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An American Daughter  By  cover art

An American Daughter

By: Wendy Wasserstein
Narrated by: Mary McDonnell, Denise Nicholas, full cast
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Editorial reviews

L.A. Theatre Works has done it again - offering yet another quality staged reading of one of America's best plays. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Wendy Wasserstein's drama is the poignant and hilarious story of the political tongue-twisting and back-stabbing that awaits female politicians. Mary McDonnell's sultry voice perfectly suits Dr. Lyssa Dent Hughes's got-it-all-together (or does she?) character. And as expected from this company's performance level, the sound effects are well rendered and non-intrusive. Perhaps the most engaging aspect is the reaction from the live audience - a signature of L.A. Theatre Works' productions. If you haven't started collecting LATW performances yet, this is a great one to start with.

Publisher's summary

Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Wendy Wasserstein spins a comic and moving tale about the pitfalls that await female political appointees. On the eve of Dr. Lyssa Dent Hughes' nomination as Surgeon General, a witty and dangerous cast of characters stir the calm waters of her Georgetown home. And when sexy "post-feminist" Quincy Quince enters the picture, even Lyssa's husband Walter can't be trusted.
(P)2000 L.A. Theatre Works, All Rights Reserved

Critic reviews

  • Publishers Weekly Best Audio, Dramatization, 1999

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So good!

First produced in 1996, and every bit is relevant today as it was then. Discussions of politics and feminism abound. Lyssa, a smart, privileged doctor, wife, mother and 5th great granddaughter to Ulysses S. Grant is nominated for the attorney general position. Drama and havoc ensue in the absolute most civilized, WASPish way, but Lyssa’s speech during her final “interview” is a predecessor to the famous Barbie monologue that caused so much of a stir last year. I’m always sad to think of what Wendy Wasserstein could’ve accomplished Hachi, not been taken from the world so early, but what she left is earth shattering at world changing

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Wendy Wasserstein Fabulous…as usual

Cast, each and all, do justice to this beautifully written play. I’ll be listening to it many times. Theater of the Mind at its best!

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