Starring Madame Modjeska

On Tour in Poland and America

De: Beth Holmgren

Narrado por: Sally Martin

In 1876, Poland's leading actress, Helena Modrzejewska, accompanied by family and friends, emigrated to Southern California to establish a utopian commune that soon failed. Within a year Modrzejewska made her debut in the title role of Adrienne Lecouvreur at San Francisco's California Theatre. She changed her name to Modjeska and quickly became a leading star on the American stage, where she reigned for the next 30 years. During this time, she established herself as America's most esteemed Shakespearean actress, playing opposite such celebrated actors as Edwin Booth and Maurice Barrymore. Starring Madame Modjeska traces Modjeska's fabulous life and career from her illegitimate birth in Krakow to her successive reinventions of herself as a star in both Poland and America, and finally to her enduring legacy.

©2012 Beth Holmgren (P)2015 Redwood Audiobooks

Fascinating history

Where does Starring Madame Modjeska rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I'm a huge fan of Sarah Bernhardt, but had never heard of her contemporary, Helena Modjeska. What a fascinating peak into the theater of the day in Poland, and the U.S. A meticulously detailed history of the actress and her times. Very much enjoyed this audiobook. Not a "light" listen by any stretch - it's a 'meaty' listen and Martin's narration was yeoman's work!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Sally Martin's narration was akin to a favorite history professor, delivering the story of Madame Modjeska bit by bit, a consistent and easy to listen to narration- very much enjoyed her delivery.

Any additional comments?

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com.

History of an actress' world

This book goes over the history of an actress who performed in Poland and California. My favorite part of the book was hearing about California history through the story. I thought most of it was slow. If you like history as much as I do, you will probably like this story!

I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast dot com