MCTEAGUE

The refined nature of the story at the start of this production is a far cry from the tale of greed and revenge it becomes at the end. This LATW audio presentation is over fifteen years old and shows its age with the constant restating of the title in the oddest places, along with the use of too many harsh musical chords. However, the story of a dentist and his wife in 1899 San Francisco remains compelling. Stacy Keach, Carol Kane, and Joe Spano head the all-star cast that includes Edward Asner, Hector Elizondo, Katherine Helmond, Helen Hunt, Rue McClanahan, and Michael York—among others. The characterizations are solid, and the accents convincing. As with any good melodrama, once you begin listening, you won’t be able to stop. M.R.E. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2008]