Harry Clarke

By: David Cale

Narrated by: Billy Crudup, David Cale

Length: 3 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's Summary

***Harry Clarke returns off-Broadway! Using code AUDB1, Audible members can purchase discounted seats to the Harry Clarke production at the Minetta Lane Theatre in NYC. Visit HarryClarkePlay.com for more information about the production, and to purchase tickets. (Limit six tickets per order, subject to availability. Priced at $49 March 7 - 22 and $59 March 23 - May 13, 2018. Not valid on previously purchased tickets.)***

A sexually charged and wickedly funny thriller starring Tony Award-winning actor Billy Crudup, Harry Clarke is the story of a shy Midwestern man leading an outrageous double life as the titular cocky Londoner. Moving to New York City and presenting himself as an Englishman, he charms his way into a wealthy family's life as the seductive and precocious Harry, whose increasingly risky and dangerous behavior threatens to undo more than his persona.

Included with your purchase:

Harry Clarke, performed by Billy Crudup

An introduction to and performance of Lillian, an Obie Award-winning play written and performed by David Cale

An exclusive, behind-the-scenes conversation with Harry Clarke director, Leigh Silverman, and David Cale

A post-show discussion with Billy Crudup, David Cale, Leigh Silverman, and Vineyard Theatre Artistic Director Sarah Stern.

Harry Clarke was originally produced by the Vineyard Theatre, in association with Audible, in New York in 2017. In a rave review of the stage production, The New York Times hails Crudup's performance as "a sly role terrifically suited to his gifts." And The Hollywood Reporter praised Crudup's "tour-de-force performance; effortlessly delineating his multiple characters, switching accents at the drop of a hat."

©2017 David Cale (P)2017 Audible Originals, LLC.

Critic Reviews

"One of the meta-delights of Harry Clarke is the way it applies the idea of performance to regular life. As Harry proves, we're all actors, working with whatever rickety materials we've got. If only we were all as good at impersonation as he and Mr. Crudup are, we might even be happy." (The New York Times)

"David Cale is a mischievous, deft and engaging storyteller." (Variety)

“Lillian is a luminous embodiment of the ineffable in life, a reminder that even the most mundane existence is shaped by currents beyond comprehension.” (The New York Times)

Excellent!

Yes! Yes! Yes! This was a fantastic production! Having seen this at the Vineyard Theater, I was truly looking forward to the audio edition. Billy Crudup’s performance was nothing short of amazing! The bonus story of Lillian was also a nice surprise! Bravo!

18 of 20 people found this review helpful

Perfection.

Absolutely amazing. So glad I was able to see this live. The recording lives up to the live performance. Highly suggest. I have always loved Billy Crudup, but have such a different level of respect for him after seeing/hearing Harry Clarke.

8 of 9 people found this review helpful

Live Theater at Home

I returned to Audible when I learned that live theatrical performances had been added to its selection list. This play is wonderful. The chat with the writer/director/actor is a special bonus. So happy that this great production has been captured and preserved.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Virtuosic!

Crudup is incredible (so many voice switches, all effortless feeling), but I loved David Cale performing Lillian even more - the story and the writing feel a bit subtler and more real. Definitely worth listening to. The hours in the cold wet subway were swooshed away. :)

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

WOW!!!!!

Billy C is amazingly! This was well worth the Audible price; which was a bit too expensive. I’m so glad I splurged. Thank you Billy.

5 of 6 people found this review helpful

Short but brilliant

What did you love best about Harry Clarke?

The story was fantastic. It kept me interested and I haven't stopped thinking about it for days.

Any additional comments?

The story was actually only about an hour. I had this ready for a 3-hour car drive so I was disappointed it didn't las the full time. Hard to pay $15 for one hour...

1 of 2 people found this review helpful

Performance good but story cliche and offensive

What disappointed you about Harry Clarke?

The performance is quite strong but the story of an emotionally abused Jewish American gay boy who grows up to use and abuse another Jewish family is laced with such subversive anti -semitism that it needs to be called out. It is offensive both to the gay/bisexual population as well as to the Jewish population. I felt as if the writer was affected in his portrayal. All the characters are weak, perverted and selfish.

What could David Cale have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Make the characters complex enough to have conflicted feelings about them. None of the characters have positive attributes. Just weak character development to the point of offense. I understand Audible is trying to develop its own art, but the writing has to move away from such stereotypical, cliche depictions for sale

What does Billy Crudup and David Cale bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

the voices.

What character would you cut from Harry Clarke?

All the characters are weak--

2 of 4 people found this review helpful

Great Performance Horrible Story

What would have made Harry Clarke better?

It was horrible. I wish I could have my life and my money back. Could not finish Lillian.

Would you ever listen to anything by David Cale again?

I doubt it

Which character – as performed by Billy Crudup and David Cale – was your favorite?

I loved how Billy Crudup could change voices and accents but the story was horrible. There was nothing redeeming about the character. I hated him.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Billy Crudup.

6 of 14 people found this review helpful

Barely a story. Mostly a panel interview.

This is not a book - it's a clever short story followed by loads and loads of talking and clapping.

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Won't be everyone's cup of tea

There’s going to be strong opinions on this release - expect mostly negative - and after the first few minutes I too thought ‘oh my this is going to be bad?’, but persevered and was glad I did. Both monologues are well written, the issue for me is in their delivery.


Harry Clarke, 75 minutes

David Cale, a British born playwright originally wrote Harry Clarke to perform himself, though for the New York stage production Billy Crudup plays the titular role. Harry Clarke is the alter-ego of an American man, Philip Brugglestein, who believes that he feels more comfortable with an English accent. The character has a certain resemblance to Patricia Highsmith’s ‘Tom Ripley’ [The talented Mr Ripley].

The problem is with the strong opening statement “I could always do an immaculate English accent”. For an American audience Billy's impersonation is probably quite authentic, though for an English ear it sounds a bit odd - have a listen to the sample. For the first 10 minutes I was really not sure, but if you forgive him his questionable accent he does a mighty fine job in bringing the story to life.


Lillian, 62 minutes including short introduction

Lillian, a female role, is performed by the writer himself. I'm really not sure whether this is totally brilliant, due to its insanity, or just a bit odd. Never heard anything like it before, but the more I listened, the more it grew on me. Though am still conflicted whether it would have improved the recording by having a woman playing the part. It won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you enjoy monologues/ experimental theatre give it a try.


Plus behind the scenes interviews, 55 minutes

1 of 1 people found this review helpful