March 10, 2003
In keeping with the legend of the Phoenix, Full Cast Audio resurrects a long-out-of-print gem for this thoroughly engaging production. Ormondroyd reads his gentle fantasy-adventure with a grandfatherly ease and warmth. Listeners will quickly become enthralled as young David climbs the mountain behind his family's new house and encounters a magical, talking phoenix on one of the high ledges. David overcomes his initial fear and shock and tentatively joins in the fun. Though the bird at first seems like a pretentious fussbudget, he proves (in a spirited performance by Frank Flumano) to be a wonderful—and extremely knowledgeable—pal. Soon David's feathered friend is leading the boy on a series of colorful exploits amidst such creatures as a sea monster, Gryffins and a banshee. A well-balanced group of performers keeps the dramatic pacing on keel, skillfully, subtly holding listeners' interest. Ages 8-up.