IT'S ONLY A SHOW

Garrison Keillor subtitled this "best-of" collection IT'S ONLY A SHOW, but that's like saying a Minnesota covered hot-dish is only food. "A Prairie Home Companion" has been a National Public Radio mainstay for more than 25 years. The live variety-show format of skits and musical interludes has always given its many talented musicians and actors their time to shine. Tom Keith's wonderful and silly sound effects come to mind. But, of course, what we all can't quite get enough of are Garrison Keillor's mesmerizing monologues, "The News from Lake Wobegon." Keillor's simple, humorous, heartfelt, and wise reports from his mythical Midwestern hometown are always a comfort and joy. Two fine examples are included. B.P. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/ JUL 06]