We are attempting to include more “classic” stories in our homeschooling. Recently, we were introduced to LifeHouse Theater On-The-Air, a company that produces audio dramas. In their repertoire are a number of the classic stories, including A Christmas Carol, Pride and Prejudice, and The Count of Monte Cristo. It is this last one that we were asked to review and it has been a pleasure.

Upon receiving the CD at the house, it promptly disappeared into my oldest daughter's room where she enjoyed listening to it while doing needlework. Once she had listened to it a couple of times, she returned it to me with the comment “That was really good. Do we have any more of them?” While I had to answer no, it was a pretty good response to a new product: She like it and wanted more.

LifeHouse Theater On-The-Air has created adaptations of many classical stories and presents them as audio theater. This style includes dramatization of the story, emotional performances by multiple actors, breathtaking music, and engaging sound effects. These enhance the storytelling to theatrical levels.

The Count of Monte Cristo is an adaptation created by Cathy Flores based on the 1844 novel by Alexandre Dumas. It tells the story of Edmond Dantes, an aspiring captain who is about to be married as the story opens. Someone he considered a friend betrays him, accusing him of treason. He is wrongfully imprisoned. While there, he is befriended and learns much. Plotting his escape, he remakes himself into the Count of Monte Cristo. Once free, he follows his hated, looking for revenge. As the end of the story approaches, he tries to rid himself of the hatred that has festered for so long and regain true freedom.

This action packed rendition of The Count of Monte Cristo was pleasant to listen to and a fun way to introduce our family to this classic tale. A run time of just over an hour makes this an easy listen. It is even broken up into two parts if you have listeners with a shorter attention span.

LifeHouse Theater On-The-Air offers a free curriculum guide for this tale and many of their others. The guide is online and can be downloaded from their website. The guide includes

• Historical highlights
• A timeline of the story
• Comprehension questions
• A theme verse
• Discussion questions and more.

We have really enjoyed this audio drama adaptation of the classic story The Count of Monte Cristo. It is an action packed hour of fun for the whole family.

—Product review by Lori Hooten, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, December, 2016