Romeo and Juliet (Arkangel Complete Shakespeare) [Abridged, Audiobook, Unabridged] [Audio Cassette]

William Shakespeare (Author), Various (Contributor)

Book Description

Series: Arkangel Complete Shakespeare | Publication Date: July 1, 1998

It is the most famous tragic romance of all time. The noble houses of Montague and Capulet are caught in a long-standing blood feud. But somehow, against all odds, Romeo of the Montagues and Juliet of the Capulets fall deeply in love, a star-crossed affair that can only end in disaster. In this production, Romeo is played by Joseph Fiennes, and Juliet by Maria Miles. The role of Mercutio falls to David Tennant.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Because this production of Romeo and Juliet features a full-cast performance, original music, and sound effects, it could accurately be described as an audio play. This tragic tale of the world's most famous star-crossed couple was originally written to be seen, but the genius of Shakespeare's language is stunningly beautiful to the naked ear as well. When Romeo spies Juliet across a crowded dance floor, he speaks aloud what may be the perfect description of love at first sight: "If my heart e'r loved till now, forswear it sight! For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night." Although you can't see who has so smitten the dear boy, the Juliet you visualize in your mind's eye is far more sublime than any mere mortal could ever hope to be. If there is a disappointment to this production, it is, ironically, the sound itself. At times the actors' overlapping voices are difficult to distinguish, especially for those unfamiliar with Elizabethan vernacular. The music is generally quite good and adds a beneficial element that too few audiocassettes bother to include, but is at times perfunctory and a little too loud. The excellent cast is made up of established members of England's professional theater community, and their performances meet the expectations one would have for such a well-trained and respected group. (Running time: three hours, two cassettes) --George Laney

From AudioFile

The two leads excel in this new recording of Shakespeare's early play. Joseph Fiennes captures Romeo's tenderness, immaturity, and idealism, and he maintains his energy throughout. Maria Miles, as Juliet, makes a memorable and intelligent impression in virtually every scene she has. Her desperate soliloquy in Act Four, considering the possible consequences of taking the deathlike sleeping potion given to her by the Friar, is a gem: She is fearful and determined, independent and frail. Clive Brill's direction sometimes calls for overlapping dialogue, which makes for an effective brisk pace. The close microphone on Juliet for her lines about Romeo's death ("Take him and cut him out in little stars . . .") gives the poetry a powerful intimacy. A superior production. G.H. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Audio Cassette
• Publisher: Arkangel; Unabridged edition (July 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140867724
• ISBN-13: 978-0140867725
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,753,857 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #36 in Books > Books on Cassette > Authors, A-Z > ( S ) > Shakespeare, William

More About the Author

William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in April 1564, and his birth is traditionally celebrated on April 23. The facts of his life, known from surviving documents, are sparse. He was one of eight children born to John Shakespeare, a merchant of some standing in his community. William probably went to the King's New School in Stratford, but he had no university education. In November 1582, at the age of eighteen, he married Anne Hathaway, eight years his senior, who was pregnant with their first child, Susanna. She was born on May 26, 1583. Twins, a boy, Hamnet ( who would die at age eleven), and a girl, Judith, were born in 1585. By 1592 Shakespeare had gone to London working as an actor and already known as a playwright. A rival dramatist, Robert Greene, referred to him as "an upstart crow, beautified with our feathers." Shakespeare became a principal shareholder and playwright of the successful acting troupe, the Lord Chamberlain's Men (later under James I, called the King's Men). In 1599 the Lord Chamberlain's Men built and occupied the Globe Theater in Southwark near the Thames River. Here many of Shakespeare's plays were performed by the most famous actors of his time, including Richard Burbage, Will Kempe, and Robert Armin. In addition to his 37 plays, Shakespeare had a hand in others, including Sir Thomas More and The Two Noble Kinsmen, and he wrote poems, including Venus and Adonis and The Rape of Lucrece. His 154 sonnets were published, probably without his authorization, in 1609. In 1611 or 1612 he gave up his lodgings in London and devoted more and more time to retirement in Stratford, though he continued writing such plays as The Tempest and Henry VII until about 1613. He died on April 23 1616, and was buried in Holy Trinity Church, Stratford. No collected edition of his plays was published during his life-time, but in 1623 two members of his acting company, John Heminges and Henry Condell, put together the great collection now called the First Folio.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent production--good sound, October 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Romeo and Juliet (Arkangel Complete Shakespeare) (Audio Cassette)

I love the Arkangel series of Shakespeare on tape. As to this one, I may not be the best judge of sound but this production on tape never made me pull my earphones away and wince in pain as an over loud music interlude started. That is the primary reason I would like to collect all of the Arkangel productions. Romeo is well chosen for his voice, he sounds rash and young. I can well believe that he would kill himself. The Friar is the best vocal choice; he's exactly how I thought he should sound. Juliet sounds beautiful and the nurse is truly wonderful.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Shakespeare at its Best!!!, September 15, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Romeo and Juliet (Arkangel Complete Shakespeare) (Audio Cassette)

I just purchaced the tape and I think it to be one of the best productions of Shakespeare I have ever heard. Joseph Fiennes is a simply delightful Romeo, remenicent of his older brother Ralph Fiennes yet much gentler and heartbreaking. I strongly recomend this to all lovers of the play and Shakespeare in general. It lifts the soul and breaks the heart, a feast for the mind and spirit!!!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Shakespeare is Great!, April 10, 2007

By 

ReaderRoz "ReaderRoz" (La Canada, CA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Romeo and Juliet (Audio CD)

This is a terrific recording. My son's teacher recommended he buy this to listen while he read the written words. It made Shakespeare so much more accessible.