benjamin Braddock has just returned home to Southern California after graduating from a college on the east coast. Having no aim or goal in life his well meaning parents desire set him on a course - go to graduate school or begin a career. So to celebrate his return home and kick off his next phase in life his parents throw a party. As the party winds down Mrs. Robinson, the wife of his father's law partner, asks Benjamin to drive her home. Upon arriving at her residence she invites him in and attempts to seduce him. From here a series of unforgettable events unfold. Not long after Benjamin becomes involved in an affair with Mrs. Robinson he falls in love with her daughter Elaine.  From here the sparks really fly.

So here's to you Mrs. Robinson...

From L.A. Theatre Works:
An American classic adapted for the stage, starring Kathleen Turner as Mrs. Robinson and Matthew Rhys as Benjamin Braddock. A fresh-faced college grad returns home, diploma in hand, to seek an answer to that age old question: “Now what?” Lacking any clear career path, he falls prey to the original “cougar”, the predatory Mrs. Robinson, wife of his father's business partner. But it’s Mrs. Robinson’s daughter who captures his heart.

Includes and interview with the star of The Graduate, screen legend Kathleen Turner.

Cast:
Kathleen Turner as Mrs. Robinson
Matthew Rhys  as Benjamin Braddock
Bruce Davison as Mr. Braddock
John Getz as Mr. Robinson
Jamison Jones as Hotel Clerk and others
Devon Sorvari as Elaine Robinson
Linda Purl as Mrs. Braddock

http://www.latw.org/audio/titles/graduate.html