THE HARD PROBLEM

Where do ethics and consciousness come from? Do they really exist? Playing a neuropsychologist and her billionaire think-tank-owning boss, television stalwarts Hannah Murray ("Game of Thrones") and Eddie Cahill ("CSI: NY") lead a fine LA Theatre Works cast in this spirited live recording of Tom Stoppard's 2015 satirical examination of how scientists do science. Mixing big philosophical ideas with an experiment that might be too good to be true and a heartbreaking plot twist, Stoppard's trademark smart, rapid-fire dialogue ensures that the hard questions will be answered with humor, insight, and a large dose of humanity. A post-show discussion about neurology, language, and music with UCLA neuroscientist Mark Tramo rounds out this entertaining and thought-provoking program. B.P. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2020]