Babbitt

This 1922 satire of the conservative, conformist, striving bourgeois is read with voices for each character by a large roster of narrators. The impressive cast is headed by Ed Asner, a splendid Babbitt as he strikes just the right notes of bluster and pathetic confusion. The spirited narration is varied in its delivery; a passage might have one reader or be traded off line-by-line or even split up within sentences, a technique occasionally obtrusive but more often engaging and lively. What was, it seems, originally a broadcast remains divided into many episodes--the frequent, repetitive beginnings and endings, and some faulty sound editing that leaves jarring silences, detract from the program. Nonetheless, this intelligent, vigorous production brings this classic alive for the contemporary listener. W.M. (c) AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

October 27, 2008
Lewis’s tale of middle-class frustration, stress and success in the 1920s is brought to life by the L.A. Theatre Works’ 1987 full cast production featuring more than 30 actors, including Ed Asner (as Babbitt), Judge Reinhold, Ted Danson, Richard Dreyfuss, Helen Hunt and John Lithgow. With a deep and raspy voice and with great projection, Asner delivers a believable and amusing performance that securely anchors the entire production. Whether bullying his family or spouting politics with his friends at the club, Asner keeps the consistency of the self-aggrandizing character solid throughout. Jazz music segues well between scenes, though without any additional production sound beyond voices, it can at times feel out of place. While the full cast proves enjoyable in their individual parts, many take turns narrating the exposition throughout the production. At times, this is executed well, but sometimes it feels as if the director is just trying to give everyone more voice time.

BABBITT is generally regarded as one of the twentieth century's greatest novels, yet it is also considered by many to be "inaccessible." With that knowledge in hand, Wolfram Kandinsky manages to give life to Nobel Prize winner Lewis's story about George F. Babbitt, a successful businessman who is a failure as a parent, a husband, and a lover. Kandinsky's reading is generally well done, although at times his relaxed pace allows the story to drag, making it easier for the reader to lose focus. Most of the time, however, Kandinsky hits his target with remarkable power and demonstrates why the name BABBITT has become an entry in the American vernacular. D.J.S. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine