Les Miserables, Radio Theatre CD review (Focus on the Family)

Publisher: Tyndale Entertainment

ISBN-13: 978-1589973947

Synopsis:

The story that has thrilled millions comes to life in a brand new way in Focus on the Family Radio Theatre's Les Miserables. This audio drama beautifully portrays the redeeming power of forgiveness through the story of Jean Valjean, an embittered convict whose life is changed by a single act of kindness. Recorded in London with some of England's finest actors, it will mesmerize adults and families alike.

My thoughts:

Victor Hugo's masterpiece 'Les Miserables' has captivated countless generations with its dark tale of Christian love, atonement and forgiveness in spite of the cruel injustice of the legal system of the epoch.
 Focus on the Family Radio Theatre's fresh perspective on the fascinating recount of one man's trials after 19 years of inhuman captivity brings to life the story of Jean Valjean, Javert and Fantine!

There have been many movies made of this heartbreaking story of hardships and redemption set in tumultuous France 19th century but Radio Theatre gives yet again a remarkable approach to humanity's frailness in the face of adversity.

As some of you remember I had the opportunity to review another well known title from Focus on the Family Radio Theatre, Oliver Twist (see review HERE) and both offers a remarkable cast. 
British finest talents such as actors Brian Blessed, Leo McKern and Geoffrey Palmer's are lending their voices to 'Les Miserables' in an unforgettable reenactment of the well known tale.

The culmination of the story of Jean Valjean hiding from his tumultuous past and Javert's oppressive hunt is the triumph of good over evil despite the many obstacles in his intended path.

It is important to add Radio Theatre's at times graphic details of life in Jean Valjean's era is absolutely stunning. There is little need of visual special Fx to imagine the poverty and degradation in that timeline period!
That said, Focus on the Family took pains in producing a story fitting for an audience of age 12 and over. Whilst some might argue specific elements have been removed for family concerns, the endeavour is to be applauded, particularly for its haunting musical score!

5 Stars!!

About Focus on the Family:

Focus on the Family is a global Christian ministry dedicated to helping families thrive. Providing help and resources for couples to build healthy marriages that reflect God’s design, and for parents to raise their children according to morals and values grounded in biblical principles.

Read more about their passion and purpose on their website (HERE) and their partnership with CBD store (HERE).


I received this RADIO THEATRE CD  free from TYNDALE as part of their blogger review program. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

Oliver Twist Radio Theatre by Focus On The Family, Review

Publisher: Tyndale House Books Audio CD/DVD

ISBN-13: 978-1589977136

Audio CD/DVD Information and synopsis:


An audio drama of the highest quality, Oliver Twist was recorded on location in London with an award-winning cast. This classic story will steal your heart as the timeless characters are brought to life in Focus on the Family Radio Theatre’s edition of Charles Dickens’ beloved tale. This amazing audio production comes on five CDs, with a bonus DVD that includes behind-the-scenes production footage and the documentary Modern Day Oliver. Purchase of the product also benefits Focus’s “Wait No More” adoption initiative.

With cinema-quality sound and an original soundtrack, this audio drama tells the story of a young orphan sent from a child farm to begin life in a workhouse. After committing the unpardonable offense of asking for more food, Oliver is sent off to apprentice with a coffin-maker whose wife mistreats him. He runs away to London, where he meets the Artful Dodger and Fagin, who trains kids to be pickpockets. Despite his many trials and hardships, he finally gets his happy ending, bringing hope for redemption to all around him.

My thoughts:

Most of us have read at one time or another (or seen a dramatization of) Oliver Twist written by Charles Dickens and first published in 1838. 
This enduring story of an orphan who survived the cruel environment he was thrown in at birth through no fault of his own remains a classic to this day.
19th Century England like many other nations had its share of the poorest of the populace and Charles Dickens predilection for revealing the truth about its misery rivals Emile Zola!

Oliver's story is as I have reminded readers well known but this finest audio presentation of Oliver Twist is certain to fascinate its audience anew.
The incredible cast assembled for this performance is outstanding and will delight your family this Holiday Season or any other time of the year. 
My family and I took our time listening to each individual CD, making it a special occasion each afternoon and looked forward to the next installment in the story as if to discover a whole new Oliver Twist. We have decided to make it a tradition for the holidays in fact!

Focus on the Family is well known for the quality of its offerings and this particular one was released by Tyndale House Publishers. The quality of both the CD's and the amazing message which follows on the accompanying DVD titled 'The Modern Olivers' will capture your heart.

CD's suitable for 12 years old and on. 
DVD recommend for mature audience only.

5 Stars as there is no higher rating but worth much, much more!

Be sure to check out Focus on the Family website for behind the scenes making of the dramatization and for additional information (HERE) and even colouring pages ready for download!

I received this CD/DVD free from TYNDALE HOUSE PUBLISHERS as part of their blogger review program.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Home, neighbours and music

"Home is where the heart is" they say so I thought it a good thing to post a view of "home" and since it would not be completed without a peek at our neighbours, here are photos of two of our regulars! (I cannot claim Michael Crawford as neighbour however...)Music is something I cannot live without. I reach for the stereo before I put the lights on! I love music and I have my preferences of course like everyone else!

I would describe my tastes as eclectic but I love classical especially Mozart, Chopin and Tchaikovsky. I also love Strauss, Miles Davis and the Big Bands particularly Glenn Miller and his orchestra and let's not forget Elvis Presley singing the Gospels.

Recently I remembered hearing Michael Crawford in "Hello Dolly" and that as a teenager I was drawn to his voice. So our friendly library provided me with 2 of his CD's and I have enjoyed hearing his voice all over again.

This time I discovered his album called "The Disney Album" and "A Christmas Album", the latter dedicated to his grand children. Absolutely enchanting! And let's not forget his wonderful rendering of the Phantom of the Opera! I am indeed a fan!


My teenage years are over but thank you Michael Crawford for sharing your wonderful talent! I loved hearing you all over again!

As for the "neighbours" they are so tame they come right up to you to beg (and yes, it works!).
Dreams, good dreams and full of music...

Just a note: I was not compensated in any form for this posting (neither by the doe or raccoon or by the celebrity).

The Red Letters Project Review

The Red Letters Project, Book of Matthew is the latest audio set I was given the opportunity to review and I must say it is definitively different.

It will certainly grab most teens and young adults interest and I will add it is a great item for anyone who listens to rock music. Any parent or grandparent looking for a way to get their kids or grand kids into (or back into) the Word will appreciate this offering, and it would make a good gift for that age range.

I was surprised to notice the producers chose not to include the important chapters including the birth of Jesus, a mistake as far as I am concerned. I also had a hard time to hear all the lyrics as the music overpowered it at times.

I probably would have appreciated it more a few years back when our daughter listened to (loud) rock and we constantly reminded her to reduce the volume!

I could only rate this one 2 stars!

Disclaimer: Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this set.