The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, Abridged Version, read by Martin Shaw

Hobbit, The, by J.R.R. Tolkien,
Abridged Version (c) 2005 read by Martin Shaw

I enjoyed listening to an abridged version of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien recently, read by Martin Shaw. The story was entertaining, and moved through the plot more quickly than the original. People new to Tolkien, or who don’t mind key scenes (like the description of Bilbo’s house, or the iconic scene where Bilbo climbs up to the top of the canopy in Mirkwood and sees the butterflies) being left out, would really enjoy this. Even those who miss such scenes may still like this reading. I did. Mr. Shaw did an exceptional job. The basic plot was still there with Bilbo and the dwarves and Gandalf, and their struggles getting to the Lonely Mountain and their problems with Smaug. I recommend this story to listeners who enjoy well-read fantasy.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Performed at the Scera

The Scera, Orem, Utah

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber will be performed at the Scera in Orem Utah until October 5th. I went the other day with my parents, and it was a great performance!

Joseph and the Amazing
Technicolor Dreamcoat
(c) 1972 by Tim Rice
and Andrew Lloyd Webber

The cast did a fantastic job, and had a lot of energy. I really appreciated that Benjamin, Joseph's little brother, was cast as a young person, and really appreciated the young actor's performance. One of my favorite scenes, was when the 12 brothers were tossing little Benjamin back and forth between them!

The story of Joseph being betrayed by his older brothers and sold into Egypt, rising through the ranks from slave to second in command to Pharaoh, etc. with the story told through hilarious and varied songs was exciting and funny. As always, I highly recommend this play, and in addition, I recommend this particular performance at the Scera in Orem. 

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

Mysterious Benedict Society, The
(c) 2008
by Trenton Lee Stewart

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart is an enjoyable book for kids. Renny, Sticky, Constance, and Kate are four children selected by Mr. Benedict to embark on an important but potentially dangerous mission to stop the sinister Mr. Curtain and his dastardly scheme. Though what that dastardly scheme is, they don't yet know. All they know, is that Mr. Curtain is slowly and carefully putting subconscious messages into society via radio and television.

Will the kids be able to stop Mr. Curtain with Mr. Benedict and his friends' help? Read the book to find out!

I recommend this book to kids and adults who enjoy mystery and adventure!