Grumpuss + Travis: The Original Other World Audio Theatre Production

This is a live theater production, gussied up and staged as a benefit for Save the Children Foundation. The initial acting that sets the scene is weak and a bit clumsy. But the epic poem itself, which unwinds slowly, engages the wary listener, proving to be touching and suspenseful. Pike's clever language is easy for all to understand and, at times, downright Dr. Seussian. He plays several characters and is convincing, in large part owing to his voice work. There are musical interludes (directed by David Carr) during the four-act story, which lend playful, almost Pink Panther humor to the tale and break up the long narrative. One questions the need for the Queen of Sidh framing device; the strength of Grumpuss, in fact, is its oral narrative. It is a good fairy tale with an underlying contemporary messageArespect our wild animals. A marginal video purchase, this could prove most rewarding on audiotape (ISBN 1-892900-02-5. $16.95), where listeners can add their own "visuals."AJanet Faller Sassi, New York Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.