Starring (in alphabetical order):
Nat Benchley as Captain Randolph Southard and the Court Stenographer
Doug Brown as Signalman Third Class Junius Urban and Dr. Allen Winston Bird
David Fendig as Lt. Stephen Maryk
Bill Grimmette as Lt. (Jr. Grade) Willis Seward Keith and Dr. Forrest Lundeen
Mitchell Hebert as Lt. Commander John Challee
Bill Largess as Lt. Thomas Keefer
Dan Lauria as Captain Blakely
David Selby as Lt. Commander Philip Francis Queeg
Josh Stamberg as Lt. Barney Greenwald
© Herman Wouk; (P)2001 L.A. Theatre Works
"Well Done - and better than the movie!"
Better than the movie (which I loved) because (1) there is no corny romance element to the story; and, more importantly, (2) the defending attorney does not shame the aspiring novelist for having undermined the Captain, but he rather shames the aspiring novelist for having effectively removed a mine sweeper during the most dangerous period of the War in the Pacific. This slight variance is important and it makes it clear that the stakes were super high and the impact of such a mutiny had the potential impact on more than just the reputation of a distinguished captain, but rather on the outcome of the war. Based on this, I am inspired to read Woulk's Winds of War and War and Rememberance.
"Get the movie"
Not sure what it was, but I loved the movie, and liked the audible of the book but this radio dramatization(based on the book) didn't work for me. Get the movie--and Mr. Roberts while you are at it.
And for great audible of Herman Wouk, get Winds of War and War&Remembrance, you won't be disappointed.
The MacJew
"Great Dramatization For the Play"
Most Definitely. The voice actors really bring Wouk's play to life. If only we could get an audio version of the full novel, though...
Hard to say.
As with the full novel, Queeg. He is so pathetic that you really feel sorry for him.
I am an avid eclectic reader.
"A modern day mutiny"
This is a dramatization of the book Caine Mutiny. It is a short play that kept me glued to my IPod. This story makes a nice break between long complicated books. I remember the movie with Humphrey Bogart as Captain Queeg. Herman Wouk based the story on some of his experiences in the navy but it is a novel. The court room drama is riveting and Wouk builds his characters through the testimony given. This book is a classic.
"Not much to add"
Just wanted to say I agree with the other 5-star reviewers. Most of the LATheaterworks productions are great, and this is one of the best. I've never seen the movie so I can't compare, but on its own, this play was incredibly entertaining and engrossing. One of the best courtroom dramas of all time.