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On the Waterfront

By: Budd Schulberg
Narrated by: Rebecca Pidgeon, Hector Elizondo, Bruce Davison, Jeffrey Donovan
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Publisher's summary

Terry Malloy, the “seemingly soulless street survivor,” unwittingly lures a rebellious longshoreman to his death in Budd Schulberg’s searing drama about the New York waterfront, the racketeering unions controlling it, and the kid who “could’a been a contender.”

Recorded before a live audience at the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles, in December 2002.

Director: Rosalind Ayres

Producing Director: Susan Albert Loewenberg

An L.A. Theatre Works Full-Cast Performance Featuring:

  • Scott Atkinson as Truck
  • Jake Bern as Jimmy Conroy
  • Maurice Chasse as Big Mac
  • Richard Cox as Charley Malloy
  • Kevin Daniels as Luke, Interrogator
  • Bruce Davison as Father Barry
  • Jeffrey Donovan as Terry Malloy
  • Hector Elizondo as Johnny Friendly
  • Dave Florek as Pop Doyle
  • Chris Hatfield as Skins, Glover
  • Jon Matthews as Runty Nolan
  • Nick Offerman as Barney
  • Rebecca Pidgeon as Edie Doyle
  • Stephen Ramsey as Mutt, J.P. Morgan
  • David Selby as Father Vincent
  • Josh Stamberg as Waterfront Reporter, Moose
  • Tegan West as Joey Doyle, Tommy, Bartender Associate

Associate Producer: Susan Raab

Recording Engineer/Sound Designer/Editor: David Kelly for Voicebox Studios

Sound Effects Artist: Jode Ryskiewicz

(P)2004 L.A. Theatre Works
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Editorial reviews

The 1954 film about conscience and courage in corrupt labor unions has deservedly attained mythic status, but it is to the credit of this fine production that eventually one begins to think less of the classic movie and to become quite absorbed in this adaptation. The strongest performances are those by Bruce Davison (as the priest), whose thrilling dockside sermon brings applause from the audience; Rebecca Pidgeon, who emphasizes Edie Doyle's intelligence as much as her vulnerability; and Hector Elizondo, who makes racketeer Johnny Friendly into a believable and lethal thug. Jeffrey Donovan plays Terry Malloy, the ex-prize-fighter in love with Edie. He is at his best in Terry's later scenes of conviction. The sound effects are rich and evocative.

Critic reviews

"It is to the credit of this fine production that eventually one begins to think less of the classic movie and to become quite absorbed in this adaptation...The sound effects are rich and evocative." (AudioFile)

What listeners say about On the Waterfront

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Excellent Performance!

The performance keeps the listener engaged in the storyline. Very easy to listen in one session.

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A classic stage play with a sensitive message.

Outstanding performances in a classic stage play. Masterful writing in the slang parlance of the street with no loss of understanding in a play of great wisdom, feeling, and profundity.

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An Excellent Production of The Play, Some Change from The Original

This audiobook is a production of the play from the 1950s. It is set in the 1950s in New York as was the original play. There are numerous changes although the story is recognizable.

The acting is very good. There is intensity at times. “Terry”, the ex boxer was excellent and did sound like Marlin Brando to me. That my or may not be desirable, depending on your viewpoint. As for me, I enjoyed it.

I have the original screen play and intend to study it further and also rewatch the movie which I have seen in the past. I am glad that I listened to this play and would watch it if I ever have the chance.

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