S. 3, Ep. 9: Cathedral by Raymond Carver

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Connecticut, 1983: In a strained marriage, a narrow-minded, prejudiced man- and his wife- host the wife’s former coworker for the night. Their guest is a blind man, and that’s the last person in the world this man wants to host... until the blind man opens the sighted man’s eyes for the first time in his life. Cast (in speaking order): BRYAN CRANSTON as The Narrator STEPHEN McKINLEY HENDERSON as Robert AUBREY PLAZA as The Narrator's Wife ​with SAM TSOUTSOUVAS, the voice of RPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S. 3, Ep. 8: A Bush League Hero by Edna Ferber

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0000

The Midwest, 1912: Ivy Keller is on summer vacation and bored limp. Until her father takes her to a baseball game. What ensues is a love triangle between Ivy’s father wanting the best for her, the star baseball pitcher and Ivy, and Ivy’s love of the game.​ Cast (in speaking order): ALLISON JANNEY as The Narrator ED O'NEILL as Pa Keller TAYLOR MISIAK as Ivy Keller KATHRYN GRODY as Ma Keller JOHN SKELLEY as Rudy Schlachweiler PAUL URCIOLI as The Proprietor with SAM TSOUTSOUVAS, the voice of RPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S. 3, Ep. 7: The Swimmer by John Cheever

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0000

The Suburbs, 1964: Neddy Merrill is lounging poolside at a friend’s party, gin in hand, when a genius thought materializes in his mind. He’s going to swim home! His ensuing pilgrimage across the familiar neighborhood swimming pools- a symbol of everything right in his life- leads him back to his own house, where everything has gone so wrong.​ Cast (in speaking order): PATRICK PAGE as The Narrator NATHAN MALIN as Donald Westerhazy / The Lifeguards KELLY FAIRBROTHER as Lucinda Merrill / Shirley Abbott GIA MANTEGNA as Helen Westerhazy / Enid Bunker REBECCA KUZNICK as Mrs. Graham JOSH JOHNSTON as Neddy Merrill KITTY SWINK as Mrs. Halloran LASHETTE SHOWERS as Helen Halloran TIA DeSHAZOR as Grace Biswanger with SAM TSOUTSOUVAS, the voice of RPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S. 3, Ep. 6: Bartleby, The Scrivener: A Story of Wall Street by Herman Melville

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0000

New York City, 1853: An elderly lawyer reflects on an employee he had thirty years prior, and the havoc that his passive resistance inflicted upon everyone around him.​ Cast (in speaking order): SAM TSOUTSOUVAS as Every Character with JOSH JOHNSTON, the voice of RPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S. 3, Ep. 5: Bodies in the Moonlight by Langston Hughes

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0000

The West African Coast, 1927: With their ship stuck in port for over a month, half the crew sick with fever, and food running low, two best friends fall for the same woman.​ Cast (in speaking order): JON HAMM as The Narrator TYLER HANSEN as The Chief Mate / The Second Cook NATHAN MALIN as The Young Swede DAVID ZAYAS as Porto Rico KATHRYN ALLISON as Nunuma JOHN SKELLEY as The Jamaican Baker / Wireless Man with SAM TSOUTSOUVAS, the voice of RPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S. 3, Ep. 4: The Enchanted Bluff by Willa Cather

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Nebraska, 1909: Six friends enjoy the final night of their final summer together under the stars and the moon, in this coming-of-age tale about friendship, innocence, and adventure.​ Cast (in speaking order): NEIL PATRICK HARRIS as The Narrator ASHTON MUÑIZ as Otto Hassler COLEMAN HEMSATH as Percy Pound DARREN CRISS as Tip Smith AARON ALCARAZ as Arthur Adams YOUNG DYLAN as Fritz Hassler ​with SAM TSOUTSOUVAS, the voice of RPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S. 3, Ep. 3: Hills Like White Elephants by Ernest Hemingway

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Spain, 1927: While waiting for a train, a young couple passes the time with drinks and observations, discussing everything they can think of before they must finally have the conversation they’ve been dreading. Cast (in speaking order): JESSICA LANGE as The Narrator SAMI GAYLE as The Girl JOSH JOHNSTON as The MAN MARILYN CASERTA as The Waitress with SAM TSOUTSOUVAS, the voice of RPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S. 3, Ep. 2: Mr. Higginbotham's Catastrophe by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0000

New England, 1834: Mr. Higginbotham was murdered last night in Kimballton. Or was it the night before last? Two travelers on the road tell our protagonist, Dominicus Pike, differing stories of Mr. Higginbotham’s murder. But everyone else Dominicus meets on his journey to Kimballton says they’ve seen Old Man Higginbotham alive today. Can you solve the mystery before the end of this horror-comedy? Cast (in speaking order): JEFFERSON MAYS as The Narrator CLAYBOURNE ELDER as Dominicus Pike LUKE WISE as The Traveler ARMIN SHIMERMAN as The Farmer AARON ALCARAZ as The Ethiopian PAUL URCIOLI as The Lawyer LASHETTE SHOWERS as Mr. Higginbotham's Niece ROB NAGLE as The Toll Gatherer ​with SAM TSOUTSOUVAS, the voice of RPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S. 3, Ep. 1: A Worn Path by Eudora Welty

Mon, 25 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Mississippi, Christmas Day: Never get in the way of a grandparent. Old Phoenix Jackson makes her way through the woods, in search of medicine for her grandson. On her familiar journey, she faces new obstacles, friends and foes, and an ever-changing world. Cast​ (in speaking order): COREY HAWKINS as The Narrator PHYLICIA RASHAD as Old Phoenix SAM ROBARDS as The Hunter MEGAN BEARD as The Woman on the Street KATHLEEN MULLIGAN as The Attendant KITTY SWINK as The Nurse with SAM TSOUTSOUVAS, the voice of RPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S. 2, Ep. 8: The Bee Play by Elizabeth Savage (Live from St. Louis, MO)

Sun, 12 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0000

The Bronx, 2016. 18-year-old Carver Washington wrestles between going off to college and pursuing his dreams, and staying at home to take care of his kid sister Paris and his wheelchair-bound Grandmother, Ma’Dear. Cast (in speaking order): JOHN SKELLEY reading Stage Directions MILES BRENTON as Carver Washington RILEY CARTER ADAMS as Paris France Washington MARGERY A. HANDY as Ma'Dear ELLIE SCHWETYE as Devora with SAM TSOUTSOUVAS, the voice of RPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S. 2, Ep. 7: Bernice Bobs Her Hair by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Sun, 05 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Minnesota, The Roaring ‘20s: Popularity is everything to teenagers, and some will stop at nothing to keep their place at the top of the food chain, in this “Mean Girls of The Jazz Age”.  Cast (in speaking order): LAURA BENANTI as The Narrator TAISSA FARMIGA as Marjorie Harvey VINCENT RODRIGUEZ III as Warren McIntyre REMY GERMINARIO as Otis Ormonde MICHAEL KUSHNER as G. Reece Stoddard DeLANNA STUDI as Bernice HARRIET HARRIS as Aunt Josephine BUCKLEY HUFFSTETLER as Charley Paulson with SAM TSOUTSOUVAS, the voice of RPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S. 2, Ep. 6: The Last Taste of Barry Growler by Jonathan Mastro

Sun, 29 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Chicago, recently: In defiance of his grim diagnosis, a beloved wine shop owner throws an epic party, opening his rarest bottles for his favorite customers. But none of them are fully prepared for the complexity, body, and depth of what is about to pour forth. Cast (in speaking order): BOBBY CANNAVALE as The Narrator TIA DeSHAZOR as Heather JOE MANTEGNA as Barry JEFF STILL as Mitch ANDERSON COOPER as Raymond ANDY COHEN as Ned GIA MANTEGNA as Tara TYLER HANSEN as Matthew PATTI LuPONE as Myra with SAM TSOUTSOUVAS, the voice of RPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S. 2, Ep. 5: Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been? by Joyce Carol Oates

Sun, 22 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0000

America, 1966: Connie is fifteen- so the only two things in the world she cares about are her friends and flirting with boys. Her summer vacation passes by in a haze of those boys, those friends, and the ever-present music... until she meets a stranger named Friend. Cast (in speaking order): PATTI LuPONE as The Narrator KATHLEEN MULLIGAN as Connie's Mother KATHRYN GALLAGHER as Connie CLAYBOURNE ELDER as Arnold Friend MEGAN BEARD as Betty JOHN SKELLEY as Ellie Oscar with SAM TSOUTSOUVAS, the voice of RPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S. 2, Ep. 4: The Cask of Amontillado by Edgar Allan Poe

Sun, 15 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Italy, The Carnival Season: A man can only take so much. When Fortunato insults Montresor, Montresor concocts a plan to ensure Fortunato never insults again. Far away from the sounds of celebration on the streets, the two men descend into the dampness of the catacombs below, in search of a rare vintage of wine.​ Cast (in speaking order): MICHAEL STUHLBARG as Montresor KEITH DAVID as Fortunato ​with SAM TSOUTSOUVAS, the voice of RPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S. 2, Ep. 3: The Comet by W.E.B. Du Bois

Sun, 08 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0000

New York City, 1920: With the exciting news of the comet passing so close to earth, everyone in Manhattan steps outside to observe its passing overhead… and that, it turns out, would be the last thing they all would ever do. Cast (in speaking order): LAURENCE FISHBURNE as The Narrator DULE' HILL as Jim ALEX AQUILINO as The Junior Clerk HANNAH ROSE HONORE' as Passerby / Jim's Wife SAM TSOUTSOUVAS as The Bank President / Julia's Father LENA HALL as Julia COLEMAN HEMSATH as Fred with SAM TSOUTSOUVAS, the voice of RPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S. 2, Ep. 2: The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0000

The Caribbean Sea, 1924: After falling off a yacht while en-route to South America, big game hunter Sanger Rainsford swims to a nearby island, where he is met and cared for by another big game hunter… only this man hunts a different type of big game. Cast (in speaking order): LUKE WISE as Whitney MICHAEL URIE as Sanger Rainsford JEFFERSON MAYS as The Narrator CHRISTOPHER WALKEN as General Zaroff ​with SAM TSOUTSOUVAS, the voice of RPR ​Operatic pieces performed by JAMES DE BALLIOL-CAVENDISH, BARON OF BUITTLE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S. 2, Ep. 1: Christmas, or The Good Fairy by Harriet Beecher Stowe

Sun, 25 Dec 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Anywhere, Christmastime: Well-off Ellen Stuart frets about what presents to get her family and friends for Christmas that they don’t already have or won’t just throw away. Her Aunt’s wise words open Ellen’s eyes to the world around her, and how others as close as across the street may not have the same luxuries as she does. A short story nearly 200 years old, a message that is timeless. Cast​ (in speaking order): ZOE LISTER JONES as Ellen Stuart RANDY RAINBOW as The Narrator BLAIR BROWN as Ellen's Aunt ROB NAGLE as Cousin Tom SAM TSOUTSOUVAS as Will with SAM TSOUTSOUVAS, the voice of RPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S. 1, Ep. 8: Bachelor Holiday by Alan Ball

Sat, 12 Feb 2022 05:00:00 -0000

New York City, the 1990s: A mouse, caught in a glue trap, causes three roommates to discuss the meaning of life, death, yuppiedom, karma, and the harsh reality of their place on the food chain. Cast (in speaking order): BOYD GAINES reading Stage Directions VINCENT RODRIGUEZ III as Ford BRANDON MICHEAL HALL as Norris JOSH JOHNSTON as Hunter with SAM TSOUTSOUVAS, the voice of RPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S. 1, Ep. 7: Titee by Alice Moore Dunbar-Nelson

Sat, 05 Feb 2022 05:00:00 -0000

New Orleans, 1895: Titee is a brilliant young boy, but his mind isn't on school or home. His mother, teacher, and friends wonder what goes on in Titee's mind, but when Titee gets caught out in a storm, his family must find him and uncover his secret. Cast (in speaking order): LaTANYA RICHARDSON JACKSON as The Narrator YOUNG DYLAN as Titee HANNAH ROSE HONORÉ as Mother ASHTON MUÑIZ as Edgar LONNIE CHAVIS as Older Brother with SAM TSOUTSOUVAS, the voice of RPR Ragtime and Blues music composed by: Henry Ragas, Tony Sbarbaro, Tom Brown, & Frank Warshauer, respectively. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S. 1, Ep. 6: Xingu by Edith Wharton

Sat, 29 Jan 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Hillbridge, 1916: The ladies of the local lunch club have invited the celebrated novelist of their latest read to be their guest. However, their own internal competition and inferiority complexes send the meticulously planned afternoon of literary discussion wildly off the rails. Cast (in speaking order): HARRIET HARRIS as The Narrator ANNA DEAVERE SMITH as Miss Van Vluyck MICHELLE WILLIAMS as Fanny Roby BLAIR BROWN as Mrs. Plinth CHARLES BUSCH as Mrs. Ballinger BRIDGET EVERETT as Mrs. Leveret KATHRYN GRODY as Laura Glyde EVA MARIE SAINT as Osric Dane with SAM TSOUTSOUVAS, the voice of RPR Piano excerpts performed by JOSEPH THALKEN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S. 1, Ep. 5: The Red Coat & Let Us Go Out Into the Starry Night both by John Patrick Shanley

Sat, 22 Jan 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Two actors, two plays, one playwright. In the first: The Bronx, present night: Outside of a party, the moon and a street light shine down upon two teenagers on the brink of discovery. In the second: A cafe, present day: She longs for meaningful connection with the man across the room. He longs to leave agony behind and find joy. She may be able to help. Cast (in speaking order): SAM TSOUTSOUVAS reading Stage Directions JHARREL JEROME as John/Man MARILYN CASERTA as Mary/Woman with SAM TSOUTSOUVAS, the voice of RPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S. 1, Ep. 4: The Californian's Tale by Mark Twain

Sat, 15 Jan 2022 05:00:00 -0000

California, the 1860s: It's the Wild West and the gold has dried up; only a few naive souls remain. A chance encounter between strangers leads to more than just friendly salutations. Cast (in speaking order): STEPHEN McKINLEY HENDERSON as The Narrator JOHN BENJAMIN HICKEY as Henry SAM ROBARDS as Tom JOSH JOHNSTON as Joe KELLY FAIRBROTHER as Charley with SAM TSOUTSOUVAS, the voice of RPR Original music by THE DOWNHILL STRUGGLERS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S. 1, Ep. 3: The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

Sat, 08 Jan 2022 05:00:00 -0000

The country, summertime: Physician John thinks the fresh air will help his ailing wife. He tells her not to write, so, naturally she documents everything about the estate: the garden, the house's history, her husband... and the bedroom wallpaper. Cast (in speaking order): JESSICA CHASTAIN as The Narrator MICHAEL URIE as John ​with SAM TSOUTSOUVAS, the voice of RPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S. 1, Ep. 2: An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge by Ambrose Bierce

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Northern Alabama, The Civil War: A Confederate farmer stands on a bridge, a noose around his neck. He contemplates his life, and the choices that led him to this moment. What follows is his breakneck escape from an impossible situation. Cast (in speaking order): BOYD GAINES as The Narrator RYAN MAC as Peyton Farquhar ROB NAGLE as Soldier ALEX AQUILINO as Lieutenant ​with SAM TSOUTSOUVAS, the voice of RPR ​Original music by HARRIS OWENS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S. 1, Ep. 1: The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry

Sat, 25 Dec 2021 05:00:00 -0000

New York City, Christmas Eve: Della has less than two dollars with which to buy her husband Jim a Christmas present. In a story known the world over, listen to the lengths a husband and wife will go to show their love for each other. Cast​ (in speaking order): KEITH DAVID as The Narrator SAMUEL L. JACKSON as Jim LaTANYA RICHARDSON JACKSON as Della KATHRYN ALLISON as Madame Sofronie with SAM TSOUTSOUVAS, the voice of RPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices