Loretta McInnis

More Than I Expected

Revisado: 01-28-23

When I started listening, I was underwhelmed; I didn’t think I would finish the piece. Lily Meyersohn’s tone is matter-of-fact. I thought I wanted to hear more emotion, being emotional and animated about everything myself. Then her grandmother spoke, and I was hooked. Then I began listening to the story as it was meant to be heard - a juxtaposed story of love and inevitable loss, the experience of life’s highs and lows and horrors, and the one constant in everyone’s existence - change. Once I got over my own restrictive expectations, I fell in love with Meyersohn’s gravelly, lulling voice. There’s a rhythm to it that is soothing - maybe that was the point. I wanted to know more about her life in Maine, in New York. I wanted to hear more about her love life in retrospect. More than anything, though, I looked forward to hearing her grandmother’s voice, as if in hearing her I would somehow hear my own now deceased parents. I believe that is the only reason I didn’t give this work five stars - given the title, I wanted to hear more from her grandmother.

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There Is Nobody Like Dolly!

Revisado: 11-01-21

What an incredible story, what an incredible woman! I can’t remember a time in my life when Dolly wasn’t there - she is definitely the hardest working woman in the business. Still, until recently, I took her presence - and her staying power - for granted, as did many folks, I fear. Dolly’s is a story of determination, perseverance, intelligence, and humility. “Don’t judge the book by its cover. Underneath the hair, there’s a brain; behind the boobs, a heart.” This book was a complete joy to listen to. I only wish some songs had been played in their entirety and that the audio book had come with a pdf of photos.

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The World According to Matthew McConaughey

Revisado: 04-17-21

Amazing, unbelievable, funny, and a little weird - okay, unconventional. Then again, if the story was conventional, it wouldn’t be McConaughey. It’s the kind of life story told by a good friend, sitting by a fire pit in the backyard, while drinking a six pack. It was thought provoking and wicked fun. Captivated by his colorful use of language, imagery, and rhythm, I didn’t want Matthew McConaughey to stop speaking; I didn’t want the story to end. Glad I gave it a listen.

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Refreshingly Honest

Revisado: 03-27-21

So often, we read the memoirs of those who have held office or a prominent public position written in the words we want to hear. Michelle Obama has told her story in her way, from her experience and her perspective. Unapologetically candid, Michelle Obama’s account of a life in support of a dream is a testament to the strength and determination of those who struggle “to be seen” yet commit themselves to making a difference. It’s an honest account of what it’s like to suddenly find yourself in a place where up is down and your very existence is unabashedly resented. Certainly, Becoming is unique in that it is a story never before told in the history of this country and, as such, deserves to be heard.

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Glad I Added This to My Library

Revisado: 02-20-21

I’m not sure what I was expecting when I downloaded this selection. To be honest, I’m not really sure what about it captured my attention. Still, I was anxious to listen.

I found myself swept away by Tonderai Munyevu’s lyrical voice, fascinated by the pronunciation of unfamiliar words. I was immediately engaged with his telling of his story, so different from my own life and experiences, and then again...the emotion. I connected to the emotions in his story and, though I could not fathom his world, I could understand his experience.

Anything missing from my understanding was, admittedly, due to my own ignorance. I know precious little about African culture, history, or politics. Still, Tonderai Munyevu made me want to know more. For that I am grateful and, again, glad I took the time to listen.

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esto le resultó útil a 5 personas

Interesting

Revisado: 03-06-20

Great story filled with interviews with those who were there, little-known details, and better known tales of Cash’s life and the making of the album. The production, however, was distracting. The over-the-top narration and accompanying background music gave the piece an entertainment news quality. The organization and flow were sometimes choppy, and I couldn’t help thinking that original voice recordings could still be found rather than the actor voice overs that were used. Still, a good story is always worth hearing.

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Brilliant!

Revisado: 01-25-20

Quick-paced and to the point, sharp and filled with inference, innuendo, and in-your-face reality, this play explores the confusion, angst, regret, and anger of a man about to die. But, not just any man. This work allows us to imagine the workings of MLK’s brilliant mind, to see his very human flaws, to wonder what he might have done and said when introduced to an angel of death and presented with his own demise. WARNING: This play is very real. For some, it will challenge ideals, and for some, it will offend. Listen to it, and imagine the man, then listen to it again...and again...as I did.

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What a Day!

Revisado: 01-25-20

What if Death walked through your bedroom door one evening? What if it was suddenly your time to go? What if you were President of the United States? In this marvelously performed short play, Death (played by Billy Crystal) comes for the President (played by Kevin Kline) who brilliantly negotiates for more time. The addition of Dick Cavett as the Narrator enhances the flavors in the mix, much like the right wine at dinner. The dialogue is funny, warm, thought-provoking, and real, It will keep you thinking long after you’ve finished listening.

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I could listen to her speak all day

Revisado: 01-15-20

Sharon Washington has the kind of voice that makes you feel as if you’ve stepped into a warm bath, with a tone that breathes emotion. In Feeding the Dragon, that voice makes Sharon’s story come to life in vibrant images - her relationship with her parents, her family’s apartment in the public library, her thoughts and feelings. Heart-warming as well as heart-wrenching, Feeding the Dragon is Washington’s memoir presented from the point of view of a child living the life of a “princess” in a library, completely exposed to the beauty of, and totally unprotected from, life.

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Magical

Revisado: 10-10-19

Bruce Springsteen tells the stories behind his most beloved songs as only he can. Yes, he's a little slower, a little raspier, a little rougher around the edges, but it's an edginess born of experience and unfaltering love. Springsteen on Broadway is a masterful tapestry of yearning and discovery, past and present, determined dreamer to Boss. If you loved the music then, you'll fall in love anew with the annotated versions now.

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