Age of Innocence is a captivating novel that delves into the intricate societal expectations and traditions of New York high society in the late 19th century. The author, Edith Wharton, skillfully weaves a tale of forbidden love and moral dilemmas, as protagonist Newland Archer navigates his feelings for the unconventional Countess Ellen Olenska while facing pressure to conform to the rigid norms of his social circle.

Wharton's prose is elegant and evocative, transporting readers back in time to a world of opulent balls and whispered scandals. The characters are richly developed, each grappling with their own desires and obligations, and the tension between individual passion and societal expectations is excellently explored.

The dramatic reading of Age of Innocence adds another layer of depth to the story, bringing the characters to life and enhancing the emotional impact of their choices and struggles. Overall, Age of Innocence is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today, offering a poignant and captivating glimpse into the complexities of human relationships and the constraints of societal conventions.

Book Description:
The Age of Innocence centers on an upper-class couple's impending marriage, and the introduction of a woman plagued by scandal whose presence threatens their happiness. Though the novel questions the assumptions and morals of 1870s' New York society, it never devolves into an outright condemnation of the institution. In fact, Wharton considered this novel an "apology" for her earlier, more brutal and critical novel, The House of Mirth. Not to be overlooked is Wharton's attention to detailing the charms and customs of the upper caste. The novel is lauded for its accurate portrayal of how the 19th-century East Coast American upper class lived, and this, combined with the social tragedy, earned Wharton a Pulitzer Prize — the first Pulitzer awarded to a woman. Edith Wharton was 58 years old at publication; she lived in that world, and saw it change dramatically by the end of World War I. The title is an ironic comment on the polished outward manners of New York society, when compared to its inward machinations. Cast list: Newland Archer: Winston Tharp Lawrence Lefferts: Ernst Pattynama and: Algy Pug Christine Nillson : Elizabeth Klett and: Jenn Broda Sillerton Jackson: Bill Mosley Young Man/Thorley/Waiter/Mr. Merry: John Trevithick Mrs. Manson Mingott: Elizabeth Klett May Welland: CaprishaPage Mrs. Welland: Beth Thomas and: TJ Burns Ellen Olenska: Amanda Friday and: Lydia Mrs. Archer: Arielle Lipshaw Julius Beaufort: Jason Mills Janey Archer: Libby Gohn Henry van der Lyden: Ron Altman Louisa van der Lyden: Maryanka Gertrude Lefferts/Maid: Charlotte Duckett Nastasia : Diana Majlinger Duke of St. Austrey: Alan Mapstone Mrs. Struthers: Stefanie Heinrichs Butler: Oxenhandler Mr. Letterblair: tovarisch Ned Winsett: ToddHW Mr. Welland: Alan Mapstone Marchioness Medora Manson: Libby Gohn Dr. Carver: Alan Mapstone and Bob Neufeld Reggie Chivers: Drpage The Rector/Gov. of New York: tovarisch M. Riviere: ToddHW Miss Blenker/Young Lady: Naomi Park Miss Sophy Jackson: Elizabeth Klett Regina Beaufort: Charlotte Duckett Mrs. Lovell Mingott: Astrid Fingerhut Dallas: Chuck Williamson Narration: CaprishaPage and: Kathrine Engan and: ambsweet13 and: Pari Editing: CaprishaPage and: ToddHW