Age of Innocence (Dramatic Reading)

Edith Wharton

The Age of Innocence centers on an upper-class couple's impending marriage, and the introduction of a woman plagued by scandal whose presence threatens their happiness. Though the novel questions the assumptions and morals of 1870s' New York society, it never devolves into an outright condemnation of the institution. In fact, Wharton considered this novel an "apology" for her earlier, more brutal and critical novel, The House of Mirth. Not to be overlooked is Wharton's attention to detailing the charms and customs of the upper caste. The novel is lauded for its accurate portrayal of how the 19th-century East Coast American upper class lived, and this, combined with the social tragedy, earned Wharton a Pulitzer Prize — the first Pulitzer awarded to a woman. Edith Wharton was 58 years old at publication; she lived in that world, and saw it change dramatically by the end of World War I. The title is an ironic comment on the polished outward manners of New York society, when compared to its inward machinations. (Summary by Wikipedia) Cast list: Newland Archer: Winston Tharp Lawrence Lefferts: Ernst Pattynama and: Algy Pug Christine Nillson : Elizabeth Klett and: Jenn Broda Sillerton Jackson: Bill Mosley Young Man/Thorley/Waiter/Mr. Merry: John Trevithick Mrs. Manson Mingott: Elizabeth Klett May Welland: CaprishaPage Mrs. Welland: Beth Thomas and: TJ Burns Ellen Olenska: Amanda Friday and: Lydia Mrs. Archer: Arielle Lipshaw Julius Beaufort: Jason Mills Janey Archer: Libby Gohn Henry van der Lyden: Ron Altman Louisa van der Lyden: Maryanka Gertrude Lefferts/Maid: Charlotte Duckett Nastasia : Diana Majlinger Duke of St. Austrey: Alan Mapstone Mrs. Struthers: Stefanie Heinrichs Butler: Oxenhandler Mr. Letterblair: tovarisch Ned Winsett: ToddHW Mr. Welland: Alan Mapstone Marchioness Medora Manson: Libby Gohn Dr. Carver: Alan Mapstone and Bob Neufeld Reggie Chivers: Drpage The Rector/Gov. of New York: tovarisch M. Riviere: ToddHW Miss Blenker/Young Lady: Naomi Park Miss Sophy Jackson: Elizabeth Klett Regina Beaufort: Charlotte Duckett Mrs. Lovell Mingott: Astrid Fingerhut Dallas: Chuck Williamson Narration: CaprishaPage and: Kathrine Engan and: ambsweet13 and: Pari Editing: CaprishaPage and: ToddHW (11 hr 19 min)