THAT'S WHAT FRENEMIES ARE FOR

Allyson Ryan impressively navigates the variety of New York characters and accents in this social commentary about the wealthy elite. As Julia, Ryan connects to listeners directly, creating an intimate feeling of conversation. Trendsetter Julia worries that her status is slipping among the fierce moms of the Upper East Side. She plots a way back to the top of her social ladder by making the popularity of her fitness instructor, Tatum, a personal project. Tatum's alternating enthusiasm and dreaminess toward her goals contrast with her steely coldness when she flips the script on Julia. When Julia's husband finds himself in trouble, the drama kicks into even higher gear. Ryan gives Julia a motherly voice with her kids and protégée, and the sophisticated tone of Old Money among her social set. A.L.C. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2019]