This highly successful series of Shakespeare adaptations comes to audio in a remarkable production that combines clear, accessible storytelling with the Bard’s gorgeous language. A huge cast of skilled readers brings the beauty, humor, and drama of these ageless classics to life in a recording that can be shared by the whole family. The perfect way to introduce youngsters—and adults—to the wonder of Shakespeare!

These audio adaptations of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, MACBETH, ROMEO AND JULIET, and TWELFTH NIGHT make for worthwhile listening even when they fall short of their mark. The plays are transformed into narratives, but the judicious selection of key scenes and dialogue, combined with the full-cast performance, retains the flavor of the originals. MACBETH and ROMEO AND JULIET are both exceptionally well cast and played. Parts of MIDSUMMER are overacted, and the voices in the character-packed TWELFTH NIGHT fail to distinguish themselves. Even with these weaknesses, this collection provides a nice introduction for children who might encounter one of these plays in a live production or in the classroom. A.F. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine